In the world, there are countless pious people, whether their piety is genuine or not. In front of them, there are quite a few people desperately squeezing forward, holding high incense sticks, all wishing to offer their devout spirit to the Buddha and Bodhisattva.
Qi Taiguo frowned deeply. He had never been to such a place before, let alone to offer incense. If it werenât for Cheng Su wanting to come, he wouldnât have thought to visit. Only after arriving did he see in person how fanatical people were and how deep their reverence for the gods was.
Cheng Su was also holding incense and moving forward. Since theyâd come, it was impossible to persuade her to leave. Qi Taiguo had no choice but to open his arms protectively around her. The incense was all lit, the room was only so big, and with so many people bumping into each other, what if the incense ash fell on her face?
He was tall and broad, protecting Cheng Su so that she remained unscathed. As for him, several incense ashes fell onto the back of his hand, some still glowing with embers, quickly burning blisters.
But Qi Taiguo had crawled through gunfire; such incense ashes were nothing to him. Sometimes, he wouldnât even blink.
Finally, Cheng Su offered her incense and then moved to the lottery sticks, drawing an excellent fortune.
Once they left the temple, she noticed the red blisters on Qi Taiguoâs hand and quickly asked how he got them. Upon learning they were burned by incense ashes, she felt a pang of guilt.
"Itâs nothing, just childâs play, doesnât hurt," Qi Taiguo said, unconcerned.
Cheng Su pursed her lips and blew on his blisters, saying, "Donât break them, or itâll hurt a lot. Iâll put some medicine on them when we get back." Then she dragged him to find the temple guide to interpret the fortune.
It was already noon when they finally left Ling Shan Temple, and Cheng Suâs face was full of joy and smiles.
Qi Taiguo held her hand, noticing her smiling face, he couldnât help but smile too, asking, "So happy?"
"Yes, itâs a good fortune. It says weâll have good things happen this year, of course Iâm happy." Cheng Su smiled and asked back, "Arenât you happy?"
"Itâs New Yearâs Day, just trying to get some good luck and fortune. The temple guide certainly wonât say anything bad and will speak only of the good. Donât say I told you, but Iâm sure that fortune cylinder is filled only with excellent fortunes, not a single bad one." Qi Taiguo said.
Cheng Su stopped in her tracks, staring at him, and said, "Why canât you say anything nice? Canât you say something pleasant?" Even if it was like he said, he shouldnât have exposed it, especially on New Yearâs Day!
"My fault, my fault," Qi Taiguo quickly admitted his mistake.
Only then did Cheng Su huff and continue walking forward, saying, "Letâs go down the mountain to eat glutinous rice balls."
"As you wish, whatever you say. I have time all day."
Cheng Su, feeling satisfied, pulled his hand and went around the various food stalls, also buying two heart knots. They were sold by a young girl who claimed she made them herself, speaking sweetly.
Walking a little further, they saw wood carvings, a set of festive children carvings, lively and exquisitely done, and bought a set.
Seeing a beggar, Cheng Su also gave two coins away, acting like a generous child, overjoyed beyond herself.
Qi Taiguo went along with her, seeing her happiness, his mouth lifted up in a smile as well.
The coupleâs relationship relied on companionship. He often had tasks to attend, and now that heâs promoted to deputy battalion commander, he would likely be busier with less time to accompany her.
So now, he tried to satisfy her as much as he could, accompanying her whenever possible.