Chapter 612: Funeral

Lu Cheng, though very sad, forced himself to rally his spirit, as he still had to arrange Captain Lei's funeral.

The funeral car arrived quickly, and the crowd kept growing.

When the body wrapped in white cloth was lowered from the train, the onlookers automatically cleared a path.

At that moment, the local Railway Bureau director rushed over, looking clearly uneasy, mainly because Lei Zhan'ge's rank was so high that he had no idea how to proceed.

"Lu, Lu Jingzhang, what should we do with Captain Lei's body and funeral…"

Lu Cheng understood the director's meaning, because Lei Zhan'ge was a department-level cadre, and the local branch didn't know what standards to use for the funeral.

If it were handled poorly, the director might be held accountable.

Lu Cheng naturally wanted a high-standard ceremony to let the old revolutionary depart with dignity, but he knew Captain Lei would be displeased.

"Following Captain Lei's wishes, the funeral shall be simple: no monument, cremation, and the ashes scattered on the railway line."

The director visibly froze for a moment upon hearing this arrangement.

"Scatter, scatter on the railway line? But then… there'll be nowhere to visit Captain Lei later."

Lu Cheng's gaze swept over the director's shoulder to the extending railway line, which glimmered in the rising sun.

"Captain Lei will remain on this railway line, continuing to guard the railway industry he loved."

The director understood; Captain Lei hadn't left, but lived on in each of their hearts, and to pay respects one could simply walk along the tracks, the best remembrance.

Three days later, at the farewell ceremony, Lu Cheng saw Lin Qingyan, who had come to mourn.

Lin Qingyan wore black, a white flower pinned to her chest, her face untouched by makeup, her fair cheeks as clean as that white blossom.

Lu Cheng was busy with the reception the whole time, and didn't find it odd when he saw Lin Qingyan also came to mourn.

Lei Zhan'ge's spirit inspired many; people from numerous units came to mourn, including some spontaneous onlookers.

Lin Qingyan was probably representing her father Lin Zhenfeng, and also representing the Metallurgical Department.

"You came too."

Seeing Lu Cheng's haggard look, Lin Qingyan opened her mouth: "Well, don't be too sad, take good care of yourself."

Lu Cheng nodded: "I know."

Lin Qingyan then bowed before the memorial hall; the entire funeral strictly followed Lei Zhan'ge's wishes, unpretentious, simple and quiet like a gathering of old friends.

After the farewell ceremony, the attending leaders were arranged to have a meal.

Lu Cheng didn't go; he just wanted to rest and get a good sleep.

Back at the Guesthouse, he closed the door, stripped off his clothes, lay on the bed, and after a while the room door was knocked.

He thought it was another Railway Bureau comrade calling him to eat, but when he opened the door, it was Lin Qingyan, carrying a Thermos Flask.

At the funeral they had only exchanged a few brief words; Lu Cheng didn't have time for a long chat, nor was there any need.

The weather was hot; seeing Lu Cheng in just underwear, completely bare, Lin Qingyan hurriedly turned her back.

"I brought you a flask of water…"

Lin Qingyan was still a bit worried about Lu Cheng, having left and then turned back.

Lu Cheng hesitated, but let Lin Qingyan in.

Lin Qingyan didn't look at him; while she was pouring water sideways, she heard Lu Cheng's clothing rustle.

"Don't dress, I see your clothes are dirty; just sleep first, I'll get you to the water room to wash them."

Lu Cheng's attempt to dress halted; he came in a hurry and hadn't brought any spare clothes.

"No need to wash; I'm leaving in two days, and I have no spare clothes either."

Lin Qingyan, still turned away, said: "It's fine, it's summer; once washed I'll hang it on the window, it'll dry soon."

Lu Cheng took a light breath: "Qing Yan, we…"

He meant to say that they each now have new lives, and Lin Qingyan needn't be so meticulous in caring for him.

"Don't overthink it, this is Ha City; I've settled here, it's just a matter of hospitality, helping a friend."

Lin Qingyan said that, turned, took the clothes out of the room, walked into the public water room, and stared at the garments in her hands, lost in thought.

Lu Cheng was simply too exhausted; he slumped on the bed and fell asleep.

When he groggily awoke, the sky outside the window had already darkened, and the first scent that filled his nose was a burst of soapberry fragrance.

It came from the freshly washed and hung clothes by the window, drifting gently with the summer evening breeze.

He shifted his body a bit, trying to change to a lying-flat posture, when he suddenly felt a softness beneath his head.

When he turned his head to look, Lin Qingyan gave him a slight smile; it turned out his sleeping position was lying on Lin Qingyan's thigh.

"I saw your sleeping posture was uncomfortable, so I pulled you close," Lin Qingyan explained gently.

Lu Cheng got up, fetched the clothes hanging by the windowsill, slipped them on while asking, "You've been sitting like this all afternoon? Then I've delayed you from work."

"It's fine, the unit isn't busy today," Lin Qingyan said as she stood.

"You must be hungry, let me treat you to a meal."

Lu Cheng waved his hand quickly: "No, no, I should be the one treating you; you brought me water, washed my clothes, and stayed with me all afternoon…"

Before Lu Cheng could finish, Lin Qingyan replied promptly: "Alright."

Lu Cheng was taken aback; neither of them had any reason to have this meal, yet now they were straight into the dining phase.

Lin Qingyan, familiar with the area, chose a small restaurant with Northeastern style, ordering two dishes: Guo Bao Rou and chicken stewed with mushrooms.

The Northeastern portions were generous; the two couldn't finish them.

Lu Cheng was hungry and ate quickly, while Lin Qingyan ate slowly, as if she wasn't in a hurry to go home.

Between bites, Lu Cheng asked, "Is your child not at home? I kept you all afternoon; you should have gone back earlier."

Lin Qingyan smiled: "No rush, the two children are very independent; even if I'm not home, they don't cause trouble."

Lu Cheng believed her; if those two children weren't independent, they wouldn't dare sneak onto trains.

Lu Cheng said nothing more, kept eating; after finishing, he thought Lin Qingyan should go back, but she still wasn't in a hurry.

Can you walk with me for a while?

Lu Cheng looked at the Ha City Street in the night; nearby residents carried small stools, outside swaying palm-leaf fans while chatting idly.

You really aren't in a hurry to go home? Later your mom will scold you again. Lu Cheng walked ahead, Lin Qingyan followed beside him.

It's fine, I'm used to it; she's just like that, very controlling, maybe… because I'm her only child.

Lu Cheng nodded, kept walking ahead; basically Lin Qingyan did all the talking, the main topics were all about the child, and they were just everyday matters.

For example, yesterday Yao Yao ate a big bowl of rice and talked about it all.

While saying these things, Lin Qingyan wore a happy faint smile, and Lu Cheng felt a bit helpless.

He thought, this can't continue; it's necessary to make things clear with Lin Qingyan, he has already started a new relationship.