Chapter 31: Beautiful Matchmaker

The next day, He Shun, after a whole day of sightseeing yesterday, felt that even though he wasn’t exactly an old man yet, his energy and strength couldn’t keep up with the young ones. He really couldn’t move any longer, so he let the children continue their exploration while he rested at the guesthouse, waiting for the afternoon shift change with Tie Zhu to listen to him talk about the happenings of the day.

He Miao and He Xiang Xiang had strolled the city of Pingzhou from morning till night yesterday and still hadn’t finished exploring; there were still many places left to see, so they couldn’t waste today either. After chatting with the elder staying at their guesthouse, they set off for the eastern part of the city with great enthusiasm.

In the eastern hills of Pingzhou city, there was a very spiritual temple called Ling Ruo Temple, which drew a lot of people, leading to the development of many shops, dining venues, and lodgings at the foot of the mountain.

The scenery at the foot of Ling Ruo Temple was extremely beautiful, featuring lotus ponds, bamboo groves, flower gardens, and small bridges—each meticulously crafted and breathtaking. Even the shops were designed to harmonize with the temple’s aesthetic, making their style simple and elegant.

As they traveled along the winding mountain path to the temple, they encountered a steady flow of locals, merchants, tourists, and worshippers, but it was not as noisy and bustling as the markets along the riverside; instead, it had a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

“Ah Xun, Xiang Xiang, look over there!” He Miao pointed at the magnificent temple, accompanied by the distant sound of bells and the continuous chanting of scriptures, which made it appear even more solemn and dignified.

“Wow, it’s so beautiful!” He Xiang Xiang gazed at the temple with its soaring eaves and grandeur, watching the streams of worshippers, and couldn’t help but express her awe.

Swayed by the atmosphere, the few who initially aimed to just observe the hustle and bustle ended up entering the temple to pray sincerely and make their wishes.

“Miao, Miao’er, what did you pray for? Is it for a romantic partner?” After leaving the temple, He Xiang Xiang linked arms with He Miao and asked playfully.

“Of course not.” He Miao’s face flushed. Just then, she heard a young man’s angry shout and an old man’s pleas for mercy.

She turned her attention to see a young man, around twenty, tugging at the old man’s collar with one hand, while his other fist was raised high, seemingly ready to strike.

“Stop!” Just as the young man’s fist was about to land on the old man’s face, He Miao gathered her courage and shouted.

“?” The young man turned to see a delicate-looking girl and smirked, showing no concern.

He raised his fist again, but suddenly felt a strong grip on his wrist, like a vise, holding him tight.

“Damn it, who is this?” Turning back, he saw a cold, expressionless face.

Ah Xun remained silent, showing no emotion, yet somehow instilling a sense of pressure in the young man, making him feel intimidated.

“Fine, fine, he’s just an old madman. I won’t lower myself to his level today.” The young man dropped his arm, and at the same time, Ah Xun released his grip.

The young man cursed at the old man a couple of times and hurriedly left.

“Old man, are you alright?” He Miao and He Xiang Xiang rushed to help the old man to his feet and asked about his condition.

The old man introduced himself as a Taoist who understood the mysteries of fate and could fortune-tell. He had spent half his life wandering the rivers and lakes, recently arriving at the Ling Ruo Temple in Pingzhou.

He seen the young man’s dark energy and aggressive demeanor and had kindly reminded him to be cautious and do good deeds to control his temper, or else he would encounter disaster—a subtle warning.

To his surprise, his well-meaning advice only enraged the young man, almost leading to a serious altercation.

“Ah, if that young man doesn’t curb his temper, he’ll surely face calamity and lose his life.” The old man sighed heavily, watching the young man’s retreating figure.

“Hmph, someone like him, even if he lives, is still a scoundrel; he’ll get beaten up sooner or later! Why are you helping him, old man?” He Xiang Xiang fumed.

“Old man, let me help you to a cool spot to rest,” He Miao softly offered, assisting the elderly gentleman to a shaded area, while Ah Xun picked up the old Taoist’s fortune-telling items that had been scattered.

The old man had nearly faced violence, but at that moment, he encountered a few kind-hearted young people, which led him to compare his feelings and gave a sidelong glance to the young man who had been organizing his items, as well as the girl supporting him.

The old man thought to himself that the young man seemed cold on the outside, but his gaze toward the girl was tender. The two appeared remarkably well-matched, as if they were a pair of beautiful couple.

“This young man’s features are extraordinary; he must come from an exceptional background! And this girl has a kind and gentle disposition, a future matriarch, no doubt. They are destined for each other, and once married, they will surely lead a prosperous life, with a loving partnership and children!” The old man stroked his beard and spoke with conviction.

“Old man, is that true?” This statement struck a chord with Ah Xun; even with his calm demeanor, he found it hard to ignore the happiness bubbling inside him.

“Old man, is it really possible to deduce this just by looks…?” He Miao’s cheeks turned red from the comment.

But according to what the old man implied, she would be the matriarch and Ah Xun’s wife—was it possible that Ah Xun really wasn’t married?

He Miao couldn’t bring herself to believe it. Moreover, just by looking at their faces without knowing particulars, how could he be so certain? She thought the old man was merely expressing some kind words to pay them back for their help.

“Facial reading is a profound and unfathomable art. It’s not that I can see through every person who stands before me; it still depends on fate. Today we are indeed lucky to have met, but that young man too missed a chance. It’s a pity he doesn’t believe,” the old man said, shaking his head in regret. “If that young man could navigate this crisis, he could find wealth and fortune, but alas, he may find it hard to escape this calamity.”

“Old Master, do you see any fortune for us? Can you tell us about my future husband?” He Xiang Xiang asked eagerly.

The old man turned around, seeing a round, radiant face, and his heart trembled! “Young lady, your features are round and full; you will undoubtedly have many children in the future. Mothers earn respect through their children!”

He Xiang Xiang felt pleased at first, but upon further reflection, she thought he was indirectly commenting on her round face and ample bottom, fit for childbearing!