Chapter 28: Some People Can Also Exist as Beliefs

Everyone’s gaze was focused on him. Ji Ansheng sensed something and softened his tone, “Everyone has money, but I don’t! Don’t I need to eat too?”

[That’s right, the production team only gave a few couples 100 euros. An Sheng doesn’t have any money.]

[The production team is really unfair. Our An Sheng has been constantly overlooked! Assistants deserve rights too!]

[Now he has to take care of an uncle, which makes it even harder.]

Lin Xingmian glanced at him and spoke calmly, “The euros I have here are for everyone’s shared use. If you take them for personal use, I won’t cover your expenses for the group activities. Are you sure?”

Ji Ansheng nodded and waved his hand.

Lin Xingmian took out the remaining money, counted it, and placed 7.8 euros in Ji Ansheng’s hand. “This is your share. Take it.”

Ji Ansheng glanced at the scattered coins and bills in his hand and curled his lip in disdain. This is so stingy! What can 7.8 euros even buy?

The uncle nearby, seeing them dividing the money, waved the 100 euro bill in his hand. “Hey, An Sheng, your travel companion has money,” Shen Yan chimed in.

Ji Ansheng turned around, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the bill in the uncle’s hand. He reached out to snatch it, but the uncle quickly stuffed it into his pocket, smiling at him.

Ji Ansheng gritted his teeth but said nothing in front of so many guests.

“Alright, everyone has money now. Let’s split up and start checking in,” Lin Xingmian said, glancing at his phone. “The director has sent the addresses and pictures. There are two designated gondolas. Everyone can move freely, and we’ll regroup tonight by checking our phones.”

Everyone agreed, looking at the maps on their phones.

Lin Xingmian planned to head to the church first. St. Mark’s Basilica was the closest, just a five-minute walk away.

Jiang Zijin didn’t care where they were going. Like a boneless large creature, he clung to Lin Xingmian. “Get off me! Don’t you have any sense of your own weight?” Lin Xingmian pushed him away.

Jiang Zijin pursed his lips and spoke in a pitiful tone, “It’s normal for an Enigma to have some muscle. Do you prefer skinny dogs instead?”

Lin Xingmian pressed his lips together, trying to ignore him. “Let’s go this way…”

“Come on, tell me! Do you like someone like me, or do you prefer skinny dogs?” Jiang Zijin grabbed him, determined to get an answer.

Lin Xingmian’s lips parted slightly, unsure how to respond.

Behind them, the couple watching the drama, Shen Yan and Lu Anyu, had their gossip-filled gazes so intense it felt like they were burning Lin Xingmian’s hair.

“Neither is great! Are you here to sightsee or to ask me questions?”

Jiang Zijin frowned and muttered, “Neither is great, so you’re not satisfied with me. I guess I’ll have to work harder in the future.”

Lin Xingmian turned his head, his eyes warning Jiang Zijin to stop joking around.

Jiang Zijin obediently pressed his lips together, though the corners of his mouth still curled upward.

The two nosy couples behind them pretended to cough, secretly snickering.

For some reason, Lin Xingmian’s ears grew hot. He endured the embarrassment and strode forward. This guy, give him an inch and he’ll take a mile!

Once today’s recording is over, he’ll get what’s coming to him!

The group automatically split up. Four of them headed toward the square, while Qin Mu and the others stayed behind to check their locations.

Ji Ansheng, who had been pampered since childhood, felt wronged by Jiang Zijin and had no intention of leaving with them.

Even without Jiang Zijin’s help! He had his own way to expose the truth about Lin Xingmian’s fake marriage!

When the time came, neither of them would escape! Jiang Zijin would also kneel and beg for mercy because of his actions today!

——

The alleys of Venice were intricate and complex, with the sound of flowing water and the songs of gondoliers echoing off the old, mottled walls.

After navigating through the narrow alleys, they finally arrived at St. Mark’s Square.

Even though it wasn’t the peak tourist season, the square was still bustling with people.

The ancient architectural arcades stretched forward, with St. Mark’s Basilica not far away.

The basilica’s retro and ornate design, with its golden mosaics on the dome, shimmered brilliantly.

Everyone held their tickets and smoothly passed through the entrance.

The camera followed the guests inside, where the dazzling golden mosaics overwhelmed everyone’s vision.

The gilded walls and ceilings were adorned with vivid paintings, narrating the history of Venice.

Shen Yan and Lu AnYu both gasped and quickly took out their phones to take pictures.

“Hey, guess how much this wall costs?” Shen Yan poked Lu AnYu, pointing at the basilica’s dome, and whispered.

Lu AnYu sighed helplessly, “Don’t even think about it, we can’t afford it.”

[Hahaha, I can’t afford it either!]

[Is this the legendary golden house?]

[Absolutely! I was lucky enough to visit once, and the basilica is filled with golden mosaics—it’s astonishingly wealthy.]

[Venice, as a maritime hub back in the day, was incredibly rich!]

[I have an idea—what if I just touch it?]

[Don’t even try, you might end up in trouble.]

Lin Xingmian was also struck by the solemn and magnificent religious atmosphere inside and took several photos.

Honestly, as someone raised under the core values of socialism, Lin Xingmian had no religious beliefs.

He was simply captivated by the intricate and exquisite architecture, the chandeliers, and the murals.

The profound sense of history and the strong religious aura fascinated him.

Shen Yan and Lu AnYu sat down on a wooden bench not far away, clasping their hands and closing their eyes, lost in thought.

Jiang Zijin also sat down, casually crossing his legs as he observed the interior murals.

“Aren’t you going to… pray?” Lin Xingmian asked in a low voice.

Jiang Zijin looked puzzled, “I don’t believe in religion, why would I pray?”

Lin Xingmian was slightly surprised. Most foreigners he knew had religious beliefs, and Jiang Zijin was the first mixed-race foreigner he knew who didn’t.

The two in front stood up, ready to visit another part of the basilica.

Lin Xingmian and Jiang Zijin followed behind, squeezing through the crowd.

“So, you… have no faith?” Lin Xingmian asked curiously.

Jiang Zijin took his hand and replied gently, “Not exactly.”

“What do you mean?”

The crowd suddenly surged, and Lin Xingmian was pushed closer to Jiang Zijin.

Lin Xingmian stumbled slightly and found himself half-embraced by Jiang Zijin.

Leaning against the man’s broad chest, he could feel the slight vibrations as Jiang Zijin spoke, his words clear and resonant,

“Some people can also be a form of faith.”

The man’s deep, magnetic voice entered his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

Lin Xingmian’s heart skipped a beat, and his body tingled slightly.

He had said similar words before, but later, his faith died.

From then on, the only one he could rely on was himself.