The walking koi started from winning the first prize in the lottery

And so, for the next two days, Wu Shuangshuang went home during the day, since there were villagers helping out there.

In the evening, Wu Shuangshuang and Leng Wuyai came over to keep Yang Xihe company after dinner, mainly to watch over him while he ate and slept.

The day of the funeral arrived at 4:30 a.m. on January 3rd.

After a series of complicated ceremonies, at 5:00, a large group of people drove to the crematorium.

The old man was a good person when he passed away, and many people from the village came to pay their respects. Some of his former colleagues and friends also came to see him off.

Wu Shuangshuang, Yang Xihe's girlfriend, was also driven to the crematorium by Leng Wuyai at 5:00.

At 6:30, the old man's ashes were taken out. The cemetery is right next to the crematorium.

A group of people saw the old man off on his final journey. The January morning was particularly cold, and it had even drizzled a little today. Without the sun, it felt even more damp and chilly.

Everyone took turns lighting the last incense stick in front of the tombstone and then left one after another. Yang Xihe stayed until the last guest who came to pay his respects left.

My eldest aunt went back early to entertain the guests. Since they came to see the old man off on his final journey, we couldn't let them leave hungry. Therefore, they absolutely had to eat lunch, and we had to keep an eye on the cooks preparing the funeral banquet.

After everyone had left, Wu Shuangshuang stood next to Yang Xihe with her umbrella, looking at the old man's photo on the tombstone, and remained silent.

After three days of vigil, Yang Xi and his unkempt beard looked extremely haggard, with bloodshot eyes.

"Yang Xihe, I don't know if it's appropriate for me to say these things at this moment, but I just feel like I want to tell you." Wu Shuangshuang turned to look at Yang Xihe.

"What's wrong? Tell me."

"Yang Xihe, let's get married!"

Yang Xi was speechless for a long time after hearing this, completely stunned.

Wu Shuangshuang smiled and said, "What's wrong? Is it too sudden?"

"No, it's just that I feel I'm not ready yet. No, it's that I haven't met the standards of being your husband, and I don't want to wrong you. Besides, shouldn't it be the guy who proposes?" Yang Xi explained somewhat awkwardly.

"Who says that proposing marriage has to be done by the guy? Can't the girl do it too?"

And what exactly are your standards for being a husband? Shouldn't I be the one to decide?

When do you plan to marry me? After you buy a house? How big of a house are you planning to buy? Or after you have a certain amount of savings or have achieved a certain social status?

Yang Xi pursed her lips, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Wu Shuangshuang smiled. She knew the man opposite her wasn't good with words. He was fine at work, but when it came to matters of the heart, he always seemed tongue-tied.

"Today, in front of Grandpa, Yang Xi and I want to tell you, let's get married!!! Over the past few days, I have seen your determination to change, and I have also seen how hard you are working for our future."

I believe you have the ability to be a good husband, and I also believe you have the ability to be a good father in the future.

You've already taken 99 steps toward me, so let me take the last step and walk toward you!

You said before that you had become a lonely person, but I want to tell you that's not true.

When we get married, you will have a new family. It's not just that you will have a wife, but that you will have a father and mother again.

My parents are your parents, my family is your family.

"Shuangshuang, I...I don't know...You know, I..." Yang Xi choked up and wanted to hug Wu Shuangshuang, but then timidly withdrew her hand.

Wu Shuangshuang smiled, turned around and walked towards Yang Xihe, opening her arms to embrace the man in front of her.

At this moment, Yang Xihe, like a pitiful and helpless puppy in the drizzle, finally met a kind girl who was ready to adopt him and take him home.

It is said that men do not easily shed tears, but Yang Xihe felt that he had cried far too much these past few days.

The first three days were because of my grandfather's passing, which meant I lost my last blood relative. But now, my tears are tears of emotion, excitement, and joy.

"Okay, okay, you don't need to say anything, I understand." Wu Shuangshuang patted his back reassuringly.

"You're not lying to me, are you?" Yang Xihe still couldn't quite believe it.

“How could I possibly lie to you? If I were lying to you, why would I be saying these things to you in front of Grandpa’s tombstone?”

I've thought about this for a long time these past few days, and I think I'm ready to get married. What about you? Are you ready?

I'm not talking about financial preparation; I'm talking about whether you have the confidence to be a good husband.

"Of course, I've wanted to marry you for a long time, but I've always felt I wasn't good enough for you. You have no idea how many times I've dreamt of marrying you!"

"Oh dear, how can I let you propose first? I've already bought the engagement ring. Oh no, no, the one we just had doesn't count. Give me a few days so I can propose to you!" Yang Xi finally showed her first smile in days.

Wu Shuangshuang chuckled and tapped his nose, "Crying and laughing, the toilet is overflowing with bubbles!"

"Let me tell you, I didn't prepare anything for proposing to you! It was so sudden. I've been here with you these past two days, and I haven't prepared a wedding ring either. But I think what I said to Grandpa is more important than a wedding ring, don't you think?"

Yang Xi nodded emphatically, her eyes sparkling.

The rain stopped and the sun came out.

Leng Wuyai and Leng Feixue stood far behind, watching the two.

Leng Feixue glanced at the man beside her and clicked her tongue twice. "Oh dear, look at him. I wonder when I'll finally meet my true love!"

Leng Wuyai didn't speak, it was unclear whether he didn't hear or didn't understand, he was probably pretending not to understand!

The two stood in front of their grandfather's tombstone for a while longer. Yang Xi then drove home, as there were still guests to see off, and they would have to wait until the guests had lunch.

Wu Shuangshuang didn't go this time. She hadn't rested well these past few days, and Yang Xi and her family didn't need any help at the moment. So Leng Feixue and Leng Wuyai took Wu Shuangshuang home together.

Another day passed, and Yang Xi finished dealing with everything at home. Then, carrying bags of gifts, she knocked on Wu Shuangshuang's door.

Wu Shuangshuang knew what Yang Xihe was going to do the moment she opened the door.

After entering the room, Yang Xihe politely greeted Mr. and Mrs. Wu and awkwardly handed them the gift box.

"Uncle and Aunt, I've come here to ask you to marry your most precious daughter to me."

I swear I will treat her well, love her, cherish her, and protect her!

If you are willing to let Shuangshuang marry me, I promise I will not let her suffer any injustice. She can just be herself and be happy.

Yang Xihe spoke as if reciting a prepared script, pouring out all her innermost thoughts in one breath.

Mrs. Wu stood by, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, while Mr. Wu looked at the young man with a smile.

When Yang Xi saw her aunt and uncle nod in agreement, she jumped up with joy, then immediately took out a ring from her pocket and knelt down on both knees in front of Wu Shuangshuang, startling her.

"Shuangshuang, will you marry me? Will you become my wife?"

"Yes, yes, get up! Who kneels on both knees when proposing? Everyone kneels on one knee, okay?! People who don't know any better will think I'm bullying you if you're like this!"

Wu Shuangshuang couldn't bear to watch, while her mother, standing beside her, was laughing so hard she was almost in tears.