The next afternoon.
Feilai Peak, Lingyin Temple.
This Lingyin Temple was vast, with countless halls and courtyards, a great spectacle in Hangjiang second only to West Lake, drawing a huge number of tourists and pilgrims.
He watched Li Xiuying and her daughter Su Yingxue kneel before the Buddha, praying and making vows.
He didn't believe in Buddhism, so naturally, he didn't join them to kneel and burn incense.
After making their wishes, Li Xiuying and her daughter each drew a fortune slip.
Both were interpreted as the highest omens.
"Axue, what does this slip mean? I'm not well-educated, so I can't quite understand," Li Xiuying said, taking her daughter's slip.
"Mom, it's nothing, just that everything will go smoothly," Su Yingxue replied, her face flushing slightly as she tried to put the slip away.
"Oh, what's wrong with letting Mom see it?" Li Xiuying dodged Su Yingxue's hand and walked over to Chen Fan. "Xiao Fan, Auntie, can you explain what this fortune slip means?"
Chen Fan smiled. A quick glance made him pause slightly.
"Destined for marriage, no need to heed scattered words. Truly a loving couple from two families, the pond is not yet frozen, birds will nest."
The slip was not difficult to interpret. Li Xiuying probably understood it herself, but she was deliberately showing it to him.
He smiled.
Although the fortune-telling at temples was often a trick to appease pilgrims, with only good or excellent omens, he found the trick quite agreeable at this moment.
"Auntie, it means that marriage is destined by heaven, and as long as you are devoted, you will find a deeply loving couple," he said.
Su Yingxue's face turned crimson.
"Did you hear that, Axue? Even the Buddha says so," Li Xiuying laughed. "Some opportunities, once missed, will never return."
"Mom, it's getting late, let's go down the mountain," Su Yingxue changed the subject.
Li Xiuying shook her head. "It's still early. Let's look around some more. You two young people have quick steps, go together. Nannan and I will just wander around here, praying to the Buddha."
"How can that be?"
"Axue!" Li Xiuying said displeasantly, "We are very familiar with Lingyin Temple, but your Brother Chen is not from here. Since we came out together, you should accompany him for a tour. Nannan and I will wait for you at the entrance later!"
"Mom..."
"Go!" Li Xiuying said. "You should know how good your Brother Chen is to you. What's wrong with being his guide for once?"
Su Yingxue was a little amused and exasperated. "Alright, alright. Just don't wander off, and take care of yourselves."
Li Xiuying waved her hand impatiently.
Su Yingxue had no choice but to lead Chen Fan to tour the temple's sights.
Of course, she knew what her mother meant. When she was alone with Chen Fan, she felt happy and joyful. But deep down, something still held her back.
Chen Fan was indeed visiting this grandest temple in Southeast China for the first time, listening to Su Yingxue, a local, explain its history.
As they wandered, they arrived at a large rock beside the temple.
Looking at the giant rock and the inscriptions on it, Su Yingxue's face flushed slightly. "This is the Three Lives Stone."
The name itself explained its origin and story.
The stele recounted a tale of two lovers who vowed to be together for three lifetimes.
It also contained a poem: "Old spirits on the Three Lives Stone, no need to discuss moon-gazing and wind-chanting; ashamed that lovers visit from afar, though this body differs, our spirits endure."
As they were talking in hushed tones, several monks approached them. "Benefactors, we have distinguished guests arriving. We would ask you to please excuse yourselves for a moment."
Chen Fan frowned upon hearing this.
Su Yingxue tugged at Chen Fan's sleeve. "Master, we'll leave now."
The two moved away from the Three Lives Stone and walked downhill.
A group of over ten people came towards them. Two monks led the way, and the one at the front, wearing a kasaya, appeared solemn, suggesting a high status within the temple.
Chen Fan and Su Yingxue stood by the roadside to let the group pass.
However, as the group approached, Chen Fan suddenly froze.
It was Chen Xing'er.
Besides her were Xu Shengqing and Yuan Liangping, as well as Su Yingxia, and several young masters from prominent local families.
It was indeed too coincidental.
But on second thought, it was normal for Chen Xing'er to visit this famous tourist spot when she came to Hangjiang.
As for the others, they were clearly accompanying her.
Chen Xing'er paid Chen Fan no mind and walked past.
Yuan Liangping and Xu Shengqing, however, stopped upon seeing Chen Fan, a trace of hatred in their eyes.
Su Yingxia also paused when she saw Chen Fan, and then felt a flicker of panic.
Not for any other reason than the fear of causing further trouble.
Every encounter with Chen Fan since her divorce had brought trouble. She worried this time would be no different.
If this were to cause Miss Chen to form a negative opinion of her, the loss would be even greater.
"Master Guanghai!" Yuan Liangping called out. "In this sacred Buddhist land, there is a scoundrel with malicious intent and evil deeds. How should he be dealt with?"
The leading monk turned back, surprised. "Amitabha. If that's the case, Benefactor Yuan should call the police."
"That won't be necessary," Yuan Liangping smiled. "This person killed someone just the other day. Due to certain reasons, he won't be punished. But I believe such a person should not defile this sacred Buddhist ground. Do you agree, Master?"
"Amitabha!" Master Guanghai understood. "Then, please, this benefactor, quickly descend the mountain."
Chen Fan withdrew his gaze from Chen Xing'er and smiled. "Master, are you not afraid of enraging the Buddha by doing this?"
"The Buddha says all beings are equal. Is this equality?"
"Amitabha, benefactor, you have a silver tongue." Master Guanghai looked somewhat embarrassed.
Temples were now tourist attractions, and Lingyin Temple was no exception. Tourists had bought tickets to enter, and he truly had no right to expel anyone.
However, this Young Master Yuan had an extraordinary status, contributing millions in incense offerings. He had to curry favor with him.
Moreover, there was an even more distinguished guest present.
"All beings are equal, but actions have good and evil. Those who uphold good karma attain rebirth in the Pure Land; those ensnared by evil karma are not accepted even by the Buddha."
"Benefactor, you wield the butcher's knife and are not suited to linger here. Please descend the mountain. Otherwise, this humble monk will have to call security to escort you out!"
Chen Fan couldn't help but chuckle. This Master Guanghai had some quick wit.
However, he was still just a so-called master, spouting grand pronouncements.
"Is he Chen Fan?" a clear voice rang out.
It was Chen Xing'er speaking.
She hadn't seen Chen Fan yesterday when she went to visit, and unexpectedly met him here today. Her gaze held a touch more curiosity.
Surveying Chen Fan, a hint of confusion lingered in her eyes.
Chen Fan felt a pang of emotion. Indeed, a woman changes greatly with age. The little girl who used to follow him around with a snotty nose had now blossomed into a graceful and captivating young lady.
He had always kept an eye on her, knew all her information, and had seen many of her photos.
But ten years had passed, and it was unlikely she would recognize him.
Besides, Chen Fan was not the name he used when he was with the Chen family. Otherwise, Chen Xing'er would have contacted him long ago.
"Cousin, it's him!" Xu Shengqing narrowed his eyes and said, "This guy is too arrogant. Relying on Mr. Long's influence, he doesn't take our Chen family seriously!"
Chen Xing'er ignored Xu Shengqing's latter remark and asked, "Mr. Chen Fan, we are from the same family, aren't we? Are you from Kyoto?"
Was this a test?
It seemed this girl hadn't entirely failed to recognize him.
Of course, after all, they were like siblings who grew up together. Even though they had been separated for ten years and had changed considerably, a sense of familiarity lingered.
But she still remained uncertain.
"No," Chen Fan replied with a smile. "Are you taking a census? Do you also need to ask if I'm married, how many people are in my family, what my profession is, and how much I earn monthly?"
Chen Xing'er frowned at his words.
"What are you saying, Chen Fan? How dare you be disrespectful to Miss Chen?" Yuan Liangping reprimanded.
"Don't think you can be reckless just because Mr. Long is backing you!"
"You'd better get out of here yourself, and don't be an eyesore!"
Chen Fan ignored them. "Miss Chen, you're not young anymore. When making friends, you should have some discernment. Don't associate with all sorts of ill-intentioned hangers-on."
With that, he took Su Yingxue's hand and walked away.
Chen Xing'er paused.
Yuan Liangping and the others were furious. He had just insulted them in front of Miss Chen.
And he walked away after that?
"Chen Fan, don't be arrogant. You'll get what's coming to you sooner or later!"
"You're just relying on Mr. Long's influence, what's there to be proud of? When you lose Mr. Long's trust, won't you just be a worthless good-for-nothing?"
"..."
Chen Fan paid them no mind, pulling Su Yingxue along as they left.
Yuan Liangping and the others were still fuming.
Chen Xing'er, however, recovered and suddenly laughed. She turned to Shi Wenyan and said, "I want all the information on this Chen Fan. The more detailed, the better!"