Uneasy daily life

The driver said strangely, "..."

"You seem dismissive, but ignorance is ignorance, and it's strange that you insist on believing in something, right?" the middle-aged woman said in a deep voice. "If one day taxis can be driverless, there will be no need for taxi drivers. Have you considered changing careers and what you could do?"

"Driverless? How could that be possible?" the driver said dismissively.

"So you believe in it too? You don't believe in some god or Buddha with a name, but in a blind judgment based on cognition and inclination—there's not much difference between ignorance and superstition."

Bai Ying described in a deep voice: "Master may not feel anything, but there have been many instances in history where a certain group suddenly lost their jobs, resulting in widespread layoffs. Technological development brings about market changes, market changes affect employment, and innovation leads to a redistribution of benefits, which can render the skills that many people rely on for a living worthless... Most of our work is just for money, without a future, without innovation, without prospects, without self-realization, only to maintain social stability. If social stability does not require this value, our work will naturally not receive any benefits, and we will lose our jobs..."

The driver stammered, "No, that can't be right. How can a driverless car be driven? I'm afraid the accident rate will skyrocket..."

Bai Ying smiled faintly: "Master, you're so confident, do you think you'll become a taxi driver after entering society?"

Driver: "...Well, what do you suggest we do then?"

"Have faith in the God of Social Distribution! Pray to him so you can find a job! You're already blindly confident, why not try believing in the God of Social Distribution?"

It's a pity the car was going too fast and the time was too short, otherwise Scientology could have gained another believer.

"If it had been a little slower, I could have given you a demonstration of how to preach," Bai Ying said with a hint of regret. "That's how my mother-in-law joined the religion back then, and I named her a True Lord who can believe a little."

Yukino Yukinoshita subtly raised her eyelids, her face remaining completely uncommentable.

"I think the hater is clearly the most audacious and unbelievable person," Mai Sakurajima commented sharply. "The biggest cloak of religious belief is sacred values, but the hater's proselytizing has no sacred values ​​at all. He is clearly using the name of religion to discuss social realities."

The white figure sneered, "How dare you! I think you need to believe in the True Lord of Biological Reproduction!"

Mai Sakurajima thought for a moment and rolled her eyes at her boyfriend.

Yukinoshita Haruno chuckled and retorted, "Using superstition to fight superstition, and it actually cures superstition? That bastard's medical skills are amazing."

While chatting, the group met up with another group of people. Looking up, they saw steps, platforms, stalls, and shops built on the mountain. Perhaps because it was a weekday, there weren't many people going up and down.

Climbing up the steps, you'll reach the temple built on the hilltop at the end.

Fengbin and Hua looked around the souvenir shops and restaurants on the left side of the temple, the donation boxes, incense burners, and Buddha statues in the middle, and the fortune-telling stalls on the right...

Because of the layout and decoration, the atmosphere doesn't feel strange or conflicting.

The novelty of Toyohama and Hana quickly wore off: "This is not much different from the god-like communities in Japan."

"This is no different from a Japanese shrine; it's nothing new."

Angelina's translation.jpg

“Work and commercialization are the same thing, they’re all the same.” The middle-aged woman said with a smile. “The monks’ job is to make us feel relaxed and happy. Everyone doesn’t need to be too nervous. In a little while, just follow me to burn some incense and make a wish. Erbai, ask them what they plan to wish for and which Buddha they want to pray to, so that we can ask for divination slips.”

Bai Ying turned her head and looked them over, then said with difficulty, "Mother-in-law, your daughters don't seem to need to pray for wealth or personal prospects. The college entrance exams are over, so there's no need to cram at the last minute. As for marriage, there's nothing to pray for."

The middle-aged woman was taken aback: "Huh? Don't they want to be in charge, to become the empress or something?"

Bai Ying leaned back: "Are you saying our relationship isn't complicated enough?"

The middle-aged woman said matter-of-factly, "If your relationship isn't a bit messy, why would I watch palace dramas?"

Bai Ying promptly retorted, "As they say, many hands make light work. I wonder which daughter has won your favor, Mother-in-law?"

The middle-aged woman thought for a moment and said, "Whoever gives me a child first will be my best daughter."

What an insidious and open conspiracy!

Just as Bai Ying was about to reply, Sakurajima Mai couldn't help but ask, "Black Fan, what are you and Auntie talking about?"

"She asked you if you wanted to have a child."

"?"

One sentence silenced Yukino Yukinoshita. Shirokage shook her head at her mother and sighed, "Mother, why don't you consider having another baby sister for me while you're still young? I can gain some experience in raising kids and try to complete the game without taking any damage on my second playthrough..."

The middle-aged man suddenly interjected, "Forget it, I've already experienced all the game content on my first playthrough."

The group followed the middle-aged woman to burn incense and pray to Buddha, and also donated some money, which was basically equivalent to the entrance fee.

Mai Sakurajima imitated the gestures of a middle-aged woman while praying. She felt there was nothing worth praying for. If there was anything she couldn't do but had to entrust her peace of mind to, it was probably that her mother was physically and mentally healthy and positive.

After all, one's career ultimately depends on one's own efforts... Speaking of work, I'll probably have to go back to Japan tomorrow. It's not that I'm particularly pressed for time, but I need to get back in advance to get into work mode. Going back right before the scheduled filming time will only affect the filming results.

There's no need to stay a few more days. We've already met the people, and I've met the hater's parents. The language barrier does affect communication to some extent, and we've resolved most of the family issues. Staying any longer would only disrupt the rhythm of my work and life.

Let's try to learn more Chinese to prepare for our next meeting.

Mai Sakurajima snapped out of her daze and realized she hadn't made any wish. She looked around casually, not really caring, and suddenly noticed that the white figure in the group had disappeared.

What about people?

"What do you seek, sir? Oh? Why the suspicious and surprised look? You can believe whatever you want, I can just say whatever I want, and we can all be happy, isn't that all there is to it? Why are you so suspicious because I'm not dressed as a monk? Those who wear robes, have shaved heads, wear monastic garments, and use ritual implements are of the lowest quality; those who eat vegetarian food, chant Buddhist scriptures, and cultivate their character are of the middle quality; those who understand worldly affairs, realize their Buddha-nature, and break through the koans to cultivate their minds are of the highest quality."

A white figure sat behind a stall, while a monk watched with a smile. One was taking office on the spot, while the other was stepping down to a more capable person.

The guest, still somewhat skeptical, reached out to draw a lot: "Then let me ask about work..."

Bai Ying composed a poem with a touch of Zen wisdom: "Looking afar, one cannot see the height of the mountains; only upon closer inspection does one see the depth of the secluded forest. The incense before the Buddha burns for a thousand years, while the ashes in the heart are the dust of the six desires."

The guest chuckled and replied with great interest, "You're only seeking desires when you're praying to Buddha. Seeking desires is not as good as seeking them within yourself."

Bai Ying glanced at it twice and smiled, "I mean, benefactor, your future is bright, your work is going smoothly, and you will surely achieve great things. Well said, well said."

"why?"

The guest made a nitpicking sound.

“You are very confident in your work, which is probably a profession with professional skills. Asking me, an outsider, about this kind of work would be a joke. Only an expert knows the truth and knows his level in this field. Asking such a question knowing the answer is obviously just to seek praise and congratulations from others,” Bai Ying explained. “It is just like the saying, ‘You can’t see the height of a mountain from afar, but you can see the depth of a forest when you look closely.’”

The guest glanced at Bai Ying with some surprise, then straightened his posture and asked, "I've encountered some difficulties at work, and I'd like to ask about the outcome..."

“You are attached to appearances—the incense before the Buddha is a thousand-year-old wish, but the ashes in your heart are the dust of the six desires.”

Bai Ying said earnestly, "Seeking Buddha is seeking desire, but seeking desire is not as good as seeking oneself. Horizontal inscription: Make more efforts."

guest:"……"

After the guests left with a somewhat ambiguous expression, the group approached them again.

Angelina also heard the white figure talking to the monk.

"You see, seeking divination and consulting Buddha are essentially just assembly line work, mainly offering a drug-free cure for psychological problems—I'm doing this for you for free, shouldn't you say thank you?"

"Thank you, donor."

The monk nodded with a smile, then noticed the approaching group and suddenly reminded them, "Benefactor, the next guest is rather troublesome. You'd better prepare more. If you don't know what to say for a moment, just chant 'Amitabha' a few times—that older female benefactor is quite difficult to deal with; she's very famous in the temples and monasteries around here."

Angelina subconsciously looked at Bai Ying's mother.

"It's alright, it's alright." Bai Ying said calmly. "That's a female dog. I have many years of experience in training dogs, so dealing with her won't be a problem."

The monk blinked, nodded thoughtfully, and said, "So that's how it is."

Angelina: "..."

Auntie! What have you done to the temples and Taoist monasteries nearby?!

The group approached the stall, and the middle-aged woman was the first to sit down. After observing the white-clad figure and the monk for a moment, she spoke familiarly, "I'd like to ask you something..."

"Please ask, benefactor."

"Which Bodhisattva can protect a family from unrest?"

Angelina looked completely bewildered, but adhering to the principle of not being the only one confused, she turned to translate for the others.

Great, everyone's completely baffled.

Chapter 122 What to Believe and What to Say

Which Bodhisattva protects a family from unrest?

The monk remained remarkably calm about this kind of question that could easily stump others, saying it was neither surprising nor strange.

Compared to questions like, "Do the Bodhisattvas in your temple have official positions?" or "What? Bodhisattvas with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty?! It's not quite right for a Bodhisattva from a previous dynasty to bless the people of this dynasty," or "If a Bodhisattva can bless me to make more money, since productivity is limited, the extra money I get will come from others; in other words, the Bodhisattva is helping me steal other people's money," asking about the duty of punishing evil is perfectly normal.

"Does a household in turmoil need a Bodhisattva? I think you only need a few words to bring unrest and endless calamities to your home."

Bai Ying spoke earnestly.

“No, no, I’m not saying praying to Buddha will bring misfortune to the family,” the middle-aged woman said matter-of-factly. “People often say that harmony in the family brings prosperity, but most of the time it’s just outward harmony without inner discord—as long as everyone keeps quiet about their grievances, things will naturally be peaceful and there won’t be any problems. But everyone knows that suppressing dissatisfaction will only make the problems more serious when they finally erupt. So I think a healthy family environment definitely needs some turmoil. If we treat each other like enemies and only reconcile after someone dies, then no method will work.”

The monk silently chanted sutras in his heart, remaining completely unfazed by these seemingly reasonable yet bizarre words upon closer examination.

“Knowing black and guarding white, understanding death and finding life, you have great wisdom, benefactor.” The white figure clapped twice. “I think we should let the Bodhisattva come down and you sit on it.”

The middle-aged woman said modestly, "No, no, no one will believe me if I sit on it."

“That’s true. After all, in our line of work, we have to say what the people believe.” Bai Ying nodded slightly. “It is indeed very difficult to get the people to believe in you, benefactor.”

"So, which Bodhisattva should we worship when our home is in turmoil?" the middle-aged woman returned to the main topic.

"Are you familiar with Journey to the West, benefactor?"

"I know, I know, it's Sun Wukong."

“In Journey to the West, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has a divine beast named Di Ting, which has a tiger’s head, a single horn, dog’s ears, a dragon’s body, a lion’s tail, and a qilin’s feet. It can hear people’s hearts, understand good and evil, drive away evil, and protect peace and well-being.” The white figure continued, “Dogs are inherently intelligent and are beasts that guard homes and courtyards. When they are transformed into deities and worshipped by people, that is the origin of Di Ting. If you wish for unrest in your home, you can go and worship a dog.”

The middle-aged woman thought for a moment, then faced the white figure, smiled gently, clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently recited a few words. She didn't ask for any more fortune slips, and got up from her seat with satisfaction.

The middle-aged man sat down, placing his hands on his knees, his posture exuding an aura of dominance.

"Greetings, benefactor." The white figure made the sign of the cross on his chest. "Amitabha, what do you wish to ask for?"

Middle-aged man: "Hello, dog."

White Shadow: "Hello, Old Dog."

Wait a minute! The middle-aged man's brain started working like lightning. If he rounded up the old dog, then his son was calling him "Dad," which meant he had won and successfully made his son respectfully call him "Father!"

good good!

"Hahaha--!"

The middle-aged man let out a hearty laugh, attracting the attention of tourists.

While the Hakukage family was interacting amicably, Yukino Yukinoshita and the others were whispering to each other through Angelina's translation.

"Putting aside Uncle's attitude for now, we're probably not as important to him as getting the anti-fan to acknowledge him as his father," Sakurajima Mai remarked before speaking in a deep voice. "It's mainly Aunt's idea."

Feng Bin and Hua asked, puzzled, "Does Auntie have something on her mind? It feels like she's just stirring up trouble. She's acting like a scoundrel, all weird and strange. What's that saying again? 'She's always trying to create chaos.'"

"Strictly speaking, when rascals cause trouble occasionally, they usually have a deeper purpose." Yukino Yukinoshita became a little more serious and analyzed rationally, "At first glance, they seem strange, but in reality, they have hidden secrets. They use the guise of being funny to point out the problems in their hearts. You should have experienced this before, right?"

Yukino Yukinoshita seemed thoughtful: "My stepmother... perhaps she still has concerns and doubts about our relationship, which is why she deliberately said that she likes to watch palace intrigue. Occasionally, she would ask some questions that seemed like she was deliberately trying to make things difficult for us, as if she wanted to see us fighting over each other. Perhaps this was a pretext she deliberately threw out so that we could express our inner dissatisfaction, instead of pretending to be all smiles when our relationship was already quite messy."

"Huh?" Toyohama Kazuka asked in surprise, "Does Koyuki usually pretend to be all amiable?!"

"Toyohama, are your mouth and stomach directly connected?" Yukino Yukinoshita's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Please don't waste the most precious organ of humankind, connect your brain as well."

Feng Bin and Hua realized what was happening and snorted twice: "A single thread wraps around your head, going in and out, twisting into a tangled mess seven or eight times. Is this how you randomly connect wires?"

Yukinoshita Yukino: "#!"

“Um…” Angelina offered a different opinion, “Could it be that we’re overthinking it? Auntie’s just a gossipy person.”

Mai Sakurajima said with a smile, "Because Angelina told Auntie a lot about us?"

“I’m just stating the facts, saying what I know, and I haven’t lied to anyone or said anything bad about anyone!” Angelina said confidently. “Besides, Bai Ying also said so!”

"No matter what, our relationship... is indeed hard for others to understand. Auntie hasn't experienced what happened between us, and she probably doesn't have the ability to read people's minds like the hater, so naturally she feels that we shouldn't be so amicable, but rather that everyone is suppressing their true feelings and pretending to be friendly." Sakurajima Mai pondered, "After all, Haruno has changed a lot, and she seems to be very calculating, while Yukino is a quiet, expressionless girl..."

"Hmm? That doesn't make sense—"

Yukinoshita protested angrily, turned to look at Toyohama Kazuka, hesitated, then turned to look at Angelina, still hesitant to speak, and finally turned back to say in a serious tone: "A big shot like Mai-chan in the entertainment industry is the one who is scheming, good at pretending, an expert in internal strife, and a master of putting on an act!"

Toyohama Kazuka: "?"

Angelina: "?"

They exchanged a glance. Had we been praised or insulted?

“Mai-chan…” Sakurajima Mai rolled her eyes speechlessly and said casually, “Anyway, Auntie has already hinted at it, so let’s cause some trouble for the hater-kun, so he won’t fight with Uncle for paternal authority all the time, and it will also put Auntie’s mind at ease.”

Yukino Yukinoshita frowned slightly, tilting her head thoughtfully, and said, "Even if you say that, you can't just cause trouble for no reason, can you? Or do you have some kind of plan?"

Yukino winked and gave her sister a playful shoulder bump: "Yukino-chan's being silly! Mai-chan clearly has some issues with that jerk and's planning to use it as an excuse to vent~"

"Cough cough..."

Mai Sakurajima coughed twice and said simply, "I need to book my plane ticket later. I have to fly back to Japan tomorrow to prepare for work."

The others immediately understood. Feng Bin and Hua said, "Sister, remember to book my plane ticket. I'll go back with you."

“…Alright then.” Sakurajima Mai glanced at her sister a few times and realized that she really hadn’t thought too much about it. She couldn’t help but chuckle. Compared to Hana’s simple and straightforward attitude towards life, she seemed to be too sentimental.