This Witch Transmigrated into the Romantic Novel's Supporting Role

Chapter 208: The Temple of the Matchmaker

Chapter 208

The couple walked slowly, stopping for half an hour at a pavilion halfway up the mountain to eat and rest before continuing their leisurely climb. It took them over two hours to reach the summit, where several buildings stood. One of these was their destination: the Matchmaker's Temple.

Hand in hand, they approached the temple entrance. Chu Yang noticed a young woman kneeling in prayer before the temple. Her eyes were closed, and the sunlight streaming in illuminated her profile, giving her an air of sincere devotion.

The woman bowed three times before opening her eyes. She took a moment to stand up, then turned and saw Chi Yan and Chu Yang, looking slightly startled.

Chu Yang smiled at her, and the woman returned the smile with a nod before leaving.

After she left, Chi Yan led Chu Yang inside. "Let's pay our respects too." He took out some incense from the bag he'd brought, lit three sticks, and placed them in the holder before the Matchmaker deity.

Then he guided Chu Yang to kneel before the deity. Chu Yang turned to look at Chi Yan and saw how serious he was, his lips moving in silent prayer. The sunlight bathed his body, casting a long, narrow shadow as he bowed. At that moment, Chu Yang's heart fluttered; she felt Chi Yan had reached a new level of handsomeness.

Chu Yang turned back to face the Matchmaker deity, who bore a kindly smile, with a long beard and eyes that seemed to be gazing at their position.

She closed her eyes and bowed three times.

After paying their respects, Chi Yan led her to a small side room where someone was selling various items.

Chi Yan brought her over and said, "This is a red string. We'll buy one, cut it in half, and tie it together. This way, we'll never be apart."

Chu Yang looked at Chi Yan curiously. "How do you know all this?"

Chi Yan grinned. "I researched it last night."

The simple red string cost five yuan and was cut for free. Chi Yan tied it around Chu Yang's wrist, and she did the same for him. They smiled at each other before leaving.

Chi Yan then took her to the Three Lives Stone, which was actually just a large rock with the characters for "Three Lives Stone" carved into it.

Chu Yang thought it was all man-made: there was no such thing as a real Three Lives Stone in this world. But as they say, belief makes it real, and disbelief negates it. Chi Yan seemed to believe in it wholeheartedly, so she was happy to go along with it.

In front of the Three Lives Stone were many small pebbles arranged in pairs, some with names written on them.

"So we need to place small stones too?" Chu Yang asked.

Chi Yan nodded and pulled two pebbles from his pocket, each engraved with their names...

Chu Yang was surprised. "When did you do this?"

Chi Yan replied, "Last night, of course."

Chu Yang wondered how she hadn't noticed.

Chi Yan placed the two stones beside the Three Lives Stone, then took Chu Yang's hand and said with a smile, "There, now we have two more lifetimes together." Three lifetimes seemed too few, but this was the Three Lives Stone. Why wasn't there a Forever and Ever Stone? Chi Yan felt a bit greedy; he wanted to be with her for all eternity.

After paying their respects, Chi Yan took her to other temples on Phoenix Mountain. There wasn't just the Matchmaker's Temple, but also the God of Wealth Temple, the Guanyin who Grants Children, and others. For Chinese people, it was customary to pay respects at all of them when visiting, so Chi Yan led her through each one. However, when they reached the Guanyin who Grants Children, Chu Yang stopped him. "Hmm? Are you hoping to get pregnant?"

Chi Yan was momentarily confused, then realized what the sign said.

Chu Yang burst into laughter.

Chi Yan hugged her. "If I could get pregnant, I'd be fine with that. But you'd have to work hard at it."

Chu Yang was defeated by his shamelessness. "Oh, stop it!"

After touring the summit, they noticed it was getting late. They rested briefly before heading back down.

The descent was somewhat easier, but with their playful banter, it still took them over an hour.

Sitting in the car, Chu Yang asked, "Are you dropping me off before going home?"

Chi Yan shook his head. "Let's have dinner first, then I'll drop you off before heading home."

"Alright."

They went for hot pot, and then Chi Yan drove her home before returning to his own house.

At eight in the evening, Chi Yan arrived at the family mansion. As soon as he entered, he saw the butler waiting at the door. "Where's Grandfather? Has he eaten dinner?"

"The master is in the study. He's already had his evening meal."

"That's good."

Chi Yan went straight to the study and knocked on the door.

Chi Bai's voice came from inside. "Come in."

Chi Yan pushed open the door. "Grandfather."

"Mm." Chi Bai was writing calligraphy with a brush, his hand steady as he made each stroke. He quickly finished a character and motioned for Chi Yan to sit.

Chi Yan sat down in front of Chi Bai, who continued writing the next character. "Where did you go today?"

Chi Yan felt a bit embarrassed. "I went on a date, we went hiking."

Chi Bai nodded. "I hear you have a girlfriend? How long has it been?"

Chi Yan replied, "It's been almost two years now."

Chi Bai glanced at him. "So long? Why didn't I know about this? Are you just playing around?"

Chi Yan quickly shook his head. "No, not at all! I... I really like her. I've decided she's the one." His face reddened slightly, unused to discussing such matters with family.

"How did you meet?"

Chi Yan recalled, "She kind of saved me. I was at the university, and if it weren't for her, the whole car might have been in an accident..." He went on to describe their first meeting.

He then recounted some of their subsequent experiences, concluding with, "She's excellent, kind, and adorable. She's filial to her parents, excels in her studies: I really like her, Grandfather."

"I see." Chi Bai nodded. "In that case, bring her home to meet us when you have the chance."

Chi Yan stood up excitedly. "Yes, of course. She's really wonderful, Grandfather. I'm sure you'll like her."

Chi Bai snorted. "If you think I'll like her, why am I the only one in the family who didn't know you had a girlfriend?"

Chi Yan looked remorseful. "I'm sorry, Grandfather. I was wrong."

"It's good that you recognize your mistake. But whether I like her or not doesn't matter much, since I'm not the one in a relationship with her. Just make sure you don't regret your choice in the future."

Chi Yan nodded firmly. "I will never regret it!"

Chi Bai waved his hand. "Alright, you can go now."

"Okay, Grandfather. Please take care of your health."

"Mm."

As Chi Yan came downstairs, he ran into Chi Xin, who had just returned home.

Chi Xin gave him a look: How was it?

Chi Yan smiled, "Grandfather asked me to bring Chu Yang over for a visit when I have time."

Chi Xin: "That's good then. Alright, you can go back now."

"Mm-hmm."

After Chi Yan left, Chi Xin went upstairs...

Soon, Chi Bai's voice could be heard: "Look at you, your nephew has been dating his girlfriend for two years now. What about you? When are you going to bring someone home?"

Chi Xin: "Dad, you're putting me in a difficult position. Ming Wu Master said I have a frog's destiny."

"Frog's destiny? What frog's destiny?"

Chi Xin nodded vigorously, "Yes, the kind of frog that can only croak 'lonely, lonely, lonely'... Ouch! Dad, stop hitting me, I was wrong!"