It was just a normal conversation, but why did it sound so much like sweet talk?
Ning Anmiao was momentarily stunned. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she suddenly felt restless. "I'll go make you a cup of black tea," she said, then rushed out of the office in a hurry.
When she returned, she seemed much calmer than before. She was holding a steaming cup of black tea, which she placed in front of Lu Yan.
"Drink it while it's hot to ward off the chill," she said, considering that he had just been caught in the rain.
Lu Yan greatly appreciated the black tea his wife had made for him, but he didn't forget to remind her, "Remember to eat the cake."
Ning Anmiao had no choice but to reluctantly open the cake box. She originally wanted to say that she wasn't very hungry and didn't want to eat it now. But then she thought that Lu Yan had bought it for her specially in the rain, so she felt embarrassed to decline. She just couldn't bring herself to disappoint him.
She picked up a fork, cut off a small piece, and put it into her mouth. It was a familiar taste, exactly the same as the one Lu Yan had "conveniently" bought for her before. But somehow, she thought this piece was sweeter.
After eating a few bites, she subconsciously looked up and saw Lu Yan sipping his black tea leisurely.
Ning Anmiao had an indescribable feeling.
The Ning family had strict family teachings. Since childhood, her every word and deed had to be in line with good breeding, so she ate very gracefully. But watching Lu Yan using her body, she felt there was a different charm.
He sat up straight, and his movements were slow and deliberate. Although he was also elegant and noble, there was an extra air of toughness and sharpness about him.
Maybe this was the unique charm of a mature man, she thought silently. She lowered her head and poked the cake in front of her a few times with the fork, then took a deep breath.
Ning Anmiao, don't lose your head just because of a man's good looks. Calm down.
The rain was pattering outside. The two of them were sitting in the room having afternoon tea. The atmosphere was quiet and there was an indescribable warmth.
Ning Anmiao didn't know that all her actions just now had quietly fallen into the other person's eyes.
Although she didn't say it out loud, she was happy. Lu Yan could feel it.
---
After finishing the cake, Ning Anmiao gently wiped the corners of her mouth with a tissue and took the initiative to suggest, "Let's go to a temple this weekend."
Why on earth would they go to a temple?
Seeing the doubt in his eyes, Ning Anmiao continued, "The matter of swapping bodies is a bit mysterious. I read online that maybe we've attracted some evil spirits."
"If we go and pay our respects to the Buddha and the gods, and make a wish, maybe our bodies will swap back."
Hearing such a ridiculous explanation, Lu Yan scoffed disdainfully. "People only start to curry favor with the gods when they need something. The gods are too lazy to care."
"Well... we should at least give it a try," Ning Anmiao saw that he wasn't very willing to go, so she said awkwardly, trying to persuade him. "Besides, it's spring now. We can just go for a spring outing in the mountains. The air will be good too."
Hearing this, Lu Yan's displeased expression softened a little.
He had always been an atheist and naturally didn't believe in this so - called praying to the gods. But if it was a spring outing with Miaomiao...
Maybe it was worth paying respects to the Buddha.
...
On the weekend.
The two of them got up on time. As they had agreed, they both changed into casual clothes, ready to climb the mountain and pay their respects at the temple.
There were several mountains in Shanghai, and there were a few temples on them.
Most of the temples had a strong incense - burning atmosphere on weekdays. There were many pilgrims coming to pay their respects devoutly, praying for a smooth life or good health.
Since the Ning family believed in these things, she had come with her elders a few times when she was a child and knew the rules of burning incense and praying.
Before entering the temple, she carefully reminded Lu Yan, "When you step over the threshold later, lift your foot and step over it in one go. Don't pause or step on the door frame."
"Why?" Lu Yan was actually quite interested.
"It's a sign that your life will be smooth and free of hardships in the future," she said. In fact, she didn't really know why, but she just repeated what the adults had told her to Lu Yan.
Lu Yan scoffed and didn't take it seriously. But when entering the temple, he still obediently followed Ning Anmiao's advice and didn't pause.
Seeing that he was obedient, Ning Anmiao nodded in satisfaction.
Lu Yan couldn't help but smile softly.
The little girl was really easy to please.
The temple was indeed bustling with incense - burning activity. The air was filled with the fragrance of burning incense. There were many pilgrims coming and going, and the occasional ringing of the bell made people feel refreshed.
The impetuous heart could gradually calm down at this moment.
Ning Anmiao led Lu Yan around the temple for a few times. Finally, they came in front of the big Buddha. She didn't forget the purpose of this trip and was about to start praying devoutly.
At this time, the abbot walked over. Seeing this young couple, he stopped.
"Are you two here for...?" The abbot was wearing a cassock. His face was calm and serene. He was holding a string of Buddhist beads in his hand. His wise eyes, which had seen so much of the world, now fell on the two of them.
"Master," "Lu Yan" said, "we two have encountered some problems and hope the Buddha can help us solve them. So we've come here especially to pay our respects."
Her answer was very innocent. The abbot was stunned for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed. "Sir, your answer is very childlike and innocent."
Yes, most pilgrims who came to burn incense and pray were seeking wealth or good fortune. But none of them were as straightforward as Ning Anmiao. Most people would be more round - about in their statements.
Her frankness was really cute.
Being teased by the abbot like this, Ning Anmiao pursed her lips and awkwardly touched the tip of her nose. She knew she had been too hasty.
Seeing this, Lu Yan stepped forward to speak on Miaomiao's behalf. "Master, please forgive us. My wife is a bit impatient and said something rash. Please forgive her."
The old abbot waved his hand indifferently. It was rare for him to personally receive pilgrims.
Seeing this, the little monk beside him was a bit surprised. "Master, you..."
"These two are fated people. I'd like to have a chat with them. You can go about your business," the abbot said.
Hearing this, Ning Anmiao and Lu Yan glanced at each other.
Fated people?
It seemed they had come to the right temple.
"Both of you can sit here and start making your wishes. This gentleman can go first," the old abbot guided them in front of the Buddha, indicating that "Lu Yan" should go first. Then he also started to meditate and recited scriptures for the two of them.
Ning Anmiao clasped her hands together, with her index fingers touching the tip of her nose. She devoutly prayed in her heart that the two of them could quickly swap their bodies back and return to a peaceful life.
After that, she turned around and made room for Lu Yan.
"What wish did you make?" Lu Yan asked.
There were too many people around, so Ning Anmiao didn't answer directly. She just said, "I wished that we could quickly return to our separate lives."
Separate lives? Did she wish for an early divorce?
Lu Yan's face darkened.