Chapter 291

William Johnson wore sunglasses and a baseball cap pulled low over his forehead, dressed in casual attire.

He pushed his sunglasses down slightly, revealing his deep-set eyes with amusement dancing in them. "Do you want a piggyback ride or to be carried?"

Emily Smith glanced around at the bustling crowd of tourists and muttered under her breath, "Is there a third option?"

William adjusted his sunglasses and, without another word, scooped her up into his arms.

"Put me down!" Emily gasped, though her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.

He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "Carrying my girlfriend is perfectly natural."

Nearby, a couple witnessed the scene. The girl tugged at her boyfriend's sleeve. "Why can't you be like that?"

The boyfriend glanced at Emily's slender figure and scoffed, "Maybe if you weren't so heavy."

"What's that supposed to mean?" the girl snapped.

Nestled in William's arms, Emily watched the argument fade into the distance and sighed. "You caused trouble again."

She playfully nipped at his neck.

"Ow—" William feigned pain, then whispered in her ear, "Save it for tonight. I'm all yours."

Emily's ears burned red.

William carried her effortlessly through the crowd, drawing curious glances. Fortunately, their disguises worked—no one recognized them.

At the temple entrance atop the mountain, Emily wriggled free.

"Legs still weak?" William teased, leaning in.

Emily shot him a glare. "This is a sacred place. Behave."

He chuckled. "I didn't say anything. You're the one—"

She ignored him and strode toward the temple.

It was a weekend, and worshippers streamed in and out. After touring the main hall, William led her straight to the back courtyard.

"What are we doing here?" Emily asked.

"Meeting the abbot," William replied with a mysterious smile.

He had already made a generous donation. The abbot welcomed them warmly, serving tea before suggesting they draw fortune sticks.

Emily hesitated but thought of William's uncle and nodded.

They knelt devoutly before the Buddha—William praying for his uncle, Emily for her sister.

Yet both drew ominous fortunes.

The abbot sighed. "Fate is unchangeable."

Undeterred, William drew another stick—this time for love.

The inscription read:

"Peach and plum trees bloom in spring,

Yet storms come swift, their beauty fleeting."

His expression darkened as he quickly shoved the stick back into the holder.

Emily reached for it, but he pulled her into an embrace.