CHAPTER 295: CHAPTER 295: PAYING RESPECTS TO ONE PERSON

Shen Jian frowned, puzzledly watching Shen Shiniang, "Brother, what do you mean by that?"

Shen Shiniang’s complexion looked unnatural as he frowned and said gravely, "You don’t need to worry about this; I have my own sense of judgement in my affairs!"

"Brother, don’t blame me for not reminding you, Shen Jinci is no kind-hearted man to get along with. If he discovers any tricks from you under his watch, both of us would only have one way out - death!"

Shen Jian anxiously said, "To bring you back, I’ve already had a quarrel with him, it’d be better not to stir up anymore..."

"Enough! Look at this indecisive attitude of yours!"

Shen Shiniang impatiently interrupted Shen Jian, his eyes sharp as he coldly said, "I am after all his elder, Shen Jinci. Now that I am back, those events cannot be pretended not to have happened! He always has to explain them to me! If he doesn’t, I will demand answers myself!"

Shen Jian hesitated to speak further, helplessly staring at Shen Shiniang, eyes full of doubt...

The meeting with Bian Yue and SK venture capital was scheduled for next weekend, coincidently giving them an extra week of free time.

Shen Jinci brought Bian Yue to stay briefly at Ling’an Temple.

Bian Yue’s health was not good, suitable for recuperating in such a place, it was inherently calming and could bring peace of mind.

Bian Yue stood in front of the temple’s ancient tree of a thousand years, with yellowing fallen leaves on the ground.

Behind her, there was a flutter of fireworks and a faint ancient sandalwood fragrance lingering in her breaths. Bian Yue felt a slight peace of mind, as she looked at the ancient tree with red ribbons tied around it, carrying the wishes and names of the faithful.

Bian Yue gazed at those ribbons, engrossed for the moment.

The abbot and Shen Jinci stood not far away, discussing something.

The abbot, with hands clasped, smiled warmly and said, "Your brother’s spirit tablet has just been extradited back from abroad and has been placed in the side hall. You can take your wife to see him later, and in a few days, I will have it sent back to the Shen Family."

The real Shen Jinci passed away from severe illness, with everything settled only as of today and no further mishaps, his spirit tablet could finally come back from abroad.

Yet, such a return is in a situation where even his own name is not visible after his death.

Previously, Shen Jinci had resented this brother of the same parents. Born on the same day and both children of the Shen Family, yet he was abandoned the moment he was born, while he... naturally had everything of the Shen Family.

But now, Shen Jinci has experienced the overt and covert attacks of the Shen Family, sitting in the position once occupied by him, only realizing that his life was probably as precarious and no better than his own.

An indescribable emotion permeated his heart.

Shen Jinci looked at the abbot and replied lightly, "Thank you."

"There’s no need for thanks between us, your father and I were indebted to each other, and this also settles a bit of my worldly connection," the abbot spoke in a still gentle tone, looking at Shen Jinci and continued, "Your and your wife’s room is ready, someone will escort you there. If there are no other matters, I shall not disturb you further."

Shen Jinci nodded, bidding farewell to the abbot.

Occasionally, devotees came to the temple, earnest and sincere in their offerings.

Shen Jinci turned around, through the thin smoke and mist, and saw Bian Yue standing under the big tree covered in red silk ribbons, her silhouette graceful and exceedingly moving.

He felt a sudden warmth in his heart, the human world was often cold and indifferent, and he mostly felt the chill; only upon seeing Bian Yue did he feel as if his life finally had some warmth and brightness.

He walked behind Bian Yue, gazing at her profile and spoke nonchalantly, "What are you looking at?"

"Shen Jinci, there are many red ribbons on this tree, all with wishes written on them. Don’t you want to write one too?" Bian Yue said, "Didn’t you also come here before to worship your parents? You must believe in Buddhism, right?"

Shen Jinci said he didn’t believe in Buddhism.

Bian Yue looked at him in surprise, and then, with a tense expression, she stared at the main hall of the Buddha behind them, raising her hand to cover Shen Jinci’s mouth: "This is a sacred place of Buddhism, be careful what you say!"

She appeared very nervous.

A mischievous smile skimmed across Shen Jinci’s brows as he gently held Bian Yue’s hand. In her puzzled gaze, he gently kissed her, wishing to see her face slightly blushed.

"You really are..." Bian Yue paused, unable to find the right words for a moment, biting her lip and saying: "I can’t be bothered to talk to you!"

Shen Jinci really liked this worried and nervous look on Bian Yue.

He felt satisfied and his smile deepened, "What has Buddha not seen in thousands of years? Besides, I don’t intend to make a wish."

Catching Bian Yue’s puzzled gaze, Shen Jinci lowered his eyes and looked at her tenderly, "Because my wish has already come true."

The two left the crowd at the temple, walking all the way to a quiet side hall. The courtyard, planted with some elegant flowers and plants, featured a dark fish tank in the center with several goldfish swimming leisurely.

Bian Yue looked at the desolate place in front of her in confusion, "What are we doing here?"

"To pay homage to someone."

"Who?"

Shen Jinci tightened his grip on Bian Yue’s hand, reflexively squeezing it tighter, his voice calm and steady as he said, "The real Shen Jinci."

Bian Yue suddenly held her breath.

As for the real Shen Jinci, Bian Yue did not understand much.

The Shen Family had always been mysterious, and Bian Yue only knew he was a youthful genius, whom the whole family had devoted their efforts to nurture as a leader for the Shen Family.

Those fragmented, mysterious rumors, or the scattered praises, it was hard for Bian Yue to truly picture him as a real person.

Thus, she didn’t know what to say, just staring blankly at Shen Jinci.

"Yueyue, he would have really liked to meet you."

Bian Yue, puzzled, "But I don’t know him, why would he want to meet me?"

Out of selfishness, Shen Jinci hoped Bian Yue knew nothing. He consoled himself, telling himself it didn’t matter if he didn’t inform Bian Yue; that person was already dead, and even if Bian Yue knew, nothing would change.

Yet, he still placed a photo in Bian Yue’s hand.

It was Bian Yue at sixteen, wearing a school uniform, walking home with her father Bian Kai, looking up at the warm sunlight in the sky.

Bian Yue took the photo, hearing Shen Jinci say, "This is his relic."

Bian Yue incredulously looked at Shen Jinci.

"A relic?"

"Yes, a relic." Shen Jinci paused, observing the deepening astonishment between Bian Yue’s brows, his voice softer, "He knew you long before I did, Yueyue. You might not know him, but I still need to tell you, he had been watching you for the two years before his death, harboring affection for you."

Bian Yue knew Shen Jinci would not lie to her.

She just stood startled, muttering unconsciously, "No one ever told me."

Shen Jinci raised his hand, gently touched Bian Yue’s hair, "He liked you; it has nothing to do with you."