From Nun to Real Heiress: Expert at Turning the Tables

Chapter 1080: 499 Extremely Unlucky_3 Chapter 1080: 499 Extremely Unlucky_3 “One must practice diligence and forbearance daily as part of the spiritual path.

There can be no slacking, even for a single day.

Understand that for the benefit of all, we must abide by our precepts, even in the face of humiliation.”

“I understand, Master.”

“Madam Aria’s significant birthday is approaching, and she intends to hold a puja to release all captive creatures, allow countless aquatic beings to take refuge in the Three Jewels.

The responsibility of this event lies with you.”

Oliver Williams bows his head in submission, hands together in respect, “Great pity and great love from Madam Aria.”

Master Kurong nods approvingly: “You may go now.”

As Oliver Williams leaves, he casts an unintentional glance at a corner of the monk’s robe being lifted by the wind that seeps in through the windows.

The Master picked up a bamboo stick, reflecting the light of the Setting Sun.

In the rush, he only caught sight of one line.

Ensnared by a net on all sides…

...

Closing the door to the Zen Room, Oliver Williams finds himself troubled by an unshakeable doubt.

Such an omen indicates fish trapped in a net, a sign of impending bad luck.

Like a fish thrown into dark green waves, trapped by a net on all sides.

Struggling with no escape, meeting its destiny at the source–a bitter, solitary sorrow.

A calamity from a spoken word, an omen of great disaster.

——

After the new year, plans for Madam Aria’s significant birthday will begin in earnest.

Eighty is a milestone worth celebrating grandly, but it is customary to lower the actual age by one, so this year Madam Aria would turn seventy-nine.

The reason for Peter Aria’s rush to return before the New Year was to fulfill this birthday celebration for his mother.

Madam Aria’s birthday falls on the 21st of the first lunar month, giving them nearly a month to prepare.

Back at the Arias, dinner was ready in the kitchen.

Catherine Liam was frequently checking her watch, seemingly very anxious.

The old lady went to worship Buddha, even insisted on bringing her daughter.

Catherine Liam, however, didn’t want her precious daughter to start learning about Buddhism at such a young age.

She believed her daughter should soak in the material world instead.

Once everyone returned, Catherine Liam pulled Charlotte Aria aside.

“You are not allowed to believe in Buddhism, understand?”

Charlotte Aria was somewhat speechless: “Mom, please don’t let Grandma hear what you said.

It would upset her.”

“So what if she hears?

I’ve been looking for a chance to confront her, anyway.

Just listen to me.”

Matthew Aria came out from his study, “Mom, you’ve worked hard.”

He personally helped the old lady with her ablutions, completely keeping his role as a filial son in check.

After Peter Aria changed into a new set of clothes and exchanged greetings with Loretta, the Aria family dinner began.

Loretta stood beside Madam Aria, serving dishes to her.

Although Madam Aria was blind, she could still take care of herself.

After returning from the Magead Temple, Madam Aria seemed to have regained much of her vim and vigour, even having a larger appetite than usual for dinner.

Matthew Aria noticed Peter Aria’s silent demeanor and began a conversation, “Peter, you’ve lost weight.

Did you not eat or sleep well in Pethkids?

It’s considered a nourishing place, but it doesn’t seem to be the case for you.

Maybe it’s not suitable for you.

I heard there’s a lot of unrest there.

Perhaps it would be better if you just stayed peacefully in Lostswa.”

Peter Aria’s attitude was cold: “Pethkids is excellent.

It’s a place teeming with good energy.”

Matthew Aria raised an eyebrow; his previous words were meant to fish for a reaction: “What about our youngest sister?

She fell ill once she returned from Pethkids.

It might be a geomantic treasure to you, but it doesn’t seem to be for her?”

Very indiscreetly, Catherine Liam interjected: “Did Vanessa come into contact with something unclean?”

“Thump”—the old lady, who was eating her meal, sharply struck her chopsticks down.

Her unfocused eyes stared in the direction of Catherine Liam.

Catherine Liam: …That was rather terrifying.

“What nonsense are you uttering?

No one would take you for a mute if you can’t speak properly,” Madam Aria rebuked sharply.

Catherine Liam pouted, “Then how do you explain Vanessa’s situation?

I think we should take her to the hospital.

What’s the point of keeping her at home?”

Charlotte Aria took a glance at Peter Aria, discreetly pulling at Catherine Liam under the table.

She was really stirring up unnecessary turmoil.

“There’s no need for you to worry, sister-in-law,” Peter Aria responded kindly.

Matthew Aria sighed “I don’t know what has transpired between you and Vanessa, but she is your sister nonetheless.

She’s had a hard time these years, and although everyone else may blame her if she’s done something wrong, you, Peter, have no right to accuse her…”

Loretta tensed, her gaze subtly sweeping over the two men in the room.

Peter Aria’s face was inscrutable as he replied indifferently, “Appreciate your concern, brother, Vanessa and I get along very well.”

Seeing his words cut no ice, Matthew Aria swallowed his discontent.

He glanced at the old lady and, in the end, bit back his words.

Madam Aria looked unwell.

She stretched her hand to hold Loretta’s, “Support me back to my room.”

Immediately, Loretta helped Madam Aria up and led her out of the room.

Matthew Aria cast a glance at the old lady’s retreating figure: “Mother’s important birthday is coming up, and it’s a rare occasion for the whole family to be together.

We should hold a grand celebration for our mother, don’t you think, Peter?”

His tone was as gentle as if the previous dispute had never occurred.

“Of course, I will naturally present her with a gift for her eightieth birthday.” Here, the corners of his eyes and brows held a faint smile, as if recalling a delightful person or event.

Charlotte Aria was pleasantly surprised.

She was very curious about what made her usually cold and arrogant uncle respond with such a smile — was it an event, or a person?