Lin Fang wanted to see Sima Rusu’s true face. Chen Dong scoffed, “I knew you wouldn’t let me take advantage of you so easily. I don’t want to stay like this either, but restoring my original appearance isn’t something that can be done quickly. I have to remove the makeup bit by bit, or I won’t be able to stand it. But this hair won’t grow back—I’ll have to wait for new hair to grow. Who knows if the makeup they used on the dead has any side effects.”
Finally succeeding in pulling Chen Dong into her school as a teacher, Lin Fang returned to her own courtyard through the small door in the wall. Every time she visited the neighboring courtyard where Chen Dong lived, she forbade anyone from following, just so she could speak freely with Chen Dong.
Before leaving, Qi Biao had left Lin Fang two covert guards and taught her the hand signals to command them. Whenever she wanted to be alone with Chen Dong, she would signal the guards to stay away, so she wasn’t worried about anyone discovering their secret. Strangely enough, even though Lin Fang had never been formally trained, she could always sense the guards’ presence.
After Sima Rusu’s father left his daughter at Lin Manor, he never returned. The people who came to deliver supplies for Sima Rusu said that her father had gone far away on a business trip—negotiating prices and inspecting goods—and it would likely take nearly two months for him to return.
During the month since Sima Rusu’s father left, Sima’s wife had sent people to fetch Sima Rusu no fewer than eight times. At first, she claimed to be ill, then later said Sima Rusu’s birth mother was seriously ill, or that she needed to return home to recuperate, or that there was a family gathering. Each time, Chen Dong refused, citing her father’s orders that she was not to leave Lin Manor.
The last two times, Sima’s wife sent over many things—food, daily necessities, clothes, and even a few servants to attend to her. Chen Dong kept the items but sent the servants back, saying her father had ordered her to reflect on her actions and take care of everything herself. Once they left, Chen Dong asked Qi Shi to dispose of the items—she didn’t even touch them.
The plan to keep Chen Dong for six years was because her current body was seven years old. In six years, she’d be thirteen—the age for marriage discussions. No one could interfere with such matters. But given Chen Dong’s resourcefulness, she’d surely have a plan by then.
Returning home, Lin Fang found the servants setting the table. Li Cuimei asked, “Since you came from the neighboring courtyard, why didn’t you invite Miss Sima to join us for dinner? She’s just a child—having to cook for herself. Adding another set of chopsticks wouldn’t be any trouble.”
Lin Fang pouted. “Mother, ever since Miss Sima arrived, I feel like you care less about me, your own daughter.”
Li Cuimei chuckled. “If you’re jealous, I’ll ignore her from now on.”
“No, no! I was just joking. Please don’t do that.”
Lin Fang couldn’t understand it. In her past life, Chen Dong was notorious for fighting, yet her parents inexplicably adored her, praising her as if she were a flower—calling her sensible, capable, and hardworking. Now, in this life, as Sima Rusu, Chen Dong had only been at the Lin household for a month and had already won her parents’ genuine affection. They never forgot about her, even buying her small trinkets from town.
Still, Lin Fang herself felt she should be kinder to Chen Dong. The girl had lived two difficult lives. So, she sent Qian’er to invite Chen Dong to dinner.
Before they could start eating, a servant announced that an old monk and a young monk were at the gate, asking to see the master of the house.
Monks appearing in such a remote place was unusual. The Lin couple didn’t dare be rude and went out with Lin Fang and Chen Dong to greet them. Outside the gate stood a plump old monk in tattered robes and a small, round monk covered in patches. The old monk smiled warmly at them, while the young one looked around curiously.
The old monk clasped his hands. “Amitabha. Dalang, Cuimei, it’s been three years. How have you been?”
Before the couple could respond, the monk added, “This old monk’s dharma name is now Zixing.”
After a brief pause, Li Cuimei spoke first. “Master Zixing, please come in. We happen to have a table full of vegetarian dishes—join us.”
Dalang echoed, “Yes, yes! Come in. You must have traveled far. Eat and rest well.”
The old monk didn’t stand on ceremony, leading the young monk inside while the Lin family followed.
After the meal, the old monk explained, “When I returned to Liangping Town, I learned your family had moved. Bored, I spent my days sparring with your uncle. Your aunt mentioned you’d written, asking her to recommend a physician. So, I volunteered. What do you say, Dalang, Cuimei? This old monk is over sixty and doesn’t want to wander anymore. May I retire here?”
The couple happily agreed.
As Zixing chatted with the Lins, Lin Fang and Chen Dong sat quietly, listening. Lin Fang felt something odd—though she’d never met the monk before, he felt familiar. Yet she couldn’t recall ever seeing him.
Chen Dong, meanwhile, looked respectful—and slightly uneasy. Despite her past life’s reputation for reckless brawling, Chen Dong was deeply superstitious, believing in gods and ghosts. She’d always been devout in Buddhist temples, donating even when she was poorest. Now, inexplicably reborn in this world, her belief in the supernatural had only deepened.
This monk, now called Zixing, was none other than Huiyuan. Three years ago, Huiyuan had crushed the three spirit pearls into dust. When Lin Fang spat out foul blood, the already scattered spirits were beyond saving—and with them, her painful memories of her past life. Huiyuan, who had helped her forget, was also forgotten.
Huiyuan had come for three reasons: to serve as Lin Manor’s physician, to find a place to retire, and—most of all—because he missed the recipes Lin Fang used to give him. Though he knew she wouldn’t recognize him, the temptation was too great to resist.
Most of the Lin family’s current servants had been hired after moving to Lin Manor. Those who’d come from Liangping Town had mostly been sent to work in Bai Shui Town’s shops. Aside from the couple, only Liu Ma, Xian’er, Qian’er, and Liu Ma’s two daughters-in-law recognized Huiyuan. When the monk arrived, Xiao Qin’s and Xiao Geng’s families had already returned to their own courtyards, and Liu Ma and the girls were inside, so no one mentioned Huiyuan’s old name.
Dalang asked Zixing, “Master, what should we call this young monk?”
The boy, about five or six, hadn’t spoken a word since arriving, instead wandering around, touching everything. The old monk didn’t stop him. Now, the boy stood behind Zixing, fidgeting.
Huiyuan pulled the child forward, ruffling his head. “This boy isn’t a monk. I found him on the road and shaved his head because I couldn’t be bothered to care for his hair.”
Seeing everyone’s surprise, he explained, “I’ve always been alone—never raised a child. I found him in an abandoned temple. Though exhausted, he kept moving. When I asked why he was alone in the wilderness, he said his family had brought him there but left. When I tracked them down, they refused to take him back and scolded me for meddling.”
Chen Dong asked, “Why would they abandon him? No matter what, he’s a life. How could they be so cruel?” Her voice carried an unreadable emotion.
The monk replied, “The boy is hyperactive—even in sleep, he tosses and turns. He’s been in danger countless times. His family was already poor, and his medical expenses drained them. With other young children to feed, they had no choice but to leave him behind.”
Chen Dong pressed, “Why abandon him? They could’ve given him away or sold him as a servant—at least he’d live.”
The monk sighed. “No parent would abandon a child lightly. They tried everything—no one would take him.”
Chen Dong fell silent. The monk added, “His restlessness is an illness. When I found him, he was skin and bones. Without intervention, he’d have wasted away. Now, I put him to sleep for eight hours a day by pressing his acupoints, but it’s not a cure. Over time, it could make him dull-witted. It troubles me deeply.”
“Master, may I take care of him?” Chen Dong asked.
Lin Fang was stunned. She whispered, “Caring for a hyperactive child takes immense patience. With your temper, you’d probably beat him to death sooner or later.”
“No,” Chen Dong whispered back. “He’s like me as a child—but luckier. At least his parents tried to help him before giving up. I survived by sheer luck. I never told you, but I paid for my own schooling—worked hard for it. Once, I almost died fighting over a medicinal herb. I want to care for him, give him a better life than mine.”
Lin Fang thought, *Misery loves company.* Then she remembered something else and muttered, “Don’t forget, you’re not out of danger yet. Your life’s still at risk.”
Chen Dong grinned. “I’m on your turf now, and you just hired me. You said your father would handle my problems—so this one’s his too.”
Lin Fang gritted her teeth. This girl never missed a chance to shift burdens.
“Sister.”
A child’s voice, soft yet slightly hoarse, broke the silence in the room.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage