In the dim, coldly lit hall adorned in black and white, Xiao Yufan finally saw his grandfather for the last time…
Looking at his grandfather lying peacefully, Xiao Yufan found himself surprisingly calm, for he noticed a faint smile lingering at the corner of his grandfather’s lips. His grandfather had passed away with a smile, surely heading toward heaven.
“Lord of Salvation, filling the ten directions, constantly using divine power to rescue all beings, leading them away from confusion and suffering…” Chants echoed softly. Xiao Yufan knew these were likely monks his father had invited from a nearby temple, reciting scriptures to pave the way for his grandfather’s journey to paradise.
Inviting monks to chant sutras was meant to guide the departed soul to a peaceful rebirth. Yet Xiao Yufan was unaware that these monks had actually come of their own accord. His grandfather had maintained a close relationship with them throughout his life. Since Chan Buddhism and metaphysics were often intertwined, over time they had become close friends. Upon hearing of the elder’s passing, they arrived uninvited, simply to bid farewell to the man they deeply admired.
Xiao Yufan leaned closely beside his grandfather. Though he could no longer feel the familiar warmth, the familiar presence still brought him comfort. After his tears dried, all that remained in his heart were endless memories…
“Life inevitably goes through this passage. Why must you grieve so deeply? Let the elder pass peacefully, without sorrow. I believe what he least wishes to see is for his beloved family to be in pain…”
A voice gently reached Xiao Yufan’s ears. One of the elder monks among the group slowly helped him up. Given the relationship between the monk and his grandfather, it was no surprise that he knew Xiao Yufan.
“But I haven’t even had the chance to properly show filial piety, and he left so suddenly… and he didn’t even get to see me one last time…”
As if finding an emotional outlet, Xiao Yufan’s sorrow poured forth. His eyes clouded with grief, and tears once again streamed down his dry cheeks.
His grandfather had given him nearly all his love throughout his life—so where had he been, when his grandfather had missed him the most?
In the end, Xiao Yufan could not keep his grandfather by his side. As the hearse slowly disappeared from sight, the pain in his heart became unbearable, so intense that had it not been for someone supporting him, he would surely have collapsed.
“This is something your grandfather left for you. He asked me to give it to you. Please, pull yourself together. If he knew you were suffering in heaven, he would surely be upset!”
Many had already returned to the mourning hall, but Xiao Yufan remained motionless, staring blankly ahead. At that moment, the same monk who had comforted him earlier handed him a bundle wrapped in yellow cloth…
Xiao Yufan was taken aback, clearly not expecting his grandfather to have left anything behind for him. Looking at the carefully wrapped bundle, he knew it must have been filled with his grandfather’s longing and love. Once again, tears streamed down his cheeks.
Though simple, the funeral was attended by many. Yet Xiao Yufan paid no attention to the people passing by him, his eyes fixed on the mourning hall, lost in thought.
The entire day, Xiao Yufan neither ate nor drank, nor did he speak a word. Had it not been for his father’s constant reassurances, he would have stayed in mourning the entire night. Even after returning to his bedroom, sleep was far from his mind.
With a creak, the door opened. Without realizing it, his father had already come to his side…
“Your grandfather definitely wouldn’t want to see you like this. Pull yourself together. You still have your own life to live. In this state, how can we feel at ease?”
Sighing deeply, Xiao Yufan’s father knew how close the two had been. But the dead cannot return. No matter how much grief he felt, it would not bring his grandfather back. Worse still, if his sorrow affected his health, it would only cause more worry for the family.
“I understand. Don’t worry,” Xiao Yufan replied in a hoarse voice. It had been a day since he last spoke, and his voice carried the weariness of someone who had aged far beyond his years.
After a pause, his father shook his head, somewhat helplessly. Xiao Yufan had changed. In just one day, perhaps due to the immense grief of losing a loved one, he had become so quiet—so deeply silent with a stubbornness that even his father felt powerless to reach.
Quietly, he stepped out. At this moment, Xiao Yufan would not be able to accept any words of comfort. Perhaps it was better to just let him be alone.
Whether it was just an illusion or not, the light in the room flickered on and off. Xiao Yufan longed to switch off the lamp and be alone in the darkness, but he couldn’t—he still had something very important to do…
He pulled out the bundle from the drawer, puzzled. What could it be that his grandfather had waited until the end to leave behind? With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, he slowly unwrapped the carefully wrapped package…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage