Three watches past midnight, any more Monthly Tickets? Could you spare a few more? Seeking your support.

Hearing this, the major executives fell silent, their eyes flickering with a degree of skepticism. Perhaps through experience, these men were generally not inclined to believe in anything that resembled a "manifestation." However, the source of this fragrance was so peculiar that it forced them to become suspicious. After all, even the miraculous vision from the Xuande Censer had been witnessed clearly by everyone—the incense was lit first, and only then did the smoke transform into a lotus pedestal. But this current aroma was not being sprayed, nor was it burning; it simply materialized out of nowhere, without any discernible origin. Such a situation lay beyond the comprehension of these few individuals; it could only be categorized as a supernatural event. Of course, in the religious world, particularly within Buddhism, there was likely a specific term for this, often referred to as the Manifestation of Dharma.

After a long pause, one executive delivered the final word: "Let's stop guessing. After the service concludes, we can consult Master Ban Shan, and that should clear things up." The others nodded in agreement, savoring the strange fragrance while patiently awaiting the end of the dharma assembly.

A long time later, the service finally concluded. Simultaneously, those who were particularly perceptive immediately noticed that the peculiar fragrance had abruptly vanished. Yet, anyone with basic common sense should understand that any odor, no matter what it is, can only fade; it cannot disappear instantaneously. But the existence of this scent now completely subverted everyone's conventional understanding. It was as if, echoing the lines in a poem by Xu Zhimo, it had arrived lightly and departed quietly, leaving not a single trace.

Sensing this, curiosity intensified. The executives could wait no longer. They proceeded into the Mahavira Hall and located the Monk Ban Shan, then inquired—some directly, others obliquely—about the matter. "The fragrance?" Master Ban Shan murmured, seeming hesitant about whether to speak. In truth, it wasn't just these executives who were curious; even several monks glanced over, eager to know what was happening. "A monastic does not speak falsehoods."

At this moment, Master Ban Shan nodded. "I do indeed know the source of the fragrance, but I promised a devotee to keep it secret, so it is inconvenient for me to disclose it. I ask for your indulgence, benefactors." Everyone started in surprise and immediately felt a wave of disappointment. Simultaneously, someone quick-witted asked, "Master, we are not inquiring about the source of the fragrance; we only wish to know what fragrance it is." Right...

The others quickly caught on. If they only knew the name of the incense, resolving the matter would be much simpler. Then, they could spend money to acquire it; they refused to believe they couldn't buy it. Understanding their mindset, Master Ban Shan smiled faintly. Some things in this world truly cannot be bought, even with great wealth. However, since they were persistent, Master Ban Shan saw no need to conceal the truth, and stated plainly: "This is Xumi Fragrance."

As he spoke, Master Ban Shan gently pressed his palms together in a gesture of respect, then calmly walked away, leaving the group bewildered. "Xumi Fragrance? What is that? Have any of you heard of it?" "Yes, but the name itself sounds extraordinary, very grand." "Let's find someone to inquire."

One person suggested, and the executives nodded in consensus. However, they made a tacit agreement not to ask the monks of Ban Shan Temple, but instead to consult others through their own connections. They moved to a secluded area to make calls, and the answers they received varied widely. Some believed Xumi Fragrance was merely a blended incense, and the name was just an elaborate ploy to create a mystical impression. Others felt there was no such thing as Xumi Fragrance at all and warned everyone to be cautious about being duped. Still others claimed they also possessed Xumi Fragrance and could offer priority supply if the executives had a need...

Synthesizing these disparate answers left them utterly confused, unsure of whom to trust. "What? It's really Xumi Fragrance?"

Just then, an intensely excited voice erupted from one executive's mobile phone: "The rain of myriad blossoms, fragrance like Mount Sumeru, blossoms like chariot wheels—Xumi Fragrance?" "Hmm?"

Catching snippets of the conversation, the group's attention instantly focused, and they all turned towards that executive, urging him to inquire further. The man was instantly delighted and hastily asked, "Master, I don't know if the Xumi Fragrance I speak of is the one you mean, but this incense is quite miraculous..." The executive quickly recounted the entire situation, and then there was silence on the other end. Just as the executive began to suspect a signal problem, an even more excited voice returned: "Yes, it must be Xumi Fragrance without a doubt. Only the Xumi Fragrance recorded in ancient texts possesses such an effect." "Master, what exactly is this Xumi Fragrance?" The executive was intensely curious and couldn't help but press for more details. Judging by the speaker's tone, this object seemed to be an incredible treasure. "Xumi Fragrance is a supreme treasure of Buddhism, rumored to share a lineage with the Tibetan dZi beads from Tianzhu... that is, ancient India, but its effects are even more wondrous than the dZi beads..."

The explanation provided was somewhat vague, but it was enough for the executive, as he had grasped several key points. First, Xumi Fragrance was extremely rare and virtually lost now. Second, it possessed effects similar to dZi beads—frequent wearing could avert misfortune and bring longevity. Third, it benefited spiritual cultivation and was a supreme treasure for transmitting the Buddhist teachings. Other benefits were not mentioned, but these three points alone were enough to make hearts race.

Hearing about the efficacy of Xumi Fragrance, the executives exchanged glances and unanimously returned to the Mahavira Hall, subsequently announcing their intention to donate incense oil money. Upon hearing this, the monk managing the temple affairs immediately brought out the donation register and opened it to the second page, ready to record the names. Seeing this, one executive was displeased, frowning, "Can't it be written on the first page?"

The first page and the second page seemed identical, but their significance differed. As this was a new temple, the register likely held few names, yet the temple's register would be preserved, and inscriptions for merit plaques were usually carved in the order they appeared. It was because he understood this that the executive wanted his name on the first page. However, the monk gently shook his head and smiled, "Benefactor, the first page is already full." "Master, a monastic cannot lie," the executive insisted. "I can see clearly, it's definitely not full." "Amitabha, it is indeed full," the monk affirmed solemnly. "Then let me see..."

As he spoke, the executive snatched the register and casually flipped it open, immediately chuckling, "I knew it, it’s certainly not full. There’s only one name on it. Why must the Master make things difficult..." Before the man could finish speaking, someone nearby interjected, "Don't trouble the Master. The first page is indeed full. Please start from the second page." "What?" The man was confused, lowered his head to look again, and saw that the first page of the register clearly bore only a single name. Moreover, the writing wasn't large, the strokes weren't numerous, and there was enough blank space for dozens more names. How could it be full?

"We'll discuss it later," one executive said, seeming to understand the situation. He patted the confused man's shoulder and took the lead in offering his incense oil money. It was a thin check, appearing light, but the sum written on it was substantial. The monk responsible for recording paused slightly when he saw it, politely inquiring about the donor's name before meticulously inscribing it. Seven or eight people followed, each contribution of a similar value but carrying significant weight. The weight was so considerable that even the duty monk couldn't make the decision and secretly sent someone to summon Master Ban Shan.

This was the executives' true objective. They deliberately pretended not to see the first page's significance and, under the guidance of a monk, slowly retreated to a nearby elegant room to rest. Meanwhile, the executive who wanted his name on the first page asked in bewilderment, "What did you mean by 'full' just now?" "Didn't you notice? The item donated by the person on the first page was extremely precious, so much so that others simply couldn't compare. That's why the Dharma Master said it was full, leaving no room for others," someone explained. But the executive remained unconvinced, shaking his head, "Nonsense. I saw very clearly; that person didn't donate money at all..." "He didn't donate money, but think carefully, what was written after his name?" "After the name? It looks like it says 'Ban Shan Temple'... Wait!" In an instant, the executive was thunderstruck: "Ban Shan Temple? Could it mean the entire temple? Impossible." "What’s impossible about it?"

At this moment, someone laughed, "Nowadays, people build bridges, pave roads, and construct primary school buildings; naturally, some people are willing to spend money to build a temple. Don't forget, how was this temple established..." Prompted by this reminder, the others suddenly realized. They had almost forgotten that this temple was built by that unlucky soul whose funding chain broke. If everything had gone smoothly, that name on the first page of the register should have been his. "But the ownership is currently with Tang Group, isn't it?"

At the same time, some were utterly confused. "Logically, even if donating to the temple, it should be Mr. Tang or Mrs. Tang's name, so why does a stranger's name appear?" "Wang Guan..."

At that moment, the man looked around. "Have any of you heard of this person?" "No." The others shook their heads, their expressions blank. A moment later, someone suddenly spoke up, "I remember now. When you were gathering information, you must have heard it too. This project wasn't solely undertaken by Tang Group; there seemed to be partners." "Ah?"

The others weren't foolish; they understood the implication after a moment's thought. They had certainly heard rumors about Tang Group partnering in business ventures. But at the time, they were too focused on analyzing Tang Group itself and overlooked others. Now, with the reminder, they realized that the name on the register might belong to that partner. The name was so unfamiliar; they didn't know the person's background and would need to investigate thoroughly upon their return.

As the group pondered, someone walked in from outside. However, it wasn't Master Ban Shan, but a kind-faced old monk, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire temple for the executives' significant support of Ban Shan Temple. As for Master Ban Shan, he was currently entertaining guests in the Abbot's Chamber... (To be continued)