Rebirth and making money first

The nursing home's female director, having lost the power struggle, approached Zhang Jing with a melancholic expression, telling her she was quitting and leaving. She explained that she had worked there for so many years, and while she hadn't always been happy, she couldn't bear to leave. "After all, I've developed feelings for you," she said with tears in her eyes.

She once managed the elderly and caregivers in a building, but later, due to a shortage of rooms in the nursing home, they moved here. Despite this, the residents and caregivers still have a deep affection for her and often turn to her for help when they encounter problems. Of course, there are also many who curse her behind her back and express dissatisfaction with her.

The last time she complained, it was a former resident of the new building. This made her feel like she was being targeted. Now, all the elderly have moved to the new building, and the caregivers have been properly arranged. However, she led several male caregivers to stay in the original building to handle the final cleanup. So, when she returned, she had no workstations and had to share the responsibility with others. She was complained about for serving food because she wanted to change the elderly.

It is said that during the cleanup process, they disposed of a lot of the elderly's belongings that they had not moved away, causing many elderly people to complain about losing some items, but no one paid attention. Once, when Zhang Jing went to her room, she was surprised to find that she had packed several large bags and was ready to send them back home.

In addition, a large number of unopened supplements and medicines were discarded in the trash, as well as many half-new quilts, brand-new military coats, etc. Even more shocking was the various electrical appliances left behind, such as air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, color TVs, microwave ovens, massage chairs and massage beds, etc.

The sheer volume of discarded materials was staggering. Zhang Jing knew where they'd ended up without even asking. A caregiver mentioned a red envelope with cash still inside left on the elderly woman's desk. Of course, it had been divvied up, and even if the elderly woman had noticed and looked for it, it would have been discarded as trash. There was nothing she could do about it. One look at her several large suitcases revealed she'd taken quite a bit, but she wisely didn't ask.

Some family members give the minister red envelopes every holiday to ensure she takes good care of their elderly. Even though she has sent a lot of money home, she is still reluctant to leave the nursing home because she feels she is still able to continue working.

Once, Zhang Jing secretly asked the female director, "You've worked here for so many years, you must have saved quite a bit of money, right? Is it enough for retirement?" The female director smiled and replied, "30 yuan should be enough." This figure astounded Zhang Jing. She hadn't realized that working in a nursing home could earn so much. But why hadn't she discovered this opportunity?

Seeing the minister's downcast mood, Zhang Jing consoled her, saying, "Go home and take good care of yourself. I'll miss you. What will become of the Buddhist temple if you're gone?" The minister laughed again and said, "Don't worry about this. Someone will naturally take over. Actually, I don't want to manage these things anymore. It's too tiring!"

"By the way, I have something to talk to you about. I have a gift for you. Come to me before dinner. Don't let anyone see you, and don't tell anyone."

Zhang Jing was very confused by her sudden change, but she agreed and promised not to tell anyone. However, the female minister asked her to swear in a very serious manner. Zhang Jing had to put away her smile and solemnly promised her. In her heart, she thought the female minister was childish and funny.

The female minister nodded with satisfaction and said that she could come to her room to pick up the gift before dinner, but she still repeatedly reminded him not to let others see it.

After the minister left, Zhang Jing couldn't help but mutter to herself, feeling that something was a little mysterious. But she got busy and put the matter out of her mind until after dinner, when she hurried to look for the minister.

When Zhang Jing arrived, the female director, somewhat disgruntled, scolded her for being so late. Zhang Jing quickly explained that she had been so busy that she had forgotten. Then, lowering her voice, the female director hinted that she had something to say, and gestured for Zhang Jing to remain silent and just listen.

The minister said that after interacting with many people, including caregivers and the elderly, she believed Zhang Jing was a good person. Zhang Jing blinked, wondering if this was the so-called "good guy card." Despite this, she decided to continue listening.

"And since you're a true Buddhist, I'll give you a statue of the Bodhisattva. Please keep it in good condition." Zhang Jing had been thinking of getting a statue for her home, but she agreed immediately. This was her wish come true.

The female minister opened a drawer and took the smallest of the three red satin packages. She clasped her hands together and kowtowed to the package, chanting, "Buddha, I have found a good person for you today. This person will treat you well. I hope you will be merciful and continue to bless us all with peace and health!"

He then asked Zhang Jing to put her hands together and bow before handing it to her. He then solemnly handed it to her and told her to go back and look at it.

Zhang Jing dismissed the idea and returned to her dorm, closing the door. She unwrapped the red cloth bag, the same kind she'd always used to buy gold, silver, and jade. It felt heavy, and after a while, she finally managed to remove it.

A statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva sitting on a lotus pedestal appeared, all made of gold! A ruby ​​was set in the center of Guanyin's forehead, and the purifying bottle and willow branch in her hands were also golden!

Thinking it was a porcelain Buddha statue, Zhang Jing was stunned! She stared at the golden Buddha statue in disbelief, her eyes wide open. An indescribable excitement and surprise welled up in her heart. This Buddha statue was not only a precious work of art, but also a treasure.

Zhang Jing carefully held up the Buddha statue, examining every detail. The gold shone with a warm glow, the face of Guanyin Bodhisattva was kind and solemn, and the ruby ​​was perfectly inlaid, adding a touch of mystery to the entire Buddha statue.

She felt incredibly lucky to receive such a precious gift and was deeply grateful for the minister's trust and care. This unexpected gift made her realize that the beauty of life often comes at unexpected times, as long as one maintains a sincere and kind heart.

Zhang Jing decided to enshrine the statue at home as a token of respect and gratitude to Guanyin Bodhisattva. She believes it will become a symbol of good fortune for her family, bringing peace and happiness. She is also determined to cherish this special gift and pass on the Buddha's kindness and compassion.

She stared intently at the beautiful Guanyin Bodhisattva. It was so beautiful, with such compassionate features, that Zhang Jing immediately fell in love. For the first time, she felt what it meant to feel joy at the sight of a Buddha. Of course, there was also the power of gold. It felt heavy when held up, so it couldn't possibly be made of gold. It was so valuable! What merit had I taken? Zhang Jing, apprehensive, put it away. This could only be displayed at home.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jing was utterly bewildered, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up within her. She began to wonder if this item had belonged to an elderly person. The elderly person had passed away suddenly, their children unaware of the gold ornament! The female minister had collected the remains and kept them privately.

For example, there were two identical red cloth bags in the drawer, which made her wonder, could these three red cloth bags have been obtained in the same way? This female minister was really capable.

The more Zhang Jing thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. She suspected the minister had embezzled some elderly man's belongings. But why would she so easily give her such a precious item? There had to be another reason. Perhaps she was afraid of being discovered and was eager to get this hot potato off her hands.

But why was she chosen over the minister's right-hand men, Xiao Liu and Xiao Ma? They were the ones who helped clean the shrine, arrange the offerings, and distribute the fruit every month! They were deeply trusted by the minister.

There's only one reason for this: she's afraid! Not only is she afraid of people finding out, she's also afraid of the consequences! As the saying goes, there's a god above your head.

She wanted to find someone to share her karma, to take the fall for her. This was the only explanation that could explain it all. Thinking back to the caregivers' private discussions about the Lunar New Year holiday, she didn't dare to enter the elderly's room alone during the day to check on them. Especially since the elderly had gone home for the Lunar New Year, leaving many rooms empty.

Every day, she checked the electrical and water pipes in each room, insisting on having someone accompany her. Even standing outside wouldn't do it; she'd get angry and insist someone accompany her into the room. And every time she came out, she was pale and sweating.

Zhang Jing didn't believe that she had done nothing wrong.

"I have a connection with Buddha, a cause with Buddha, and Buddhist teachings are interdependent. I am always happy and respectful!" Zhang Jing recited the Guanyin Sutra in a low voice, hoping that all her thoughts were false.

Zhang Jing decided to take the Buddha statue home today. She'd wait a few days and then check with Xiao Liu and Xiao Ma to see if they'd received the same red cloth package. If everyone did, the situation would become even more puzzling.

Zhang Jing asked Xiao Liu indirectly, and they found out that they hadn't received any gifts from the minister. However, the minister had some clothes and shoes that he couldn't take with him, so they could choose and take any that they could use.

Neither of them wanted any, and Xiao Ma said, "It's not like we can't afford it. I can't wear all of it myself."

Xiao Liu also said: "I don't want it either. It will take up space when I get home and it will be difficult to carry with me!"

Xiao Ma added, "I've been with her for so long, and instead of giving her something good, she's wearing tattered clothes. Isn't this just intentionally disgusting?"

Zhang Jing couldn't help laughing. Xiao Ma glared at her, "You're still laughing. Isn't that right? Let's talk privately. She's made so much money over the years, isn't that money she made from selling things? Even if it's not much, if each of us can get 500,1000 or , we'll still appreciate her kindness and remember her."

Xiao Liu sighed, "She's still too stingy! This time, I heard they wanted her to come down and work as a caregiver, but she refused, saying she couldn't do it and wanted to leave."

"What can't you do? Didn't you start out as a caregiver when you first came here? Now you think it's too difficult to deal with old people's excrement and urine?" Xiao Ma said disdainfully.

Looking at the two of them, Zhang Jing finally understood the minister's mentality.