"Fangzheng, don't do such mystical things. Tell me, how did you renovate your temple? Where did you get the money for the renovation? " Yang Ping was an accountant, so he naturally knew how poor One Finger Temple was. He also knew that renovations required quite a bit of money. He also knew that Fangzheng was a poor student without money. In order to provide for Fangzheng's studies, One Finger had become extremely poor. He had a nagging feeling that it was abnormal for the temple to suddenly be renovated.
Wang Yougui added, "Fangzheng, you have to explain this matter clearly. I'm not coveting anything from you, but this matter is just too odd. I'm afraid someone is up to no good. "
Tan Juguo did not say a word, but the worry in his eyes spoke volumes.
Only then did Fangzheng smile. "Accountant Yang, Uncle Wang, Grandpa Tan, you are overthinking things. I have to thank you for this. "
"Thank us?" The trio was stunned.
Fangzheng looked at Yang Ping. "A few days ago, Brother Yang sent me a document from the government. I also became One Finger Temple's abbot in name only. That day, I saw Buddha in a dream. Buddha said that I had been a good person for ten lifetimes and that he could grant me a reasonable wish in this life.
I said that I wished to revive Old Man One Finger. Buddha refused and said that Old Man One Finger had already gone to the Western Paradise to become a Buddha and could no longer be born in this world.
When I heard that my old man had become a Buddha, I definitely could not drag him back to suffer again. Therefore, I changed my request and asked Buddha to help me renovate the temple. Buddha told me to clean the temple and to renovate it if it was cleaned well. The next day, I cleaned the temple until it was spotless. I never expected Buddha to really appear. After some tinkling, the temple became like this. "
Fangzheng spoke half-truths. He had only changed the System to Buddha to hide certain matters. It was not really a lie.
At least the System did not appear to punish him. He felt at ease.
Upon hearing Fangzheng's words, Yang Ping, Wang Yougui, and Tan Juguo exchanged looks. It would be ridiculous to say that they believed him. Ever since the reform and opening up, they no longer believed in such superstitions. If they didn't believe it, it was impossible for humans to change so much in two to three days. Common sense did not make sense!
Finally, the trio tacitly agreed with Fangzheng's explanation. After all, there was no better explanation.
Tan Juguo said, "Fangzheng, keep this matter to yourself. Don't tell anyone else. If anyone asks, just tell them that the village paid for the repairs, and I'll take care of the rest for you. "
Yang Ping curled his lips and said, "Secretary Tan, what era are we in? Ghosts and gods can't be trusted, but Buddha is allowed. Although I believe in materialism, I don't object to other people's beliefs. "
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Wang Yougui glared at Yang Ping and changed the topic, "Fangzheng, what delicious food are you cooking in the kitchen? Why does it smell so good? "
Fangzheng said with a smile, "This is mine …" Upon saying that, Fangzheng was taken aback. It seemed like he could no longer use the word 'mine' anymore. Hence, he changed his words. "This is rice This Penniless Monk planted himself."
"Hehe … You little guy, you're starting to talk like a monk. Alright, you're the host now, so that's how it should be. Give me a bowl of your rice, I want to taste it. "Wang Yougui scolded with a smile.
After Wang Yougui said that, he got into position and waited to eat.
Yang Ping hurriedly said, "Me too. I want to eat too! By the way, give Uncle Tan a bowl too! "
The trio looked at Fangzheng with burning eyes. There was no other way about it. The fragrance of the rice was just too alluring. It made their mouths water and their stomachs grumble. They would feel stifled if they did not eat it.
However, Fangzheng shook his head slightly and said, "No."
"What?" Wang Yougui turned anxious as he exclaimed, "Fangzheng, what's our relationship? You stayed at my place back when you were still in school. You ate quite a lot, right? You ate quite a lot of such a huge bowl. Now, I can't even eat a bowl of your rice? "
Yang Ping was pissed as well. He scoffed and chimed in, "It's fine if I don't eat it, but Uncle Tan helped you quite a bit back then. Can't I eat a bowl of your rice?"
After some thought, Fangzheng pointed at the temple and said, "Everyone, don't be agitated. Look at my temple. Is it any different from other large temples?"
Yang Ping looked at it all day but failed to figure out anything. He shook his head and said, "There's nothing different. Isn't it just worshipping Bodhisattva?"
Tan Juguo suddenly said, "Punk, I thought you would be more tactful after going to school. Why are you as stubborn as that old monk, One Finger? Seriously, you didn't learn anything good. You're just focusing on this … "Although Tan Juguo was cursing, he was doing it in a joking manner. Clearly, he was not angry.
"Uncle Tan, what are you talking about? I don't understand, "asked Yang Ping.
Tan Juguo said, "This temple is small. The Skanda at the entrance of the main hall holds a demon-subduing pestle. It's to tell us that this temple is too small and doesn't provide food or lodging. It's a rule that he cannot break. Back then, Monk One Finger refused to let anyone stay overnight. As a result, he offended quite a number of people. "
When Wang Yougui heard that, he said earnestly, "Fangzheng, although it's important to have principles, you have to be flexible. If you want to develop this temple, it's necessary to be flexible in today's society. "
Fangzheng pressed his palms together and bowed. "Amitabha. Thank you for your teachings, Uncle Wang. However, since This Penniless Monk has become a Buddhist, This Penniless Monk should abide by the Buddhist rules. How can This Penniless Monk overstep them? "
Yang Ping said impatiently, "After saying so much, are you still not giving me food to eat? If you don't give me food, I'll stay here forever! " Yang Ping was truly hungry. He had not eaten in the morning and had followed Fangzheng up the mountain. Now that he smelled such delicious food, the gluttonous bug in his stomach was about to rebel and occupy his brain.
Wang Yougui looked eagerly at Fangzheng. Tan Juguo did not say a word, but his meaning was clear. He too wanted to eat!
Fangzheng smiled bitterly and silently asked the System, "How about repaying yesterday's favor?"
"Karma in the future, karma today. If it is not repaid, there will be karma. If it is repaid, the karma will be severed."
Fangzheng was enlightened as he smiled. "In that case, let's agree on it. Today's meal will be considered as me repaying the favor. You can eat but you are not to seek food in the future. If not, I will really be breaking the rules. Of course, if the temple expands and can accommodate you, This Penniless Monk will welcome all of you if you are willing to come. "
"That's more like it. Cut it out. Quickly serve the food!" Wang Yougui beamed with delight.
Only then did Fangzheng return to the kitchen. At that moment, the food was ready.
He opened the lid and white steam billowed up. Accompanying the fragrance of the rice emanated, the faint fragrance turned rich. It was as though the air was filled with sugar. It was sweet!
Everyone subconsciously gulped a mouthful of saliva as they craned their necks to look inside. They could not wait any longer.
Only then did Fangzheng realize to his dismay that he had only cooked one person's portion! How was he to split it?
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