Chapter 393

Soon, more people arrived—it was Brenda and her family. Jacob walked in holding little Manying in his arms, dressed in a black suit with a small white flower pinned to his lapel. James arrived shortly after. He offered Michael a few comforting words before going over to join his grandson. Brenda approached Michael and exchanged a few words with him, her eyes red from crying and her face visibly worn from grief. After their brief conversation, she moved on to be with the older relatives. When Jacob came near, Michael quietly told him, “Take good care of your mother.” “Hard to do,” Jacob sighed, shaking his head. “She hasn’t been eating or drinking much these past few days. Dad and I have been trying our best to console her.” The gravestone had been placed, and Grandma’s ashes were laid to rest. Family and friends took turns coming forward to lay flowers in tribute. The first group was led by Michael, accompanied by his wife and son. The little boy carefully placed his bouquet beside the