As Qian Chengping's family embraced, Zhang Wei did not disturb them, quietly waiting for their conversation to conclude.
Sometimes, a person's breaking point is just a moment. Even the strongest individuals are the same. Zhang Wei felt no amusement at Qian Wenbin's uninhibited crying, only silence. He understood why Qian Wenbin was like this. After today, there would be no one older or more "adult" in his family besides his mother. He would have no one to hug, to be doted on by, or to scold him.
After a long while, the more they talked, the more Qian Wenbin felt reluctant to part with Qian Chengping. He couldn't help but look at Zhang Wei. With a thud, he knelt before him.
"Mr. Zhang, can you save my father? I don't want my dad to leave like this. I want to be filial to my dad; I haven't had the chance to be filial to him yet."
The desire to provide for one's parents arises, but the opportunity is lost. This is how people are; only later do they realize that the time spent with loved ones and the acts of filial piety were insufficient. When they truly want to show their filial piety, it's already too late. Qian Wenbin deeply regretted not being able to show more filial piety to his father.
Zhang Wei helped Qian Wenbin up and shook his head. "Life and death are separate, and karma follows. Uncle Qian and your family are now separated by the Yin and Yang realms. Although I have a way to keep Uncle Qian by your side, it would not be good for him, as it would only delay his reincarnation. Furthermore, if Uncle Qian stays by your side, he is of the Yin, and you are of the Yang. Staying together for too long would also harm you."
Qian Wenbin wanted to say more, but Qian Chengping interrupted him, nodding his head gently. "Son, it's alright. Don't you have Xiulan with you? You rascal, be more filial to Xiulan in the future." He patted Qian Wenbin's head. "And what are you saying? Have you been lacking in filial piety towards me? The house is all built by you. I've never lacked pride in front of Old Li and the others. The villagers envy me for having such a good son like you."
With these words, Qian Chengping's old face beamed with a smile. "I am very proud to have a son like you, haha."
"Dad..." Qian Wenbin's eyes welled up with tears again. Beside him, his mother Xiulan was once again weeping uncontrollably. Qian Chengping patted them to comfort them. "It's alright."
After a moment, having comforted them, Qian Chengping looked at Zhang Wei. "Young man... Mr. Zhang, thank you." He hadn't expected that the young man he met briefly yesterday would not only help him find his way but also help his family have a final reunion.
Zhang Wei smiled. "Uncle Qian, you can continue to call me young man. Uncle Qian, you don't need to thank me. I'm helping because Uncle Qian is a good person. Am I right, Mr. Qian? Isn't Uncle Qian a very good person?"
Qian Wenbin nodded emphatically. "My dad is a really good person. Uncle Zhang the second in the village is disabled, and he visits him every day. Every year he also..." He spoke profusely about Qian Chengping's kindness, his eyes welling up again at the end. He had never recalled these things before. It was only when Zhang Wei mentioned them that he remembered his father's kindness to others and to him.
"Silly child," Qian Chengping said, ruffling Qian Wenbin's head. Then, he thanked Zhang Wei again.
Zhang Wei smiled. "Uncle Qian, do you have any unfulfilled wishes? You can tell me. As long as I can fulfill them, I will try my best."
Upon hearing this, Qian Wenbin and his mother looked over, as this was what mattered most to them – the regret of their father (husband) leaving. Qian Chengping looked gently at Qian Wenbin and his mother. Then, he sincerely requested Zhang Wei, "Can I stew some chicken soup for them again? Wenbin and Xiulan both love the chicken soup I make."
Even in death, Qian Chengping was still thinking of stewing chicken soup for his son and his family.
"Dad, think of something else."
"Old man, don't just think about us. Think about yourself. For example, how much spirit money do you want? I'll burn it for you."
Qian Wenbin and his mother's eyes turned red as they spoke urgently. Qian Chengping grinned with a simple smile. "I am thinking about myself. I haven't stewed chicken soup for you all in a long time. I want to do it one more time. Besides... this is the last time, I can't miss it, haha."
Zhang Wei was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected Qian Chengping's request to be so simple. Finally, he nodded.
...
In the evening.
In the apartment where Qian Wenbin lived in Xiamen City.
At this moment, Qian Chengping's family, including Qian Wenbin's wife and son, were gathered around the dining table.
"Grandpa, how long until the chicken soup is ready? I want to drink chicken soup." Qian Chengping's grandson clamored. He was still young and didn't know about Qian Chengping's situation; his eyes were only on the delicious food.
"What are you shouting for, you brat? My dad is stewing soup for me, not for you. If you keep shouting, you won't eat tonight."
"Hey, you brat, why are you arguing with a child?" Qian Chengping patted Qian Wenbin's head, then picked up a large pot of chicken soup and walked out of the kitchen. "Here it comes, here it comes, the chicken soup is here."
"Dad, I'll carry it."
"No need, I can do it. You go get the bowls and chopsticks."
"Okay, okay, I'm going now."
Watching Qian Wenbin clumsily get the bowls and chopsticks, Qian Chengping smiled and looked gratefully at Zhang Wei, who was sitting in the living room playing with his grandson. With Zhang Wei's help, Zhang Wei had used tens of thousands of yellow talismans to condense a talisman figure that took on Qian Chengping's appearance, allowing Qian Chengping to temporarily have a physical body to move.
"It's just a small matter," Zhang Wei replied with a smile and a nod.
This meal was a joyous occasion for Qian Chengping's family, filled with conversation and laughter around the table. At the same time, the meal was eaten very, very slowly. Qian Wenbin and the others were reluctant to finish the meal so quickly, as it was the last one, and there would be no more opportunities. However, all feasts must end. The meal, no matter how slowly it was eaten, was eventually finished.
"Dad... the food was delicious, and the chicken soup was very good."
"Old man, when I get old, you wait for me below."
As Qian Chengping stood up, they knew the time had come. They didn't know what to say, only speaking in hurried, disordered words. Qian Chengping smiled, looked at the table where every last grain of rice and drop of soup had been consumed, his face full of smiles. "You rascal, remember to take good care of Xiulan, understand? Xiulan, your legs are inconvenient, remember not to walk around carelessly, okay? Alright, I'm leaving."
"Goodbye, Grandpa~ Remember to visit me often! And buy me good food." Qian Chengping's grandson said innocently from the side.
"Eh~ Goodbye, little treasure. Grandpa might be busy and can't visit often, but don't worry, Grandma will come see you." Qian Chengping ruffled his grandson's little head. Then, as his family watched, Qian Chengping walked out of the house and towards Zhang Wei, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you for your trouble, young man."
"It's no trouble," Zhang Wei said, shaking his head. Then, he began chanting the sutras for rebirth. The words of rebirth echoed. A light appeared before Qian Chengping, as if a portal was opening for him, beckoning him to enter. Waving goodbye to his family with reluctance, Qian Chengping walked towards the portal. Just as he was about to step through, he seemed to remember something and smiled slightly at Zhang Wei. "I almost forgot, young man, thank you for teaching me how to use a smartphone." With that, Qian Chengping stepped into the portal.
...
Epilogue:
Decades later.
Qian Wenbin died of old age on his hospital bed. Just as his father had hoped for him, his son, Xiao Bao, had also become successful and lived a happy life. Afterward, he closed his eyes with contentment.
In the netherworld, he transformed into a soul and stepped into a portal. He knew it was the portal to reincarnation. However, as he stepped into the portal and was about to walk onto the Yellow Springs Road within, he froze. Tears streamed from his eyes. On the Yellow Springs Road ahead, a middle-aged couple stood, waving and smiling at him.
"Son."
"Wenbin."
The man's skin was tanned and weathered with wrinkles, while the woman's face was filled with the typical kindness of a rural woman.
"Dad!! Mom!!" Qian Wenbin cried out. It was Qian Chengping and his wife; they had been waiting for Qian Wenbin all along. Qian Wenbin ran towards them, and as he ran, his aged figure changed, transforming into the appearance of a child from his childhood. Finally, with smiles, Qian Chengping and his wife, each holding Qian Wenbin's hand, walked towards the Yellow Springs for reincarnation.
...