Chapter 146: The Mysterious Old Woman

If Shen Guodong knew that his impression in Liu Yueru’s heart had already changed, he wouldn’t know whether to feel happy or sad.

But Shen Guodong was also very clear inside: after all, he had been reborn, so he definitely needed to live differently this time.

In his previous life, Shen Guodong had lived more than half a lifetime. Business was no problem for him, but when it came to family, he had been quite poor. He had a sharp mind for commerce, but when it came to his wife and children, he fell short.

Now, given a second chance with such a family, Shen Guodong naturally cherished it dearly.

In the afternoon, after strolling around Xinjiekou a few times with Liu Yueru, Shen Guodong began to wonder about fun places in Fengcheng. In his memory, the only entertainment spots in Fengcheng were either casinos or brothels.

One could imagine what Shen Guodong usually thought about—never good deeds, only those messy, troublesome things. That was the unvarnished truth.

Just as Shen Guodong hesitated about where to go, Liu Yueru suddenly spoke up: "How about we go somewhere?"

Surprised, Shen Guodong asked, "Where do you want to go?"

"I want to visit a temple. Do you want to come?"

When Liu Yueru was alone with Shen Guodong, she sometimes lacked confidence when making suggestions, so she usually spoke in a tentative tone.

Shen Guodong, puzzled about where to go, immediately nodded: "Sure, let’s go."

Seeing his prompt agreement, Liu Yueru said, "Let’s go to the temple to fulfill a vow. I once drew a fortune stick there, and it turned out to be quite accurate. So I want to repay that vow and get a peace amulet for you."

Shen Guodong asked curiously, "What did you ask for back then? And it really came true?"

Liu Yueru smiled mysteriously, saying, "You’ll see when we get there. Come on, let's go—it’s not a short walk."

Shen Guodong replied, "Alright, I’ll see how far it is." Liu Yueru led the way, and Shen Guodong followed behind.

After walking for almost half an hour, Shen Guodong complained, "Are we there yet? We’ve been walking for nearly half an hour—I'm exhausted."

It was afternoon, and the blazing sun drenched Shen Guodong in sweat. He clearly felt he couldn’t take it anymore.

Liu Yueru, no better off, found a shady spot to catch her breath and said, "Why did it suddenly get so hot? The sun was still small earlier."

Shen Guodong had no energy to retort: "Do you have any popsicles? Let’s eat one before we continue."

Liu Yueru said, "Forget it. We’re close to the temple now. Things are usually expensive near there."

"Let’s hold on a bit longer. We’ll be there soon, and it’ll be cooler inside."

Hearing this, Shen Guodong nodded. After another ten minutes, the silhouette of the temple finally appeared.

"Lingyin Temple."

For a moment, Shen Guodong paused, thinking: Lingyin Temple? Could this be the same one from the TV show about the Living Buddha Ji Gong in his previous life?

He smiled and shook his head: "Why haven’t I heard of this temple before?"

Liu Yueru teased, "You were either drinking or gambling when we got married—how would you know about these odd things?"

Embarrassed, Shen Guodong scratched his head.

Liu Yueru continued, "Come on, it’s here. I drew a fortune stick here once, and it was pretty accurate."

Because it was Saturday, the temple was quite crowded. As they slowly queued to enter, Shen Guodong noticed the temple was bustling with worshippers.

Liu Yueru skillfully bought two incense sticks at a small window nearby.

"Whenever you enter a temple, you have to offer a prayer, whether you believe or not. Sincerity makes it work. Besides, since you’re here, it’s better to pray."

Shen Guodong nodded. His belief in Buddhism was half-hearted at best.

Taking the incense from Liu Yueru, he bowed devoutly. Then Liu Yueru said, "Come on, I’ll take you to see the master now."

Shen Guodong was puzzled: "There’s really a master in the temple? Isn’t it enough to pray at the main hall?"

He usually thought temples were just for taking photos, praying at the main hall, or buying peace amulets. That was the normal routine.

What he didn’t expect was that it was 1990, when temples hadn’t fully commercialized. Visitors paid incense fees just like ordinary tourists, and then could consult a master for explanations.

But as times changed, these masters gradually faded away or retreated into seclusion.

Liu Yueru pulled Shen Guodong forward, saying, "Come on, this master is popular today—I don’t know how long the line will be."

After turning several corners through a narrow alley, they arrived at a quiet place surrounded by bamboo groves.

This serene spot was clearly deeper within the temple grounds.

Liu Yueru stopped at the door of a low, humble building.

She released Shen Guodong’s hand and bowed sincerely: "Disciple Liu Yueru pays respects to Master."

Hearing this, Shen Guodong was baffled: "What’s going on? Has my wife become a nun?"

An aged voice came from inside: "Ah, Yueru, no need to be so formal."

Shen Guodong looked up and saw an elderly woman with white hair, wearing tattered clothes patched with cloth scraps.

She held some miscellaneous junk—worn newspapers, beer bottles—if one didn’t know better, they might think she was a ragpicker.

The sight of this worldly recluse startled Shen Guodong; to most people, she would just seem like a junk collector.

But Liu Yueru paid no mind to her attire and bowed deeply.

"Grandmother, I’ve come to fulfill my vow today. I never expected the fortune you read for me was so accurate. It has already come true."

Hearing this, Shen Guodong perked up: "What kind of readings does this woman do?"

The elderly woman smiled gently at Shen Guodong. His gaze met hers, and he felt a chill run through him.

Though a materialist who didn’t believe in ghosts or gods, Shen Guodong felt uneasy under the weight of her knowing gaze.

After all, he was in a reborn body now.

The old woman smiled kindly and said, "You must be Yueru’s husband, right?"