Before their eyes lay a tomb.
The tomb was exceptionally clean, with fresh flowers and fruits arranged before it. The surroundings were lush and verdant, and from this spot, one could hear the exceptionally melodious sound of flowing water.
In front of the tomb, there was a cushion.
The surface of the cushion was worn and fuzzy, bearing two deeply indented hollows…
On the tombstone was a photograph.
It was a black and white photograph, appearing to be very old. It depicted a woman of great beauty, with almond-shaped eyes and cherry lips, her gaze always so gentle. The name of the tomb's occupant was: Su Ran.
Upon seeing this name, Su Ding seemed to recall something and looked towards Ouyang Zhenfeng.
This was her mother's mother, her maternal grandmother…
She had no memory of her grandmother, but to see her now, so beautiful.
"Grandpa, this is Grandma."
Su Ding asked softly, sensing tenderness in Ouyang Zhenfeng's eyes.
Ouyang Zhenfeng nodded and said slowly, "Your mother took her mother's surname. Come, let Ranran see you."
These simple words conveyed a love that transcended years.
No wonder Grandpa had mentioned it deliberately that day; if she hadn't been named Su, she likely wouldn't have been recognized…
"Come, Mother has been missing you too."
Ouyang Kai spoke, patting Jin Ye's shoulder. "Let's pay our respects together."
Jin Ye nodded.
A servant brought three kneeling cushions. The three of them knelt and kowtowed to Su Ran.
Ouyang Zhenfeng stood by the side of the tomb, as if Su Ran were still alive, watching with his wife as their children and grandchildren gathered…
"Get up."
Ouyang Zhenfeng said in a low voice, "After this, I will have someone bring over your mother's ashes, so mother and daughter can be together. Let's go, we shouldn't disturb Ranran's peace."
Su Ding and the other two nodded and slowly departed.
Su Ding felt an indescribable emotion, yet she still wished to know one thing.
"Uncle, when did Grandma pass away?" she asked in a hushed voice.
"Ten years ago."
A hint of nostalgia flickered in Ouyang Kai's eyes. "Mother missed her sister, worried herself into illness. Her health declined day by day, and she couldn't hold on any longer."
Su Ding's heart gave a jolt, as if struck by something, leaving her feeling bewildered and heartbroken.
"It's alright, it's all in the past."
Ouyang Kai patted her shoulder. Regarding his mother's death, he still felt it was caused by his father's excessive stubbornness.
If it hadn't been for his father's strict order that his mother not leave the island to see her sister.
His mother would not have fallen ill from worry.
At that time, he resented his father, but only when he saw his father collapse after his mother's death, nearly meeting with an accident, did he realize that his father was the one in the most pain.
He had come to terms with it.
But he also didn't want his niece to feel guilty because of it.
Su Ding pursed her lips, wishing to say something, but not knowing where to begin, she simply nodded.
The family exited the top floor and had dinner in the main hall.
In the evening, just as Su Ding had finished washing up and was about to go to bed, the doorbell rang.
Jin Ye went to open the door and saw a servant respectfully bow to him. "Young Master, we've come to deliver your and Miss's formal wear for tomorrow night."
Jin Ye raised an eyebrow and saw several more servants behind the first one.
All of them were carrying exquisite boxes, and on their trays were placed luxurious jewelry and cosmetics…
"Come in."
Jin Ye opened the door, allowing them to set down the items.
Su Ding heard the sound and walked out, also surprised by the spectacle.
The leading servant explained with a smile that these outfits were all hand-stitched by top couture designers from Li Jing Island. The jewelry was also original, crafted with precious materials.
"Thank you."
Su Ding looked at the dazzling display before her, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
After the servants left, she curiously opened the boxes. The dress was indeed incredibly beautiful, a pale yellow formal gown adorned with scattered diamonds.
It was as if she were a king's princess, so noble, so radiant.
"It's so beautiful."
Su Ding's eyes sparkled. She could feel her grandfather's regard for her from this gown.
She was already looking forward to the banquet tomorrow night…