Chapter 52: Paying Respects to All the Deities

At noon, Jin Li and the Three Month Boy Band were all eating in the cafeteria.

Chen Lin suggested going out to eat, but the others found it too much trouble and preferred to stay in the cafeteria; the producer joined them as well.

After eating, Jin Li took out the souvenirs and the red strings. The souvenirs included golden cards inscribed with "Fú Shēng Wú Liàng Tiān Zūn," as well as blessing bags, pendants, and sachet charms.

She had bought a large bundle of red strings. Jin Li took one and handed it to the producer, not forgetting to say, "Fú Shēng Wú Liàng Tiān Zūn," as she passed it over.

Seeing her solemnity, Gu Cheng asked, "Is that phrase very significant?"

Jin Li thought for a moment. "In Taoism, the significance of this phrase is comparable to 'Amitābha' in Buddhism. When you are away from home and feel palpitations or anxiety, or encounter something unsettling, you can chant this to steady your mind and ward off evil spirits."

Gu Cheng nodded and asked, "What about the red strings?"

Jin Li explained, "Red strings are quite useful. There is a specific way to wear them: wearing it on the left attracts good luck, while wearing it on the right wards off petty people. If your zodiac sign happens to clash with the Grand Duke Jupiter, wearing a red string can also help avoid its influence."

Gu Cheng smiled. "According to you, red strings are quite versatile."

Jin Li said earnestly, "Exactly, they are versatile! I specifically went to the Temple of the God of Wealth to buy these!"

When the producer saw that the gift was just a red string, she initially felt somewhat dismissive. *You can buy those for a yuan on the street!*

Even after hearing Jin Li explain the benefits, she didn't think much of it, as everyone knows red strings can ward off evil.

But the moment she heard they were purchased from the Temple of the God of Wealth, her grip on the string loosened slightly, as if she were afraid of squeezing it too hard.

This was a red string from the Temple of the God of Wealth!

As the producer walked away with the string, she was wondering if there were any lottery stands on the island. She considered taking a day off just to go scratch a card.

In the afternoon, the Three Month Boy Band had a rehearsal. Since Jin Li had nothing to do, she returned to the dressing room, where Sui Lingfang was already waiting.

Sister Fang said in a low voice, "You guessed right. A planner from the production team resigned. Word is they leaked internal information and rehearsal videos privately. I heard even Tencent is planning to sue them!"

Jin Li’s expression shifted slightly. "Has there been any news of scandals regarding the production team circulating outside?"

Sister Fang shook her head. "Not that I recall. Since *PICK~ Next Station Diva* suddenly aired, the ratings have been soaring; there hasn't been any negative press. I was afraid I might have misremembered, so I called Zou Da to use the company's resources to investigate. He replied that indeed, no such news has surfaced, except—"

Jin Li interjected, "Except for the matter with Lyu Shanjie. That planner worked in collusion with Lyu Shanjie, which is why we didn't receive the rehearsal notice. It's also highly likely they gave my rehearsal video to Lian Baozhi later on."

Sui Lingfang nodded. "That's what I thought. Unfortunately, the person has already resigned. Even if I wanted to find them, they'd likely be gone."

Jin Li said calmly, "Even if you found them, what would it matter? Without proof, it's all just speculation. If there are problems within the production team, they can purge themselves; it's not for a guest like me to speak on."

Sui Lingfang looked at Jin Li. "You..."

Jin Li shook her head. "Sister Fang, I'm fine. After all, I didn't suffer any loss, and the rehearsal went smoothly. I have you to thank for that."

She paused and gave a playful smile. "How about I ask the higher-ups to give you a bigger bonus this year?"

Sui Lingfang laughed. "I'd rather hope your health improves so that every extra show you can handle counts toward my performance metrics."

Since there was nothing else to do in the afternoon, Jin Li and Sui Lingfang didn't plan to stay on the island. After communicating with the production team regarding the hair and makeup for tomorrow's "building sweep" recording, they left.

They were staying next to the Mazu Temple again, where food, drink, and entertainment were all in one place and the air was fresh. Although the accommodation in the scenic area was a bit expensive, Chenxi Entertainment—no, Jin Li would reimburse it.

As a "god" of the 80/20 profit split, Jin Li also had to bear most of the team's activity expenses.

After a devout prayer to Mazu, she went on a spree for souvenirs, buying several more red strings before returning to the hotel to start her live-streamed study session.

*[You are now following Jin Li's live stream~]*

A slender hand tapped the screen. Gu Cheng glanced at Jin Li, who was intently taking notes on the screen, and listened closely to the teacher's explanation of the key points.

After listening for five or six minutes, Gu Cheng looked back at his phone and wrote down the teacher's name.

"Shen Shiquan. Who is that?"

Yan Xingdong's voice came from beside him. Gu Cheng calmly exited the live stream. "The name of the instructor."

"Why are you noting down the teacher's name?" Luo Yi walked over and asked curiously.

Gu Cheng replied, "This teacher teaches well. The logic is clear, and the summary methods are good. I've watched several teachers during live streams, but this one is the best."

Chen Lin also crept over and suddenly remarked, "Wait, are you actually listening to the lecture? I thought you were just staring at Sister Jin Li!"

Gu Cheng said speechlessly, "I told you, I also like reading and am interested in domestic courses."

Yan Xingdong clapped his hands, calling the brothers together. "Alright, alright, enough resting. Everyone, back to rehearsal. This time, the lighting and sound effects are all going together. Dance seriously; we need to see the effect on camera."

...

The next morning, Jin Li woke up looking radiant.

She felt as if her waist no longer ached, her legs no longer hurt, and her heart no longer raced; her whole body was filled with strength.

She specifically went for a morning run around the Mazu Temple and took advantage of the few tourists to go inside and offer incense to Mazu.

As she walked out of the main hall, a long, lingering wave of divine power washed over her, making her feel even lighter.

Although the divine power from Mazu wasn't as abundant as that from the God of Wealth, it was superior in its longevity and endurance.

If she didn't have to work, Jin Li would have wanted to live in the Mazu Temple indefinitely.

She bought breakfast and returned, waking Sui Lingfang in the process.

Sui Lingfang said groggily, "Jin Li, what time is it? Why are you up so early?"

Jin Li said, "It's eight in the morning. Time to get up, Sister Fang. We have the recording at ten!"

Sui Lingfang jolted awake, quickly washed up, and didn't dare linger, taking her breakfast onto the boat to eat.

As she ate, she observed Jin Li. "You look in great spirits. Do you feel much better physically today?"

Jin Li nodded.

Sui Lingfang muttered, "It seems praying to the gods really works. I'll have to keep an eye out for more Taoist temples for you in the future. We'll visit every deity one by one; maybe your health will improve miraculously."

Jin Li blinked but said nothing.

She also wanted to experience what it was like to worship all the gods one by one.

Upon arriving at the filming site, Jin Li was immediately taken to the dressing room for hair and makeup. Fortunately, she had chosen a simple look, so the makeup artist could finish within an hour.

Sui Lingfang sat on the sofa behind her, scrolling through her phone, when she suddenly came across a newly updated blog post from Domi Cosmetics.

She clicked into it immediately. Jin Li's endorsement advertisement was finally out!