C11 Family

Seeing her father so overjoyed, Ann Jue felt even more resolved to foster a good relationship with Zhou Qian moving forward.

Around six in the evening, Zhou Qian returned on her bicycle. She had heard from several people about the tragic car accident that occurred at the entrance of the market earlier that day, and the news of Mr. Xue's death had left her deeply shaken. Mrs. Zhang, donning a red armband, had made a point of telling her about Ann Jue's near loss of vision, which had frightened Zhou Qian so much that she clutched her chest and gasped for air. With this in mind, she tiptoed into the house, careful not to startle her stepdaughter who might have been distressed by the day's events.

To her relief, Ann Jue was sitting at the dining table, eagerly awaiting her arrival for dinner.

Upon seeing Zhou Qian, Ann Jue greeted her with a sweet voice, "Mrs. Zhou, you're back! Dad made sweet and sour pork ribs today—we're in for a treat!"

Zhou Qian felt a surge of warmth and embraced her, patting her back. "Good girl, are you okay? It's all my fault. If only I hadn't let you go out today."

"No, you can't blame yourself, Mrs. Zhou! Mr. Xue's death... it was an accident, something no one could have foreseen," Ann Jue said, her eyes welling up with tears.

Quick to comfort her, Zhou Qian said, "Let's not dwell on it, as long as you're okay. Can you see clearly now?"

Ann Jue, with a smile, pointed to the calendar on the wall and said, "I can read the smallest line of text. What does that tell you?"

Zhou Qian breathed a sigh of relief, gently touching Ann Jue's forehead. "Thank goodness you're alright. I was so worried."

"Enough about that, let's eat!" Ann Jue's father, who had been listening in with the serving dishes in hand, finally chimed in, setting the table with their meal.

The three of them shared a meal that was both heartwarming and joyful.

That evening, Ann Jue felt a genuine sense of family with Zhou Qian.

Later that night, Ann Jue's homeroom teacher paid a visit. Hearing that the school would be handling Mr. Xue's funeral arrangements, Ann Jue burst into tears in her teacher's arms, releasing the sorrow that weighed on her heart. Ms. Kung, concerned that Ann Jue's parents might reprimand her, took the time to explain, "Ann Jue is a sensitive child, and having witnessed Mr. Xue's accident, she is likely to be upset for quite some time. Please be sure to comfort her and refrain from any blame."

Ann Jue spoke up immediately, "Of course, Ann Jue is a wonderful child in our family! We understand her emotions. Let's allow her to take a few days off from school until she feels better. Ms. Kung, please don't worry."

Ms. Kung nodded in agreement and explained, "The police managed to get a phone number for Mr. Xue's nephew, but there was no answer when they called. So they had to notify our school, and we sent school officials to identify him and take care of the funeral arrangements."

After Ms. Kung had left, Zhou Qian, concerned that Ann Jue might experience nightmares after such a traumatic event, offered to stay with her for the night. Only after making sure Ann Jue was alright the next day did she go to work.

The date for Mr. Xue's cremation had been set, and Ms. Kung, knowing Ann Jue would want to attend, informed her. Ann Jue accompanied the vehicle carrying Mr. Xue's ashes to his ancestral home, memorized the location of his grave, and then returned home with Ms. Kung.

On the way back, Ann Jue suddenly realized a grave concern and asked Ms. Kung, "Are Mr. Xue's books still in his house?"

Ms. Kung wasn't sure and inquired, "What's the matter, Ann Jue? Mr. Xue's books were probably taken by his relatives, weren't they? Why do you ask?"

Ann Jue, gripping Ms. Kung's sleeve anxiously, replied, "Mr. Xue once told me that none of his relatives were inclined towards academics, some haven't even finished elementary school. How could such people properly care for all those books? And they hardly lifted a finger during Mr. Xue's cremation. People who are not dutiful to Mr. Xue, how could they value his books? I... I want to purchase Mr. Xue's books and ensure they are well preserved. What do you think?"