***
(You are watching News24. We have just received a shocking statement that the Chairman of Zhang Corporation as well as famous teen actress Zhang Yuxi's grandfather, Zhang Chen has been announced dead from sudden cardiac arrest this morning. The report states it is a deep sorrow that his son, the CEO of Zhang Corporation, Zhang Long has declared the demise of his beloved father himself. No further statement was provided.)
(Hello, this is XXX News. Zhang Chen, the chairman of Zhang Corporation, has died in his sleep…)
(Good morning, this is ABC News, We have breaking News…The unexpected demise of the grandfather of well-known teen actress, Zhang Yuxi aka Liz, who recently returned to China. No news from her side yet. Heartfelt Condolences to the Zhang Family...A huge fire broke out in Ying Villa, causing the death of three workers. The young heir of Ying Enterprises, Ying Shan survived with minimal injuries.)
The news broadcast spread like wildfire across the entire country appalling especially those with close and business relations with Zhang Family and Zhang Corporation.
***
*Knock Knock*
"I am coming in." Zhang Long entered the room.
He saw his wife sobbing sorrowfully beside Zhang Yuxi who was lying in the bed as though she was sleeping soundly.
Passing the glass of water to her, He asked "Yuxi hasn't awakened up, yet?"
Madam Zhang shook her head "No matter, how many times I call her out, How many times I shake her. She doesn't wake up. It's like she doesn't want to. My poor Yuxi..She doesn't even know."
Turning towards Zhang Long, she hugged him instead of receiving the glass. Snivelling, she cried with her hoarse quivering voice "Dear, H-How can Dad leave just like that? *Sob* I c-can't even think how to tell Yuxi about this. I feel bad for her. S-She just returned recently and.."
Unable to continue further, she bawled, her cries getting louder and louder. Trying his best not to break down as well, He patted her back gently, staying by her side silently.
After few minutes, she eventually calmed down. Comforting her, he spoke "I will call over Dr Ning immediately. Stay by her side till then. I also have to..have to prepare for father's funeral."
Understanding the situation, Madam Zhang nodded her head and pulled away from the hug. Just when Zhang Long was about to head outside, he felt someone tugging on his sleeves. It was Zhang Yuxi.
"Yuxi?" Both of them were baffled.
Tightening her grip on his sleeves, she sat up. Staring at them, she uttered, "Dad, Let me take part in the funeral."
"Funeral?" Absolutely bewildered, The Zhang Couple exchanged glances with each other.
"Yeah, Grandfather's funeral. I want to..tell him goodbye for last time." voiced Zhang Yuxi placing her right hand on her chest. She could feel the crest within her.
Hearing her words, Zhang Long staggered back while Madam Zhang clutched her mouth. Hastily, she embraced Yuxi. Stroking her head, she expressed "Yuxi, It's okay. You can attend it but you don't have to force yourself, my daughter. Your grandpa is in god's hands. He is happy there. It's okay, Mom and dad are here. Lean on us, cry and let it out all you want. We are here for you."
*Sniffle*
Ultimately, Zhang Yuxi burst into tears in her mother's arms as she wailed "Grandpa, you are so cruel. You didn't even let me say a proper goodbye. I..Yuxi will never forgive y-you."
Caressing her head, Madam Zhang also wept quietly. Staring at his wife and his daughter, He couldn't hold it any longer. He hugged them while tears slowly falling down his puffy eyes.
***
-Beijing-
In a Convenience Store:
"Darling, are you not done yet?" A man in his thirties asked his girlfriend.
"I am almost done. Wait a little longer." She replied.
"Then, Take your time. I will be waiting outside."
"Okay."
The man turned around to leave when he bumped into someone.
"I am sorry-" He was about to apologize when he abruptly halted.
"Let's talk. Meet me at this address later." The other man whispered to his ear while he slipped a note into his pocket before leaving the store.
"Gege? Glad you are still here. Can you pick up that packet for me? It's too high." His girlfriend called him out.
Picking up the packet, he hastily exclaimed "Darling, I just remembered I have important matters to handle. Sorry, But I can't drop you off today. Take this money, and call for a cab. Bye." He passed her some money and left hastily.
"Gege!!"
---
An Abandoned Building-
"So is he coming here?"
"Probably since he will be curious to know why we are here."
"Oh, He is here."
Just as those words were spoken, the man from the convenience store arrived in front of them. Cupping his hands together in a fist, he bowed and greeted "Paying respect to my fellow companions, Deity Yuan Shu & Deity Ming Yi."
They bowed as well, greeting in unison "Paying our respect to the God of land, Deity Qing Huang."
"It's really rare to see gods in the human world. Yet, we three are here right now at the same place. It's quite enthralling. May I know why you both decided to ascend here in my area? " Qing Huang inquired with his hands clasped on his back.
The girl named Ming Yi spoke first "Don't act like you didn't know. Didn't your subordinates inform you?"
"Inform me? Is there something worth my consideration?" He scoffed.
This time, Yuan Shu answered "Worth your consideration? *Sneer* Are you looking down on Supreme Deity?"
"Supreme Deity?!"