My sister-in-law from Qingdao

I decided to call my dad first.

His aged voice came through the phone: "Son, you're already homesick after the Mid-Autumn Festival?"

"Dad, I miss Mom. Can I let her answer the phone?"

"You little brat, I knew you didn't miss me. Just you wait, your mother's in the yard shaking peanuts."

I heard my dad calling for my mom, and then my mom's voice came through.

"Son, is something the matter?"

"Mom, there's something important I want to tell you."

"Hehe, you have a girlfriend?"

My mom immediately laughed.

"Mom, I don't have a girlfriend, and I want to tell you something very, very important. You mustn't tell anyone, including my dad."

"What's so important to you, child? Tell me, I'm listening."

My cousin is dead.

"What? What did you say? You little brat, don't talk nonsense."

"My cousin is really dead. He was involved in fraud in Myanmar, and when law enforcement officers were raiding the place, he jumped off a building."

"Oh dear, how could this happen? How could I not tell your father about something so important? Old man, come here quickly."

My dad's trembling voice came through the phone: "Xiao Dong, are you serious? This is no joke!"

"Dad, do you think I'm joking about this? It's true. I called you because I wanted to ask what to do. My sister-in-law is currently burdened with a lot of debt, and her parents just sold their house and are thinking of saving some money to invest in a small company."

I just want to ask if we should tell her now?

My dad is an old man with life experience, and he didn't hesitate for a moment.

"Life and death are the most important things in the world. Your sister-in-law is your brother's wife, so of course she needs to know about your brother's life or death. Tell her after you hang up the phone."

I think my dad is right, but I'm worried that my sister-in-law won't be able to handle it.

My mom spoke up again: "Son, what your brother did is a heavy blow to your grandparents and your sister-in-law, but we can't keep it from them."

We can keep your uncle and aunt from you for now, but your sister-in-law needs to know. After you receive the ashes, when you go home, we'll go see your uncle and aunt together.

"Mom and Dad, I understand. I'll tell my sister-in-law right away."

"Child, human life is actually very fragile. Eat well when you're out, take good care of your health, don't compete with others, and don't even think about ill-gotten gains."

Also, when you're dating, you have to be sincere. If someone loves you, you love them back; if they don't, don't force it, understand?

My mom took this opportunity to give me another lecture.

"I understand, I got it. You and Dad should take good care of yourselves and not overwork yourselves."

After hanging up the phone, I decided to go find my sister-in-law, tell her about it in person, and then go to Yunnan to bring my brother's ashes back.

As I changed my clothes to leave, Lin Moli arrived.

The woman had applied exquisite makeup, and her expression remained relatively calm.

"How are you planning to tell your sister-in-law about your brother's situation? In any case, I think you should eat first. I'll go out to eat with you."

Looking at Lin Moli's tender expression, I suddenly felt a feeling I couldn't quite describe.

The images of Tang Yanran and Tang Xiaofu appeared in my mind.

It was at this moment that I realized how vulnerable I was inside.

Regardless of whether Lin Moli wanted it or not, I gently hugged her.

Lin Moli reached out and placed her hand on my waist, gently stroking my back.

"Let's eat first. After dinner, I'll stay here with you tonight and won't leave."

"Sis, can you come with me to meet my sister-in-law?"

"You've decided to tell her about your brother's death?"

"Yes, we have a custom in our rural area called 'burial for peace.' I can't just bring the ashes here and keep them in this dormitory forever, especially since I won't be able to explain it to my grandparents later."

"Alright, I'll go with you to find your sister-in-law. If you can't bear to say it, I will."

"Thanks."

Holding the tender Lin Moli in my arms, I felt an urge to cry.

We drove to Su Xiaoya's place.

When we arrived, she was cleaning her newly rented apartment by herself.

The two-story building contains more than a dozen live streaming rooms, as well as some computers, live streaming equipment, and other clutter.

Seeing the two of us approach, my sister-in-law was overjoyed. She dropped the tools she was holding and grabbed Lin Moli's hand.

"My dear Sister Lin, what's the meaning of you two coming together? Is it a surprise for me?"

Are you two planning to get married?

Su Xiaoya smiled, her eyes crinkling, and she looked very happy.

Seeing her smiling face, my heart was bleeding. How should I tell her?

Lin Moli spoke first, saying, "I would like to take him in, but I'm too old to serve him anymore."

My sister-in-law laughed and said, "Thirty is like a wolf, forty is like a tiger. You're only in your thirties, how come you can't serve him? Besides, my brother is a very refined person."

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. I came to see you today because I wanted you to have a drink with me. I'm in a bad mood."

Lin Moli felt quite heavy-hearted. She knew this was not the time for jokes, so she said...

"Great! I've been exhausted from buying equipment and renting a place these past few days, so I'd like to have a good drink and completely relax."

What do you two want to eat? Don't be shy, treat me to a good meal.

My sister-in-law brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and said with a smile.

"I have alcohol in the back of my car, and I'll eat whatever I want, but we have a deal: tonight we have to drink baijiu (Chinese liquor), and we have to drink until we're completely drunk."

After Lin Moli finished speaking, she grabbed her sister-in-law's arm and walked out.

"Don't rush, let me take off my work clothes. They're all dirty."

My sister-in-law tidied up quickly, and the three of us went downstairs and found a private room in a small tavern not far away.

Just as Lin Moli went to the carriage to get the wine, my sister-in-law leaned close to me mysteriously.

"Hey bro, what brings you guys here for drinks? Has Lin Moli fallen for you?"

When she asked that question, I really didn't know how to answer.

I wanted to tell her that my cousin had passed away, but I didn't dare to say it.

Actually, I understand what Lin Moli meant. She just wanted to get her sister-in-law drunk so she could reveal what happened.

"This...this is really not available."

My sister-in-law smiled.

"I used to have a prejudice against this girl, but after thinking about it carefully, why should I have a prejudice against her? She is so successful and a good person. If she is sincere to you, then marry her."

Don't ask too much of your partner; as long as she's good to you, that's enough.

My sister-in-law sighed softly, and then said...