Chapter 21
The process of worshiping at the ancestral hall was very simple. Lin Langyi followed the others to light incense, bow, and insert incense sticks. Before long, she got sleepy.
Cheng Yanjin stayed close to her side the whole time. He used to disdain doing these things. In his words, the scenes after a person dies are for the living to see, and the living need these scenes more than the dead.
But today he was as quiet as a chicken, obeying commands without question, as if he had taken the wrong medicine.
After the ceremony at the ancestral hall, we went up the mountain. Laoshan Temple is right next to Yingshan Lake, where there is a large cemetery, a feng shui treasure land that was chosen.
The only people who came to the temple to draw lots were her, Cheng Yanjin, Feng Congning, and Meng Hui, who had come in the morning. The two mothers chatted back and forth in front, while Lin Langyi and Cheng Yanjin looked at each other silently in the back.
At this moment, for some reason, perhaps because the sun had come out and shone directly overhead, removing the darkness of the night, or perhaps because the incense and bells had cleansed his soul, Cheng Yanjin dared not meet Lin Langyi's gaze and frantically avoided her.
Fortunately, he was about to get his black card back, which gave him the means to have fun again, so he kept typing frantically on his phone to invite people over.
Lin Langyi didn't care; she was only playing the role of a marriage alliance partner. As she inserted the incense into the ash, she suddenly found it somewhat amusing, feeling like a pair of young boys and girls offered as sacrifices to the river god in ancient times.
She wrote down her destiny on a red paper, along with Cheng Yanjin's birth dates and times, and then began to plan an auspicious date. After much calculation, the master said the best time was November of next year.
Lin Langyi glanced at the back of Feng Congning's head. It had been a full year and a half. By then, the baby in her belly probably already had two baby teeth. They got engaged after a year and a half. When would they get married?
She nudged the person next to her with her elbow. Cheng Yanjin looked up from his phone, listened to her retelling, and praised, "Isn't that good? Giving me some buffer time before marriage."
Lin Langyi stared at him expressionlessly.
He had just made love to her and couldn't stand her gaze. He could only reluctantly and unwillingly contradict himself by shouting, "A year and a half? What are we going to do if we have a child first?"
He looked at her expression: "A year...?"
Lin Langyi still had that expressionless look on her face.
Um... it's been too long, hasn't it?
Feeling guilty, Cheng Yanjin continued to concede: "Then ten months?"
Lin Langyi remained silent.
He turned his face away, finally regaining his manly spirit, and encouraged himself: "Eight months! No shorter than eight months, get engaged in eight months, and get married in six months."
Seeing that Lin Langyi was still frowning, he had no choice but to turn his attention to Feng Congning: "You actually believe in this kind of feudal superstition?"
Meng Hui glanced at Feng Congning and smiled, "You younger generation really don't follow these customs anymore. Modern weddings are all the rage now."
Feng Congning persisted for a year and a half without wavering: "Laoshan Temple is very efficacious. Not to mention our family, how many business families pay hundreds of thousands or millions of yuan in incense money every year? There are explanations for this, so I'd rather believe it."
Lin Langyi glanced at the so-called semi-immortal master who was rumored to be the abbot of Laoshan Temple.
And their group hadn't even reached the main peak yet. Who knew if these "mysterious" fortune tellers could interpret pictures and make pronouncements just by giving them a little money?
Lin Lang wanted to test whether Feng Congning had given advance notice of her marriage to Cheng Yanjin in front of this master, so she said, "Since we're already here, let's have some other things calculated while we're at it. I'd like to have my fortune calculated. Cheng Yanjin, do you have anything you'd like to have calculated?"
Cheng Yanjin was being urged by the club on the other end of the phone, but his heart was elsewhere, so he decisively shook his head.
Lin Langyi stepped forward and cast a divination.
[Wealth comes to me, the month pillar is Jianlu, a woman's fate is worth 6.5 taels, this fate is blessed with great fortune, Heaven sent down King Wen to establish a great dynasty, wealth and glory for eight hundred years.] ①
"A superior and extremely auspicious destiny," the master said with a smile. "It brings prosperity to one's own family and to other families as well."
Everyone present was stunned.
Even Lin Langyi was stunned; she had never slipped money to anyone beforehand.
She slowly turned her head to look at Meng Hui: "Mom, am I really that lucky? Does that mean I'm just a money tree?"
Before Meng Hui could speak, Feng Congning quickly stepped forward to ask the master if they could choose an auspicious day within eight months. She was more anxious than anyone else and claimed that it would be best to get engaged within six months and married within a year.
Cheng Yanjin put down his phone and reminded her, "Feudal superstition is unacceptable—"
"Thank you, Master! It's so accurate!" Lin Langyi handed the master all the loose change she had prepared to throw into the incense box, her gaze resolute. "You're practically a demigod!"
Cheng Yanjin: ...
After the master calculated Lin Langyi's extremely noble destiny, Feng Congning's attitude towards her changed completely, saying, "If I had a sweet little girl in my belly like Xiaoyi, I would be laughing in my dreams."
Cheng Yanjin sneered: "I remember you asking around every day about who in your circle of wealthy women had given birth to a son, and who was getting treatments to conceive a son."
Feng Congning glanced at him, then looked at Meng Hui: "What era are we living in? Men and women are equal. Parents will treat sons and daughters the same. Look how outstanding Xiaoyi is, she got a share of the family business too."
Meng Hui smiled faintly: "Zhuzhu deserves it."
Cheng Yanjin chuckled again, probably mocking Feng Congning, who had just been steadfastly believing in destiny, for suddenly emphasizing materialism and gender equality.
He said lazily, "Then you can go to the main peak of Laoshan Temple yourselves. After that, you don't need to inform me unless something happens. Do whatever you want. I'm leaving now."
"What's wrong? You're leaving?" Feng Congning frowned. "What do you mean, 'whatever we want'? Aren't you concerned about your own wedding?"
With Meng Hui present, Cheng Yanjin didn't dare to be too presumptuous. He quickly came up with a better way to phrase the same thing: "What I mean is, I will listen to Lin Langyi."
Lin Langyi smiled slightly: "Ah, speaking of listening to me, I forgot to tell you. Laoshan Temple has a month-long volunteer program, which is a Dharma assembly for cultivating one's mind and body. I agreed to some conditions to redeem your black card, and Grandpa approved it."
What is that?
Cheng Yanjin froze for two seconds, his mind unable to process what he was saying: "A Buddhist ceremony? Volunteers?"
"Well, food and lodging are included, as well as chanting sutras for blessings, chores, and logistical work..." Lin Langyi glanced at Feng Congning's belly and smiled, "Grandpa said it's firstly to temper your temper, and secondly because there's a happy event coming up in the family soon, so you should accumulate more blessings and good deeds."
Cheng Yanjin pulled her away.
He was strong, and he practically dragged her backwards until they were out of their elders' reach before putting her down. He said urgently, "When did this happen? How come I didn't know? I'm not going!"
Lin Langyi said indifferently, "Then your card should be suspended soon."
Cheng Yanjin took a few deep breaths, then suddenly realized something was wrong: "Why didn't you discuss this with me first?"
"Didn't you say you'd listen to me?"
"That's because your mother was there, that's why I said that."
“No, that’s not right,” he realized, and glared fiercely at Lin Langyi, “My grandfather doesn’t believe in these things. Only that woman Feng Congning in the family knows how to do this kind of thing. Was it her who suggested it?”
"No, I suggested it." Lin Langyi said casually, smiled briefly, and quickly added, "Your family is very supportive."
Cheng Yanjin grabbed her shoulder, stammering angrily, "Lin Langyi, how could you side with her!"
"I'd like to be on your side, but you don't seem very sincere," Lin Langyi shrugged. "I'll consider coming back to you when you're sincere enough."
"When did I..." He finally remembered, frowning, "Are you still angry that I insisted on going out to play yesterday?"
Lin Langyi remained silent.
"We've already done everything, why are you still angry? I thought you weren't angry anymore."
She turned hostile: "You're overthinking it. Let's keep things separate. I was just testing whether my partner could get hard whenever he wanted."
Cheng Yanjin took a deep breath, pressed her down, and forced a smile: "Good sister, what do you want to make me feel better? Just don't send me in to do hard labor."
He raised an eyebrow, exuding an inexplicable air of arrogant charm, and suddenly leaned close to her ear, his breath tickling her ear: "You let me come home every day, so I can lick you every day. Didn't you like it last night?"
Lin Langyi pushed his head away with one finger, remaining unmoved: "There's no need. I'll stop being angry if you go inside and do hard labor."
Cheng Yanjin completely lost his temper: "I can tell you weren't angry to begin with, you're just trying to mess with me!"
Lin Langyi turned around and walked back: "Auntie is still waiting for us. I'll go over first. Do you want to stay here or go and see where we'll be staying for the next month?"
"Lin Langyi! You just wait!"
Lin Langyi met up with Feng Congning and Meng Hui. Cheng Yanjin was late in catching up, but Lin Langyi didn't care and just said he would come.
On the way to the main peak, Feng Congning grew increasingly fond of Lin Langyi. Perhaps it was the incident at the Dharma assembly that had struck a chord with her, making her believe that Lin Langyi was a person who understood the bigger picture and the situation, and someone she could win over.
"Actually, quite a few people in our circle have come to Laoshan Temple to donate incense. Do you know Yuan Chuyu, Yan Jin's childhood friend? His mother donated six million to build the main hall, and his name is even on it. When Yan Jin starts practicing there, I'll invite everyone to come and chant sutras together."
Lin Langyi suggested, "Why don't we talk to Uncle Cheng first? He'll be happy to hear that Cheng Yanjin has 'turned over a new leaf'."
Feng Congning understood immediately, her face beaming with joy. She went to the side to make a phone call and, like a megaphone, broadcasted the great news that Cheng Yanjin was going to do volunteer work at the temple.
We absolutely must send him in.
The group walked and stopped intermittently, and Cheng Yanjin eventually caught up with a dark expression.
The circle is small, and news travels fast. Several well-informed friends had probably already inquired about him. Lin Langyi discovered that Cheng Yanjin had posted several angry updates on his WeChat Moments, each one filled with impotent rage, and he was even shouting about when the urban planning would level Laoshan Mountain and turn it into a cemetery.
But there's nothing he can do. A gentleman will bow down for five pecks of rice. What can he do if the card is stopped?
Cheng Yanjin didn't even have time to argue with Lin Langyi anymore. He now only felt that Lin Langyi was despicable, a vicious snake who would devour people without spitting out the bones, with sinister methods, holding grudges and being petty. He had really suffered a lot at her hands.
He kept begging the old man for forgiveness, making four phone calls in total. Finally, he gave up and changed his WeChat nickname from "I still have time on May 19th" to "I will be in seclusion for a month starting from May 25th".
Upon arriving at the main temple, Feng Congning was completely at ease, as if she had returned to her own backyard. She called out the Dharma names of various masters along the way and led the ashen-faced Cheng Yanjin inside for a tour.
Laoshan Temple holds four retreat camps every year, and there are even guides on the internet. Cheng Yanjin stared at the "Guidelines for Monastic and Lay Buddhists on Meditation Practice" posted on the wall until his face turned pale.
4:30-4:45: Start the morning quiet routine
4:45-6:15: Morning service in the Mahavira Hall
6:15-6:45: Morning meal service
6:45-8:00: Cleaning, public sanitation, housekeeping, etc.
8:00-9:20: Temple Pilgrimage
9:30-11:00: Training in the dining hall
11:00-11:30: Lunch break
12:30-13:30: Exiting the slope
13:30-17:00 Evening service in the Mahavira Hall, followed by Dharma discussion.
17:00-17:30: Evening Medicine
17:30-19:00: Cleaning, public sanitation, housekeeping, etc.
19:00-21:00: Chanting sutras in the Yuantong Hall
21:00-21:30: Nourishing Incense
21:30-4:30 (next day): Practice standing meditation, rest and recuperation.
"Lin Langyi, Lin Langyi!" Cheng Yanjin murmured, his voice growing louder and louder, his emotions reaching a breaking point. "You're not trying to care about me, you're trying to kill me!"
He finally remembered the deeper meaning behind every word Lin Langyi had said before:
“There are better candidates to establish prestige.”
"No need to worry about money?"
"Fine, if you want to leave, then go ahead."
She's so vindictive!
"Shh—" Lin Langyi put a finger to her lips and whispered, "Don't make a fuss. I just looked up the rules for you. The rules of the retreat camp are 'silence' and no cell phones."
"Can't I use my phone?!" He was stunned.
"You can't mute yourself when you're practicing during class."
"Lin Langyi, you might as well send me to jail. What's the difference between this and being in jail?!"
The abbot clasped his hands together and glanced in their direction. Feng Congning quickly bowed and apologized.
Lin Langyi patted Cheng Yanjin on the shoulder and kindly advised him, "You'd better be more respectful. This is a small society, and getting into conflicts with people won't do you any good."
"A conflict?" Cheng Yanjin sneered, twisting his shoulder to shake her hand off. "You mean I'd climb onto the roof and tear off the tiles after the lights are out?"
"Don't worry, you're not allowed to go outside after lights out."
"Who can sleep at this hour?!"
"You'll get tired when the time comes." Lin Langyi smiled innocently, held up her phone, and read the guide to him clearly. "The easier tasks in the housekeeping and public sanitation work are washing dishes, doing laundry, mopping the floor, burning incense, and arranging offerings; the more tiring ones are farm work, picking and washing vegetables. But luckily you have good stamina, so these are all a piece of cake, right?"
Cheng Yanjin completely broke down.
Lin Langyi pressed on: "There used to be a large dormitory for 24 people, but I begged Grandpa to get you a single room."
"So I should thank you for being kind and considerate, right?"
"Yan Jin, come here quickly!" Feng Congning waved to him with a beaming smile. "Come and get the Haiqing robe, lay Buddhist robe, and long gown. Xiao Yi has ordered them for you. How thoughtful of her."
Cheng Yanjin suddenly turned his head and glared at Lin Langyi, who smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up: "Gentle and considerate."
He turned around and left.
Cheng Yanjin organized a gathering that day, inviting a group of friends. In his WeChat Moments, he described Lin Langyi as utterly wicked and beyond redemption. When he got excited, he wanted to order two more bottles of wine, but was told that his card could not be swiped. He was both angry and anxious, so he made a phone call to Yuan Chuyu, demanding that Lin Langyi be brought to justice.
"Chu Hong?"
"Yeah, bring him out here." Cheng Yanjin gritted his teeth. "He caused all this trouble, and you expect me to take the blame and clean up his mess? There's no such thing as a free lunch!"
Yuan Chuyu was still in the company. He scrolled through the mouse, his gaze fixed on the computer screen, and replied, "He probably can't get out. He lost three months' worth of living expenses in the last water polo match, so now he can only watch helplessly."
"That's perfect!" Cheng Yanjin was still angry. "Since he doesn't have any money either, he might as well become a monk with me and come over here to chant sutras with me!"
Yuan Chuyu unscrewed his pen and made a few annotations on the paper proposal: "You've been exiled by Old Master Cheng?"
"It's Lin Langyi! That treacherous and cunning woman, I really misjudged her!"
Yuan Chuyu paused, the nib of his pen lingering on the paper for a long time, the ink slowly spreading into a blot.
Cheng Yanjin was complaining bitterly on the other side, and he could vaguely hear someone urging him to drink, saying, "Be a little tipsy and forget your sorrows."
Yuan Chuyu lowered his eyes, crossed out the word that was already too blurry to see clearly, and continued to write slowly on the side.
Cheng Yanjin was so angry, and he suffered such a huge loss without actually doing anything to Lin Langyi, so those around him should have understood the situation.
No one used to dare pluck a tiger's hair from its nose.
Lin Langyi should be quite happy that Cheng Yanjin spoke of her like that in the circle. Her original goal was to quickly integrate and gain a foothold. If everyone knows that Cheng Yanjin is completely subdued by her and can't do anything about it, then this is the best way to establish her authority.
If Cheng Yanjin had treated Lin Langyi well from the beginning, he wouldn't have been locked up for a month now.
Yuan Chuyu turned the page and repeated, "Be nicer to her."
"Are you kidding me!" Cheng Yanjin exclaimed in shock. "Who is your brother here? Whose side are you on? And you're even taking her side."
“I’m advising you.” Yuan Chuyu put down his pen. “Be nicer to her and don’t always make her angry.”
Cheng Yanjin gritted his teeth: "I can't swallow this. I, I'm going to send Chu Hong in too! He was the one who upset Lin Langyi in the first place. I can't be the only one suffering."
Yuan Chuyu nodded: "No problem, he should go in and temper his temper."
The two brothers were in complete agreement on this point.
After hanging up the phone, Yuan Chuyu still held his pen and looked at the documents in front of him. His gaze remained fixed on the black and white words on the paper, but he didn't turn a page for a long time.
It wasn't until his secretary came in to ask if he could attend the international online meeting that Yuan Chuyu suddenly snapped out of his reverie. He glanced at the investment proposal in front of him again and frowned: "Who handled this proposal?"
Before he could finish the sentence, "These kinds of clauses are being put up like this? Does Ying Yuan need a legal advisor or has he switched to charity?", the secretary craned her neck to take a look, then quickly pulled back after seeing the document and cautiously asked, "President Yuan, this... you approved it, didn't you?"
Yuan Chuyu paused for a moment, then flipped back to the first page of the cooperation agreement, where the seal of Yingshanhu Co., Ltd. was prominently displayed.
He paused, then calmly put the document away and began to urge the cooperation process forward.
Upon hearing that everything was progressing smoothly and that the first round of financing had been secured, Yuan Chuyu changed the subject and praised the efforts of the relevant team.
His secretary accompanied him to the conference room, taking the opportunity to report on the upcoming schedule. When he heard that the project manager had arranged to meet with Ying Shanhu the next day, Yuan Chuyu stopped pushing the door open and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Inform the project team that I will also be there tomorrow."
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