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Chu Yuening was aware of Lin Jiahua's circumstances to some extent but had no idea that the entire family's livelihood rested on his shoulders. She responded, "What's the matter?"

"My two sisters aren't exactly easy to handle either," Zhang Jiande sighed with a shake of his head. "If parents aren't sensible, at least the sisters should care for their brother. Yet, they too wish for their only brother to meet an untimely end."

"Wasn't it just now that the Lin couple hadn't prepared dinner, and the two sisters called to urge them about it?"

Chu Yuening finally understood Lin Jiahua's predicament, but as it was a personal matter, she didn't feel it appropriate to comment much.

Yet Zhang Jiande was seething with frustration. Upon seeing Lin Jiahua emerge from the call, he lamented, "Ah Hua, your two younger sisters are at the age of secondary school students; they're not kids anymore. You can't solve all their problems as their older brother. Dinner is at seven, yet they don't bother to prepare something hastily by ten o'clock. If worst comes to worst, there are plenty of instant noodles for sale at convenience stores. Can't they manage without urging you for help?"

"You two foolish sisters, it's uncertain if a lifetime of care would be enough to raise you."

After the call, a tinge of melancholy and bitterness crept onto Lin Jiahua's face. The light from within the glass door fell obliquely upon his slender frame.

"They're still young, they'll understand when they grow up."

Zhang Jiande pleaded earnestly, "I've heard you say those words for three years now. Yes, you support your family with all the money you earn, and you're filial to your parents and doting on your sister. But what about yourself?"

"At 26, you'll be approaching marriage, starting a family, establishing your own home. Is this not the life you wish to lead?"

"Brother De, you know my family situation," Lin Jiahua said with a wry smile. "If I don't earn more and take better care of my sisters, who else will show them love? Rely on my parents who are obsessed with gambling? They might not even let the sisters finish their education."

"Don't worry, I've seen through them now. There's no chance they'll change. For now, I keep the money myself. I'll only consider settling down when my sisters have made something of themselves."

Finishing his words, Lin Jiahua gave another bitter smile. "Actually, not getting married isn't a big deal for someone like me. It's just going from supporting one family to another."

Chu Yuening realized that she didn't really understand her friend, who sold items right next door every day.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found herself at a loss for words.

Seeing Lin Jiahua's stubbornness, Zhang Jiande didn't push further. After the man left, he turned to Chu Yuening and said, "Who knows if the Lin couple has hearts of stone, treating their child as labor. Maybe they truly believe A Hua was found on the street."

"I hope A Hua's life turns out as he wishes. Otherwise, he'll have no hope for a better future."

"Indeed."

After sharing their sentiments, Chu Yuening bid farewell to Zhang Jiande and rode the stall cart back to Sham Shui Po. When she returned to the apartment, she found Chu Yi already asleep. She concealed the pair of worn-out leather shoes by the entrance, then carried the shoebox quietly to bed, placing it beside Chu Yi's pillow.

A single white candle illuminated the Eight Immortals table, accompanied by just two simple dishes.

Removing the lids from the bowls, she discovered that Chu Yi had thoughtfully placed a larger bowl beneath each, filled with hot water to keep the food warm, anticipating the cooling effect.

She couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Compared to A Hua's family, Chu Yi is incredibly considerate."

Therefore!

She must strive to earn more money and upgrade to a better house!

Fueled with determination, Chu Yuening swiftly began making plans in her mind. The fortune-telling session had not only led to the capture of Che Zaiqiang but also prevented a serial killer from claiming another victim, saving a life in the process.

The abundance of her magical power within her body was a clear indication that she had accumulated significant merit.

It was as if a warm current had been infused into her spirit, bringing her immense comfort.

With sufficient magical power at her disposal, she needed to start contemplating other aspects of her life as well.

First, she thought about the decorative items in the feng shui shop. Would anyone purchase them if she added a wooden table next to the stall to display a couple of pieces?

Then, there was the sweet soup.

Long ago, Chu Yuening had planned to experiment with it once she had enough magical power.

Deciding to act on her thoughts, after cleaning up the used bowls, she rolled up her sleeves and carried the charm-making tools along with the sweet soup bowl into the kitchen.

Dawn broke.

Chu Yi rolled over and, still half-asleep, noticed the shoebox beside her pillow. She let out an "oh" and, with her right hand, moved the box to open it. Upon seeing the brand new Mary Jane shoes inside,

Chu Yi shrieked and leaned down towards the bed.

"Sister! Ahhh! Tooth Fairy gave me a pair of leather shoes!"

Her hair dangled upside down like it had been electrified, and her fair cheeks bore two large, dark circles beneath her eyes.

The sight was so frightening that she resembled a female ghost.

Upon opening her eyes, Chu Yuening was met with such an exhilarating sight that she nearly drew a talisman to ward it off.

Regaining her composure, she tousled her disheveled hair and asked, "Do I look like a tooth fairy?"

Startled, Chu Yi's almond-shaped eyes widened in alarm. She recoiled, then thumped onto the floor after jumping out of bed. Carrying a shoebox, she appeared in front of Chu Yuening.

"Sis, we've just paid the rent."

"So what?" Chu Yuening smiled.

"Leather shoes cost 500 yuan a pair."

"Hmm." Chu Yuening nodded. "That's about right. After bargaining, they were 460 Hong Kong dollars."

Putting down the shoes, Chu Yi grabbed both of Chu Yuening's hands, her expression grave. "Big Sis, if you ever rob a bank, I'll run away with you."

Chu Yuening chuckled. In her previous life as a prodigy of the Profound Sect, she had always carried the burden of the family's honor. She had never experienced parental affection, let alone sibling camaraderie.

She couldn't help but find Chu Yi's sincerity heartwarming.

"Relax, no need to rob a bank. The stall has been earning lately."

Despite Chu Yi's previous claim of not wanting new shoes, she lived in constant anxiety gluing her old pair daily, fearful of them coming apart again at school.