Chapter 35: I… Don’t Have a Grandpa Anymore

“Ah Tao, don’t just take care of us.” Zhao Lanhua grabbed her arm affectionately and made her sit down. “Drink a bowl while it’s hot.”

“Okay!”

Shen Yao lowered his eyes to hide the disappointment in them.

When there were more fish slices in the bowl in front of him, he looked up in confusion and met Ji Zhao’s smiling almond-shaped eyes.

“How about you try this fish with pickled vegetables?”

Shen Yao nodded reservedly and tasted it carefully.

“The fish is tender and smooth. It melts in your mouth. The sour and spicy taste is very rich,” Shen Yao commented objectively. “It’s very delicious.”

“Then eat more!” Ji Zhao said happily.

She was quite confident in her culinary skills.

Shen Yao, who usually did not eat much, ate an extra bowl of rice after hearing this.

“Ah Tao, I saw three live fish in the water tank outside just now. What delicious food do you plan to cook tonight?” Second Sister-in-law Shen asked impatiently.

“Second Sister-in-law, what flavor of fish do you like to eat?”

“As long as it’s good food, I like it!” Second Sister-in-law Shen said hurriedly.

“Then I’ll make another grilled fish tonight,” Ji Zhao said happily.

“That’s great!” Second Sister-in-law Shen could not stop smiling when she heard that there would be delicious food tonight!

“Mother,” Ji Zhao put down his bowl and chopsticks and asked Zhao Lanhua softly, “Can I send two fish back to Pomegranate Village later?”

“You silly child. You were the one who caught these fish. It’s up to you how you want to deal with them!” Zhao Lanhua smiled and said, “Sanlang, accompany Ah Tao back to Pomegranate Village in the afternoon. By the way, I’ve already prepared the rice and noodles you asked me to buy. I’ll get Sanlang to accompany you back to your parents’ house later.”

“Thank you, Mother. You’re the best!” Ji Zhao’s eyes were filled with tears as she was extremely grateful.

It was a hot June afternoon.

Ji Zhao had only taken a few steps when she felt drenched in sweat.

“There’s an old pagoda tree in front. Why don’t we rest?” Shen Yao handed her the water bag he was wearing and asked softly.

“Might as well.”

Ji Zhao leaned against the tree trunk and rested for a while.

“Wait for me.” Shen Yao saw a touch of green in the distance and immediately put down the basket on his back. He hurriedly turned around and left.

A moment later, Shen Yao placed the freshly plucked lotus leaf on her head.

The fragrance of the lotus leaves seeped into her heart, and Ji Zhao thanked him gratefully.

After resting, the two of them moved again and finally arrived at Pomegranate Village at 3pm.

However, the atmosphere in the Ji family was rather gloomy.

When Ji Zhao saw the white banner hanging on the fence, her heart sank!

She hurriedly pushed the door open and entered. She saw her grandmother, Madam Xie, kneeling on the ground and crying her heart out.

“Grandfather?” Ji Zhao hurriedly rushed up. At that moment, Old Master Ji, who was lying on the bed, had already stopped moving.

Ji Zhao’s trembling index finger reached for his nose.

“Grandpa…”

Ji Zhao cried out in grief. She was on the verge of collapse!

If Shen Yao, who was following closely behind, had not caught her in time, Ji Zhao would have fallen to the ground.

“Are you okay?” Shen Yao subconsciously held her shoulder and asked in a low voice.

“I… I’m not okay.” Ji Zhao closed her eyes weakly.

An indescribable bitterness and guilt suddenly surged from the depths of her heart.

Ji Zhao knew very well that it was the subconsciousness hidden in the original owner’s body.

Although the Host was despicable, she was not a wicked person. She also knew that if Old Master Ji had not saved her, she would have died long ago.

But now, Old Master Ji had passed away.

“I… don’t have a grandfather anymore.” Ji Zhao choked on her words as tears rolled down her cheeks.