Grandma Shi had let Aunt Chen and Uncle Yang take a holiday early this year, leaving only Xiao Xu to busily manage everything at home. Fortunately, this busy period was short-lived, as Grandma Shi soon led everyone away.
This was Shi Mei’s first visit here.
Back when she was Tang Wu, despite having heard about it, she had never visited. Now that she had arrived, her first impression was one of amazement!
The villa was naturally situated in the mountains, but at the base of the mountain lay the vast sea.
The mountain was densely wooded, and halfway up there was a strikingly embedded resort, offering uniquely beautiful scenery that truly hugged the mountain beside the sea.
The air was so refreshing that even breathing felt luxurious and the climate was notably pleasant.
Usually, in Yan City, one needed to wear a cotton-padded jacket and a sweater to keep warm, but here, even a single layer of clothing was comfortable enough.
Shi Mei was overjoyed upon her arrival, soaking in a hot spring with her grandmother on the very night they arrived and planning to go climbing the next day.
It had been a very long time since Shi Mei had experienced such a relaxing activity, and she had slept well that night.
However, that same night, Shi Lingyan suddenly received a phone call.
It was from Shi Lingyan’s maternal grandmother’s family.
Ever since Shi Lingyan’s parents had accidents, his maternal grandparents had deliberately distanced themselves from the Shi family.
Especially his grandmother, who had disagreed with her daughter marrying Shi Lingyan’s father. Moreover, a few years into the marriage, her daughter had died, leading to less frequent contact with the Shi family.
Apart from making phone calls during festivals and sending some gifts, Shi Lingyan only visited the elderly couple on the second day of the Lunar New Year.
But this year was a bit unusual.
Today was the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, just two days before Lunar New Year’s Eve.
Suddenly, his uncle called, saying that his grandmother was seriously ill and close to death.
Before dying, she wanted to see Shi Lingyan.
His grandmother had heard that Shi Lingyan was married but had never met Shi Mei; she wished to see her granddaughter-in-law before passing, fulfilling a final wish.
After receiving the call, Shi Lingyan was emotionally perturbed for a long time, remaining silent.
What he didn’t tell his grandmother was that they were no longer husband and wife; they had divorced.
After discussing the matter with his grandparents, Grandpa Shi sighed lightly, "Be careful on the road. Your grandmother has had a tough life; it’s our Shi family who has wronged her."
Grandma Shi disagreed, "Where is this right or wrong? Marriage is always the children’s choice. Their family is narrow-minded and petty, unable to see the bigger picture even after so many years. When accidents happen, grief is normal, but to blame everything on us is utterly ridiculous..."
"Enough," Grandpa Shi interrupted her, "all these years have passed, no need to talk about this anymore."
Grandma Shi fell silent, then ultimately, she waved her hand and said, "Go ahead then. Take care driving."
Shi Lingyan responded and then took Shi Mei down the mountain.
Shi Mei was woken up at five in the morning, at the peak of her sleep. Once she got dressed and got into the car, she immediately lay down in the back seat and fell back into a deep sleep.
Shi Lingyan drove down the mountain, heading from the villa to Yunzhou via Yan City.
From the Yan City Highway to Yunzhou, it would take at least eight hours of driving.
But given the urgency of the situation, they had no other choice.
Passing through Yunzhou required navigating through a secluded mountain road. Just as Shi Lingyan turned onto it, unexpectedly, a dark shadow suddenly darted into their path.
With a loud ’thud’ against the windshield, before Shi Lingyan could react, a piercing, sharp pain shot through his shoulder blades.
The steering wheel spun out of control, and the car abruptly drifted towards the mountain railing.
Below was a deep abyss enveloped in dense fog.