Chapter 1274: Chapter 664: The Uncertainties of Life (Part 2)

Many people were gathered around, including Tan Xiaoyu’s relatives, friends, classmates, and fellow villagers.

The hearse stopped by the roadside, and the atmosphere at the scene was somewhat oppressive; no one was loudly talking, just watching silently.

The ice coffin was lifted off the vehicle with the help of some relatives and friends, and carried towards the house.

The people hired for the funeral were already starting to set up the mourning hall.

Once the ice coffin was settled inside the house and reconnected to electricity, everyone went in to take one last look at Tan Xiaoyu’s remains.

It was only then that the atmosphere became lively.

Chen Feng and a few middle school classmates also went in to see, then Xie Xiaohua, acting as a representative, comforted Tan Xiaoyu’s parents for a few moments, followed by everyone contributing condolence money.

After stepping out, a few people discussed briefly and decided each would contribute five hundred.

A funeral is not a joyous occasion, and since Tan Xiaoyu died so young, simplicity was preferred.

In the past, there was a custom of keeping the body at home for three days, sometimes even seven, but now it’s not as particular; some only keep it for one day before sending it for cremation.

Especially at Tan Xiaoyu’s young age at passing, there’s even less need to keep him at home longer.

His family’s intention was to send him to the crematorium tomorrow morning, with some relatives and friends accompanying.

Among middle school classmates, Xie Xiaohua was closest to him and would accompany them tomorrow morning, whereas the others, including Chen Feng, lacked the inclination; today, they’re here to see Tan Xiaoyu’s remains and pay respects, which is fulfilling their duty as classmates.

Xie Xiaohua serves as everyone’s representative.

Regarding the burial, it might take another seven days. If Chen Feng is still around his hometown at that time, he might attend the final sent-off; if not, he certainly wouldn’t come back all the way from Xiu Zhou for it. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

After all, he and Tan Xiaoyu were merely ordinary classmates with no deep friendship.

After staying at Tan Xiaoyu’s house for half an hour, a few classmates collectively bid farewell, each taking a car heading in different directions, hoping to reunite later; now was clearly not the appropriate time to discuss it at Xiaoyu’s place.

On the way back to town, Yu Xiaohui’s eyes were red, wiping her tears with a tissue. She was the only girl among the middle school classmates present, with the richest emotions, as was evident with her tears, making it timely.

Seeing them all boarded the car and Yu Xiaohui was still wiping tears, Chen Feng couldn’t help asking, "Were you and Xiaoyu very close? I recall back in middle school your relation seemed pretty average."

Yu Xiaohui wiped her eye corners with a tissue and said, "It’s mainly because he’s so young, just like us, leaving at thirty. Don’t you find it regrettable? Back in middle school, he and Xie Xiaohua often played pranks in class, making them the most active pair; thinking back to his lively presence then, now seeing him as a cold corpse, you don’t feel sad at all?"

Chen Feng confessed, "Of course, there’s some sadness, but it’s not enough to make me cry. We were just ordinary classmates, crying for him just wouldn’t happen."

Yu Xiaohui shook her head and sighed, "You men, really are heartless."

Chen Feng didn’t refute, just focused on driving.

As they neared town, Yu Xiaohui suggested, "Why don’t we head to the county; you can treat me to a meal? Starting tomorrow, I’ll help you organize the jewelry store affairs."

Chen Feng quickly glanced sideways at her, noting her switch from mourning to enticing him.

Yet, Chen Feng didn’t refuse, nodding, "Sure, I’ll first take you to pick up your car."

Yu Xiaohui quickly responded, "I don’t want to drive; I’ll just ride with you. My car’s parked outside your home; it should be fine, right?"

"What could happen? But without your car, how will you get here tomorrow?"

"Silly," Yu Xiaohui teased softly, then asked, "Aren’t you spending the night with me?"

She specially came from the city district to Qingpu Town today, partly to mourn Tan Xiaoyu but also to rendezvous with Chen Feng, her lover.

Chen Feng smiled, "Alright, your call."

That afternoon, he refused Cheng Yuhuan’s allure, but a bit of fire was kindled; now with Yu Xiaohui right there, rejecting didn’t seem right.

So, Chen Feng stepped on the gas, heading towards the county.

At around nine in the evening, Chen Feng and Yu Xiaohui came out of the hotel bathroom wrapped in towels, lying relaxed together on the two-meter-wide bed, watching TV and engaging in idle chatter.

Just then, Qin Zhen called, and Chen Feng promptly answered.

"Chen Guoxiang has been found, but he’s already dead; it was done by one of Ma Laoliu’s trusted henchmen."

Upon answering, Qin Zhen straightforwardly shared this shocking news.

"Why did Ma Laoliu’s man kill him?"

Chen Feng was puzzled.

Qin Zhen explained indifferently, "Before Ma Laoliu was killed, Gao Xinfu and Chen Guoxiang were in contact; both had enmity with Ma Laoliu. Regarding Gao Xinfu killing Ma Laoliu, Chen Guoxiang likely knew beforehand, possibly even conspiring together. Ma Laoliu’s subordinate discovered this, deemed Chen Guoxiang an accomplice, and killed him to avenge Ma Laoliu.

Chen Guoxiang was quite unlucky; had the police found him half an hour earlier, he mightn’t have died. Sadly, when found, he was already dead, nearly being moved to a fishing boat for sea burial."

"Alas, such a shame; he was annoying but didn’t deserve to die. It’s really unexpected."

Chen Feng truly hadn’t wanted him dead.

Qin Zhen continued pragmatically, "Such people might die unfairly, but it’s self-inflicted. Don’t forget he encouraged Gao Xinfu to kidnap and even consider killing you."

"Alright, he’s dead, discussing it further is pointless."

"Mm, that’s settled then."

After finishing, Qin Zhen briskly hung up.

"What were you just talking about? That Ma Laoliu, isn’t he dead? How is he involved with you?"

Beside him, Yu Xiaohui curiously asked.

Chen Feng roughly explained, leaving her visibly shocked and speechless for a moment.

Chen Feng chuckled, "Reality often outstrips fiction in its absurdity; Chen Guoxiang tried to plot against me but ensnared himself instead. Whom can he blame? As the saying goes, too clever by half ends in self-destruction."

Yu Xiaohui was about to speak when her phone rang, showing her mother-in-law’s number. She swiftly gestured to Chen Feng to be quiet.

After answering, she and her mother-in-law talked for a while; her mother-in-law wanted her back home to help with the kids, but Yu Xiaohui said a classmate had just passed and she needed to stay here a couple more days.

Her mother-in-law had no choice, ending the call regretfully.