Chapter 1242: Chapter 1242: May There Be Years to Look Back On, and May We Grow Old Together with Deep Love

Song Baiyan also looked at the Buddha statue: "If the gods have spirit, know what I seek in my heart, this visit to Chiang Mai Prefecture would not be in vain."

This remark made Tang Li put away her joking demeanor.

Because she understood that Song Baiyan said it not to tease her.

To hear such a solemn prayer from someone in high power, Tang Li’s first thought goes straight to national affairs.

But——

According to what she knows, nothing significant has happened in S country these days.

At least, it’s not reported in the news.

The only connection with Chiang Mai Prefecture that Tang Li knows is the Li Family.

Surely no one is stirring trouble over her blood relationship with Tang Shen again...

However, judging by Song Baiyan’s demeanor, it doesn’t seem like he’s planning to discuss official business with her, making that prayer just a casual remark.

Tang Li didn’t ask aloud, but she kept it in her mind.

Song Baiyan said he came to pay respects to Tang Shen and Tang Yin, after finishing the incense rituals, he didn’t intend to leave the temple.

Seeing the day turning dark, Tang Li couldn’t hold back: "Are we not leaving today?"

As Song Baiyan spoke, he was inserting new incense into the copper furnace.

This act, Song Baiyan never entrusted to someone else.

In the afternoon, during the scripture recitation, Tang Li had already moved closer to Song Baiyan.

At this moment, they were practically inseparable.

Thus, when Song Baiyan turned around, they almost collided.

Song Baiyan didn’t tease the beauty throwing herself into his arms, instead, he showed concern: "Done with your chores?"

Tang Li: "..."

In fact, Tang Li was quite busy.

Because it’s her dearest’s ritual, the old monk instructed her to knock on the wooden fish for half an hour daily.

She hadn’t done today’s half-hour yet.

Who told her attention to be elsewhere...

Shortly after Tang Li picked up the wooden fish, Song Baiyan left the main hall.

After she finished the half-hour, she went to the main hall entrance, learning from Ji Ming that Song Baiyan was invited by the Monk King.

"So anxious, afraid you might... leave without saying goodbye?"

Aunt Ling suddenly appeared behind Tang Li.

In front of Ji Ming, calling President Song ’your man’ would be disrespectful.

Hence, she switched to a different title, but her words weren’t as courteous: "Men are always busy, especially your esteemed one. You’re not a baby who’d cry if you can’t find him."

Tang Li said: "I’ve always thought Aunt Ling is quite straightforward."

Receiving a compliment unexpectedly, Aunt Ling seemed a bit unaccustomed.

Yet, Still, her mouth said one thing while her heart said another: "Don’t need you to say it."

Tang Li chuckled: "Aunt Ling has many qualities, just born with a mouth."

Watching Tang Li walk away with shoes on, Aunt Ling realized and turned to ask Zheng Shu, who happened to pass by: "Is she implying something about me?"

Zheng Shu: "..."

The Monk King’s meeting with Song Baiyan was in a secluded Zen room.

Phra Singh Temple’s architecture lacks corridors.

Tang Li didn’t knock on the door, just waited outside with an umbrella.

Inside the Zen room, the Monk King withdrew his gaze from the silhouette outside and spoke a passage.

A young monk who understood S country language kneeled beside him, respectfully translating: "The Buddha said, five hundred past life glances exchanged only for this life’s fleeting encounter, the donor is destined for great fortune, beyond ordinary reach, yet burdened with ceaseless work. Fortunately, this year brings turning fortunes, henceforth, neither seeing Tathagata nor Buddha."

Neither seeing Tathagata nor Buddha.

Song Baiyan brushed his left hand over the ring on his ring finger, slowly rotating it——

With attachment in the heart, naturally, can’t achieve the state where All Four Elements Are Empty.

The young monk translated the Monk King’s words again: "Master excels at observing people, the donor now enjoys matrimonial harmony, next year’s harvest season, the family will surely celebrate the joy of having a daughter."

A daughter, Song Baiyan understood.

It meant a daughter.

The monk further said: "Master also mentioned, this life of the donor will be blessed with many children and prosperity, the household secure and peaceful; in the year of discovering destiny, fear sees the return of hidden dragon rising to the heavens."

Song Baiyan didn’t comment, only smiled slightly and replied: "Then I accept the master’s kind words."

Tang Li didn’t wait long in the rain before Song Baiyan emerged from the Zen room.

Before He Wei could approach, Tang Li quickly moved to the side of the steps.

She handed the umbrella out. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The black umbrella sheltered the man’s head, wetting Tang Li’s left shoulder.

Under the umbrella, outside the umbrella, are two worlds.

The sunset painted half the sky, slanting through the rain, coloring the lovers’ cheeks.

Song Baiyan took the umbrella handle from Tang Li, taking the black umbrella along with her back under its cover, his large hand pressing against the girl’s spine, "How long have you waited?"

It’s a knowingly asked question.

The Zen room has windows, Tang Li saw.

Even being coaxed like a child, she chose to cooperate: "Only ten minutes or so."

Descending the steps, Tang Li continued: "Are we staying in Chiang Mai Prefecture today?"

"If not leaving, how is the accommodation arranged?"

If it weren’t a private trip, receiving Song Baiyan in Chiang Mai Prefecture would be unqualified.

In the entire Siamese country, only Man City meets the standard for hosting such distinguished guests.

This standard includes not only accommodation conditions but also security concerns.

As Tang Li was about to say ’you could actually stay at Li Family’, someone approached holding an umbrella, she recognized them—Cheng Ying, another of Song Baiyan’s secretaries.

Cheng Ying approached and respectfully said: "Your Excellency, Consul Fang from S country’s consulate in Chiang Mai Prefecture has arrived, the hotel has completed inspection work, ready for check-in anytime."

Tang Li heard this and swallowed the words back.

Since Song Baiyan needed to attend to official business, Tang Li didn’t plan to follow.

Once Cheng Ying left, she said: "I haven’t offered incense to my mother and them yet, I’ll return to the main hall first."

Song Baiyan didn’t stop her.

Tang Li was about to take the umbrella handed by He Wei when she heard Song Baiyan say: "Should I send He Wei to pick you up later?"

"No need for the trouble."

Not wanting to delay Song Baiyan’s work, Tang Li gently declined: "I’m staying well at Li Family, let me know in advance when you’re heading to Man City, I’ll come to find you at the hotel, honestly, I’m quite busy these days too."

Song Baiyan asked her again: "Not even time to have dinner together?"

Tang Li said: "Already have an appointment."

Song Baiyan didn’t insist further, only gave some instructions: "Head home after dinner, don’t stay outside too long."

Tang Li nodded, then walked away with the umbrella.

Saying she had an appointment was a fabrication, Tang Li returned directly to Li Residence after leaving the temple.

After having dinner with Song Jingtian, Tang Li was about to go online to check S country’s news when her room door was knocked, it was Li Ruan.

In the evening, Li Ruan hadn’t returned with her.

Appearing now, it was evidently intentional.

"Tomorrow afternoon the old master will personally return, his original words, although conflicting with the ritual schedule, he has already asked the Monk King, who said it was fine, your esteemed one is also busy with important matters, so the wedding engagement date remains tomorrow."

Tang Li didn’t understand: "What wedding engagement?"

Li Ruan saw she wasn’t joking: "Your esteemed one didn’t tell you?"

Realizing Tang Li genuinely didn’t know, Li Ruan handed her a document envelope: "This is the wedding proposal that Song Baiyan gave to the old master."

Tang Li opened the envelope, a sheet of red paper caught her eye.

Her gaze lingered on the last sentence.

"...Only the Li Family’s daughter is in my thoughts, hope for years to look back upon, and affection to grow old together."

————

Due to health reasons, there won’t be a second update at midnight, apologies to everyone.

Good night!