The Monk That Wanted To Renounce Asceticism

Panda Novel

Back when Fangzheng opened the Heavenly Eye, he had expended a portion of his lifespan. He was older than in the picture.

Furthermore, he had been cultivating on the mountain for a year and had been studying the Buddhist Dharma day and night. His bearing was naturally different from before.

When a person’s looks and bearing changed, it was as though they had changed into a different person. It was no wonder many people who were unfamiliar with Fangzheng couldn’t recognize him.

Of course, anyone who was familiar with Fangzheng could easily recognize him.

However, no one here was very familiar with Fangzheng.

“Cai Yufen, where did you find the monk? Don’t tell me you found him on the streets?” asked the young man.

Cai Yufen wasn’t sure if Fangzheng wanted people to know of One Finger Monastery’s location, so she said vaguely, “Don’t worry about how I found Abbot Fangzheng. In short, he’s real.”

“Really? Monk, are you really Abbot Fangzheng?” the young man asked suspiciously.

The middle-aged man took out his cell phone and said, “Monk, it’s best you don’t lie to this girl. It’s not easy for her family. We can’t help much, but it’s not a problem to call the police and send you to jail.”

Fangzheng felt helpless as he patted the black cloth bag and said, “Come out for a walk.”

At the next moment, the black cloth bag opened. Following that, a salted fish jumped out from inside and somersaulted. He took out his walking stick and propped it up on the ground. He looked up and shouted, “The two of you are blind. Serves you right for suffering in the construction site! With me here, why aren’t you kowtowing?”

The sudden appearance of a salted fish gave them a fright and they nearly knelt down.

However, they immediately exclaimed, “Venerable Salted Fish?!”

In this world, there was only one living, talking salted fish. This was publicly acknowledged by everyone.

And this salted fish was one of the many things that proved Abbot Fangzheng’s authenticity. It was an ironclad proof.

Upon seeing Salted Fish, the two no longer had any doubts. They were really about to kneel down.

Fangzheng hurriedly stopped them and said, “Amitabha. Patrons, This Penniless Monk is just a monk, not a real Buddha. Besides, the real Buddha didn’t say that one should kneel when meeting him…”

“Abbot Fangzheng, we just…” the middle-aged man said in embarrassment.

Fangzheng shook his head. “It’s nothing… Patrons, can you tell This Penniless Monk how Patron Cai passed away? This Penniless Monk is very curious.”

After confirming Fangzheng’s identity, the duo felt as though they had found their backbone. They immediately felt more confident and did not show any fear.

The middle-aged man said, “This matter has to be brought up a month ago. Back then, Yonggui Garden had just come to our place. It was truly grand… Back then, all the political leaders came. After a grand event, they bought land and invested money to build the buildings.

“Then, they started mass recruiting workers. They had their own workers and they recruited another batch. Soon, the team was formed.

“It has to be said that the treatment they gave wasn’t very good, but the salary they gave was 20% higher than the market price. This price attracted many and they racked their brains to get the job…

“At that time, our supervisor was a fatty named Liu Dafa.

“This person is a classic miser who only cares about money, nothing else. In his eyes, everything seems to be measured by money… including life!”

With that said, the middle-aged man let out a long sigh, unable to continue.

Fangzheng said, “If you can’t continue, think about it. This Penniless Monk will bring them in.”

The middle-aged man did not understand what Fangzheng meant, but he still nodded. “Alright…”

As the man sank into his memories, Fangzheng waved his hand and led Salted Fish, Cai Yufen, and the young man into his dream…

Under the scorching sun, the drill bit that drilled into the ground emitted a dull sound as it gradually sank into the ground…

Under the scorching sun, a group of workers were working hard, sweating profusely.

“Old Cai, this miser is really a f**king asshole. It’s such a hot day, yet he still wants us to continue working. Isn’t he afraid of having people fall ill from the heat?” shouted the middle-aged man.

Cai Guohong, who had a towel hung around his neck, shook his head and said, “There’s nothing we can do about it. They are rich. If we want to earn money, wouldn’t we have to listen to them? Didn’t the miser say that he’ll take care of any illnesses that crop out? If one isn’t sick, we’ll have to work. I think he’s going crazy because of the work schedule… If you’re tired, go and rest.”

The middle-aged man shook his head and said, “Forget it. I’ve already rested twice. You haven’t rested yet. Old Cai, go and rest. I’ll take care of this.”

Cai Guohong chuckled and said, “This is nothing? Back in the countryside, we worked day and night. We opened up barren land. It was much harder than this.”

The middle-aged man smiled and said, “You were young back then, but now… Heh heh… Besides, do you really need to work so hard?”

Cai Guohong said, “My girl is getting older by the year. I have to at least prepare some betrothal gifts for her wedding, right? My wife’s health isn’t good. I plan to earn some money and take her to the hospital for a check up…”

“I don’t know what to say about you. The children and grandchildren have their own lives and fate. You’re always thinking too much.” Although the middle-aged man said that, he also worked harder. Clearly, he needed to rear a family too.

“Crack, bang!” Just then, a strange sound came from afar. The two of them turned their heads instinctively and saw the person controlling the machine run out in a panic and run over to check the foundation.

Soon after, more and more people gathered. The miser, who was wearing a suit and a safety helmet, rushed over. It was unknown what the group of people were discussing.

Not long after, the miser, Li Dafa, convened an important meeting.

“Everyone, as the saying goes, armies are to be maintained for years but used on a single day. Now that the company is in trouble, we need your help. Once it’s done, the company will definitely not mistreat you!” Li Dafa shouted.

However, the reactions from his workers were lukewarm… Obviously, everyone did not buy into Li Dafa’s speech.

Li Dafa was displeased when he saw this. He said, “Just say it directly. Our drill bit is stuck underground. I need someone to go down alone, hook the drill bit, and pull it up! It’s that simple! After completing it, your salary will be doubled. I’ll also reward him with an additional five thousand yuan!”

The moment that was said, the crowd erupted…

Why was everyone working day and night here? To put it bluntly, it was for money!

To have doubled salary and a bonus of 5000 yuan, it tempted everyone. They looked at each other eagerly.

When Li Dafa saw this, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. “Everyone, you know that we have been rushing because of the schedule. It’s because we are in a rush that I’m giving you this opportunity. The money is here. If you have the ability, come and take it! Of course, you can also not do it. When the professionals arrive, the money will have nothing to do with you.”

Cai Guohong got anxious when he heard this. He gritted his teeth and took a step forward. “Me! I’ll do it!”

“Old Cai, are you crazy?! That’s forty meters deep…” the middle-aged man persuaded.