Did the maple trees turn red yet?

Chapter 2

A layer of red has covered the earth, its surface reflecting the late evening sun. The maple trees-they have already turned red, a color so dear to my heart. Autumn always births a strange feeling in my heart; though the falling leaves symbolize the end of an era, isn't the end of one era the start of a new one?!

I've always wanted to come to Xiangshan Park but hadn't been given the chance. Today, I'm finally here. Taking in the beautiful view of the park, a soft sigh escapes my lips. I don't know why, but I just can't get enough of maple trees. Their beauty carries a kind of decadent feeling. The fleeting splendor of the maple trees reminds me of the fragility of life.

Coming out of my thoughts, I take a deep breath and start following the crowd. Since I'm here for the first time, I don't know the right path. For half an hour, I follow the crowd, but it becomes overwhelming, so I decide to change my course. I spot a small winding path leading to the south, with no visible people, and I take it.

POV transition:

I take off my shoes and follow the monk leading me to the inner hall of the Qingyin Temple. The scene inside the temple is familiar. I take in my surroundings, watching the devotees happily bringing in offering after offering, finally setting my eyes on the white lilies in my arms and letting out a tired sigh. As we walk, the area becomes more secluded, and eventually, we reach the innermost hall of the Qingyin Temple. A person in monk's clothing is prostrating before a large Buddha statue. Once the sound of our footsteps reaches his ears, he raises his head and slowly stands.

"Abbot," I bow my head slightly to greet him.
"Amitabha! My dear, may the divine bless you with happiness." A soft voice reaches my ears as I slowly raise my head. The Abbot approaches me with a gentle demeanor.
"Has the madam been well?" he asks, stopping in front of me.
"Grandma hasn't been well, so she asked me to bring offerings to the temple."
"Amitabha, my child. Do not fret, for life always offers us something-be it health or illness, joys or sorrows, wealth or poverty, ignorance or clarity. Everything it gives is a test, shaping us for the challenges we might face. For some, it gives visible quests, and for others, it presents mental queries," the Abbot says softly, the vicissitudes of life reflecting in every reverberating word.

"Come here, my dear. Light the incense in the burner and place the offering at the altar. May she succeed in this test that life has given her."
I step forward and light the incense in the burner, the mellow scent calming my mind. Then, I place the lilies on the altar at the feet of the Buddha. The Abbot bows three times in front of Buddha for me to complete the offering. My grandma is a firm Buddhist devotee. She's been coming to Qingyin Temple for as long as I can remember; it's just recently that the physician advised her to avoid long walks and strenuous activities, so she sent me in her place to perform the offerings. Though I'm not of Buddhist belief, I've often accompanied her on her numerous visits, making me quite familiar with the layout of the temple. The Abbot has an amiable relationship with our household, so my grandmother has always performed offerings in the innermost hall of the temple. After I finish, I nod to the Abbot and turn to take my leave, but he stops me.

"Amitabha, my child. Would you like to draw a divination lot?"
I am a little stunned. After all, the Abbot knows that I don't quite connect with Buddhism. I look toward him, my eyes filled with questions.
"I think a ripple might appear in the calm pond of your life, my child. The answers you seek seem to be in close proximity."
"A ripple?"
"So, would you like to draw a divination?"
For a moment, I am shaken, but then calm returns to me. I look into the eyes of the Abbot and say, "Forgive my ignorance, Abbot. While there may be destiny, I believe in shaping my fate with my own hands. A divination stick? I could never be bound to a divination stick." As I say this, I turn to leave the hall, but the gentle voice of the Abbot reaches me, halting my steps.
"Yǔn Lèiyuè! Though you may struggle and fight fate, it isn't easy to break the shackles of destiny, my child"
I take a moment to digest his words but still leave without turning my head. For me, I have not learned the word "easy" in my world, but nor have I learned the meaning of defeat.

Note:
Qingyin temple or Azure clouds temple is one of the best temples in xiangshan park.Most of the Chinese families are a believer of Buddhism though there may be exceptions.During their prayers they light the incense and usually perform offerings of food or flowers. Specific kind of flowers represent special kind of wishes like the white lilies represent purity and good health. After the offerings they bow three times in front of the Buddha to show respect.
Divination sticks: they are divination lots , the monks put small bamboo sticks in a tin, each stick has a symbol or number on it , usually the devotee shakes the tin and one of the bamboo stick falls off and then the devotee picks up a paper slip with the same symbol as the fallen stick from another box. The slip has a poem or quote written on it , it is usually believed that the wording on slip hints toward the possible future of the devotee.

Ps: All my knowledge about Chinese culture and religion comes from other Chinese novels and personal research so in case of any  mistake please guide me.