Tang Yaoyao looked up at her. She was already old and had cut her long hair. Her light hair made her look much more capable than the average elderly person from behind.
She was wearing a gray cotton-padded coat, meditating, chanting Buddhist scriptures, and holding a string of prayer beads in her hand. She gave the impression of being a very devout Buddhist elderly woman.
Qiao Yanzhi called out, "Auntie."
The old man stopped what he was doing, turned to the side, and was pleasantly surprised when he saw Qiao Yanzhi: "Yanzhi."
Then, after bowing three times to the Buddha statue, he got up and came over to greet it.
Even though she's an elderly woman, her inherent charm remains. The wrinkles on her face make her look kind and approachable, and her smile is gentle and kind. It's easy to see that she must have been a very beautiful woman when she was young.
"Auntie, are you feeling better?"
Qiao Xiuzhen nodded and said with a smile, "Thanks to the Bodhisattva's blessing, I'm feeling much better. Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I didn't prepare anything."
The second half of the sentence was meant to be reproachful, but the smile on his lips showed no hint of reproach whatsoever.
Qiao Yanzhi smiled and said, "If I had told you in advance, Aunt, you would have made a big fuss about welcoming us. We have a Buddhist shrine at home, and I don't want to be extravagant and disturb the peace of the Buddhist temple."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Xiuzhen nodded and then looked at the young man beside her.
Fu Xiuchen smiled gently and respectfully greeted, "Auntie."
Xiao Jinhan also called out, "Auntie."
Qiao Xiuzhen nodded happily: "Okay, okay."
Then, she saw Tang Yaoyao, who was over seventy years old. Her eyes were yellowish and cloudy, unlike the clear eyes she had when she was young. At this moment, a misty look spread across her eyes.
After a long while, he asked, "These are grapes, right?"
Tang Yaoyao nodded and said with a smile, "Auntie, I'm so sorry it's been so long since I last visited you."
"Don't talk nonsense. I'm already very happy that you came. Come over and offer incense to Buddha and Bodhisattva. May our Qiao family be healthy and safe."
As Qiao Xiuzhen spoke, she pulled her towards the Buddhist hall.
The old man had a unique smell, but it wasn't unpleasant; instead, it added to his warmth and friendliness.
Qiao Xiuzhen turned around and called out, "Yanzhi, bring the eldest and fourth sons in to offer incense."
"Um."
Afterwards, everyone came over, each holding three incense sticks, bowed three times to the Buddha statue in front of them, made their wishes, and then offered incense.
Qiao Xiuzhen instructed from the side: "You must pray sincerely so that the Bodhisattva can hear your wishes. After they are fulfilled, you will have to come back to give thanks."
Tang Yaoyao silently recited in her heart.
"I, Tang Yaoyao, wish my family peace and happiness."
She naturally believed it. Although Buddha is Buddha and immortal is immortal, in a sense, there is not much difference between the two.
She was a fairy in her previous life, so naturally she believed in Buddhism.
After bowing three times, offer incense, and then step back.
Qiao Xiuzhen looked at her with loving eyes: "You and your mother look very similar. In the past, your mother often prayed to Buddha here. Perhaps her sincerity moved Heaven, which is why you and your mother are reunited now."
Tang Yaoyao looked at her mother, walked over, took her hand, and said in a coquettish tone, "We'll never be apart again."
Seeing this, Qiao Xiuzhen smiled, her eyes filled with satisfaction.
Tang Yaoyao glanced at the old woman in front of her, seemingly unintentionally. She was just an ordinary old woman, without any hint of hostility.
He couldn't help but think of his previous suspicions, and looking at her again, he suddenly felt a little lost.
Perhaps she really misjudged things from the beginning?
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