27. Unexpected Gains

Pastor Ren was taken aback when he heard that, then shook his head. "They aren't a tourist."

"How should I put it..."

"They're a new friend I've made. We get along very well."

Looking at Pastor Ren's face, Yimo had already sensed that something was off, so he pressed on. "They're not a believer?"

Pastor Ren thought for a moment, then explained, "God loves all people, but not everyone believes in the Lord."

"They're not a believer yet."

Yimo said, "By the way, in the churches I've seen back in my hometown, there seemed to be statues of the Lord. Why is there only a cross here?"

Pastor Ren heard him and began explaining seriously. "The Lord we worship is the one and only ruler of the universe. The Ten Commandments tell us that God is unique and irreplaceable."

"So in churches of my faith, there are no statues of the Lord. If there are any, those people might not be true believers, or they might belong to another denomination with different beliefs."

"That's a grave sin."

Pastor Ren was gentle and polite, and didn't grow impatient. As Yimo asked a few more questions, he patiently explained each one.

At last, Yimo decided that was enough. Looking as though he'd suddenly understood, he hurriedly said, "Well, I feel like I've learned a lot."

"God loves all people. Could you get me an outfit like yours, and a copy of that holy book your faith has?"

"Oh, right, right. Give me one of those silver Cross Pendants around your neck, too."

"Do you have any holy water or anything? Give me lots, so I can get baptized too!"

Watching Yimo beside her, Zhenling couldn't help shaking her head.

She knew Yimo had come looking for things that could help deal with