Entertainment from Divorce

Chen Ziyu was also captivated by the sight. She took out her phone and gently pressed the shutter button on the Buddha statue, turning off the flash to avoid damaging it. "I heard that this Buddha statue is over three meters tall and is an early work from ancient times. Look at the Buddha's hand gestures; they represent the ability to eliminate the fear of all beings."

The two stayed in Qianxi Temple for a while before reluctantly leaving and heading towards the next cave—the Middle Cave.

Zhongdong is much larger than Qianxi Temple, and there are more Buddha statues in the cave.

The Buddha statue in the very center is over five meters tall, wearing a kasaya, sitting cross-legged, with a solemn face.

The Buddha statue is flanked by Bodhisattvas, each with a different expression and lifelike features.

“Look at the Bodhisattva’s robes, they look like they’re about to flutter.” Tan Yue pointed to the folds of the Bodhisattva’s robes and whispered to Chen Ziyu, “The ancient craftsmen were so amazing, they could carve stone so lifelike.”

Chen Ziyu nodded, took out his phone and checked the information: "The Central Cave took more than 20 years to complete, and it consumed a lot of manpower and resources. No wonder it is so exquisite. Look at the walls of the cave, there are many small niches, each with a small Buddha statue. Although some are damaged, they are still very exquisite."

The two strolled slowly through the cave, occasionally encountering other early-rising tourists like themselves. Everyone tacitly kept quiet, exchanging only a few whispered words from time to time.

Tan Yue saw an elderly man with white hair carefully examining the details of the Buddha statue with a magnifying glass, muttering incantations as if he were conversing with a craftsman from a thousand years ago.

When they arrived at the Wanfo Cave, the two were stunned by the sight before them.

The walls of the cave are covered with tiny Buddha statues, some only a few centimeters tall, yet they are still exquisitely carved with clear features and different expressions.

The Buddha statue in the very center is about three meters tall, with a smiling face, as if looking down on all living beings.

"My God, so many small Buddha statues, how long will it take to carve them?" Chen Ziyu couldn't help but cover her mouth, afraid that her voice would be too loud. "I heard there are more than 15,000 small Buddha statues here, no wonder it's called the Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas."

Tan Yue was also stunned. He took out his phone and took a picture of the small Buddha statues on the wall: "Look at these small Buddha statues. Although they are small, each one has its own characteristics. Some have their hands clasped together, and some are holding ritual implements. They are amazing."

The two wandered around Wanfo Cave for a long time, and Tan Yue even took photos of several small Buddha statues with unique shapes as souvenirs.

When we left Wanfo Cave, the sun was already high in the sky, and sunlight filtered through the leaves onto the stone path, creating dappled light and shadow.

“Let’s go to the Buddha statue. I heard it’s the most famous Buddha statue in the grottoes.” Chen Ziyu looked at the map on her phone and said to Tan Yue, “It’s a bit far from here. Let’s walk slowly and take a break.”

The two walked along the path by the Yi River. Wildflowers bloomed in the sunlight, and occasionally birds flew overhead, chirping.

Tan Yue took out his phone and took a few photos of Chen Ziyu—Chen Ziyu was wearing a beige cardigan, standing on the bank of the Yi River, with green mountains and grottoes behind her. The wind made her skirt flutter gently, like a person who had stepped out of a painting.

"Take a look, what do you think of this photo?" Tan Yue handed over his phone, his tone full of anticipation.

Chen Ziyu took the phone, looked at herself in the photo, and said with a smile, "Beautiful! You're getting better and better at taking pictures. When we get to the Buddha statue, we must take a group photo. Such a magnificent Buddha statue, we should keep it as a memento." After walking for about half an hour, the two finally saw the Buddha statue.

From a distance, the Buddha statue, carved into the mountainside, stands over seventeen meters tall, making it taller than the surrounding caves.

The Buddha sits cross-legged, with a full face, a gentle smile on its lips, and kind eyes that seem to embrace all things in the world.

The lines of the Buddha's robes are smooth and natural, and despite a thousand years of wind and rain, one can still see its magnificent grandeur.

"It's breathtaking!" Tan Yue exclaimed as he stood before the giant Buddha. "How did the craftsmen carve such a massive Buddha statue in ancient times without heavy machinery? How many people must have worked to complete it?"

Chen Ziyu was also deeply moved. She took Tan Yue's hand and walked to the platform in front of the Buddha: "I heard that the Buddha was carved during the reign of Empress Wu and took more than ten years to complete. The Buddha's face was even inspired by Empress Wu's appearance. Look at the Buddha's eyes, it seems like no matter which angle you look at it, it is looking at you."

The two found a spot on the platform and asked passing tourists to take a photo of them together.

In the photo, Chen Tzu-yu is wearing a beige traditional Chinese jacket. The two stand side by side in front of the Buddha statue, smiling brightly. Behind them is a tall and benevolent Buddha statue, and the sunlight shines on them, creating a warm and beautiful scene.

"We must keep this photo safe. When we're old, we can take it out and look at it again, and we'll definitely remember this day." Tan Yue looked at the photo, his heart filled with emotion.

Chen Ziyu nodded, put away her phone, and pulled Tan Yue toward the cave next to the Buddha: "Let's go and see the cave next to it. I heard there are many exquisite reliefs there, such as the 'Emperor and Empress Worshipping Buddha'. Although only fragments remain now, it is still of great historical value."

The two wandered around the Buddha for a long time until their stomachs started growling, and then they realized they hadn't had lunch yet.

"Let's go to a restaurant in the scenic area to get something to eat. I heard they have local specialties from Luoyang, like fermented noodle soup. Let's try it," Tan Yue said with a smile, rubbing his stomach.

Chen Ziyu nodded, took out her phone and checked the time: "Okay, it's almost noon. After lunch, let's go explore the rest of the caves and try to see them all this afternoon."

The two walked along the path toward the restaurant. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and fell on their clothes, the light turquoise and off-white colors intertwining like a flowing painting.

Chen Ziyu glanced back at the Buddha statue, which remained sitting there quietly, looking kindly at everyone who passed by, as if it were protecting this ancient city and everyone who came to seek history.

She thought to herself, "It was so worth it to see such a magnificent grotto today. This is probably the meaning of travel—to see different scenery, experience different history, and leave behind your own beautiful memories."

The cicadas' chirping was mingled with the June wind, and when it blew across the cliffs of Yishan, it startled a few sparrows that had been perched on the folds of the Buddha statue's robes.

Tan Yue handed over the last half bottle of mineral water, watching Chen Ziyu tilt her head back to drink, her Adam's apple bobbing gently, sunlight filtering through the wisps of hair behind her ears, casting dappled patterns of light on the side of her neck.

“It’s 12:30,” Chen Ziyu wiped her mouth, her fingertips still dusty from touching the ancient stele. “That row of Tang-style buildings up ahead looks like a restaurant area. Shall we go check it out?”

Tan Yue nodded, his gaze still lingering on the faint dark stains on her shoulder from the sweat, and half of her sketchbook peeking out of her canvas bag. The two had entered the grottoes at seven in the morning, walking from Qianxi Temple in the West Mountain Grottoes all the way to Fengxian Temple. The smile of the Buddha still left a warm imprint on his retina, but his stomach protested first.

As you walk along the bluestone path by the Yi River, the aroma of food gradually wafts through the air.

Antique-style eateries hung vermilion banners, and wooden signs for "Water Banquet Set Meals" and "Heluo Stewed Noodles" swayed gently in the wind. Chen Ziyu stopped in front of a shop with a sign that read "Yique Xiaoguan". Samples were displayed in the glass window: light brown Yanshi silver noodles were crisp and tender, and deep red and glossy Luojing braised pork was coated with sauce. The most eye-catching item was a bowl of beef soup in a rough earthenware bowl, with bright green scallions floating on the milky white soup.

“Let’s go with this place,” she said, turning to Tan Yue with a smile. “I checked the guide yesterday and it said their beef soup is made with old bones, which goes perfectly with the fried dough twists.”

The shop wasn't crowded, so the two chose a window seat where they could see the Yi River flowing slowly eastward, and the outline of the Dongshan Grottoes on the opposite bank appearing and disappearing in the thin mist.

A waiter in a blue cotton jacket handed over the menu. Chen Ziyu ran her fingertips across the paper and quickly ordered the dishes: "A bowl of beef soup, double portions of meat, two fried dough twists, and a serving of cucumber salad."

He paused, then looked at Tan Yue, "Do you want braised noodles or a small bowl of soup from the Sichuan banquet?"

“Same as you,” Tan Yue placed his canvas bag on the chair next to him. “Add an order of Luojing shovel pancakes. I saw it advertised online yesterday and wanted to try it.”

The waiter replied "Okay," and turned to go to the kitchen to place the order.

Chen Ziyu took the sketchbook out of her bag, turned to a blank page, and twirled the pencil between her fingers: "When we were at Fengxian Temple just now, did you feel that the Buddha's eyes were particularly different? Even though it was carved from stone, it seemed like it could see right through people."

“Hmm,” Tan Yue nodded, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of the table. “The tour guide said that Empress Wu donated 20,000 strings of cash to repair this Buddha statue, and the craftsmen may have carved her expression into it. Look at the Buddha’s jawline and the curve of its brow bone; it does indeed have a touch of feminine softness.”

Chen Ziyu lowered her head and quickly sketched, the pencil scratching on the paper.

Tan Yue leaned closer to look. She first drew the outline of the Buddha statue with smooth lines, then carefully depicted the eyebrows and eyes. She paused with her pen and added shadows to the eyelids: "I always feel that there is something in the eyes of this Buddha statue, not just solemnity, but also a bit... compassion? It's as if it is watching the comings and goings of people over the past thousand years and understands everything."

Just then, the waiter came over with a tray.

The beef broth in the earthenware bowl was steaming, and the chopped green onions and cilantro sprinkled on top were fresh and vibrant. Thinly sliced ​​beef was laid at the bottom of the bowl, its texture clearly visible.

The fried dough twists were freshly baked, with a golden and crispy outer layer that made a "crunch" sound when you bit into them, while the inside was soft and savory.

"Drink the soup first, it'll get fishy when it gets cold." Chen Ziyu pushed a bowl of soup to Tan Yue, picked up a piece of fried dough twist, dipped it in the chili oil in the soup, and said, "Their chili oil is made with sesame oil, it's not spicy, but it's very fragrant."

Tan Yue scooped up a spoonful of soup, the warm liquid sliding down his throat, the rich aroma of beef spreading on his tongue, without any fishy smell, only the mellow flavor from long-term simmering.

He took a bite of the fried dough twist, and the crispy outer layer contrasted sharply with the soft inside. The savory flavor with a hint of sesame complemented the umami of the beef broth perfectly.

"It's delicious," he mumbled, picking up another piece of cucumber salad with silver strips.

Silver bars are a specialty of Yanshi. They are long, thin, and white, and have a crisp and refreshing taste with a slightly sour flavor that helps to cut through the richness of the food.

Chen Ziyu sipped her soup, occasionally picking up a piece of beef, her eyes glancing at the Yi River outside the window, while her pencil occasionally added a few strokes to her sketchbook.

The Luojing pancake was served soon after, with a golden pancake wrapping minced meat, vermicelli, and egg, cut into triangles.

Chen Ziyu picked up a piece, took a bite, and her eyes lit up: "This is delicious! The outer crust is crispy, and the filling inside is savory and fresh. It's a bit like a pie, but thinner and crispier."

Tan Yue also tried a piece. The crust was indeed crispy, and the vermicelli in the filling was soaked with meat juice. The aroma of the egg and the umami of the minced meat blended together, creating a rich flavor.

The two chatted as they ate, talking about the Buddhist statues in the grottoes they had just seen, the development of Buddhism, and the museums they had visited as children.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting long patches of light on the table. The chirping of cicadas mingled with the sounds of laughter and conversation from inside the shop, creating a rare and pleasant atmosphere.

"Oh right," Chen Ziyu swallowed the food in her mouth, took out her phone, and looked up the photos she had seen online.

The terracotta figurine in the photo is a servant figure with his hands placed in front of his chest, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, and a playful look in his eyes and brows.

Tan Yue leaned closer to look and couldn't help but laugh: "It really does look like it. The ancients were quite humorous. Unlike the sculptures of today, which are either too serious or too deliberate."

“Perhaps it’s because the artisans back then had more freedom,” Chen Ziyu put away her phone and took another sip of soup. “Without so many rules, they could carve however they wanted, which made them more spirited. Just like those small Buddha statues in the grottoes, some with their heads tilted, some with their brows furrowed, they are particularly lifelike.”

The two slowly finished their lunch. When it was time to pay the bill, the waiter handed them two mints, saying they were homemade.

Chen Ziyu peeled one open and put it in her mouth. The cool taste instantly dispelled the summer heat: "How about we go see Guyang Cave in Xishan this afternoon, and then cross the bridge to Dongshan?"

“Okay,” Tan Yue slung his canvas bag over his shoulder and helped her lift the bag containing her sketchbook. “The tour guide just told me that Guyang Cave has many stone inscriptions, known as the ‘Twenty Inscriptions,’ which are worth taking a good look at.”

Outside the restaurant, the afternoon sun was stronger than in the morning. Tan Yue handed a sun hat to Chen Ziyu and opened an umbrella for himself.

The two returned along the same route, and when they passed Fengxian Temple, they couldn't help but stop.

Bathed in sunlight, the shadows on the Buddha's robes appeared more defined, and its gaze seemed softer than in the morning.

“Look,” Chen Ziyu pointed to the Buddha’s left hand, “I didn’t notice before, but the finger joints here are carved so meticulously, even the curve of the fingernails is there.”

Tan Yue looked in the direction she pointed, and sure enough, the Buddha's left hand hung down naturally, with long, slender fingers, smooth lines at the joints, and oval-shaped nails with rounded edges, as if it were really flesh and blood.

He took out his phone to take a picture, but found that no matter how he took the picture, he couldn't capture the shock he felt when he saw it in person.

“You still have to remember it with your eyes,” Chen Ziyu said with a smile. “Photographs can only capture the outline; they can’t capture the feeling.” (End of Chapter)