Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Hao Jixin thought he saw it wrong at first. After looking closely again, he excitedly stood up and danced around, exclaiming: "Damn! Master, do you know who added me?"

Xie Qingfeng and Bai Yuanshan looked up at him.

Having spent time with Hao Jixin, Xie Qingfeng had seen him excited and nervous before, but this was the first time he saw Hao Jixin so flustered: "Who is it?"

Last time when the Zhang family came for business, Hao Jixin was excited but not to this extent.

Hao Jixin was about to speak, but he glanced at Bai Yuanshan, hesitated, unsure whether to speak up at this moment.

Bai Yuanshan raised an eyebrow and gestured with his hand: "I promise it won't go beyond here. Or if you don't trust me, I can leave the private room for you."

Xie Qingfeng calmly said: "No need, go ahead and tell us."

Hao Jixin felt relieved; since the master had said so, he probably had read Bai Yuanshan's face and knew he was a man of his word, so there was no need to worry.

Hao Jixin sat next to Xie Qingfeng and handed over his phone: "Master, do you remember the big screen we saw at the airport? It featured Jing Mianfeng, the young actor who won Best New Actor four years ago. His manager just added me, asking if the master could read Jing Mianfeng’s fortune, to see if he has the destiny to make a big comeback. The price is whatever the master asks."

Xie Qingfeng's gaze fell on the message sent by the agent, but he didn’t respond immediately.

He certainly remembered Jing Mianfeng, the young man who looked and shared the same surname as the 'little emperor'.

Xie Qingfeng also recalled the pair of melancholic, profound eyes he had seen on the airport’s advertising screen. Four years ago, his face reading indicated that he would face a crisis in six months. At that time, Xie Qingfeng wondered if he would change his fate before it happened.

It seems they were fated to cross paths.

However, this didn't stop Xie Qingfeng from being curious: "How did he find out your contact information, and about me?" Although he had shown his face at the Zhang family event, the news shouldn’t have spread that fast.

The excitement in Hao Jixin’s voice subsided: "Right, I'll ask."

He suddenly became wary.

This agent dealt with the rich and famous, managing several big-name artists, and definitely knew some renowned masters.

To have a fortune read confidentially, one would usually go to a familiar master. Why would they suddenly come to them?

Besides the Zhang family affair, they were hardly even famous.

Hao Jixin quickly started interrogating, expecting the other party to be evasive, but was surprised to find them very forthcoming and clear in their explanation.

Hao Jixin's anxiety eased as he turned to Xie Qingfeng: "Master, will you take it?"

Unexpectedly fated, Jing Mianfeng lived in the same villa complex as the Zhao family and had heard about their situation. Coupled with the praises from Elder Zhang, he sought out Hao Jixin, wanting to have his fortune read before making a comeback for peace of mind.

They also requested to keep this information confidential, as Jing Mianfeng's comeback was not yet certain. If the master agrees, someone would be sent specifically to pick him up and meet at the residence in the villa complex.

With the situation explained like this, and considering the Zhao family also lived in that villa complex, not far from the Zhang family, there indeed shouldn't be any major issues.

Xie Qingfeng, having his doubts cleared, nodded in agreement: "I'll take it."

Jing Mianfeng only had half a year left to live; although he hadn't sought help before, now that he had, both emotionally and rationally, it seemed fated, and Xie Qingfeng felt it right to make the trip.

Hearing this, Hao Jixin immediately responded to the other party.

Their flight back to City B was scheduled for a bit later, and they should arrive by midnight. There was also the Zhao family's jade exhibition tomorrow. After the exhibition ended, they planned to head back.

The exhibition was in the afternoon, so after discussing with Xie Qingfeng, Hao Jixin scheduled their meeting with Jing Mianfeng for nine in the morning. After wrapping up there, they could have lunch and then head straight to the jade exhibition.

With everything settled, Hao Jixin put down his phone and couldn't help but remark: "The internet has been buzzing about Jing Mianfeng's comeback recently. I thought it was just hype, but it turns out to be true. He looked so impressive four years ago, I wonder what he looks like now..."

Thinking about what happened four years ago, he started to feel uncertain again.

If Jing Mianfeng hasn't lost his looks, he'll surely be even more outstanding than he was four years ago. Wouldn't his comeback be successful just based on his appearance?

But why would the manager seek a fortune-telling before the comeback? Could it be that the actor... has lost his looks over these four years?

And if the master predicts an unfavorable fortune, won't it cause trouble?

Unable to hold back, Hao Jixin lowered his voice: "If it doesn't turn out well, won't the manager think we're frauds?"

Xie Qingfeng, thinking of Jing Mianfeng's destiny to die young, simply shook his head. Without meeting the person, he couldn't be sure.

Meanwhile, Liang Chenglei had originally thought arranging a meeting with the master would be simple, only to find himself being interrogated.

Normally, he wouldn't mind such questioning, but the problem was... this time, he felt guilty.

Finally managing to convince them, Liang Chenglei collapsed on the sofa, sweating profusely, feeling like he had lost half his life: "Mission accomplished, it's arranged. Tomorrow at nine in the morning. Master Xie has other commitments in the afternoon and will return to City C in the evening."

After speaking, he received no response. Sitting up and looking over, he noticed Jing Xi staring blankly at the phone in his hand.

Liang Chenglei straightened up and coughed lightly: "Now that the meeting is arranged, you must be careful with your words when we meet him. Although this master is highly skilled, if he turns out to be a gossip...

Jing Xi, initially indifferent, looked up at this: "He's not."

Liang Chenglei, taken aback: "What?"

Jing Xi: "He won’t gossip." He used to be quite talkative as a child, but unfortunately, he became less so over the years. By the time they met again, they hardly exchanged a few words.

Liang Chenglei, half amused, half exasperated: "I was just hypothesizing, saying 'what if'..."

Jing Xi, stubbornly: "Even hypothetically, it doesn’t apply."

Liang Chenglei: "..."

He, as Jing Mianfeng's manager, with years of friendship; Master Xie, a somewhat skilled master, whom he had never met before.

Yet, Jing Xi was protecting a stranger.

Someone, please return his real personality! Life is becoming unbearable!

Liang Chenglei sighed: "What if this master also can’t figure out the whereabouts of your revered master from China? What if he can’t find him?"

Jing Xi looked up: "He will."

Liang Chenglei: Where does this unfounded confidence come from? Does thinking of oneself as an emperor instill a kind of imperial aura?

Fine, he was the one who spoke too much. As long as the other party cooperates honestly without putting more pressure on him from the company, he’s fine with anything.

Remembering that the man in front of him was illiterate and didn’t know how to use a phone, Liang Chenglei kindly offered: "How about I teach you how to use the phone first?"

Expecting no response, Liang Chenglei was surprised when the other party gave his phone a deep look, a mysterious light flickering in his eyes, yet he shook his head very slowly and meaningfully: "No need."

Liang Chenglei had an ominous premonition: "You're not planning to wait until tomorrow to ask Master Xie to help you find the national master to teach you, are you?"

Jing Xi didn't speak, but in the language of experience, this was a tacit agreement.

Liang Chenglei collapsed back, slapping his forehead: Great, let it all fall apart! Acting as a manager yet burdened with a father's worries, is it easy for him?

***

The flight for Xie Qingfeng and his companions wasn’t delayed, arriving in City B on time at midnight.

The hotel was nearby, and Xie Qingfeng and Hao Jixin each returned to their rooms, while Bai Yuanshan, not wanting to disturb his grandfather at this hour, checked into a room to rest.

The next day, Xie Qingfeng got up early and had breakfast in the hotel restaurant with Hao Jixin, where they ran into Bai Yuanshan who had also risen early.

Bai Yuanshan, carrying simple luggage, got Xie Qingfeng’s contact information before leaving.

After he left, Hao Jixin leaned in and chuckled: "Master, don’t tell me Mr. Bai really took Daoist Bai’s words to heart?" He said, with a meaningful wink, implying something more.

He wanted to ask this yesterday. After all, people are drawn to strength, regardless of gender, especially when the master is so powerful!

If he wasn't straight, he might have been captivated by the master too.

Xie Qingfeng glanced at him calmly: "Since you’re so idle and have time for such thoughts, why not moonlight as a matchmaker? You might even start a chain of matchmaking agencies."

Hao Jixin chuckled, lifting his hand to his mouth in a zipping motion: Mouth shut.

He stopped talking, okay? Just curious.

But looking at the serene and majestic Xie Qingfeng, Hao Jixin couldn’t help but wonder who could match such a strong aura.

He went through his mind and found no one fitting.

At 8:40 am, Xie Qingfeng, wearing a mask and a hat, and Hao Jixin arrived at the entrance of the villa complex.

This time there was no Zhang family motorcade; they had taken a taxi.

Hao Jixin contacted agent Liang, who soon appeared wearing a mask and a hat, leading them into the villa area.

Xie Qingfeng dressed inconspicuously to avoid encountering anyone from the Zhao family, not wanting to attract undue enthusiasm. After helping Jing Mianfeng with his fortune-telling, he planned to leave without causing further disturbance.

From the moment agent Liang appeared, Hao Jixin kept his eyes on him, having felt that the agent was very polite in their WeChat conversations and reputed to be a competent and professional agent online.

"But when they actually met... it felt very odd."

"Very aloof, only nodding in greeting upon meeting and wearing a mask and hat just like them."

"Had it not been confirmed it was really him, Hao Jixin would have thought he had encountered a scammer."

"But considering the Grandmaster's skills, it's hard to tell who would be at a disadvantage in the end."

"Liang Chenglei kept a straight face until he entered the detached house and closed the door, only then taking off his mask to reveal a very warm smile, but it was overly enthusiastic, almost fake: 'Welcome, welcome. I had to be cautious outside to avoid being recognized. After all, I'm quite famous, and if people knew Yan Feng was staying here, it might cause him trouble.'"

"Hao Jixin returned a smile, feeling that this smile from Agent Liang was kind of creepy, like a forced smile."

"But since he was already there, he planned to quickly check the fate and leave."

"After entering the hall, Agent Liang glanced at the second floor, his lips tightening subconsciously as if displeased, but when he turned back, he was all smiles again, looking simple and honest, yet the discomfort was more apparent."

"Liang Chenglei didn’t look at the Grandmaster throughout, and the other person was wearing a mask and a hat, which reassured him. Following Jing Xi's instructions, he didn’t dare to take off his hat and said to Hao Jixin: 'Yan Feng is still in his room. I'll ask him to come down. But he has been a bit reclusive these past years, afraid of meeting people, especially these past few days, he’s been rather odd. When I call him down, maybe the Grandmaster can look at his fate alone while Mr. Hao and I wait outside, okay?'"

Hao Jixin, being on someone else's turf, naturally had no reason to object and nodded in agreement.

Once the agent, Liang, had gone upstairs, Hao Jixin shifted uncomfortably in the hall and asked Xie Qingfeng in a low voice, "Master, why do I feel something's off? This agent seems... different from what the rumors suggest."

Xie Qingfeng hummed in response but said nothing else. He wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but since returning to this villa complex, the previous palpitations in his heart seemed to have returned.

His heart was beating faster than usual, but fortunately, he managed to suppress it quickly.

It was as if everything just now had been an illusion.

Xie Qingfeng indeed noticed that this agent Liang wasn't very enthusiastic. He glanced at the agent's face, but the hat completely covered his forehead and eyebrows, preventing Xie Qingfeng from seeing his features.

Moreover, since Liang, the manager, wasn't the one whose fortune was to be read, whether or not he could be accurately assessed didn’t matter.

Meanwhile, Liang Chenglei, deliberately ignoring the two people downstairs, braced himself and ascended to the second floor, reaching the room at the end of the corridor, where he knocked on the door.

After knocking, he walked straight in as agreed and closed the door behind him.

But upon seeing the person in the room, he paused in shock: ??? Is this really the same person he had picked up not long ago?

Jing Xi had changed out of his formal suit into a simple long-sleeve shirt and grey trousers, which, although plain, accentuated his tall and lean figure.

His jet-black hair and handsome features were captivating, making one want to linger on them.

However… the person Liang Chenglei had left earlier, looking healthy and flushed, now appeared haggard and pale, with lips turned white. Although still attractive, he emanated a cold and pitiful air.

The only exception was his gaze, so intense it could overshadow his pallor at first glance.

Liang Chenglei was about to ask a question, but was silenced by Jing Xi’s icy look, recalling his earlier words.

Liang Chenglei glanced back at the closed door, musing that this second personality really was crazy. They were on the second floor, and even if someone were eavesdropping at the door, they could only hear so much. But the master was downstairs.

Unless he had extraordinary hearing, how could he possibly hear them?

Nevertheless, Liang Chenglei began to play his part earnestly.

Although not an actor, having been in the industry for many years, his performance was quite convincing.

"What's going on with you? The master has been invited and is now sitting downstairs. Why haven't you changed your clothes yet?"

"Not talking, huh? Let me tell you, it's been four years. The doctor said your health has improved recently, and the company giving you these four years off was the final deadline."

"Now there are only two options: either repay the money you owe the company for these four years, or obediently follow the company's arrangements."

"What's with that expression? Don't forget, you owe the company a lot of money. The cost of your treatment over these four years was substantial. Do you think selling this villa will cover it? It's just a drop in the bucket. After your parents' incident, relatives tarnished your reputation everywhere. Do you know how much money the company had to give those bloodsuckers to preserve your image? You need to repay all of it."

"You'd better hope that the fortune the master calculates for you is one where you'll become a big hit. Otherwise, if you can't gain popularity and become profitable, the company will sue you, and you'll be completely finished."

"I found the master for you in secret. If the company's people find out you're planning a comeback, they'd rather see you stuck in the mire. Don't blame me; I serve the company and follow its orders. This is all I can do for you."

"Alright, get ready and come downstairs in a bit. If you can become popular, then work hard to make money. Maybe you can pay off the debt in ten years."

Meanwhile, downstairs in the lobby, Xie Qingfeng heard everything Liang, the manager, said: "…………"

He hadn’t intended to eavesdrop; his hearing was just exceptionally good. Recently, with the improvement in his cultivation, his hearing had become even more extraordinary.

Hao Jixin beside him didn’t hear anything, still occasionally looking up at the second floor, muttering about why it was taking so long to call someone.

Could it be that this actor, like his manager, has a duplicitous nature in private?

Although Xie Qingfeng sensed something off about the manager's attitude, hearing their private conversation still left him momentarily stunned.

Just from those few sentences, he could discern a wealth of information.

Thinking about Jing Mianfeng's fortune he had seen recently, which showed only half a year left to live, if the current situation was as such, it would all make sense.

Burdened with debt to the company, and under pressure from the company and his manager to make a comeback, he was unable to perform or face the public due to the trauma of his parents' incident.

Owing money and forced to sell his only residence, he faced a decade of labor to repay the debt. It's understandable that under such immense pressure, he harbored thoughts of giving up on life.

Having realized this, Xie Qingfeng lowered his eyes. This was, after all, someone else's affair. But thinking of Jing Mianfeng's face, his usually unflappable demeanor faltered slightly, though he quickly regained his composure.

Upstairs, the door opened and closed. Liang, the manager, came down, walking towards them with a smile that seemed overly forced. But after just a few steps, he met Xie Qingfeng's cold, penetrating gaze.

Liang shuddered under the intensity of that gaze, its sharpness and depth momentarily giving him the illusion of facing the person upstairs.

Liang's steps faltered: Was he being glared at? Such a heavy aura of menace.

It couldn’t be, right? How could the master have possibly heard them?

And isn’t this master too young? His eyes are quite attractive too. He wondered what he would look like without the mask.

Lost in his thoughts and not daring to look at Xie Qingfeng again, Liang said to Hao Jixin: "Mr. Hao, let's step outside. Mianfeng will be down shortly."

Hao Jixin, indifferent, shrugged his shoulders and, after speaking to Xie Qingfeng, followed Liang out.

With the closing of the hall door, silence descended.

It was so quiet that, without careful attention to the sounds, one might think they were the only person left in the villa.

As Liang and Hao Jixin walked away, Xie Qingfeng could hear his own steady breathing. He wasn’t in a hurry, waiting for this actor, Jing Mianfeng, to appear.

Soon, there was movement upstairs, light footsteps that surprisingly made Xie Qingfeng look up.

These footsteps were too soft, not resembling the sound of an ordinary person walking. They indicated either an expert with profound internal strength, or... someone so frail and weak that their life was hanging by a thread.

The former scenario being impossible, it must be the latter.

However, as the figure appeared at the top of the staircase, Xie Qingfeng's eyes narrowed slightly, his face betraying nothing while his mind registered surprise. The reality was contrary to his expectations.

The person was not thin but instead appeared exceptionally sturdy, with an impressive height. Each step taken down the stairs seemed measured and deliberate.

With his eyes downcast and wearing a hat that obscured most of his face, leaving only the jawline visible, his oversized and loose clothing still hinted at an excellent physique. The way he moved caused Xie Qingfeng to momentarily lose focus.

He even had an illusion of seeing the Little Emperor, but in terms of stature and build... it wasn’t a match.

He remembered the last time he saw the Little Emperor was the day he led his troops on a campaign, while he, as the national master of the Great Jing Dynasty, dressed in his official robes, prayed for the soldiers on the high platform.

The Little Emperor, who should have left directly, dismounted his horse in full armor and came straight to the platform, not saying a word, just looking at him.

Xie Qingfeng looked down at the Little Emperor, who was maturing into a true sovereign, and bowed, "Your Majesty, rest assured, as long as I am here, I shall safeguard..."

But the Little Emperor stopped him from continuing, instead, unexpectedly saying, "Wait for my return, I’ll bring a gift for the national master."

Xie Qingfeng looked up in surprise: ??

Before he could ask anything, the Little Emperor gave him a deep look, turned, and strode away. Mounting his horse, he glanced back once, then left without looking back again.

That departure turned out to be a final farewell.

He died for his country, and the Little Emperor would probably mourn the loss of a national master for a few days. Fortunately, his senior brothers were quite capable, sufficient to assume the role of the national master.

Lost in these memories, Xie Qingfeng felt a sense of disconnection, as if recalling a life from another world, especially now as he stared at the person who had unknowingly approached him.

Xie Qingfeng looked at the figure now close at hand, only realizing as the person stood still before him that he had waist-length black hair.

His gaze traveled from the person’s chest upwards, finally resting on the young actor, whose hat obscured most of his face. Whether it was due to poor lighting or not, he found he couldn’t clearly make out the actor’s features.

There was even a sense that the agent resembled a slightly older version of the little emperor.

As the agent sat on the sofa, his straight back and even the slightly bent fingers resting on his knees were strikingly similar.

Xie Qingfeng quickly averted his gaze, feeling as if he must be going mad. How could this be possible?

He spoke indifferently, as if nothing was amiss, "Mr. Jing, I hear you wish to have your fortune told. You'll need to remove your hat to reveal your forehead."

The other party, still silent, obediently raised his hand to take off his hat.

As the agent's face came fully into view, Xie Qingfeng's gaze inadvertently fell on the two jade rings on the thumb of his other hand.

Xie Qingfeng stared at the familiar jade rings, instinctively looking up at the man's face, and identified his fortune just by seeing his eyes.

But... an imperial destiny?

Just as Xie Qingfeng wondered if he was mistaken, the man in front of him suddenly smiled, a familiar smile on his pale face, his voice as it had been when sending off the little emperor to war: "National Master, long time no see."