Chapter 1955: Chapter 1955: Mirror World (32)
Cheng Mu arrived early the next day, dressed appropriately, showcasing his strengths without appearing too abrupt.
Mother Yuk was very satisfied, but Father Yuk was displeased no matter how he looked at him.
Mother Yuk nudged Father Yuk with her foot.
Only then did Father Yuk change his expression and forced out an ugly smile.
Cheng Mu: "..."
Cheng Mu cautiously nudged Chuzheng: "Does your dad dislike me?"
"He’s just like that."
Most mothers favor sons, fathers favor daughters; Father Yuk just couldn’t accept it for a while, having raised his daughter for many years, suddenly she has a boyfriend.
Mother Yuk asked Cheng Mu a few questions, not placing much importance on financial background, mainly focusing on character.
Cheng Mu’s answers evidently pleased Mother Yuk more.
After dinner, Father Yuk awkwardly stood up and suggested Cheng Mu join him in the yard.
No one knows what they talked about, but when Father Yuk came back inside, his expression had improved a lot.
Chuzheng went to the yard to find Cheng Mu: "What are you looking at?"
Cheng Mu was gazing up at the tree in the yard, not its flowering season now, only lush green leaves.
"This tree..."
"What’s with the tree?" What’s wrong with it? Haven’t you seen a tree before?
"There’s one like this in my yard too." It’s the first one he’s seen outside his home that looks the same.
Chuzheng raised an eyebrow and looked up at the tree; truth be told, Chuzheng couldn’t figure out what kind of tree this was.
Its flowers are small and white, hidden among the leaves, particularly beautiful.
Chuzheng and Cheng Mu sat under the tree, trying to identify it.
But none of the results matched this tree’s species.
After seeing Cheng Mu off, Chuzheng went to Father Yuk to ask about the tree downstairs.
"Oh, that. Your mom brought it back from the temple, back when you were sick and not getting better. It was said to protect you and bring you good fortune." Father Yuk sounded disgruntled: "In this day and age, your mom still believes in such things. In the end, it was me who took you to a big hospital and you bounced back the next day."
Chuzheng: "..."
Chuzheng sent Cheng Mu what Father Yuk said.
Cheng Mu also found out from his dad about the tree’s origin, also requested from a temple.
Chuzheng went on to ask Mother Yuk which temple.
Finally, the two confirmed that the tree came from the same temple.
[Cheng Mu: Do you think this connection spanning ten years is significant?]
[Chuzheng: Too coincidental to be a coincidence.]
They couldn’t explain their prior connection, must be some reason, right?
If it really is due to the tree, it explains why Yu Shi could only use it there.
Because the tree leaned against the wall, outside was Yu Shi’s home.
And her window wasn’t far from the tree.
[Cheng Mu: If it’s true, should we thank it?]
[Cheng Mu: Regardless, we should check it out here.]
Cheng Mu sent Chuzheng a picture of the temple he found.
The temple is located in the suburbs, even popular online, said to be especially effective for seeking love.
Situated on a hill, no transportation options, all must hike up.
Being a weekday, few visitors, Chuzheng and Cheng Mu walked side by side up, occasionally people glanced back at them, some even took their phones out for photos.
Cheng Mu handed Chuzheng a bottle of water: "Tired?"
"Not tired."
"..."
You can admit you’re tired.
"Are you tired?" Chuzheng took two sips of water, then handed it to him: "Should I carry you?"
Cheng Mu’s hand shook, nearly dropping the water.
Cheng Mu took a deep breath: "Baby, you’re a girl." The right response is you saying you’re tired, I’ll carry you, not the other way around!
"Yeah, so?" Look down on girls, do you? I can carry you no problem!! Don’t believe me? Try!
"No." Cheng Mu suggested continuing upward: "Let’s go."
Once they finished the steps, the first sight was the tree outside the temple covered in red ribbons.
Ancient and tall, lush leaves interspersed with the red ribbons, and small white flowers bloomed.
Chuzheng and Cheng Mu exchanged a glance, then slowly approached the tree.
Red ribbons adorned with plaques dangled, words of vows or wishes for love barely visible.
"Are you two making a wish?" A young monk appeared out of nowhere.
Chuzheng asked: "What kind of tree is this?"
The monk replied formally: "Bonding."
This tree is simply called ’Bonding,’ attracting those seeking fate.
At that moment, another young monk hurriedly approached, chanting "Amitabha, our head monk invites you."
-
In the guest room, incense swirled, distant chants echoed faintly, outside the window a pond, lotus leaves floated atop, fish played among them.
Chuzheng and Cheng Mu kneeled on cushions, facing the head monk.
The head monk displayed a kind expression, speaking gently: "Do you two have questions?"
Chuzheng held Cheng Mu down: "You know what we want to ask."
This head monk has some skills, knowing their visit, surely he knows their thoughts?
The head monk nodded: "How do you understand the concept of ’fate’?"
Chuzheng blurted out: "Three parts from heaven, seven parts self-made."
The head monk was taken aback: "Every human interaction is a form of fate."
From oneself, every line connecting others forms a type of fate.
The head monk continued: "You two were meant not to meet, but there’s a destined bond."
The head monk explained this bond meant their encounter.
Such a fate had long been rooted, waiting for the moment to sprout.
For them, facilitating the meeting of the fated brings virtue.
The head monk ended, closing his eyes, no more discussion.
Chuzheng knew their routine and pulled the inquisitive Cheng Mu away.
In the corridor, the towering tree remained in sight.
Cheng Mu held onto Chuzheng’s hand: "I’m grateful to stand by your side."
"..." You and I weren’t destined, it’s all me!
You ignorant weakling!
Cheng Mu wanted to write his vow, Chuzheng reluctantly allowed him.
"Will you write?"
"No."
"Come on and write." Cheng Mu shamelessly whined in public.
"..." This is a sacred place, I’ll endure you!
——Fate begins with me; destiny ends with you.
Cheng Mu stared at the words, took a while to return to his senses, then signed his name.
"Did you toss it?"
"Yes."
Cheng Mu attempted to toss, yet failed after many tries.
Cheng Mu met Chuzheng’s gaze, embarrassed: "This time I’ll definitely succeed!" Can’t lose face before baby.
Chuzheng couldn’t watch any more, took it from his hand: "Where do you want to toss it?"
"I..."
"Where?" Chuzheng asked sternly, a little impatient.
Cheng Mu paused, pointed to a higher spot: "There."
Chuzheng stepped back a few paces, raised her hand to throw, and the weighted plaque flew high, coming down accurately where Cheng Mu pointed.
Wind blew, all plaques collided, producing clear sounds like a hymn.
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