บท 73: A Vow of Unwavering Solidarity

As the solemn proceedings drew to a close, the small gathering of mourners began to disperse, each footstep heavy with the weight of shared sorrow. It was then that Mrs Xia stepped forward, her eyes rimmed with the telltale redness of countless tears shed.

"Feng Ruoxi," she began, her voice trembling with a potent mixture of gratitude and sorrow, "thank you for what you and your husband did for our family. We...we don't know how we would have faced this without you two."

Turning towards Feng Ruoxi, Mrs Xia's gaze softened, her expression one of heartfelt appreciation. "And Feng Feng Ruoxi, thank you for being there for my daughter. You are a truly good friend."

Feng Ruoxi felt a lump form in her throat, the weight of Mrs Xia's words striking a chord deep within her soul. Reaching out, she gently grasped the older woman's hands on her own, offering a comforting squeeze.