144. A marvelous scene, yet alas, it is merely a painting

Song Na was the Chinese name Natasha Sutthirat had chosen for herself. Her attitude of respect toward the monks, evidently compounded by a deep reverence for China, made her eyes—accentuated by mascara and thick eye shadow—sparkle with intense brilliance. "Really?! Are you Chinese?"

Her Mandarin was clearly less than authentic, yet it remained soft and sweet, with a lingering, consultative tone at the ends of her sentences. It sounded lovely!

Strictly speaking, Aban's introduction was slightly inaccurate. Someone of Vietnamese ethnicity could only be called overseas Chinese, just like him. Being Chinese was a matter of national citizenship.

But at that moment, it didn't matter. At the very least, Bai Haonan felt once again how weighty the title of "Chinese" truly was.

If he hadn't been wearing a monk's robe, he might have reached out to wrap his arm around the girl's shoulder, smiling warmly and asking what guidance she had to offer. Having been a monk for two days, he still knew how to exercise restraint, maintaining a steady and charming monastic smile as he chanted, "Amitabha, Bodhisattva bless you!"

Heaven and earth as witness, those were the only words Bai Haonan knew that could be connected with Buddhism. Song Na excitedly echoed him, "Ah... what does that mean?"

What the hell did Bai Haonan know about Mahayana Buddhist terminology? He could only respond with a sheepish laugh, "It means blessing and good fortune!"

Song Na brought her palms together in a devout return gesture. Kneeling there on the wooden framework, Bai Haonan naturally reached out to pat her head. He felt a bit amused, thinking to himself that this was the first time he had ever blessed someone, and it actually felt pretty good.

Fortunately, Aban reached out first to block his paw, using his eyes to remind him that he was on the verge of breaking a vow!

Even for bestowing a blessing, members of the monastic order were not permitted to touch a woman's body. Bai Haonan made a face, pulling his hand back as if he had almost touched a firecracker. Just then, Song Na looked up after finishing her prostration, undoubtedly wondering why this bald monk lacked any sense of solemn dignity.

However, on his very first outing as a monk, Bai Haonan enjoyed the treatment of being sheltered by a beauty holding an umbrella. Even when he checked the time and realized it was almost time to return to the temple to report, Song Na still walked attentively by his side and slightly behind him, holding the umbrella straight with extended arms to maintain a respectful distance. She didn't mind in the slightest that her undershirt was wet enough to reveal pale green lace straps. Fortunately, Bai Haonan's self-discipline was quite good now, and he did not deliberately steal glances.

Aban enthusiastically and proudly introduced his *Luang phi* as a football monk, currently inspecting local schools as well as various professional and amateur teams in the city. "His football skills are amazing!"

Song Na was so surprised that her heavily made-up face shifted completely. "What is a monk doing playing football?"

That was precisely what Bai Haonan wanted to ask. "Do Buddhist teachings or monastic rules forbid playing football?"

Both the young novice and the female teacher shook their heads, leading Bai Haonan to make his decision. "Then I'm going to lead the monks of Dragon Heaven Temple in playing football!"

Song Na remained puzzled. "Why?"

Employing the hypnotic drivel of a pyramid scheme propagandist, Bai Haonan spouted nonsense, "That is a battle against one's own inner self! Football is also a form of spiritual practice!" In his heart, however, he was actually thinking: *Damn it, apart from banning dinner to lower their sex drive, letting a bunch of high-energy guys play football works just as well, right?*

In short, monastic precepts passed down for over a thousand years were twisted by him in this manner.

Yet to the ears of the young novice and the female teacher, it sounded like a sudden, awakening blow, making them feel that this foreign monk truly possessed lofty ideals!

Song Na accompanied the two monks all the way out to the car by the main gate, respectfully holding the umbrella with an outstretched arm the entire way. Teachers and students passing by stopped respectfully upon seeing the monk's robes, pressing their palms together to bow and greet them. This caused even an uncultured fellow like Bai Haonan to feel a touch of emotion. *Look at this Buddhist country; true compassion really is everywhere,* or at least, that was how he felt at the moment.

Since it had been agreed that every inspection tour required returning to the temple by evening, Bai Haonan had considered secretly grabbing a bite to eat outside. But clearly, in front of Aban—who was even reluctant to make a phone call—he could not afford to lose face. Moreover, he discovered that simply walking near a restaurant or convenience store while wearing monastic robes drew the gaze of many locals, as if they were all supervising whether the monk would violate his vows.

Therefore, when he finally returned to Dragon Heaven Temple and faced Aida, Bai Haonan had a clear conscience. The middle-aged monk primarily inquired about the results of the inspection. Judging from his expression, he didn't quite understand what Bai Haonan was up to. When Bai Haonan reported his decision, the middle-aged master reacted much like Song Na: "What kind of nonsense is this?! Those who have left the secular life should focus entirely on the Buddha and recite scriptures! What is this about playing football?"

Bai Haonan's logic was very straightforward. "We have free time around dinner in the late afternoon. Spending an hour or two every day leading them in physical exercise is also a form of spiritual practice. Besides, once we build up a bit of skill, a Dragon Heaven Temple monk team going out to play matches against others can even help spread the Dharma! We can chant a sutra before the match starts. Right now, there probably isn't a monk football team in the entire country yet, so this would definitely put Dragon Heaven Temple on the map."

To his surprise, Aida retorted, "Things like that have existed for a long time. It is precisely because of warped ideas like yours that monastic practice gets thrown into utter chaos. It's impossible, simply absurd!"

Bai Haonan felt as though he had found a kindred spirit and said with considerable excitement, "Where? Where are there temples like that? Even as monks, we need to keep pace with the times. I see monks watching television, smoking, eating snacks, surfing the internet, and playing on their phones everywhere you look. By comparison, playing football is a much healthier activity! Why don't you ask the Great Master and see if he allows something like this to exist?"

Hearing Bai Haonan invoke the big boss, Aida left with a solemn expression, leaving Aban to quietly sidle up and whisper to him, "You must respect the *Ajahn*. You cannot defy the master's orders, you must not..."

A lawless character like Bai Haonan probably lacked a sense of awe toward anyone. Still, he didn't say anything about corrupting the youth—this was a sentiment he had gained from dealing with the young players in the team back in Qianniu.

Aida's departure yielded no further response, and Bai Haonan knew that Master Dragon Heaven had most likely given tacit approval. Perhaps it was the old adage that one doesn't know the cost of firewood and rice until one manages the household. The golden stupa of Dragon Heaven Temple was magnificent, but in reality, the more famous and prestigious Grand Stupa still lacked the funds for renovations. A massive temple that appeared to rake in money daily had huge expenditures every day, even before factoring in the food expenses for hundreds or thousands of monks. In a single city like this, there were three hundred temples; nearly every street and corner had places of worship of varying sizes. When believers made offerings and donations, to which temple would they not donate?

To become famous and gain high visibility meant bringing in major revenue. As the abbot of the premier temple in the largest city of the north, rather than possessing boundless magical power or astonishing wisdom, in Bai Haonan's eyes, the key skill was knowing how to run a business.

In his eyes, there was no Great Master; there was only a big boss.

Thus, after playing ball with the young monks in the evening and continuing his inspection work the following morning—with Aban scheduled for seated meditation and scripture chanting as usual, meaning he had to bring Ah Yi along as a translator, the little nun quietly holding Ada in the back—just as their small sedan arrived at the gate of Dragon Heaven Temple, Bai Haonan was surprised to see Song Na, the primary school teacher from yesterday, standing there respectfully and waving.

Unlike yesterday's formal grey business skirt, her attire today was much more casual and fashionable: a long, bright red dress adorned with ethnic patterns, featuring conservative mid-length sleeves. However, the neckline remained relaxed, revealing a heart-shaped collar. Her wavy, long hair—which looked as though it had been dyed—flowed loose, and a pair of sunglasses perched atop her head made her look much sweeter than her professional makeup from the day before. Her palms were pressed together with her fingertips tilted upward in a dainty gesture as she called out, "Luang phi, I took leave today. I was wondering if I could act as your guide to visit some of the most famous schools in our city. I've already consulted our principal about this, and he is very supportive of what I'm doing."

When authentic Thai people spoke Mandarin, their pronunciation carried a sweet, coquettish lilt. Bai Haonan felt there was something slightly amiss with her phrasing, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He would certainly be delighted to tour campuses in the company of a beauty, but having such a gorgeous woman ride in the same car as a monk might draw too many stares. "I'm very grateful, but will you be fine doing this..." He started to eagerly exit the car to open the door for the lady—Brother Nan paid close attention to details when chatting up women and would never just lean out from inside the car.

Instead, Song Na repeatedly pressed her palms together in gratitude. "Then please just follow me!" With that, she stepped aside to reveal a scooter parked behind her!

Bai Haonan laughed inwardly, realizing he had been making a fuss over nothing. There was not the slightest trace of romantic intent on her part; she was still wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the temple. After expressing his warm thanks, he followed behind the pink scooter, which was covered in colorful decals.

With an adult guide who happened to be a female teacher familiar with the education department, the little nun translator in the back seat suddenly seemed much less crucial. Upon arriving at the campus, Ah Yi was left to lead the Corgi leisurely along behind them. Song Na, having removed her small silver helmet, looked slightly surprised upon noticing the little nun in pink attire in the rear. When Bai Haonan introduced her as Aban's sister, Song Na enthusiastically walked over to exchange a few words with the little nun, attempting to hold her hand. However, the little girl seemed to be in a prickly mood; she pulled her hand away and chose to stroke Ada's back, ignoring everyone else.

The female teacher didn't find it strange. As she walked over to bow and press her palms together in salute to Bai Haonan, she whispered, "I also went to Dragon Heaven Temple to practice as a child, and I even served as an Eight-Precept nun. I know children's natural tendencies can cause some resistance at this stage, but once you push through it, it gets better."

Bai Haonan opened his mouth, but managed to hold back what he wanted to say: *Sending such young children to become nuns and monks—does that really serve any purpose?*

Especially the Eight-Precept nuns, who were said to undergo the most stringent monastic discipline, entirely forbidden from approaching males and required to stay away even from monks. Wasn't that inhumane?

Yet, compared to tourists yesterday who would casually question the rationality of local customs, Bai Haonan now knew better than to casually pass judgment on other people's ways of life. It was better to speak less and observe more.

This was perhaps the one insight he had gained after going abroad, even though he lacked the ability to communicate fluently in language. He used to be a chatterbox, especially quick to jump in and charm pretty girls whenever he met them. Now, he was somewhat reined in by the yellow monk's robe. If a monk here dared to openly make a move on a girl—leaving aside whether the girl might slap him in return—he would probably be torn apart by the furious populace.

At least, that was Teddy Nan's guess.

Song Na's tour guide skills were indeed much stronger than Aban's. This small city that Bai Haonan had initially looked down upon turned out to be one of the top three major cities in Thailand. It lacked towering skyscrapers and largely felt like a small town back in China, but Song Na repeatedly emphasized that the local people's sense of well-being was very high; although they were somewhat poor and hardship existed, they lived happily.

Bai Haonan remained somewhat skeptical of such sugarcoated nonsense. How the hell could anyone be happy without money?

Still, judging from the athletic fields, the students genuinely looked quite cheerful.

Song Na brought him to the largest and finest middle school in the entire city, gesturing toward the field as she introduced the sports. "Speaking of Thailand's most famous sport, it's Muay Thai, and the one where we achieve the best international results is sepak takraw. But actually, football is the most mainstream sport nationwide. It's as rare to find a Thai male who doesn't play football as it is to find a Chinese person who doesn't play ping-pong."

The son of a ping-pong coach chuckled. When he watched middle school students playing sepak takraw during physical education class, he finally understood why he had felt these Thais had such good ball sense over the past couple of days. That hollow rattan ball, no larger than a fist, was kicked and juggled around just like a shuttlecock. It certainly demanded exceptional ball control, involving frequent hip swivels, splits, and flying volleys. Once someone mastered that, switching back to football must feel remarkably simple. No wonder Thais always seemed to possess exceptionally refined micro-skills in football.

Perhaps the focused expression on his face made the Thai female teacher feel more at ease, as she seemed to have prepared plenty of background information. "Thailand has 76 provinces, making 77 administrative regions including the capital. Every district, county, and village has its own amateur team, and every school has its own varsity team. Many schools even have teams for multiple age brackets, followed by numerous youth leagues between schools..."

Bai Haonan inevitably drew a comparison with his own growing-up experience. "Are there professional football schools?"

Song Na nodded. "But those belong to league clubs. Normally, schools hire professional coaches to lead and train the teams. Football schools scout for promising talent through youth leagues, recruit them, and send those who perform well to Europe for training. The 'Journey to Europe' program is a football initiative known to all our educational institutions. It has been running for many years, and currently, there are one or two thousand kids under 17 playing and training in Europe. Actually, the costs aren't that high, and many French clubs regularly send lecturers and coaches here to train local coaches."

Of course, Bai Haonan knew nothing about Thailand's legendary history during the colonial era. Sandwiched between British and French colonies, the country had absorbed immense Western influence, making its pathway to Europe far simpler and smoother than China's. Though he still didn't hold Thai football in particularly high regard, he had to admit that the football atmosphere here was vastly superior. He even felt a bit fortunate to have landed in a nation so universally passionate about the sport. Surviving here would likely be much easier than it had been in Guixi, considering that Yu Jiali's existence back then had essentially been like using a cheat code.

That was the impression Bai Haonan had formed right from the start of his inspection of the football environment surrounding the temples.

Under the bright, clear blue sky, Bai Haonan sat in a yellow monk's robe near the top of the wooden tiered bleachers common to sports fields here. A short distance away, a lovely female teacher in a red dress sat turned slightly sideways in profile. A gentle breeze drifted by, and if he only had a cup of wine, the scene would have been absolute perfection—alas, women and alcohol were both forbidden.

Down in the corner just below the wooden tiers, the tiny little girl-nun in her pink robe squatted on the ground, teasing Ada.

If a photographer had captured this scene, it surely would have made for an exquisitely colorful and picturesque composition.

Thus, it was entirely forgivable that Bai Haonan had hardly noticed when the little girl wandered off.