Chapter 2199: Radiant Blossoms (Part 1)

All the fans quietly watched him walk past and get into a car. The man rolled down the window and waved to the fans outside: “Thank you, everyone. I feel your sincerity. Please go back and have a good rest.”

He was always so gentle, a picturesque landscape was not as captivating as the color between his brows, his gaze seemed to encompass all the worldly wonders, finally melting into a pool of serene and gentle clarity.

The car disappeared from view, and the fans were still in a daze, each one screaming excitedly.

——

The car arrived at the gates of the Baili Family residence, the red lacquer on the vermilion doors spoke of a century-old aristocratic family’s heritage, evoking admiration and respect.

Couplets were pasted on the doors, red silk was draped from the plaque above the door frame, and the entire place was filled with festivity, warming up for the upcoming birthday celebration of Lady Baili.

Butler Uncle Wu opened the door to greet them, his face full of cheer: “Young master, you have returned. Madam has been thinking about you.”

Baili Zhuo, carrying gifts, stepped forward: “Take me to see my mother.”

“Of course.” Uncle Wu walked briskly, leading the way in. The servants in the courtyard, upon seeing Baili Zhuo, all showed expressions of joy and greeted him. Baili Zhuo smiled gently as he followed Uncle Wu inside.

Lady Baili was sitting in the main seat; upon seeing Baili Zhuo, she immediately stood up and hurried over: “Zhuozhuo….”

“Mother.” Baili Zhuo was about to kneel down but was stopped by Lady Baili, “Let your mother take a look at you, have you lost weight?”

Upon closer inspection, Lady Baili’s eyes reddened, she gently caressed Baili Zhuo’s face and said with heartache: “You’ve lost so much weight, you surely haven’t been eating or resting well outside. I kept saying you shouldn’t enter the entertainment industry, but you wouldn’t listen.”

Baili Zhuo held his mother’s hand and smiled: “I really like my current profession, though it’s a bit hard and tiring, every day feels fulfilling, and I get to experience different lives. This is the kind of life I want.”

Seeing the spark in his eyes when talking about his career, Lady Baili couldn’t bear to criticize him further: “As long as you like it.”

Baili Zhuo pulled Lady Baili to sit down: “Mother, how have you been lately?”

Aunt Chen, on the side, said: “Madam is eating and sleeping well, but she’s been missing the young master, worrying that you’re not eating or sleeping well outside, without someone close to take care of you….”

Lady Baili said: “Zhuozhuo, how long will you be staying this time?”

Baili Zhuo replied with a smile: “I’ve rescheduled some work to spend more time with you.”

Lady Baili appeared very happy, wanting to say something but holding back. Finally, she said: “Tomorrow, I plan to go to Hanshan Temple to offer incense. Will you come with me? When you suddenly fell ill back then, the doctors said there was no hope, but it was Master Huiming who saved you. You should come and thank him.”

A fleeting glimmer passed through Baili Zhuo’s eyes, and he nodded: “Sure.”

Lady Baili smiled with relief.

After Baili Zhuo left, Aunt Chen asked: “Madam, why didn’t you tell the young master earlier?”

Lady Baili sighed, “Ever since Zhuozhuo recovered from that illness, he’s seemed like a different person. Telling him rashly might make him resentful, better to take it slow.”

“Madam has thought everything through. The day after tomorrow is your major birthday celebration, all the city’s socialites will attend. Let’s see which one the young master might like?”

Lady Baili frowned, for some reason, she couldn’t shake off a feeling of pessimism.

Early the next morning, Lady Baili and Baili Zhuo set off for Hanshan Temple. Today, Baili Zhuo wore a white cotton long robe, appearing elegant, refined, and gentle.

Lady Baili took a few more glances, feeling that Zhuozhuo had changed a lot since recovering from the illness; though still gentle and kind, there was something different she couldn’t quite pinpoint.

Once they reached the foot of Hanshan Temple, the group got out of the vehicle and began to walk up the steps. The countless steps ahead did not deter Baili Zhuo, as each step he took was firm and resolute.

They finally arrived at the temple entrance, where a young monk was guarding. Seeing the two of them, he immediately clasped his hands together: “Amitabha, the master has been expecting you, please come in.”

Lady Baili was astonished, her eyes widened in shock. She had not informed Hanshan Temple of their visit in advance, so how did the host know?

It truly was a high monk, able to foresee, and Lady Baili’s heart was filled with admiration.

Once inside the temple, Lady Baili first went to offer incense, and Baili Zhuo accompanied her, kneeling before the Buddha statue. Baili Zhuo gazed at the solemn and sacred image before him, those sorrowful and compassionate eyes quietly watching the world, remaining forever serene despite the passage of time and emotional upheavals.

He made a silent wish in his heart and opened his eyes with a wisp of a smile gracing his lips.

After exiting the great hall, Lady Baili went to meet with Master Huiming, while Baili Zhuo strolled slowly through the temple grounds, unknowingly nearing a particular Zen courtyard. He looked at the four large characters “Cloud Abode Zen Center” above the entrance and was momentarily dazed.

“You must depart, dear sir; idle wanderers are not allowed near here,” a young monk with little tiger-like teeth suddenly appeared.

Baili Zhuo took one last look and then turned to leave.

——

“Master, I want to inquire about Zhuozhuo’s marriage prospects. Here is his birth chart, could you please give it a reading?” Lady Baili took out a slip of paper and placed it on the table.

“Amitabha, everything cannot be forced; let it proceed naturally.” Master Huiming said in a leisurely manner.

“But Master, Zhuozhuo is already twenty-two; considering his nature, I’m worried his future marriage may be adversely affected….”

“Young Master Baili is a virtuous man across nine lives, with accumulated merit resulting in blessings and longevity. His career will be successful, and though his marriage may encounter some hurdles, it will ultimately end well.”

Lady Baili had complete trust in Master Huiming, and hearing this, her worries eased: “Thank you, Master Huiming, for your guidance.”

“By the way, tomorrow is my fiftieth birthday. I will personally donate an amount to the temple as incense money for the daily expenses. Some places in the temple need repair, and I will send people over.”

“Your generosity will be rewarded with good fortune.”

“It is simply what I should do.”

Master Huiming pondered for a moment before speaking: “Tomorrow, on your joyous day, I will send my disciples to extend birthday greetings and thank you for your years of support to our temple.”

Lady Baili quickly replied: “That would be wonderful.”

The doors of the Cloud Abode Zen Center opened slowly, and Master Huiming walked in.

A young girl was seated cross-legged on a prayer mat, her gray monk’s hat revealing a calm demeanor.

Upon hearing the footsteps, she slowly opened her eyes.

What kind of eyes were those? Still, serene, like a stagnant pool of water, stirring no waves.

“Master.” The girl’s eyelids lowered slightly.

“Tomorrow, accompany your senior brother down the mountain.”

The girl abruptly lifted her head, her eyes filled with confusion.

“As I told you before, your worldly ties are not yet severed. Now the opportunity has arrived, and it is time for you to go down.”

The girl lowered her lashes quietly, replying softly, “Understood.”

The secular ties were merely fleeting clouds in her life’s journey, forever accompanied by the dim altar light of Buddha. Yet she would not defy her master’s wishes.