chapter 26

I knelt and bowed before the graves of Gu Lin’s parents.

Then, glancing at Gu Lin, whom I had sent away and who was standing far off, I stifled a laugh and said:

“Sorry, Mom and Dad, I look a bit ugly right now.”

“But believe me, when I have hair and some color in my face, I’m actually quite pretty.”

“So, although we’ve never met, please bless me.”

“If I survive this life, I’ll be your Daughter-in-law.”

“If I don’t, then in the next life…”

I paused for a few seconds.

After taking several breaths to recover a little strength, I managed a weak smile:

“Whether as a daughter or a Daughter-in-law, I’ll be part of your family.”

As I spoke, I held out my palm and showed them the character ‘Lin’.

Pointing at the empty grave plot beside me, I said:

“After I die, I’ll share a grave with Gu Lin.”

“In the next life, we’re sure to meet again.”

“And if fate keeps us apart, with this mark, Gu Lin will still find me.”

The Cemetery was quiet, snow drifting down without a sound.

I lifted my gaze slightly, looking past the rows of tombstones to the blurred figures standing in the distance.

They were Lu Family Members.

I had called them here.

I wanted them to see for themselves that I had found new parents, a new family.

To make them finally give up on ever entangling with me again.

Whether in this life or the next, we are no longer family.

“Lu Siyuan, I think there’s something I never told you.”

Gu Lin was carrying me steadily on his back, walking slowly along the path in the Cemetery.

I weakly wrapped my arms around his neck. My voice was faint. “What is it?”

“My hearing’s actually pretty good.”

“Mm, and then?” My eyelids grew heavy. I was getting sleepy.

“I heard you say you wanted to be my Daughter-in-law.”

“This time you said it yourself. You can’t take it back now…”

My hand fell limply.

Gu Lin’s steps stopped abruptly, his eyes instantly reddening.

But then he smiled again, took another step, and kept walking.

His tone was still light, but his voice trembled badly:

“Anyway, I’ve made my mark.”

“Even if you’re reincarnated as a dog in the next life, I’ll still find you.”

“Did you hear me, Lu Siyuan…”

“You liar… you damned liar.”

“Lu Siyuan…”

Snowflakes drifted down, landing on my cheeks,
which turned my tears to ice.

In the wind and snow, it seemed as if a faint reply sounded in my ear:

“You’re the dog.”