The resonant chime of a temple bell echoed through the grounds. Many pilgrims were offering incense inside, and both women had gone to do the same. Ning Beichen, however, did not believe in such things and began to wander around the temple.
There was no danger in a place like this, so Ning Beichen had no need to stick close to Liu Yixin. Besides, with Ye Ya'er present, others might only know her as a big star, but Ning Beichen knew that before becoming a star, this woman was a fearsome demoness with exceptional martial skills.
"Amitabha, benefactor, you carry a heavy aura of malevolence. May this old monk have a look."
As Ning Beichen was strolling, he encountered an old monk who approached him, joined his palms, and recited a Buddhist chant.
"Oh, you can see the malevolence around me?"
Ning Beichen asked curiously.
"Benefactor must have committed many sins. You could come and listen to the scriptures more often."
The old monk suggested to Ning Beichen.
Ning Beichen, however, wore an expression of disdain.
"What is a sin? Is it a sin to step on an ant? Is it a sin to eat meat? Old monk, you say a person has done many bad deeds, and then I go and deal with them. Is that a sin or a good deed?"
"Amitabha, if you have time, benefactor, you are welcome to come to the back hall to listen to these scriptures."
The old monk did not argue with Ning Beichen, merely stating.
"Alright, but I have two companions who are offering incense. They are both women. If the monk doesn't mind, I'd be willing to bring them along to listen."
Ning Beichen said indifferently.
"Then this old monk shall await your arrival in the back hall."
Unexpectedly, the monk agreed.
His agreement baffled Ning Beichen. He had never believed in the mystical teachings of Buddhism, such as sins. His master, who was ten or a hundred times more ruthless than him, had never seemed burdened by any sins and lived a more carefree life than anyone else.
However, since the old monk wanted him to listen, he saw no harm in it. Still, if the monk wanted to brainwash him, his skills were not quite enough.
As Ning Beichen went out, he saw the two women finishing their incense. Ning Beichen told them about the old monk, and both women were quite interested. Thus, they accompanied Ning Beichen to the back hall of the temple.
A young monk saw them arrive and respectfully invited them into the Buddha hall. The old monk was already waiting inside.
"Three benefactors, please be seated."
The old monk had three prayer cushions prepared for them.
After the three sat down, the old monk spoke no words, merely striking a wooden fish and beginning to chant scriptures.
Gradually, Ning Beichen and the other two quieted down. The monk's scriptures seemed to possess a purifying power, bringing a sense of peace to their hearts.
Ning Beichen also felt a great sense of relaxation. Time passed without them realizing it, and the old monk stopped chanting, put down his wooden mallet, joined his palms, and recited a Buddhist chant to the three of them.
Ning Beichen's attitude changed entirely. He stood up and respectfully bowed to the old monk.
"Benefactor, if you have time in the future, you might come and listen to the scriptures."
The old monk returned the bow, his palms joined, and said to him with a kindly expression.
"Certainly, thank you, master."
Ning Beichen's demeanor had also changed.
Afterward, the old monk saw them out, without any intention of chatting further.
For the three of them, Ning Beichen gained the most from the experience. The old monk's scriptures had the greatest effect on him, followed by Ye Ya'er. As for Liu Yixin, she merely found it a bit boring.
Not long after, the three of them left the temple, returned to the villa, and then drove away.
After Ning Beichen dropped Ye Ya'er off, Liu Yixin immediately stared at Ning Beichen, interrogating him.
"Ning Beichen, how do you know Ye Ya'er? Aren't you a security guard?"
"Bodyguard, not security guard."
Ning Beichen was somewhat helpless against her. Although 'bodyguard' and 'security guard' differed by only one word, their treatment and status were worlds apart.
"What's the difference? Isn't it the same? You still haven't answered my question."
Liu Yixin said.
"We met when I was working part-time."
Ning Beichen used his excuse of 'working friends.'
"Ning Beichen, do you take me for a fool? Working part-time? What is your status, and what is Ye Ya'er's status? You are working part-time for her, yet you don't even qualify to work for her."
Liu Yixin completely disbelieved his fabricated story.
"Well, she had to work part-time before she became a big star."
Ning Beichen said softly.
Working part-time was indeed working part-time, but it wasn't him working for Ye Ya'er; it was Ye Ya'er working for him.
"Forget it. You're not honest, you know. I'm telling you, you can't have any ideas about my sister. Otherwise, I'll cut you off, understand?"
Liu Yixin warned him with a fierce look.
"Don't worry, even if I have ideas about you, I won't have ideas about your sister..."
Ning Beichen muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?"
Liu Yixin heard him muttering something under his breath.
"Nothing, I said, don't worry, I won't have any ideas about your sister."
Ning Beichen replied.
"Good for you. Don't think you're so great just because you know Ye Ya'er. A big star like her has nothing to do with a security guard like you."
Liu Yixin said.
"I never said I was great..."
Ning Beichen mumbled again, feeling that these two sisters were exactly alike. Anyone who dared to have ideas about them was a dog. He found the models in Amazonia much cuter, prettier, and more pleasant to talk to.
"Forget it, just one year. I can endure it."
Ning Beichen said to himself.
Time flew by, and more than ten days passed. During this period, everything was calm and uneventful. Even Ning Beichen had relaxed considerably.
However, at this very moment, Feng Wu suddenly appeared before him, injured. She had a stab wound in her abdomen and three other cuts, her life hanging by a thread.
Ning Beichen disregarded Liu Yilin's presence, scooped her up, and went into his room to treat her wounds.
"Ning Beichen, who is she?"
Liu Yilin finally remembered to ask.
"A friend."
Ning Beichen didn't have time for further explanations. Feng Wu's injuries were severe, and she could die at any moment.
"Boss, I'd like to keep her here tonight. Can I help treat her?"
Ning Beichen sought Liu Yilin's permission, as it was her house after all.
"Ning Beichen, will she bring trouble?"
Liu Yilin did not know Feng Wu's identity or what she did. She was somewhat frightened and reluctant, worried that she might bring trouble to her.