He lured her deep into his trap, using both overt and covert methods to seduce her.

The old man's funeral was held in an extremely low-key and simple manner, and the old woman did not even inform any relatives or friends of the news.

After the old man passed away, the old lady quietly arranged all the funeral arrangements, sent him directly to be cremated, and finally buried his ashes in a quiet and secluded cemetery.

Song Zhi stood quietly to the side, watching the old lady slowly packing up the old man's belongings in the room.

Those items seemed to carry endless memories and stories, each one touching Song Zhi's heartstrings and making her feel a pang of sorrow.

She took a few light steps and walked to the old lady's side. Then she reached out and gently took the old lady's slightly aged and wrinkled hands, and said softly, "Grandma, come live with me in Kyoto. The environment there is very nice, and there are people who can take care of you."

However, the old lady simply shook her head slightly, her gaze still focused on the object in her hands, and replied firmly, "Child, Grandma won't go. I've lived here for so many years and I'm already used to life here."

Song Zhi quickly replied, "But Grandma, I really can't bear to leave you here alone."

Now that the old lady's husband has passed away and she is getting old, Song Zhi simply doesn't feel comfortable leaving her here alone.

Even if she were to hire a caregiver, she wouldn't feel comfortable with it. She had seen many news reports about caregivers abusing the elderly, and she didn't dare to take that risk.

The old lady looked up, smiled at Song Zhi, and patted her hand reassuringly, saying, "Don't worry, girl. Although Grandma is old, I can still take good care of myself. Besides, there are familiar people and things all around here, so I feel quite at ease."

"No, I'm worried about leaving you here alone."

The old lady smiled and said, "What's there to worry about? I'm in good health; I'll live long enough for you and Xiao Fu to get married."

Song Zhi blushed, surprised that she would bring up the topic of herself and Fu Lu.

"Grandma, you, you don't talk nonsense, we're just friends."

The old lady smiled but said nothing.

During this time, Fu Lu has been staying here busy with various tasks, and the old lady has already noticed it.

She smiled and said, "Childhood, I think Xiao Fu is a good person."

Song Zhi glanced at the man sitting in the living room subconsciously, her cheeks involuntarily burning.

She said in a panic, "Grandma, this is about your business. If you really want to see me get married, then you can come back with me."

Despite Song Zhi's insistence, the old lady remained resolute in her decision to stay in the place.

It's not hard to understand when you think about it, after all, the old man has lived here for most of his life.

Back when Mr. Song started his business in Kyoto and it was doing well, he repeatedly suggested that his parents move to Kyoto to live with him and enjoy a more comfortable and convenient life. However, both the old man and the old woman refused without hesitation, wanting to stay in this small town.

At that time, the couple relied on each other and lived a warm and harmonious life.

But now, the old man has passed away, leaving the old lady all alone in this house full of memories. Thinking of this, Song Zhi is worried about leaving the old lady alone here.

"Grandma, please come with me."

Song Zhi looked at the old lady with a pleading expression, her eyes full of expectation and entreaty.

As soon as she finished speaking, Fu Lu quickly walked over and chimed in, "Yes, Grandma, why don't you come back with us? If you're bored, you can keep my maternal grandmother company."

The old lady looked up at Fu Lu standing at the door and beckoned to her: "Little Fu, come here."

As Fu Lu approached, the old lady looked at Song Zhi and said softly, "Zhi Zhi, go and help Grandma trim those flowers on the balcony. Grandma wants to have a few words with Fu Lu alone."

These past few days, she has become increasingly satisfied with Fu Lu. Now that her husband has passed away, the person the old lady is most concerned about and can't let go of is Song Zhi in front of her.

Although Song Zhi had some doubts, she still nodded obediently and replied, "Okay, Grandma."

He then stood up and walked towards the balcony.

However, just as she was about to leave the room, she couldn't help but stop and strain her ears to hear what her grandmother and Fu Lu were going to say.

The old lady seemed to have seen through Song Zhi's little scheme, and suddenly said, "Close the door, and don't eavesdrop."

Although the old man's tone was serious, there was a hint of a smile mixed in.

Caught red-handed, Song Zhi blushed slightly, a hint of embarrassment on her face. She chuckled awkwardly, "Oh, Grandma, I never intended to eavesdrop! We were just talking, what could be so interesting..."

As she spoke, she quickly reached out and closed the door before turning and walking toward the balcony.

Song Zhi slowly walked out of the room, gently closed the slightly antique bedroom door, and strode straight towards the balcony.

When she stepped onto the balcony, her eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, only to find that it was empty and there were none of the flowers and plants the old lady had mentioned.

Song Zhi immediately understood that the old lady was deliberately trying to get her away.

She couldn't help but wonder what the old lady would say to Fu Lu after she had been sent away.

Thinking about what the old lady had just said about marriage, her heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that she wants Fu Lu to marry her?

That would be so awkward.

Thinking of this, Song Zhi could no longer sit still. She tiptoed toward the door, wanting to hear what the old lady had to say.

If it's about marriage, she needs to explain it clearly to the elders.

Just as she was about to lean close to the door, ready to eavesdrop on the conversation inside, her cell phone vibrated in her pocket, followed by a piercing ringtone in the living room.

The sudden ringing startled Song Zhi, who was caught off guard. She frantically pulled her phone out of her pocket, not even having time to see who the caller was on the screen, before hurriedly pressing the call button.

“Hello…” Song Zhi responded softly, slightly nervously.

As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar female voice came from the other end of the phone: "Zhizhi, it's me."

Upon hearing this voice, Song Zhi was slightly taken aback.

She didn't expect Zhao Man to call her at this time.

Could it be that they knew about the old man's passing and called to inquire about the situation?

Over the years, Zhao Man has rarely returned to Fengcheng and has been indifferent to her parents.

Song Zhi took a deep breath, composed herself, and then calmly asked into the phone, "Is something wrong?"

Zhao Man's urgent voice came through the phone: "Zhizhi, could you please beg Pei Jinnian to help our family and save your brother?"

Upon hearing Pei Jinnian's name, Song Zhi became somewhat irritated: "Mom, I have nothing to do with Pei Jinnian anymore, I won't contact him..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhao Man immediately interrupted her loudly: "If you don't take care of your brother, he'll be sentenced to prison, do you know that?"