He instinctively reached for his handkerchief, but fearing she might be disgusted that he had used it, he hesitated for a moment before handing it over.

Shen Tangning paused for a moment, then smiled and accepted the gift: "Thank you, my husband."

Seeing that she had no reservations, he became much more at ease and casually said, "It's really not easy to offer incense, does Madam believe in this?"

After saying that, he realized it was inappropriate. If he didn't believe, why did he come to worship?

Shen Tangning lowered her eyes and smiled: "I believe that anything is possible with human effort."

Chi Yan was taken aback, glanced at her, and clicked his tongue in amazement:

That's a rather subtle statement! Does it mean they don't believe in these empty, unfounded things?

What kind of incense did she offer?

He felt that their relationship wasn't close enough to delve into the details, so he wisely refrained from asking further questions.

There weren't too many people today. As soon as we entered, a young novice monk came forward to greet us: "Amitabha, would you two benefactors like to offer incense or lamps?"

Chi Yan consciously looked at Shen Tangning, who nodded politely: "Please offer incense, and trouble the young master to lead the way."

"You're too kind, lady. Please follow me."

She had visited Putuo Temple many times, so it wasn't unfamiliar to her.

Ancient lamps and Buddha statues, incense smoke swirling around.

There is a towering ancient tree in the courtyard. Its canopy blocks out the sun, and it is covered with red silk.

This was Chi Yan's first time here, and she tilted her head curiously: "Is this a marriage tree?"

The young novice monk smiled and said, "This tree is a wishing tree. It can grant wishes for more than just marriage; it can also grant other requests. It's very effective. Would you like to give it a try?"

"Let's forget about it." Chi Yan shook his head, offering no comment.

Where can a tree make your dreams come true?

But people have too many desires, and sometimes when things are beyond human control, they want to place their hopes on gods and Buddhas.

Whether it can be realized is secondary; at least it gives us hope.

It's human nature, he didn't think anything of it, but he was an easily satisfied person with few desires.

Shen Tangning, who was standing next to her, spoke up: "Please give me one."

The young novice nodded: "Wait a moment."

Chi Yan looked over, his tone playful: "Didn't you not believe me?"

Shen Tangning deliberately adopted a solemn expression: "Under the Buddha's seat, one must not speak recklessly." While Chi Yan was taken aback, she couldn't help but curl her lips, "Sincerity brings results."

The novice monk brought over a pen and a red silk ribbon. After thinking for a moment, Shen Tangning rolled up her sleeves and began to write.

Chi Yan didn't want to peek, but he couldn't resist his curiosity, so he simply went over and looked openly.

Her handwriting was not like that of ordinary women—delicate and reserved—but rather sharp and bold, each stroke conveying a sense of strength and grandeur.

May those I cherish be safe and well.

She paused, then wrote another line—

May Chi Yan live a long and healthy life, and enjoy peace and safety year after year.

Chi Yan was taken aback, a strange feeling welling up inside him. He said in a teasing tone, "Why did you include me in this? Is it to reach the word count?"

Shen Tangning casually said, "Yes, otherwise it would look so empty and ugly."

Chi Yan choked for a moment, then asked curiously, "Didn't you really want me to pass the high school entrance exam? Why didn't you write this?"

She glanced over, a smile hidden in her eyes: "Making two wishes at once, isn't that too greedy? What if Buddha doesn't approve?"

Chi Yan's heart throbbed, and she remained stunned for a long time.