Second Master Feng had a son late in life, and the only person he couldn't let go of was Feng Xiaosheng.
"When children from other families are born, they often cry as if they're coming into this world to suffer. But only Xiaosheng was born with a smile, which almost made the midwife cry out..."
Seeing the puzzled look from Xu Qing, Second Master Feng explained, "My child's appearance is quite peculiar. That midwife had delivered babies all her life but had never seen such a child, truly scaring her quite a bit. Back then, people in the circles of mischief-makers often gossiped behind our backs, saying that my wife had given birth to a monster."
"But in this world, only children find their parents ugly; there are no parents who find their children ugly."
"In my heart, Xiaosheng is more handsome than other children." Second Master Feng sighed and continued, "But my love alone is not enough. When this child was in school, he was always bullied by classmates because of his appearance."
"Perhaps because of this, Xiaosheng is still unwilling to start a family."
Second Master Feng, whose health had already been in decline, didn't know where he found the strength, but he forced himself to sit up and bow respectfully to Xu Qing.
Xu Qing supported the old man's body. He didn't realize until he helped him that it was as if he was holding a hollow reed—there was truly no weight to him at all.
"Younger Brother Xu, in my life I've rarely asked for favors, and if I have, it was most often from Brother Xu."
"This old brother is of little use, unable to help Brother Xu much while alive, and now I shamelessly wish to make one last request of you..."
Xu Qing looked at the old man on the bed, who cast an earnest gaze, and nodded:
"We are old friends; feel free to speak your mind. There's no need for formality."
Second Master Feng breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I had a child late in life. When other people's children are forty or fifty, their elders may still be alive. But Xiaosheng has just come of age and has to become the pillar of the Feng family."
"And Xiaosheng's mother, if I'm gone, how can anyone rest assured about their future as orphans and widows? Upon reflection, it's all because of my selfish desires, and I've wronged them greatly..."
"I have no other wish, only that Brother Xu would consider taking Xiaosheng as a nephew. If you have time, visit the Feng residence. As long as Brother Xu is around, others won't dare bully the orphan and widow, and I can rest easy."
Xu Qing pondered for a moment and finally nodded in agreement.
"Rest assured, Second Master. I have some connections in the Immortal Hall. When the time comes, I'll ask them to keep an eye out, even for Xiaosheng's marriage..."
Xu Qing said with a smile, "The Jin Sect's Bao Sheng Temple has twelve branch halls, and I know most of the midwife sisters there. I'll ask them to pay attention. Finding a good match for Xiaosheng should not be difficult."
Second Master Feng suddenly laughed, "I said years ago that Lady Bao Sheng could manage marriage, but you didn't believe it. But Xiaosheng is still young; he can wait a few more years to start a family. What's important is you."
"You're nearly fifty, have some grey hairs, and it's time to find a wife, to continue the Xu family line. Don't mind your old brother for saying too much—I have little breath left, and every word is heartfelt."
"..."
Xu Qing didn't expect that, on his last visit to an old friend, he'd still be urged to marry.
"They say it's a regret when you are born and I am not, and when I am born, you are old. Yet no one thinks that when you are not born and I am, and when you are born, I am already old, is also a regret."
Second Master Feng was filled with regret, wondering if he had been born a decade or two later, could he have extended more ties with his wife, children, and friends...
Seeing the old man on the bed showing hidden signs of pain, Xu Qing furrowed his brow and timely reminded him, "All things arise due to conditions, and cease due to conditions. If you were born a decade or two later, you wouldn't have met your wife and children, nor have known me. Speaking of this worldly fate, even having a day or a moment together is worth celebrating."
"Second Master, you're too attached!"
Hearing this, the painful expression on Second Master Feng's face disappeared. Yes! To have met his wife, his children, and friends like Xu Qing was already a blessing from a past life. What regrets should he have?
"If there's a next life, I shall be friends with Brother Xu again."
"Well, you must keep your word, Second Master!" Xu Qing said, seemingly joking, "When Second Master first met me, you gifted me a pair of Wenwan walnuts. If in the next life you and I are fated to meet again, let it be with walnuts as the token. When I see them, I'll know Second Master is looking for me..."
"Then it's a deal?"
"A deal."
Second Master Feng let out a hearty laugh. He turned over, leaning against the bed, his gaze on the ray of sunlight streaming into the hall, his whole being in a state of peace and harmony.
Though Xu Qing was prepared for this, seeing Second Master truly asleep, he couldn't help feeling melancholy.
He realized he'd lost yet another old acquaintance.
After arranging Second Master's death attire and reflecting on his life, Xu Qing finally stood up and turned back.
At this moment, Feng Xiaosheng was staring blankly at the elder who was smiling in his eternal sleep.
Having been accustomed to life and death, Xu Qing knew this day would come sometime, so he said as usual, "Second Master had virtuous descendants; he had no regrets in life. Now Second Master passes peacefully, a death from natural causes, truly a life of virtue, blessed in his years..."
As Xu Qing's voice faded, the solemn silence of the hall was suddenly broken by a heart-wrenching cry.
It was Feng Xiaosheng, who had never cried since birth, crying out for the first time.
That mournful cry seemed to intend on releasing twenty years' worth of unshed tears.
Xu Qing furrowed his brow, patting Feng Xiaosheng on the shoulder, but for the grieving, others' comfort is the hardest to take.