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Since they arrived at WZ City, Bai Yujing decided to explore the area. Although Li Ruoqiao was not a local, she was very familiar with the place, so she led Bai Yujing and Li Hao around.
"So you're a rich second generation, huh? You really are lucky!" Lin Ruoqiao said, casting a jealous glance at Li Hao, while Bai Yujing was busy taking photos nearby.
The first stop for Bai Yujing and Li Hao was Dragon Mother Temple. It was relatively close by. The legend of the Dragon Mother states that she is the leader of the Southern Cangwu Clan and an ancestor of many Baiyue ethnic groups. Therefore, this area has a strong following, with Dragon Mother Temples built along the Pearl River Basin, especially the WZ Dragon Mother Temple and GD Province Deqing Longmu Temple being the ancestral sites. The Dragon Mother Temple in WZ City was established during the Northern Song period and has undergone several expansions since then, covering a vast area and constructed in a grand style.
In front of them stood a huge Paifang. Bai Yujing and her companions were there; Bai Yujing was busy capturing the scenery with her camera, adjusting angles, while the other two chatted leisurely behind her.
"That's nothing much. What about you? Why are you out here doing this instead of living with your family?" Li Hao asked.
Lin Ruoqiao's expression darkened: "I don't have family; I'm an orphan. My parents passed away when I was young, so I have to survive on my own."
Li Hao's mouth dropped open: "I'm really sorry to bring up your..."
As he spoke, Lin Ruoqiao's head resting on her knees began to tremble before bursting into laughter: "Hahaha, you really believed that? You're so gullible; obviously, I was just kidding!"
Li Hao's face turned dark as he agreed with Bai Yujing's assessment that this girl was a brat who was annoying. He stood up, not wanting to talk to her anymore, but unexpectedly, she immediately clung to him: "Hey hey, do you have money?"
"Don't you have money yourself?"
"Isn't it only natural for men to pay?"
Li Hao helplessly let Lin Ruoqiao drag him off to buy things. When Bai Yujing finished taking pictures and returned, she saw Lin Ruoqiao hugging Li Hao's arm with her mouth wide open saying to him: "Li Hao, watch your behavior; three years minimum for that, death penalty at most!"
Upon hearing this, Li Hao felt like hitting Bai Yujing with a stick. The group walked across the spacious square of Dragon Mother Temple, each holding an ice pop. Lin Ruoqiao claimed it was her treat for Bai Yujing and Li Hao as thanks for not getting her sent to the police station. However, it was clearly Li Hao who paid the bill, and Lin Ruoqiao had an eight-yuan ice pop while Li Hao and Bai Yujing had two-yuan ones.
The square was entirely built of stone and was incredibly spacious, flanked by coiling dragon stone pillars. Further ahead stood a tall rockery with layers of artificial waterfalls cascading down from the mountain. Goldfish leisurely swam in the pond below. The scenery was average, but since it was a temple with a strong following and many visitors, it exuded a sense of tranquility and spirituality. The air carried a faint scent of sandalwood that seemed to calm one's heart completely.
Passing through a series of buildings, the front hall, Dragon Mother Temple, and Dragon Mother's Chamber, one can see many people worshiping devoutly. Accompanied by a light incense smoke, the air is filled with a festive atmosphere that makes one hesitant to speak loudly, as if afraid of disturbing the deities.
Bai Yujing also bought a set of incense and candles, lighting them according to the instructions provided by the temple staff on how to pray for blessings. The cost of the incense and candles was not expensive, and Bai Yujing found participating in this ritual quite interesting.
"Hey, what do you think these people are praying for? We're in a scientific age now..." Lin Ruoqiao, with her rebellious nature, prompted Bai Yujing to turn her head and put down her camera.
"Not speaking doesn't mean no one thinks you're mute!"
Lin Ruoqiao was not easily convinced and immediately wanted to argue with Bai Yujing. Bai Yujing quickly assumed a Wing Chun stance, causing Lin Ruoqiao to remember that this person could fight better than herself and was much stronger. She immediately deflated, saying, "I'm not talking to you; I'll let Little Li reason with you. We're civilized people."
Li Hao pointed to himself and exchanged glances with Bai Yujing, shrugging helplessly.
The wishing tree at Dragon Mother Temple is said to be very effective. Each of the three—Bai Yujing, Lin Ruoqiao, and Li Hao—hung a wish on the tree. In this scenario, Bai Yujing felt that if she had come here with Emma, it would have been very romantic. Unfortunately, Emma was currently studying in London. Just yesterday, Bai Yujing had a video call with Emma where they shared their recent situations and feelings of longing.
Lin Ruoqiao was secretive about what she wrote, not letting anyone see it. Li Hao wrote that he hoped to find a girlfriend this year, while Bai Yujing wished for her family's safety. After hanging their wishes on the tree and looking at the densely packed wishing tree, Bai Yujing felt as if she could see countless people's prayers and blessings shining above.
Lin Ruoqiao took a long time to hang her red string for her wish. Bai Yujing remarked from behind, "Aren't you someone who doesn't believe in deities? Why are you being so devout now?"
"The wishing tree is different!" Lin Ruoqiao replied confidently.
Indeed, women's thoughts are often hard to understand. Although Lin Ruoqiao was a petite woman, her ideas were not something an average man could easily fathom.
If there was anything that amazed Bai Yujing at Dragon Mother Temple, it was the towering 38-meter bronze statue of the Dragon Mother. From a distance, it looked like a giant deity watching over her, as if gazing down upon ants from the clouds. When Bai Yujing visited Dragon Mother Temple around one or two in the afternoon, the sun was scorching hot; sunlight illuminated the statue, radiating brilliance so dazzling that it seemed as if the entire Dragon Mother statue emitted waves of Buddhist light.
As they ascended along the mountain path stairs bit by bit toward the statue at the top, it felt like a pilgrimage. Upon reaching the summit, the three took a photo together at the foot of the massive statue, feeling both small and awed by its grandeur.
The architecture of Dragon Mother Temple is typical of Lingnan style, rich in southern characteristics. After circling around inside and coming out again, Bai Yujing felt as if she had been cleansed; she felt refreshed. Lin Ruoqiao jokingly remarked that Bai Yujing and Li Hao were both dazed from the sandalwood incense.
Next, the group went to Zhongshan Park for a stroll. The park is named after Sun Yat-sen and features the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and a zoo. Not only can visitors enjoy the scenery, but they can also see a variety of animals. The park is lush with greenery, vibrant flowers, neatly trimmed grass, and winding paths that lead to serene spots, creating a harmonious blend of various sights.
After walking around the park, Bai Yujing discovered an interesting place: "There are snakes here!"
The name Snake Garden has a playful charm to it, but the reality was somewhat different from what one might imagine. Looking at the colorful array of snakes, those with a weaker constitution might find it hard to bear. However, Lin Ruoqiao was different; she even teased the snakes inside, appearing very interested.
"It seems like these snakes can be sold. Can we buy one?" Lin Ruoqiao said to Bai Yujing and Li Hao, seemingly unsatisfied.
Li Hao and Bai Yujing replied in unison, "No way!"
"What? You cowards!"
Inside, there were also offerings of snake wine and snake meat tasting. If they hadn't just seen so many live snakes writhing and flicking their tongues, it might have been easier to consider. At that moment, Bai Yujing and Li Hao felt quite queasy, while Lin Ruoqiao insisted on trying some. Bai Yujing immediately pulled her away.
After turning around these two places, it was getting dark. They had been climbing and walking up stairs, stopping occasionally, and were starting to feel tired.
"Let's go to Arcade City! It's nice there; it's especially lively at night with food everywhere!"
Bai Yujing knew about the arcade; it is a distinctive architectural feature of Lingnan—a typical colonnaded building that originated from Europe but was adapted with typical Asian architectural styles after being introduced to Southeast Asia during the late Qing Dynasty. It represents a blend of Chinese and Western architecture and is relatively common in the Guangdong province and Fujian province. Arcade City consists of a large area of such colonnaded buildings, which are relatively rare.
Bai Yujing became interested: "Alright, let's go take a look."
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