Rain…
Fitting that the world would cry when she left it.
Li Tian stood among a small gathering, all dressed in black, as the wonderful woman who had altered his life in mere days was lowered into her grave. Raindrops mingled with his tears, concealing them as they streamed down his face. He didn't let his weakness show often, but here, under the rainfall, he let his tears fall freely.
Meilin quickly held an umbrella up over the both of them, shielding him from the downpour that could almost ruin his disguise. If it were up to him, he would stand exposed, letting the rain cleanse his sorrow, but Meilin would never allow it. The gel in his hair would wash out, his oversized clothes would cling to his frame, and, worst of all, he might get sick. The disguise he wore would be worthless then; without it, they would never have let him attend.
As they watched the grave caretakers begin to cover the coffin with soil, Meilin glanced at her cousin's damp face and felt tears pricking at her own eyes. In such a short time, this elderly woman had left a profound impact on them both.
Li Tian watched the dirt fall, the sound was hollow yet final, and he couldn't shake the memory of the last moments they'd shared, mere hours ago.
---
15 Hours Earlier.
Any day now…
The soft, steady beeping of the electrocardiogram filled the quiet hospital room. The rhythm was faint, each beat a reminder of the time slipping away. Grandmama lay still, too weak even to lift a spoon, but she was at peace. Her only wish now was to pass with someone by her side, and she had found comfort in the presence of the young man sitting beside her.
They had shared countless stories, mostly hers, and he listened with a rare reverence, asking questions when the need called for it. His usual arrogance softened in her presence compared to the first time they met, and he would fall silent completely whenever others entered the room. It hadn't escaped her notice, but she respected his privacy, knowing he would speak when he was ready.
Li Tian clung to these conversations as though they could somehow keep her here. Her stories gave him the illusion she might still recover, though deep down, he knew better. She could hardly move, and even a small exertion could cause her heart to fail. He clenched his fists, wondering if he should tell her the truth about who he really was before it was too late.
"Grandmama… I have something to tell you," he began hesitantly, his voice catching in his throat. "I… I'm not who you think I am. I'm actually…"
"Li Tian?" she smiled, her eyes gentle and knowing.
His own widened. She'd known all along. She had hinted at it, but now she confirmed it with no hesitation. Her care for his privacy, even as she lay on her deathbed, touched him deeply. "How did you know?"
"Hehe… Little Wolf, Little Sky, whichever you are," she chuckled softly. "My body may be weak, but my mind is still sharp. I hear that young lady always with you calling you 'Tian'… So, Li Tian, that's your real name?"
"It's actually Li Xiao Tian..."
"Little Sky..." She beamed, her eyes softening. "I wasn't wrong to call you that, then... Such a beautiful name—it suits you well. You must be deeply loved... But tell me... would you prefer Xiaolang? Or Xiao Tian?"
Li Tian hesitated, a faint smile breaking through. "I… I'm not Li Tian right now," he replied, shaking his head gently. "I'm Xiaolang, your grandson."
At his words, Grandmama's hands trembled slightly, and a contented smile lit her face, reaching all the way to her wrinkled eyes. "Alright, Xiaolang." She paused, glancing toward the door. "And the young lady—is she your family?"
"My cousin… and my manager." He scratched his head sheepishly.
Grandmama's voice came in gentle bursts due to her declining strength, each word carefully paced. "She cares for you a lot…" She paused, catching her breath, her eyes scanning his face with warmth. "You speak to me so freely, yet you hush yourself with the hospital workers. It's as if you're hiding… And at the market... the crowd recognized your voice. I thought you were a peculiar young man back then… But it turns out you were simply in a place you weren't used to."
Li Tian managed a faint, defeated smile. Despite his best efforts to hide his true self, he realized at the time, he had been unconsciously letting his guard down around her, subtly trying to reveal himself to her. "Yeah, I guess it would be obvious to you," he said with a soft chuckle, feeling both amused and exposed. "My voice is my giveaway, it seems… The best I can do is speak softly or not at all. If I'm recognized, things get chaotic."
She nodded and raised a frail hand, which he quickly held. "Yes…" She spoke slowly, careful not to exhaust herself, and Li Tian listened intently, patient with her every word. "I've been thinking it over these past few days, and… I've begun to recognize your voice. I didn't know the Li Tian protégé and the singer were one and the same... I must be behind the times...," she said, a faint smile crossing her face. "There was a song I heard once on the radio, one I always loved… I think it was called…" She paused, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "Always There for You…"
It figures she would favor a song with that title. It was the final piece he performed at every concert—a ballad that showcased the finest elements of his voice, cherished by lovers and families alike. His brilliant songwriter had crafted it specifically for him.
Though he had never given the song much thought before, he could sense how deeply it resonated with her.
"Would you like me to sing it for you?" he asked, surprising himself.
Grandmama's face lit up with delight. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to trouble you…"
She was clearly thrilled by his suggestion, though she tried not to appear too eager. Unfortunately, the excitement in her voice betrayed her. He chuckled at her adorableness. He never thought he would find an older woman cute—his perception of older women had largely been shaped by his intimidating mother—but the happiness and uncertainty in her tone revealed a different, more endearing side of her.
"It's no trouble at all," he assured her, his voice infused with a confidence he hadn't felt in ages. "This room is private, and nobody will come in without knocking first. I'll sing it just for you."
She smiled brightly, rekindling the sense of purpose he had once felt as a singer. He had lost that passion long ago, worn down by endless parties, obsessive fans, and the absurd flattery from thigh-hugging admirers. It was easy to get swept away in the whirlwind of fame, where talent had become secondary. His only remaining ambition was to be acknowledged as the best singer, surpassing the siren, Yingxue, whom many considered his superior. But that was merely his ego flaring up, as their talents were often compared.
Now, he wanted to give his all and sing the song that Grandmama cherished most.
As he hummed the opening tune, her eyes closed, and she settled deeper into the bed. When he began to sing, his voice was soft, a warm sound that filled the space between them.
"Are you there?
Can you hear me whispering through the dark?
The world can be so cold, so cruel...
But please, don't hide your weary heart..."
Her heart swelled as she listened, her hand resting gently in his. It truly was beautiful to listen to. Every time she had heard the song before, she had noted its deep, soothing quality. But now, experiencing it live, she realized there was so much more to it. She could feel the raw emotion in his voice—the husky timbre, the sincerity—along with the sultriness in his higher pitch, all of which conveyed a depth of feeling that resonated deeply within her.
"I'll be there, right beside you...
Your shoulder to cry on when the night feels endless...
Someone to rely on, let your tears fall senseless...
I'll be there… "
He continued, each word a vow, each note a reassurance. She didn't shed tears, but her face softened, her expression serene as she listened to him sing the next few lines.
"When winter's chill bites, cutting through the air,
Or the sun blazes down with a fiery glare,
When memories fade like ashes in the night,
And you're left all alone, feeling lost in either the dark or light…
I'll be there, right beside you...
Your shoulder to cry on when the night feels endless...
Someone to rely on, let your tears fall senseless...
The one you can trust when the world feels heavy...
Your warm embrace in the harshest of winters,
A refuge to keep your spirit together...
From shattering beneath the weight of doubt...
Healing your heart, rebuilding what life's torn out...
Know that my love for you will never fade away,
A bond so strong, enduring through every hardship we face."
Her heart quivered at the words, but she steadied herself, holding on to his hand that cupped hers.
"If they dare to hurt you, I'll stand as your shield...
When they hurl their curses, I'll be your steadfast sword...
And if the day arrives...
When I must part from you...
Don't be afraid, don't turn away...
Even if the light seems forever out of reach,
My love...
Know that I'll still be there.
Always there… for you."
As the song reached a point that settled gently in her heart, she looked up at him, eyes filled with gratitude. "Xiaolang…"
"Yes, Grandmama?"
"I've decided… I no longer have a son, nor the grandson that comes with him," she whispered, her voice steadied by conviction. "I am cutting off ties with my family."
Li Tian's heart thudded in confusion, but he listened carefully as she continued.
"As for you, dear, be Li Xiao Tian or Xiaolang," she said, lifting her trembling hand to caress his face. "Whoever you choose to be. You can be the kindest soul imaginable… or the most powerful and arrogant man alive…"
His eyebrows lifted in surprise. What was she trying to tell him?
"What I mean is…" she pulled her hand from his grasp and gently motioned for him to come closer.
Without hesitation, he leaned forward. She placed her thin, delicate hand on his cheek, caressing him softly, her eyes filled with a tenderness that caught him off guard.
"Li Xiao Tian… Xiaolang… You could be an angel or the devil... I will support you," she murmured, her smile fading as her brows drew together with sudden intensity. "But you must never let anyone hurt you—or anyone you love. Find the people who matter most, and protect them. Don't let the words you sang become hollow."
Li Tian felt speechless. What was she saying? He felt a rush of emotions, but at the same time, struggled to understand her message fully. Still, he felt one thing unmistakably clear: she accepted him entirely, as Li Tian and Xiaolang alike, both identities valued as one—as long as he honored the words of his song.
"Promise me, Xiao Tian Lang!" she pressed, her voice filled with a rare urgency. "Whatever you decide to become, never abandon those you love!"
Moved by the gravity of her plea, he nodded solemnly. "I promise."
Those words were all she needed to hear. Suddenly, a great weight lifted from her, and her mind felt as light as a feather. It's time, she thought. Instead of reluctance, a profound sense of peace enveloped her.
The seriousness faded from her expression, and her eyes sparkled with life as she smiled at the young man with genuine gratitude.
"I'm sorry I couldn't give you much... Thank you, dear... for everything," she murmured, as her hand slipped from his cheek and onto the bed railing beside her.
Caught off guard, Li Tian fumbled to grasp her falling hand but quickly held onto it tightly in his own after.
Her face softened as she closed her eyes, a peaceful smile gracing her lips.
"I'm sorry I couldn't give you more… Thank you, dear… for everything," she murmured, her hand slipping from his cheek.
Yet, her sudden silence filled him with dread.
"Grandmama?"
She didn't respond.
"Grandmama?" he called, tightening his grip on her hand, his voice trembling.
"Grandmama!" he cried, his voice breaking this time. He gently placed his fingers on her neck, desperately searching for a pulse, his heart racing as he leaned in closer to check her breathing.
She wasn't breathing.
He jolted up and turned to glance at the electrocardiogram and his heart sank as he saw her heartbeat growing increasingly faint, the electric impulses barely registering on the green line. Panic surged through him like a tidal wave, each second stretching painfully as he realized the gravity of the situation. His breath quickened, and his hands trembled as he bolted toward the emergency button. He pressed it with all his strength, the sound of the alarm echoing in the room, amplifying the urgency of the moment.
"No, no, no!" he muttered under his breath, desperation clawing at him as he pressed the button repeatedly, as if each frantic push could somehow pull her back from the edge.
Soon, the medical team rushed in, taking positions with a practiced urgency. With a single look, Dr. Marin instantly understood the situation and pulled back the covers to prepare to begin the compressions. A nurse handed him the defibrillator paddles as another prepared an oxygen mask.
"Charging to 150 joules," Dr. Marin instructed, his face set in concentration. "Clear!"
The paddles delivered a jolt, and Grandmama's body arched before falling back to the bed.
"Still no pulse," the nurse reported.
"Charging to 200 joules. Clear!"
Another jolt, but the line on the monitor remained flat. Dr. Marin continued compressions, determined but somber. After a final charge to 300 joules with no response, he looked up, giving a slow shake of his head.
The monitor's persistent tone filled the silence.
She had flatlined.
The last expression she wore was a gentle smile. She was perfectly at peace.
---
He had watched her die. And now, he stood there, watching as she was returned to the ground. Though he had only known her for a brief time, her memory would forever be etched in his heart. This would be the last time he would cry his heart out for her death.
The relentless rain masked his sorrow, drowning out the world around him as he succumbed to his grief. The grave was only half-covered in dirt and mud when a voice from the other side cut through the somber atmosphere.
Fewer than ten people had gathered for the funeral, including the grave workers, and he assumed the fussing voices belonged to her family.
"We've stayed here long enough. It's fucking raining, Dad! Can we just go?" a youthful voice complained, filled with impatience.
"She's your grandmother! Besides, it's almost over, son," the older man chastised, irritation threading through his tone.
"You hardly ever cared when she was alive," the son shot back, clearly not thinking much over his father's insistence.
The father furrowed his brow, glaring at his loud-mouthed son. Regardless of past indifference, publicly they were obligated to show some semblance of care for the dead woman now.
"No one that matters is actually here!" The son continued, sensing his father's frustration and pushing harder. "No one will care about an old lady anyway."
The father glanced at the grave being filled and sighed in defeat. "Alright then, let's go..."
"Finally!" the younger one exclaimed, relief washing over him. "I need to get back to all the merchandise we managed to swindle. Hahaha!"
At the beginning of their conversation, each word they uttered tightened the fists of Li Tian, fueling a slow, simmering rage within him.
Meilin, standing nearby, sensed the shift in the air. She knew her cousin was on the verge of exploding and had to tread carefully.
"Xiaolang..." she whispered, remembering to avoid calling him Tian while he was undercover. They couldn't risk anyone else hearing him.
But the both of them froze the longer they heard the father-son duo continue to speak... That voice… it was familiar. The rain had masked it initially, but as the younger one spoke louder, it became unmistakable.
It… it was Yijun!
The leader of Li Tian's former 'friends' that had caused serious damage to his reputation, damage that Meilin had worked tirelessly to cover up. Not to mention the significant financial loss Li Tian had suffered from the bastard's scheme.
Meilin lowered her head, praying the rain would mask their presence more, grateful for the cover it provided. Neither of them could afford to be recognized. But beside her, Li Tian was a volcano ready to erupt. She grasped his trembling arm, trying to ground him.
"This isn't the place," she hissed urgently, her heart racing.
"I know..." he growled, his voice low and venomous. "I wouldn't sully Grandmama's resting place for that."
The father and son eventually strolled off, indifferent to the solemnity of the moment, oblivious to the piercing gaze of someone who watched their every move from across the gravesite.
They said no one that mattered was actually here, yet someone of great importance was watching, catching every callous word they uttered. The very person they would have wanted to see everything the least—someone who had loved her deeply and knew exactly how she'd been neglected and hurt in life.
Meilin breathed a sigh of relief as they walked away, but Li Tian's words quickly cut her relief short.
His voice trembled with barely contained fury. "I understand now… what Grandmama meant. Why she cut ties with them and said those things to me. Why she made me promise..."
Now that the father-son duo had scampered away, Meilin finally dared to look up, only to be met with a face that frightened her. His eyes had transformed, sharp and piercing, reminiscent of his mother's when she was angry—a look that could terrify anyone in her presence. Seeing this unfamiliar expression on Li Tian sent a shiver down her spine, her heart racing in alarm.
His lips curled back in a fierce snarl, exposing his teeth and fangs, a primal manifestation of his rage. Li Tian was absolutely furious, a tempest of emotions threatening to break free. His glare was so intense it felt like it could kill if they had only dared to look at him.
"Grandmama... was giving me permission... for what I'm about to do next."
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