我拖着那把年纪也跟着发福了的扁担，站在山脚下直发懵。香火钱？什么香火钱？我连自己的盘缠都快算不清了，哪来的钱去给那些香客当马子？

monastery grandmas. They looked like they had more important things to do, like gossiping about whose grandson got married first. I sighed, feeling like an idiot. Why did I even think I could make a living off their donations? It wasn't like I was asking for much, just enough to get by. But apparently, I was overlooking the obvious.

"Hey, little brother," a voice startled me from behind. I turned to see a burly man with a laugh that could peel paint. "You look like you've got some guts crawling down this mountain. Need a hand with that load?"

I blinked, not sure how to respond. The man's grin was wide and toothy, but his eyes were kind. He was obviously a laborer, judging from his rough hands and worn clothes. Not the type to be messing with monks, yet here he was, offering help.

"Ah, no thank you," I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm fine, really. Just enjoying the