Chapter 17: Setting Free

Song Wan let out a soft hum on the other end of the line. "I have no interest in chatting with them. I only want to talk to you about my matters."

Lu Fengzhou glanced at the release pond, where monks were guiding devotees in animal release rituals. He said, "I have things to attend to. I told you about it yesterday."

It wasn’t exactly a reminder; his tone was mild enough, yet Song Wan paused noticeably before quickly switching to a gentle, obedient voice. "I know, I know you’re busy. I just wanted you to take a break for once. Work is important, but your health matters more."

She sounded delicate and sweet. "I’m heading home now—when will you be free? I’ll cook and wait for you at home."

"No need to wait," Lu Fengzhou replied. "I have a lot to deal with today. I might not make it."

"I see," Song Wan didn’t dare complain this time. "Alright, I’ll still make dinner and wait for you. If you don’t come, I’ll eat by myself."

Lu Fengzhou responded quietly, then hung up and stood.

The family releasing animals today was evidently wealthy. Several large tanks had been brought over, along with cages of live birds.

A few monks stood by the pond reciting scriptures, while young novices guided the devotees in releasing live fish into the water and birds into the sky.

Lu Fengzhou watched for a moment, then took out his phone and made a call.

The answer came swiftly and respectfully. "Sir?"

Lu Fengzhou asked, "Did you buy the animals for the release?"

The reply was immediate. "Yes, they're being kept in the warehouse. We'll deliver them the day before the ceremony."

"That won’t be necessary," Lu Fengzhou said. "Just release them in any river."

...

By habit, Qiao Jiu always took a nap in the afternoon.

But she couldn’t sleep today. Lying in bed, she kept turning, haunted by memories of her father’s final days.

Her father hadn’t suffered much—Lu Fengzhou had assembled a top-tier medical team. Though they couldn’t save him, at least he hadn’t endured too much pain.

Qiao Jiu rolled over. Usually, thoughts of her father brought sorrow, but after seeing Huo Ting today, certain truths had been laid bare. Now, the grief was mingled with uncontrollable guilt and regret.

After tossing for a while, she couldn’t bear it any longer. Sitting up, she hesitated for a few seconds, then got out of bed and changed her clothes.

She hailed a cab and headed straight for Taiping Temple.

After her father passed, she had arranged for a memorial tablet here. She wanted to visit it.

Taiping Temple sat halfway up the mountain. Cars could only be parked at the base; the rest of the journey had to be made on foot.

Even at this hour, many devotees were ascending the mountain to pray. Qiao Jiu followed them.

She didn’t know the proper rituals, so she mimicked the others: first lighting incense at the main hall’s brazier, then entering to kneel and pay respects.

Some people had made arrangements in advance; after kneeling, young monks would lead them elsewhere for lectures or guidance.

Qiao Jiu knew nothing, so she stood at the entrance of the main hall, glancing left and right, hoping to find a young monk to ask about the location of the memorial tablets. But all the monks seemed busy, hurrying past without pause.

Not wanting to trouble anyone, she hesitated and decided to wander on her own.

Descending the steps of the main hall, pathways branched off to either side. She chose one at random.

Soon, she came upon a pond crowded with people. Large tanks and bird cages lined the shore.

She was a bit late; the fish and birds had already been released, leaving only the monks chanting.

Qiao Jiu didn’t quite understand, but she edged closer, standing quietly and respectfully.

Her position was slightly off to the side—she didn’t notice the figure standing in the pavilion. Yet from the moment she approached, that person’s gaze was fixed on her.