Our Houlight, however, showed no such expression—his focus was merely on appreciating these two beautiful women, and he hadn’t yet formed any clear feelings about them. After all, he had come to Kyoto University to pursue academic advancement, not to socialize with beautiful women. Yet, Zhuang Muxuan, such a lovely woman, had stopped eating and wouldn’t listen to Song Li’s encouragement. Ma Huai sat alone, staring at the large table of food, deeply resentful. Seeing both women now gathered around Houlight, he felt a strong sense of jealousy. So, he approached Song Li’s table, intending to invite Zhuang Muxuan to join him. At that moment, Houlight noticed Zhuang Muxuan’s visibly unhappy expression. Though they were rivals, he said one unexpected thing that surprised everyone: “Everything will be fine once we’ve finished dinner!” This made Zhuang Mu-xuan lift her head and glance at Gao Liang, giving him a withering look, puzzled as to what he meant. The remark, however, stung Ma Huai standing beside her, sending him red in the face and neck, who burst out shouting, "What's your claim? You're not even capable—just trying to court someone!" Sun Peng recognized Gao Liang as the son of one of Jingdu City's top real estate developers. He stepped in, holding back Gao Liang just as he was about to speak, which only made Ma Huai more assertive and dismissive of Gao Liang. "A poor boy! Without money, you're trying to court someone? Don't you know what kind of dress Zhuang Mu-xuan wears? I'll name a figure—guarantee you'll be stunned!" He pointed to the pink dress Zhuang Mu-xuan was wearing. At that moment, Zhuang Mu-xuan gave Ma Huai a subtle glance, and Ma Huai fell silent. Song Li and Sun Peng didn't particularly like Ma Huai. He always thought his modest means were impressive, not realizing he was still entirely dependent on his wealthy, oil-rich father. Highlighted this moment, said, "Go on! What price?" "One thousand francs! Do you have that?" Ma Huai's eyes were full of contempt and disdain; in his eyes, everyone was a poor soul. As the reader might wonder, how did Ma Huai know the price of Zhuang Mu-xuan's dress? It turned out that Ma Huai's father and Zhuang Mu-xuan's father were close friends, so Ma Huai had some knowledge of Zhuang Mu-xuan. He also knew that his son was pursuing her, and thus arranged for his French friend to buy a French-made, soft pink dress, which would look elegant and refined. He then intended to give it to Zhuang Mu-xuan. However, Zhuang Mu-xuan did not accept it that day—she was out—her mother took it instead. The mother liked Ma Huai very much, but Zhuang Mu-xuan always maintained a certain distance from him, which made Ma Huai feel uneasy. Indeed, the mother never explicitly mentioned that the dress had been given by Ma Huai; she only said it had been sent by a friend, and that the details would become clear later. Zhuang Mu-xuan didn't mind at all—she truly liked the dress and wore it often. Song Li, who was close to her, often asked where she had bought it, but Zhuang couldn't recall. After trying to search online, she found out it was made in France and quite expensive. However, just now, Ma Huai's words had made her feel certain that it must have been a gift from Ma Huai. If she had known that earlier, she wouldn't have worn it. Still, she genuinely liked it. Yet, in his heart, Gao Huang was very clear: with his own abilities, buying this dress wasn't difficult at all. It was just that he still wasn't quite ready to buy it for Zhuang Mu-xuan. After all, was this little troublemaker really worth the investment? Gao Huang asked himself. The server was as delighted to see the VIP Gold Card as if he had seen gold itself—his eyes shone even brighter than when he had witnessed Ma Huai tossing money around. After all, wasn’t this a VIP? Or a member? How could he possibly be indifferent now? With genuine enthusiasm, he took the card, went to the hotel’s payment terminal, swiped it, and then respectfully presented it, saying, “Welcome back, esteemed guest—we’re delighted to have you visit again!” Ma Hua, noticing that this place was not one he was used to, managed to squeeze out a firm statement from between his teeth: "We'll see!" With that, he stormed off in a huff. Once Ma Hua had left, the atmosphere became lively, as although the bill had been settled, everyone still wanted to stay a little longer. Gao Liang called for a server and ordered several drinks. The group chatted and laughed freely, especially Song Li, who was particularly delighted. A vibrant, cheerful young woman with a bright, radiant presence, Song Li brought a pleasant energy to the table. With two men and two women sharing the table—essentially a mix of handsome men and beautiful women—there was a natural charm. While Sun Peng, strictly speaking, might not be considered particularly handsome, he did possess a certain grace. Though he fell short of Gao Liang's elegance, Sun Peng stood out as a more upright and respectable man compared to Ma Hua. Song Li looked at Gao Liang with a strangely different gaze, and Zhuang Mu-xuan noticed it right away. After all, Gao Liang was indeed a strikingly handsome and sunny young man, with talent—having graduated as a master's student in computer science. Such a refined man was precisely someone Song Li deeply admired. Song Li had many admirers at school, just like Zhuang Mu-xuan, but she only maintained casual relationships with them, never fully committing, and would gracefully step back when appropriate—demonstrating excellent judgment. She was a smart girl who only truly invested her heartfelt emotions when she encountered someone she genuinely loved. Was Gao Liang one of those people she truly liked? As Zhuang Mu-xuan thought this, her face flushed instantly. How could she be thinking of such random things? Didn't I used to rather dislike him? He hadn't done anything particularly helpful for me today—so why was she thinking of him so deeply? Thus, acting as if completely indifferent, she sipped her drink, ignoring the tender, lingering gaze宋丽 was giving to Gao Huang—after all, throughout the dinner, she had said not a word to Gao Huang. Meanwhile, Sun Peng had been continuously watching Zhuang Muxuan, causing her to suddenly lower her head. When Gao Huang, Sun Peng, Zhuang Muxuan, and Song Li stepped out of the Good Fragrance Restaurant, it was already late afternoon, night quietly settling in, and the streets were now lit up with lamps. Since the campus was close by, they all walked back together. As they reached a quiet alley, they suddenly found over a dozen people rushing toward them. Zhuang Muxuan and Song Li had never seen such a scene before and were instantly terrified. Sun Peng, who had never fought anyone before, was equally stunned. Only Gao Huang managed to urge Sun Peng to take Zhuang Muxuan and Song Li away, but it was too late—due to the alley’s length and narrowness, the group of over a dozen had quickly blocked both the entrance and exit, making even a bird’s wings unable to take flight. Only when high-light was engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the crowd, overwhelmed by numbers, could he manage to defend himself—unable to mount any effective resistance. Even more pressing developments occurred: one person suddenly grabbed Zhang Mu-xuan's skirt, causing her to be so startled that she nearly cried out. At that moment, a familiar figure appeared, stepped forward, and kicked the person away, who then released Zhang Mu-xuan and hurried off. High-light, momentarily distracted, was pushed from behind and fell to the ground, though not severely injured, still landing with a heavy thud. High-light, Sun Peng, and Song Li all recognized the man who had rescued Zhang Mu-xuan as Ma Huai. Zhang Mu-xuan was deeply grateful, nearly collapsing into Ma Huai's arms, which made Ma Huai's face glow with pride. Gazing at Zhang Mu-xuan's alluring bust, he looked at her with a dazed, admiring gaze and said, "I'll take you back later!" Zhang Mu-xuan naturally nodded her thanks. At this moment, Ma Huai came to Gao Liang's side, watching him lying on the ground, beaming with pride. In front of everyone, he said, "I'll lift you up!" But as soon as he finished, he lowered his head and only muttered to Gao Liang, "You deserved it!" Gao Liang was furious. Ma Huai then added, "If you want to take my wife, I'll leave you crippled!" With that, he took advantage of everyone's attention and drew his dagger from his waist, aiming it at Gao Liang's head. Gao Liang's blood spilled out. Everyone was stunned—because they saw that Gao Liang did not fall down but instead rose into the air, vanishing shortly after. (Note: From now on, Gao Liang's new life begins. His body is taken by the Bodhisattva Guanyin and reborn into the wealthiest family in Gaojiacang City. According to Guanyin's arrangement, Zhu Bajie also takes over Gao Liang's new body. Thus, Gao Liang now possesses both human and divine abilities—this is a completely new Gao Liang. We hope you will The topic turns to the journey of the four disciples of Tang Monk, who, after enduring the eighty-one trials, finally reach the Western Paradise, the Raiyin Temple, retrieve the true scriptures, achieve their merit, and attain their highest enlightenment. Each of the four is appointed to a position by the Buddha. Pig Zhu, though having made few notable contributions, is honored by the Buddha for his enduring efforts and is granted the title of "Assistant to the Temple's Offerings," responsible for overseeing the supplies and offerings in temples across the land. I wouldn't have gone at all if it weren't for the enlightenment from Guanyin Bodhisattva, let alone make amends! Though now I have a respectable and enviable profession, my surroundings are filled only with bodhisattvas and arhats—bodhisattvas and arhats—so I have no chance to see Gao Cuilan, whom I hold so dear. How could I bear it, Old Pig Zhu! Just as I was pondering this, Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared, smiled gently, and said, "The Buddha has commissioned me to issue a decree: to rebirth and cultivate you, to overcome the five coarse foods and three dietary restraints, so that you may ultimately attain enlightenment in the human world!" "Then all my thousands of years of cultivation would have been for nothing!" Although Old Pig Zhu is rather fond of worldly affairs, he has indeed cultivated for thousands of years with the strength of Buddhist discipline. At the crucial moments, he has always been able to uphold his resolve. Otherwise, he wouldn't have persevered all the way to enlightenment on the journey west. "Zhuang Neng, I've thought about your journey to the Western Paradise—though at times your resolve wavered, you ultimately achieved your merit. Though you couldn't catch Chang'e in heaven, nor marry Gao Cuilan from Gao's village on earth, I've pondered long and decided it's time for you to be reborn once more, to fully experience the joys of family, friendship, and love. Remember! On earth, you must take care of yourself—while I and all the celestial deities in the Nine Heavens await your news!" The Guanyin Bodhisattva recited this to the yellow silk scroll. Zhuang Bajie smiled and said to Guanyin Bodhisattva, "Thank you, Lord Buddha! Then it will be a great favor of yours." "Indeed! As per the Lord Buddha's command, I shall send you down to the mortal world, where you may freely choose your reborn form—whether wealthy or poor, handsome or plain, and in any profession or social status!" Guanyin Bodhisattva said. "Possibly, Lady Guanyin, I won't settle for being just a pig again. I must be Also, the family must be wealthy—my career, I haven't quite figured out yet! As for me, Pig Brother, I have some remarkable talents—don't forget to keep those for me! Buddha, could you please advise me? Pig Eighty-Gate stepped forward to the Bodhisattva, pleading earnestly. The Bodhisattva was momentarily surprised, then smiled, and after a moment of calculation, said, "Let me think... Ah! There's one—quite similar in appearance to your look when you were the Commander of the Day-Peng Army. Indeed, this family is among the wealthiest in Gao Family Town. Only, this person is a 18-year-old plant patient. You may be reborn into their body, and then gradually cultivate your wisdom and insight." "Hahahaha!" Pig Eighty-Gate beamed with delight. The Bodhisattva added, "Don't forget—please give me plenty of defensive techniques as well!" The Guanyin Bodhisattva shook her head and pressed a finger seal. Immediately, a lotus flower, blending pink and white, appeared beneath Pig Zhu's body. As the lotus spun faster and faster, a soft pink mist gradually enveloped Pig Zhu's form. When the mist finally dispersed, the lotus was empty. Pig Zhu felt himself floating on a gentle breeze, spiraling through the sky above the city of Gaojiangzhuang. Soon, he drifted into a luxurious villa within Mingyue Mountain Village. The villa was vast and elegant. Pig Zhu continued to float, drifting and drifting, until he reached a study. There, he saw a handsome young man lying motionless on the bed, unconscious. As Pig Zhu stood in the study, he noticed a middle-aged woman dressed in elegant attire, noble and graceful, kneeling respectfully before a Guanyin statue resting against the wall, offering prayers. "Master Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion and Great Sympathy, my disciple Dong Lingyun, has one son and one daughter. My daughter, Li Qingxue, now serves in senior management at our family-owned enterprise, Lianchuang Group. My son, Gao Liang, recently graduated from high school. He was always in excellent health and exceptionally intelligent. Yet, on this very day last year, during a national taekwondo competition, he suffered an unexpected injury—brain trauma—and now lies in a vegetative state, unconscious for the past year. We have sought medical treatment from numerous doctors and hospitals, but with no improvement. With the same deep affection I hold for my mother, I have repeatedly recited your holy name, kneeling before you with sincere devotion, praying wholeheartedly. With your boundless compassion, I pray that my son, Xiao Long, may recover swiftly and regain his health, thus lifting the sorrow and anxiety that I and my husband have carried for so long..." Thus, her soul surged toward the unconscious boy, fully merging into his body. Indeed, everything that followed unfolded smoothly—this body seemed perfectly tailored for Zhu Bajie, who felt entirely at ease from the very moment he first touched the boy's soul. He immediately sensed all of the boy's information. The handsome boy was named Gao Liang! Zhu Bajie found the name quite satisfactory. Gao Liang! That's me! I am Gao Liang! When Dong Lingyun recited her prayer—“May the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva bestow her nectar upon my son, healing him from illness and suffering. I humbly request your grace, O Great Compassionate and Observant Guanyin Bodhisattva”—Gao Liang suddenly called out, “Mom!” Dong Lingyun heard it three times before she believed it was her son’s voice, truly and unmistakably. Then, she joyfully exclaimed, “The bodhisattva has appeared! The son is well! The son is well!” Immediately, the Li family's villa erupted into joyful cheers. The butler Chen Jiangliu, the housekeeper Zhang Ma, and their father, Li Zhen Dong, who had just returned from the office in the afternoon, all exclaimed with delight. "Thank goodness! My son has finally awakened!" Li Zhen Dong exhaled deeply, a relaxed smile spreading across his face. "Xiaolong! You're finally awake!" Li Qingxue clutched Hao Liang's hand, beaming with excitement.