A Twisted Love Affair
Chapter 142: Believers Receive Love (3)_1

Chapter 142: Believers Receive Love (3)_1

Zhou Luchen didn’t return to Yunding. The branch’s quarterly review meeting had been postponed for several months, and by the time it finally concluded that day, it was nearly one in the morning.

He drove alone to the seaside villa to attend Chen Yao’s gathering.

From the moment he entered, Chen Yao sprang up from the couch like a monkey. "Finally, we meet! I fucking missed you."

Zhou Luchen sat down and had two drinks. He didn’t talk much, only occasionally reminding Chen Yao to keep an eye on the funds and seize opportunities to buy low.

"I sent a traditional round fan to Grandma Zhou yesterday," said Chen Yao.

Zhou Luchen toyed with the lampshade on the table. "Did she like it?"

Chewing on a lollipop, Chen Yao boasted, "The old lady said it showed more taste than what Achen sent."

Zhou Luchen chuckled softly. Chen Yao knew then that the Second Master had been punished by his family.

Overcome by late-night fatigue, Zhou Luchen slept at the seaside villa. Chen Yao stayed up by himself, keeping an eye on the market displays and amusing himself until dawn. If anyone asked, Chen Yao would occasionally say, "Your brother Luchen is exhausted, sleeping upstairs. Don’t disturb him."

In the past, it was normal for him not to return home. Nobody found it strange; they tried to keep their voices at a normal level while playing cards.

At dawn, Zhou Luchen woke up early, but Chen Yao still hadn’t finished his all-nighter.

Just then, Second Master Zhou descended the stairs leisurely. He had likely just showered, and the captivating scent of Chanel and Hermès men’s body wash wafted from him. His steps were unhurried, and the young women in the room couldn’t help but steal glances in his direction.

"Where are you going so early in the morning?" Chen Yao watched him.

Zhou Luchen held up his phone, saying indifferently, "Accompanying the old lady to burn incense at the ancient temple."

That’s new, Chen Yao thought, giving a thumbs up. He’s indifferent to everyone else, but in this regard, Master Zhou is truly a devoted son.

"You lack nothing. What wish could you possibly make burning incense?"

Zhou Luchen lowered his eyes. "Who told you I have everything?"

"I really have no idea what you could possibly lack." Rising from his seat, Chen Yao continued, "Whatever you pray for, even the Buddha would find it challenging." The Second Master has everything he could ever want. With his family’s fortune, anything is within his reach. What wishes could he possibly have to make before the Buddha?

Zhou Luchen’s lips curled into a lazy hum as he said half-jokingly, "The faithful are rewarded with love."

This Second Master Zhou, who has no intention of marrying, never speaks a word of truth. Believe he’s capable of love?

Chen Yao called out to his retreating figure, "You should seek out the Matchmaker instead! The Buddha doesn’t work in that line of business."

Zhou Luchen’s mouth twitched. "My Buddha offers salvation to all beings in the world."

Chen Yao leaned back on the sofa. "Those serious about finding love should seek the Matchmaker."

The young master had already entered the garage and driven away.

After a while, Chen Yao chuckled and hummed a tune. "No wonder a showman like him is such a player."

* * *

On a suburban mountain overlooking the bustling metropolis, Nanhuai Ancient Temple was observing a day of spiritual retreat. However, its main front gates remained open as usual. The wind rustled the leaves of the ancient willow trees.

In front of the ancient temple’s granite steps, several inconspicuous Red Flag L5 sedans were parked. Drivers in white gloves, bowing slightly, held open the rear passenger doors.

Grandma Zhou had always followed the custom of vegetarianism and chanting sutras. Today, she wore a simple brocaded robe, her neck adorned with a string of age-old Buddha Beads.

As they walked, Grandma Zhou glanced at the distinguished young man by her side. "You should observe fasting and abstinence." She continued earnestly, "Now that you’re here, let Zhuang Ming get you some incense. Young people are too frivolous and impatient. Listen to some scriptures to find tranquility."

Zhou Luchen looked briefly at the temple’s pure land of strict rules and precepts and stepped onto the stairs leisurely, his thin lips moving slightly. "No need for incense. I’m here to accompany you."

Grandma Zhou glared at him, her expression stern, yet helpless. Servants respectfully assisted Grandma Zhou, walking ahead of him.

Within the temple, young monks bowed their heads, sweeping fallen leaves. An air of silence and solemnity prevailed everywhere. The temple had been cleared for its two important visitors today, ensuring no disturbances.

In the courtyard’s large incense burner, fragrant smoke swirled.

In the main Dharma hall, the red lacquered doors opened from both sides. Zhou Luchen followed Grandma Zhou into the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas to listen to the scriptures.

The chanting in front of the Buddha image paused. The Abbot Monk, seated on a meditation cushion, straightened his robes and rose, pressing his palms together.

"Grandma Zhou, Mr. Zhou, please take your seats."

Grandma Zhou nodded.

Zhou Luchen merely leaned against the doorframe. Behind him, seven or eight bodyguards stood in the courtyard—quite a formidable formation. Are they planning to make a move on me? he wondered. Listen to scriptures? Burn incense?

Thinking of this, he tugged at the corner of his lips. "What, did you trick me into coming here?"

Madam Zhou clasped her hands together, devoutly kneeling on the soft cushion, flicking her Buddha Beads while listening to the scriptures. "Can you bear to part with those pampered beauties you keep? If you’re willing, then come and dedicate yourself to monastic life. I’ve known the Abbot for decades; he can certainly arrange a clean meditation room for you, where you can observe a vegetarian diet for ten-odd years."

"Become a monk?" Zhou Luchen leaned lazily against the doorframe, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on his thin lips. "Aren’t you hoping for great-grandchildren anymore?"

Madam Zhou huffed, "I don’t believe you can keep the rules without breaking the precepts."

Whether he could exercise restraint depended entirely on his temperament. The heart is the most difficult thing to control. Since his heart remained unmoved by such temptations, restraining lust and greed wouldn’t be difficult for him; it was purely a matter of him not *wanting* to.

Zhou Luchen raised an eyebrow, glancing over the grand hall illuminated by golden Buddha light, the patience on his face gradually crumbling. "You think this kind of place suits me?"

Suitable or not, it doesn’t matter. When one errs, one must reflect and discipline oneself. His status doesn’t permit excessive indulgence. Madam Zhou took a deep breath. "Sit down, Achen. Three hours."

Zhou Luchen stepped over the threshold, still patient enough to accompany his elder for three hours.

However, just as Zhou Luchen took his seat, Madam Zhou sneered and walked out.

CREAK. The heavy temple doors swung shut instantly, followed by what sounded like a lock clicking into place. Indeed, all the doors of the ancient temple were now locked.

Zhou Luchen suddenly frowned. "Locking me in?"

Zhuang Ming, who was attending him, nodded. "Yes, Madam Zhou’s orders."

"You may not kneel in the ancestral hall, but you must copy scriptures and recite Buddhist teachings to cultivate your moral character. To inherit the Zhou Family’s mantle, you must abide by the Zhou Family’s rules."

Although Zhuang Ming said all this, he knew perfectly well that Zhou Luchen’s capabilities didn’t require such lectures. In business, in his dealings, he always knew the proper measure. It was only when it came to women that he was too much of a libertine, unwilling to abide by the rules established by the Zhou Family.

Zhou Luchen leaned back in his chair. "Prepare tea."

"The Elder Madam said..." Zhuang Ming began, but when Zhou Luchen let out a soft, dismissive laugh, he instinctively swallowed the rest of his words.

Zhou Luchen smiled half-mockingly, half-coldly. "Whose side are you on?"

Zhuang Ming replied, "My duty is to ensure Second Young Master’s personal safety."

Zhou Luchen casually lifted his gaze, remaining silent. His eyes, however, were full of immense pressure.

Ultimately, Zhuang Ming obediently went to prepare a pot of aged rock tea for him. ’92 vintage rock tea.

Cigarettes confiscated, lighter confiscated, mobile phone confiscated. Ten bodyguards surrounded him, taking everything away.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t beat the men before him; Zhou Luchen was indifferent, unconcerned.

The sunlight, refracting as it streamed in, cast an elusive shadow over the young nobleman, making him appear both lonely and desolate.

In front of the Buddha statue, the Abbot Monk’s chanting never ceased. He would turn a page of the scriptures, strike the wooden fish, and add a reverent "Namo Amitabha Buddha."

Before a pear-wood desk, Zhou Luchen sat in the central position, feigning meditation. He was only sitting there obediently to give face to the old lady. His hand, balled into a fist, rested against his cheek, his fingertips slowly rubbing a string of carved Vajra Buddha beads. His eyes occasionally glanced at the Buddhist scriptures spread on the desk, his lazy demeanor showing his utter lack of enthusiasm.

The yellowed pages of scripture, "Forty-Two Chapter Sutra, Sexual Desire Obstructs the Path," read:

—The Buddha said, no desire is greater than that for sensuality. Among desires, sexual desire is the greatest.

Zhou Luchen lifted his eyelids to look at the Buddha statue, then a slight smile touched his lips. His long, elegant, fair fingers turned a page. "If one doesn’t indulge desires, what’s the use of wealth and power?"

The Abbot stopped striking the wooden fish, bringing his palms together in a bow. "The vicissitudes of the world, gains and losses, fame, and emotional ties—none should be pursued to extremes. Only with a tranquil heart can one find lasting peace."

"I don’t see it that way." Zhou Luchen closed his eyes to rest, exuding an air of languor. After a moment, he frowned, his tone extremely flippant, "Monastics shouldn’t spout falsehoods."

The Abbot sighed helplessly, uttering "Namo Amitabha Buddha" towards the Buddha statue. "This disciple has erred, truly erred," he murmured, before resuming his chanting of the scriptures.

Zhou Luchen had no interest in worshipping Buddha, merely sitting there as if admiring the Forty-Two Chapter Sutra, his expression naturally distant. The Abbot had some skill in physiognomy. This young man was clearly born into extreme nobility, making it difficult for the Abbot to even utter a word of reproach.

Zhou Luchen didn’t look at a single word of the scriptures he was punished to copy. Fourteen volumes of the Jade Rules Scriptures—exceptionally thick.

He wouldn’t copy them. Instead, he tossed them to Zhuang Ming behind him and ordered in a hoarse voice, "Go bring her here."

Zhuang Ming paused, reminding him, "The roads are sealed."

Zhou Luchen, clearly losing patience, snapped, "A plane."

Having been with Zhou Luchen for so long, Zhuang Ming could understand the young nobleman’s impulsive and straightforward nature.

Zhuang Ming bowed his head. "The temple’s front and back gates are sealed. The Elder Madam forbids you from seeing anyone or leaving. You are to copy scriptures for seven days, quietly study Buddhist teachings, and cultivate your heart without impatience."

His profound, dark eyes glanced at Zhuang Ming. Though his expression was deceptively casual, Zhuang Ming felt a shiver run through him and quickly lowered his head.

"I don’t care what’s sealed." Zhou Luchen sipped his tea leisurely, lounging improperly in his seat, his tone arrogant. "I want to see someone."

He had been sitting for four hours, and his temper was currently foul.

This young nobleman’s most severe punishment to date had been standing in the study to be reprimanded for half an hour. How could he possibly endure staying here, listening to Buddhist scriptures for seven days and seven nights?

Suppressing his unease, Zhuang Ming cautiously assented, "Alright, I’ll arrange it now."