Chapter 32: Exposed?

Today marked the third day since they officially became a couple. Ji Ming had been taking Wen Ya around to try local delicacies in every corner of the city, helping her fulfill her little dream.

Xiao He had initially worried that two strong-willed people like them might clash, but surprisingly, they got along perfectly. When it came to dating, they were unexpectedly shy.

Assistant Wang and Xiao He could hardly stand watching the two of them holding hands so cautiously. Where was the domineering CEO they were promised? It all seemed like an act. Both of their personalities seemed to have softened.

Wen Ya and Ji Ming intertwined their fingers, their palms slightly sweaty. It was hard to tell whose hand was sweating more—maybe both. But neither let go. Just holding hands felt nice.

Wen Ya glanced at Ji Ming and smiled sweetly. “Where are we going next?”

“There’s a famous temple nearby. It’s colder up there, so the peach blossoms bloom later than elsewhere. They’re in full bloom now. The vegetarian food there is also well-known. If you haven’t tried it, it’s like you’ve never really been here,” Ji Ming explained gently, still holding her hand.

Just listening to Ji Ming’s description made Wen Ya look forward to it. In truth, it seemed that no matter where Ji Ming took her, as long as they were together, she would feel happy.

In her past life, she had been on blind dates. Those awkward conversations over meals and uncomfortable outings had left her feeling uneasy. But now, she realized that being with someone you truly like makes even the simplest moments joyful.

When they arrived at the foot of the mountain where Hong’an Temple stood, sedan chair bearers were waiting. However, the two decided to walk up instead.

The scenery along the way was breathtaking. The spring breeze carried a faint, refreshing fragrance, the kind that only spring brings. Wen Ya felt as if her entire body had lightened.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she said. She had never climbed a mountain like this before. In her previous life, she had been too busy working to survive. After coming to this world, she focused on changing her fate. She thought she could travel the world once she became successful, but then she found herself buried in responsibilities. She wasn’t completely without time, but she never imagined she’d climb a mountain so comfortably, especially not alone.

“Let’s take a break,” Ji Ming suggested, worried that Wen Ya might be out of breath from the climb. He made sure to stop at every pavilion along the way to rest.

“I’m fine. If we keep stopping like this, we’ll never reach the top before dark,” Wen Ya said, panting slightly as she glanced at the temple’s roof peeking through the trees.

“When we get back to South City, you need to exercise more,” Ji Ming said, half-teasing, half-serious. “Even if it’s just going for a walk.”

Wen Ya nodded. Ji Ming helped her up the last stretch of the path. The closer they got to Hong’an Temple, the more stunning the scenery became. It wasn’t tourist season, so the place was peaceful. Wen Ya thought that if it were a holiday, she’d be surrounded by crowds instead of enjoying the view.

After catching her breath, Wen Ya followed Ji Ming to the back of the temple. A vast field of peach blossoms came into view, so beautiful it took her breath away. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the delicate scent of peach blossoms enveloping her. All the fatigue from the climb vanished. She grabbed Ji Ming’s hand and ran into the peach blossom forest, laughing freely.

After wandering around, Wen Ya leaned on Ji Ming’s shoulder and sighed, “It’s so beautiful.” It was unclear whether she meant the scenery or the moment.

After buying incense and paying their respects, Ji Ming made a donation in both their names.

As they stepped out of the main gate, a young monk approached and invited them to the backyard, saying the abbot wished to see them.

Wen Ya turned to Ji Ming. “Do you know the abbot here?”

“No, I don’t,” Ji Ming shook his head.

He had visited the temple twice before but had only seen the abbot from a distance. They had never spoken.

As for Wen Ya, this was her first time in Yangcheng. It was impossible for her to know the abbot of Hong’an Temple. So why had the abbot invited them?

When they reached the backyard, Ji Ming was asked to wait outside, while Wen Ya was led in to meet the abbot.

“Perhaps the abbot has a connection with you. You should go in and meet him,” Ji Ming suggested. Hong’an Temple was a thousand-year-old temple, famous nationwide. The abbot was a respected figure, and not many had the privilege of meeting him.

Wen Ya pushed the door open and saw an elderly monk with a kind face sitting cross-legged inside.

“Ms Wen, is everything okay?” the abbot asked.

The question confused Wen Ya. “Everything is fine. Why do you ask, Master?”

“I predicted that a visitor from another world would come today, so I wanted to meet you,” the old monk said.

Wen Ya stared at him in shock. “A visitor from another world? What do you mean?”

Could the old monk truly be a highly accomplished master who knew she wasn’t the original Wen Ya but came from another world?

“Since we’re here, we should make the best of it. Everything has been arranged,” the monk continued.

“What about the original Wen Ya?” Wen Ya had been struggling with this question. When she traveled through time, her original body had simply been too exhausted and fell asleep—it wasn’t dead. The fact that she could travel through time meant she had a soul. If that was the case, then she had become Wen Ya. But what happened to her original body? Where did it go?

“I only know that you didn’t take over someone else’s body. The original owner willingly gave it up. As for where she went, I don’t know. Donor, why overthink it? Now, you are her, and she is you,” the old monk explained, shaking his head.

Wen Ya was stunned. What did it mean that the original owner had willingly given up her body? Did she no longer want to live?

Wen Ya felt confused. The abbot said she was now the original Wen Ya. Did that mean the original soul wouldn’t return? When she tried to ask more, the abbot fell silent and gestured for her to leave.

Monks like him always spoke in riddles, leaving you with more questions than answers.

But at least she now knew she hadn’t stolen someone else’s life. She had always felt guilty, as if she were living a borrowed life. Knowing the truth brought her some relief.

Seeing Wen Ya’s renewed energy, Ji Ming felt curious but didn’t press her. If she wanted to share, she would. If not, asking would only make her uncomfortable. It was enough for him to know she was fine.

The vegetarian food at the temple was indeed delicious. Wen Ya ate two bowls of rice and patted her slightly full stomach, worried. “If I keep eating like this, I’ll turn into a ball.”

“I’ll love you no matter what you become,” Ji Ming said, placing a piece of bean sprouts into her bowl.

Assistant Wang and Xiao He, sitting nearby, suddenly felt full. Wasn’t this just a relationship? They acted as if no one had ever been in love before.

Especially Xiao He, who felt like he was seeing a completely different Ji Ming. Was this still the serious CEO he knew? Ji Ming was full of sweet words, leaving no room for ordinary people like them to compete.

“Then you get fat with me,” Wen Ya teased, placing a piece of vegetable into Ji Ming’s bowl.

It was just a simple vegetarian meal, but the two of them were feeding everyone around them metaphorical “dog food.” Assistant Wang and Xiao He turned their frustration into appetite, each finishing four bowls of rice and a steamed bun. They left the temple burping, drawing curious glances from the monks.

Both Wen Ya and Ji Ming had busy schedules, and three days was the most they could spare. Their companies had been calling repeatedly, so they had no choice but to book a flight for the next morning.

Wen Ya was hesitant about taking the flight. After all, rumors about their relationship had already spread, and she had just broken off her engagement with Gu Chengze. The incident had caused quite a stir, and the aftermath was still ongoing. If she and Ji Ming were seen together now, it would undoubtedly cause a nationwide sensation, almost like a public trial.

Ji Ming had a different perspective. “We’re honest and open about our relationship. What is there to fear? Are you worried I can’t protect you? Or that you can’t protect me?” He even added a light joke at the end.

Still, the media loved twisting facts. If they deliberately misled the public, it could damage both their personal images and their companies’ reputations.

The Gu family, for example, had suffered a blow to their reputation after Gu Chengze’s scandal, even though Mr. Gu had publicly apologized with his son.

“Of course not, it’s just…” Wen Ya, usually decisive, found herself hesitating, worried about implicating Ji Ming.

“What caught my attention from the start was your decisiveness. It’s rare among people like us. Why are you hesitating now?” Ji Ming held her hand. “You have to trust me. If I can be your boyfriend, I’m not weak.”

Wen Ya smiled at his words. She had been overthinking things. Ji Ming was undoubtedly stronger than her—why would he be afraid?

The two walked out of the airport hand in hand in broad daylight, with Assistant Wang and Xiao He trailing behind, along with four tall, strong bodyguards. It was impossible not to attract attention.

Wang Liang, a newly graduated entertainment reporter, was crouched behind a pillar. His mentor had received a tip that a movie star was returning to the country with his girlfriend. The star’s girlfriend had been a mystery, and capturing her face could make Wang Liang famous.

Suddenly, he noticed a strikingly handsome man and a beautiful woman walking by. They looked like they had stepped out of a painting, followed by assistants and bodyguards. They seemed important. Excited, he nudged his mentor.

“Master, who are they? Are they superstars?”

The mentor glanced over and smacked Wang Liang’s head. “They’re not stars. If you want to survive in this industry, do your homework. If you can’t even tell who’s a star, don’t come out with me next time.”

But then the mentor did a double take. “What are you waiting for? Start taking pictures!” He quickly grabbed his camera and began snapping photos, almost instinctively.

“But Master, you said they’re not stars,” Wang Liang said, confused.

“They’re not stars, but they’re worth more than stars. I was hoping to catch the movie star’s girlfriend, but we’ve landed two big fish instead. Hurry up, our bonus this month is guaranteed,” the mentor said excitedly.