Rebirth and making money first

Zhang Jing naturally couldn't accept Mrs. Xu's precious jewelry. After she left, her mind remained in a state of confusion. At that moment, she was struggling with a crucial question: When those wealthy people reach old age, with no one around to care for them, what difference does their lingering existence make between them and the walking dead? A caregiver once privately called the incapable elderly "manure-making machines," which displeased Zhang Jing. The elderly's today is our tomorrow.

It's often said that the greatest sorrow in the world is a dead heart. But in reality, enduring loneliness for a long time can also gradually numb the heart. When a person loses all sense of belonging and attachment to the world, they are less likely to maintain the vigorous vitality of those who pursue fame and fortune.

Looking back on her past life, her mother had proudly and proudly declared, "I have a house, a pension, and medical insurance. I don't need to rely on anyone!" However, when her body became less flexible, even the pension that she had once held firmly in her hands became difficult to control. She even had to see her son's mood if she wanted to eat something she liked.

Look at the lonely old lady Xu before us. Despite possessing millions of dollars, she has no one to share her joys or sorrows. This lonely death is perhaps the epitome of the common lament, "How pitiful the elderly are." Someone once said that everyone's later years can be difficult. Unless you're fortunate enough to have filial and sensible children, or find a caring and thoughtful partner, ideally, they die before their loved one.

Perhaps this is what people often call the profound and incomparable love between husband and wife! You know, in the long river of time, the friendship accumulated by supporting and helping each other and caring for each other carefully is obviously much more important than the fleeting and passionate love.

The person who dies later will properly arrange the funeral for the partner who passed away first, and the one who passed away first will leave a rich and generous inheritance to their partner. In this way, it can be said that the spirit of the contract between husband and wife is truly realized, that is, they will accompany each other until old age!

Zhang Jing was completely caught in a dilemma at this moment, and she couldn't make up her mind at all. So she had to secretly call her mother and try to discuss whether this matter could be agreed to.

Unexpectedly, after listening to Zhang Jing's story, her mother asked suspiciously, "My dear, you didn't deliberately make up such a ridiculous story to amuse me, did you?"

Zhang Jing hurriedly explained, "Mom, how could I possibly lie to you? Just tell me whether you want me to be your godparent or not." Upon hearing this, her mother, who had been somewhat listless, instantly became energetic and eagerly asked, "My darling daughter, I can guarantee that when you were born, you had a difficult birth, which caused a severe lack of oxygen to your brain! You are such a silly girl! Since she is willing, why are you still acting so high and mighty? This is like a pie falling from the sky and hitting you on the head, why don't you reach out and catch it!"

"Wouldn't that be bad? It's like I'm after her money!" Zhang Jing's heart felt like it was going through a fierce battle. Her brows were furrowed tightly, and her eyes revealed a hint of unease and hesitation. Her mother on the other end of the phone couldn't help but feel anxious when she heard her agonizing.

"My dear daughter, you have been loved by everyone since you were young! I still remember that there were several mothers of your classmates who wanted to adopt you as their goddaughter. Have you forgotten this?" said my mother.

After hearing this, Zhang Jing couldn't help but respond softly: "Didn't you disagree at the time..."

"Oh, my silly girl! Of course I won't agree! Those families are all ordinary. If I really acknowledge this godparent, I'll have to pay attention to the etiquette and courtesy during every New Year and other festivals. You know very well what our family was like back then! Forget about continuing to interact with other families. I'm afraid even maintaining a basic life will be a problem."

"And once you accept this godmother, you have to be filial to her and serve her all the time. This is not something that can be done overnight. With your temper, you will not be able to persist for long! That's why I strongly oppose it." As the mother spoke, she gently comforted Zhang Jing.

Then, my mother added, "There's an even more crucial point. If I become your godmother, it means I'll bear all your misfortunes. It's like blessings and grace will also be passed on to you. But how can you bear such a deep friendship?"

After hearing what her mother said, Zhang Jing became even more confused. She asked puzzledly, "If that's the case, then why do you agree now?"

Zhang Jing's mother was even more furious. "I'm sure now that I gave birth to a stupid thing, and that's you! You have to explain it to me in detail before you understand!"

"This old lady has no one to inherit her family, so she's adopted as her godparent. You're in charge of everything. The rituals and the purchase of the burial plot all require someone to handle it. If you do it, it'll be perfectly legitimate for you to accept her property! It's a mutually agreed-upon thing, and it's a good thing. Don't be silly! Your sister-in-law is about to give birth, and I'm going to Yunnan to help her with the confinement. I'll come to Shenzhen to see you after that."

Zhang Jing silently hung up the phone, but her heart lingered. After a moment's contemplation, she called Uncle Zhang again, hoping for some advice and guidance. After recounting everything, she anxiously awaited his response, earnestly seeking his counsel.

To Zhang Jing's surprise, Uncle Zhang readily agreed to her proposal, emphasizing that it was undoubtedly a rare opportunity for her. He lamented, "Xiao Jing, the old lady has lived in a nursing home for so many years, yet she's never found someone who meets her heart and soul. Now this opportunity presents itself—it's truly a rare opportunity!" Then, Uncle Zhang added earnestly, "Xiao Jing, life is full of opportunities, but they often pass by so quickly. Therefore, we must learn to make decisive decisions and seize every moment that can change our destiny! Besides, this is also a good deed. You're helping each other. Think about it, isn't that reasonable?"

Zhang Jing's words were like a revelation, a sudden realization dawning on her. She took a deep breath and said she would seriously consider Uncle Zhang's suggestion. Meanwhile, her thoughts drifted back to her childless third uncle. Recalling how, out of desperation, her relatives had sent the frail, elderly uncle to a nursing home, where he eventually passed away in solitude and loneliness.

The thought of this filled Zhang Jing with lingering fear. If she chose not to marry and have children, would she face a similar dilemma in her old age? By then, regretting it would probably be too late. There was no cure for regret. So, Zhang Jing vowed to herself: no matter what, she would marry and have children of her own. Only then could she avoid a bleak old age.

Before Zhang Jing could recover from her shock, she received a job change notice, courtesy of Li Xiangyue. After careful consideration, the director agreed to Li Xiangyue's arrangement for Zhang Jing, assigning her to the Culture and Sports Department. Besides coaching, she would also receive visitors. Most importantly, she would help run the small Buddhist temple in the nursing home.

Speaking of the small Buddhist shrine, it was built for the elderly. On the first and fifteenth day of every month, fruits and water are placed, incense is burned, and the elderly are led in chanting the Heart Sutra and the Great Compassion Mantra. Previously, a department head was in charge, but she was too busy, and her hometown dialect was too strong. Zhang Jing almost lost her concentration during her first Dharma assembly, but she held it back.

All expenses were funded by donations, and the three large, gleaming golden Buddha statues were reportedly paid for solely by the director. Zhang Jing was noted to have occasionally donated money, and unlike other caregivers who only contributed 20 yuan to get by, Zhang Jing donated 100 yuan.

The director advised her to pay less, perhaps 50 yuan, and preferably not more than the dean. After all, once a month was too much for some people. Zhang Jing remained unfazed, insisting on paying 50 or 100 yuan a month. She was a true Buddhist, having long since converted to the Three Jewels and attained enlightenment.

I only go to the temple occasionally, too busy to do so. Most of the time, I read on my own. Now, I've changed places to chant, believing the Buddha's blessings and blessings will remain the same. Every time I recite the confession, Zhang Jing taunts herself, saying that she and A-Long committed adultery. How can I have the nerve to go to the temple and claim to be a Buddhist disciple? Yet, I can't stop tangling with him. Will the Buddha bless me?

The director was pleased to have a young person join the group, but Zhang Jing proposed not taking care of the hall's expenses. She would only be responsible for cleaning and other chores. Everyone agreed, and the female director was also pleased. She said Zhang Jing wouldn't even need to do the cleaning; two nurses would help out, giving her a good job. During the ritual, Zhang Jing took on the important task of leading the readings, as she spoke standard Mandarin.

As a reborn being, Zhang Jing knew that wherever there was money, especially donations, there was basically nothing clean, so she refused to touch it, pretending she knew nothing. Everyone was very welcoming to Zhang Jing, and those who had previously been dismissive now welcomed her with a smile. Just asking, "So you believe in Buddhism too?" was like finding a fellow practitioner.

All the evil deeds done in the past are due to the endless anger and ignorance

From the body, speech and mind, now we all repent before the Buddha.

I wonder if the repentance of these many people comes from the bottom of their hearts?

This was Zhang Jing's temporary job, and she happily accepted it.