Jiang Yi Nan's POV
Before I could ask another question my phone started ringing.
"Hello Mr. Jiang Yi Nan, this is from the police station. We are calling to inform you regarding your brother. The procedures needed are done. So, you can come tomorrow and take your brother's body. We are sorry for the delay, sir."
"Yeah I understand. Thank you for your work. I'll come tomorrow." I said and hung up the call.
"What happened? Who was it?" Xiaoxi asked.
"It was from the police station. They called to inform me about the status of my brother's case. They-"
"Oh! Is there a new clue?" She asked excitedly.
"No, they said that they have completed the autopsy, and are done with basic procedures needed. So, I can collect my brother's body for the funeral."
"Oh. I am sorry. Are you okay? I know right now I am not your favorite person to talk but if you want I'm here for you."
Honestly, I wanted to break down and cry but I stopped myself. Even though, I know that most likely she isn't an accomplice of the murder, I didn't want to talk to her. I was scared; I was scared to accept that my brother's funeral is going to take place. Before I was able to escape reality, but now there is no escape.
I calmed myself and said, "It's alright I am fine. I have to call my family members and schedule the funeral. We have to go to my house tomorrow."
"We? I am sorry what do you mean by we?"
"I mean you and me." I said.
"I'm not going to your house. Last time was enough for my whole lifetime. I don't want to meet your mother again." She said.
I thought for some time and honestly it's better if I don't take her home.
"Okay then you don't come to my house. But you are not allowed to go anywhere." I said.
"You were asking me to go to your house for the preparations, right?"
"Yes." I replied.
"Can I come for the funeral? I know I am not close to your brother or your family, but hearing about your family I feel like I know them. That's why; I really want to go there. I didn't want to go to your house, because it would be too scandalous. But, I really want to pay farewell to your brother. I hope you will allow me." She said.
I didn't know how to reply, because I thought taking her would aggravate my mother. But, hearing her just now I wasn't sure on how to refuse her.
"Most likely the funeral will be scheduled for day after tomorrow. It would be possible that I may not return tomorrow. So-"
"Please don't say no! I can even take a cab or anything. I promise I won't get out of the house tomorrow. Just allow me."
"You really never learn, right?" I said.
"What do you mean?"
"You always cut someone off when they're trying to talk. Listen to me first, okay? I may not be able to come tomorrow, but I'll pick you up day after tomorrow. You can come with me for my brother's funeral."
"Really." She asked.
"Yes really. Anyways I am going to my room. Most probably I'll be gone before you wake up. So, bye. Good night."
"Bye. Good night and thank you very much." She said and went to her room.
I called my sister-in-law to inform her about this.
"Hey it's me." I said.
"Yi Nan what happened? Why aren't you coming home? You know mom is so worried; she just lost your brother. You should be here and comfort her. Where are you? What are you doing?"
I wanted to tell her everything but then remembered the evidences we got. So, I kept quiet.
"Sis, I myself am not able to cope up with my brother's loss. How will I comfort mom? Plus Han Chen said he wanted me to stay at his house as he was out of station; so I am living here."
"Oh, okay. Why did you call then?"
"I called because we have to schedule my brother's funeral. The police called today and informed that we can take away his body. So, I wanted to discuss it." I said trying to stay calm.
"Oh. When should we schedule it?"
"I think day after tomorrow is fine. You handle the invitations and I'll look after the other arrangements. And please inform mom also. I don't have the courage to face her."
"Okay I'll do that. And I'll talk to mom also. But first of all are you okay? I know you are investigating Yi Xing's murder case. But Yi Nan-"
"I am not investigating anything. Why are you saying this?" I said.
"I am not sure I just thought you were doing something, as you were acting so secretive from the past few days." She tried to brush off what she said by laughing. But that made it sound fishy.
"Okay sis I'll talk to you later. Just make sure you do all the work I gave to you. I'll come home tomorrow."
"Okay Yi Nan, take care. Good night."
"Good night." I said and hung up the call.
Honestly, I was confused. How does she know about this? Only I, Xiaoxi and Mr. Zhang knew about it. Is she spying on us? Or did someone tell her? Is she really involved in this case? Or is she also just a scapegoat like Xiaoxi? This was all so confusing, but one thing was clear. I cannot tell Song Qin or anyone else regarding this matter anymore. Honestly, everything is much more complex than I originally thought.
NEXT DAY
I went to my house leaving a note for Xiaoxi. I know there was no need to leave a note or anything but I just felt like it. Upon reaching my house I went to look for my mother. Just the sight of her made me feel guilty and heart broken. I was so busy for my inner satisfaction that I forgot my family. If bro was here, he would have reprimanded me so much. He would be like, 'Yi Nan I understand you have your own work and duties. But don't forget about the most important responsibility of yours. Your family.' I bitter-smiled remembering these memories of ours. I tried to calm myself and talked to my mum.
"Hey, mum."
"Yi Nan is that you?"
"Yes mum."
"Where were you from so long? Now that your brother is no more, we don't mean anything to you." My mother said crying. Seeing her cry, I started crying too.
"I am sorry mum. I was wrong. I am really sorry. Hit me if you want, but please don't cry. I can't see you crying. Please mum."
"Yi Nan please take care of tomorrow's funeral. I don't have the power to do anything."
"I understand mom. Don't worry. I and sis will take care of everything. You just rest." I said and came out of the room. Whoever is responsible for my brother's death and my mother's misery, be prepared; because I am not going to spare you.
Today mostly went in all the preparations for tomorrow. I tried to keep myself busy, so that I won't think about this all. Finally, it was night and I was so tired that I slept.
NEXT MORNING
I went to friend's house to pick up Xiaoxi. Surprisingly, she was ready and waiting for me. Well that's something new.
"Is the earth revolving in opposite direction today?" I asked.
"Very funny, but no. I just thought of surprising you."
We both went to my house. I instructed Xiaoxi to lay low, because I didn't want my mother to get more upset. As soon as the priest was starting the funeral procedures, I saw Zou An coming.
"Zou An weren't you in Taipei? When did you come?"
"I was in Taipei. But how can I not attend my childhood best friend's funeral? How did this happen Yi Nan? Did the police find the killer? I saw on news about a reporter. Is she arrested?"
"Honestly, I myself don't know Zou zou. No, the police haven't reached to any conclusion. We are just waiting for the clues."
"I hope the killer is caught soon. They don't deserve to live, after what they have done."
"Yeah. I really-" Before I could say anything, the priest called me to say a few words. When I reached on the stage, my mouth choked. I tried to say something but nothing came out of my mouth.
I calmed myself and said, "My brother was the best brother in this world. He was not only the best brother, but also the best son, husband, friend and idol. He was always so calm and collected. I honestly didn't know the secret behind his composure. I-" I couldn't continue and broke into sobs. What was I supposed to say? I ran from there and went to the garden. Suddenly I saw someone approaching me.
"What are you doing here?"
"Are you okay?" Xiaoxi asked.
"I am fine."
"You're fine? Look at yourself idiot. You don't need to be so brave and act like everything is fine. It's okay to be vulnerable sometimes. It's okay to be weak sometimes. It's okay to not be okay."
I looked at her at honestly it felt like, there was someone for me. It felt like I wasn't alone. It felt as if there is someone in front of whom, I can be vulnerable. That time nothing else mattered. I just hugged her and cried.
She comforted me whispering "Everything will get better. I know right now it feels like the world is crashing. But, remember the most beautiful rainbow comes after the scariest storms."
Maybe, maybe things will get better. I just have to wait.