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Their fates aligned, resulting in the current Temple Street Oracle, didn't they? Zeng Fangxin had once read newspapers reporting on predicting destinies and divine deaths. An ordinary fortune-teller made a living by memorizing a few books—did Chu Yuening think she was some savior?

"The boss is right. My colleague got promoted to associate editor after writing for the Temple Street Oracle column." As Zeng Fangxin mentioned the position, her eyes were filled with resentment.

This post was initially meant for her; the chief editor had even spoken to her several times. Who would have thought that a so-called oracle would appear out of nowhere, allowing Li Huiwen to seize the opportunity?

"Well, I told you! The truth lies in the hands of a few!" The fruit vendor jeered, believing he had seen through Chu Yuening's scheme.

"Boss, since you're so well-informed, why not do an interview? It could be a way to uphold the authenticity of Hong Kong news and expose fake news," Zeng Fangxin suggested, trying not to make it too obvious. Pretending to be awakened by the fruit vendor's words, she promptly led him aside.

Upon hearing that he might end up in the newspaper, the fruit vendor perked up. He started complaining to Zeng Fangxin about the dessert stall, blaming it for attracting many customers to Temple Street but few who bought his fruits. He also grumbled about how they damaged his produce, causing him losses.

Zeng Fangxin glanced at the obviously unripe fruits on the adjacent stall, priced as if they were fresh. She averted her gaze, smiling in agreement. "Indeed, that's excessive."

The fruit vendor, fueled by her agreement, went on to vent about various matters, mostly related to the fruit stall. As Zeng Fangxin's patience waned, the fruit vendor finally paused.

"Today, it seems Chu Ji's dessert shop can't stay long in Temple Street after provoking the Mountain Cat," Zeng Fangxin finally reached the crux of the matter and eagerly sought more information about the incident. Her heart pounded fiercely when she learned that Chu Ji's Dessert Shop had refused to pay protection fees and that the Mountain Cat threatened retaliation within the next two days.

The fruit vendor, noticing her interest, added, "Anyway, the Mountain Cat will bring his men to cause trouble this afternoon. Friend, I advise you to leave Temple Street as soon as possible if you have no business here. It'll be a storm of violence then!"

Zeng Fangxin outwardly agreed but secretly chuckled to herself.

It was as if heaven was on her side.

Leave Temple Street? Impossible!

Chu Yuening foretold people's destinies every day; if she truly possessed such abilities, how could she not avoid this conflict with the Mountain Cat? She was determined to witness this event unfold and expose the true face of the Temple Street soothsayer!

Chapter 45

The sun was well up in the sky.

Zeng Fangxin held her camera, finally spotting the person she was waiting for. The girl pushed her cart into view at the end of the alley, dressed in a simple T-shirt, her appearance stunning. As soon as she appeared, she drew the attention of many in the temple street.

In a stroke of inspiration, Zeng Fangxin found a secluded spot to hide, her camera lens aimed at the dessert stall.

As Chu Yuening arrived, she sensed a gaze fixed on her. Following its direction, she noticed a camera lens at the corner of the alley, then looked away.

Since it didn't affect her for the moment, she dismissed it.

The dessert stall was filled with commotion, and from afar, Lin Jiahua could be seen arguing with someone. Her pace quickened slightly.

By the time she reached the stall, the confrontation had ended.

"What happened?" Chu Yuening parked the cart at the stall entrance and approached Lin Jiahua, who was preparing to bake custard tarts.

Lin Jiahua removed her gloves and pushed up her glasses, saying, "Someone was being silly, suggesting they rent my stall and even offering to pay extra to the manager. Of course, I couldn't agree to that!"

Chu Yuening glanced to her right, still able to see an unused stall between vendors, finding it peculiar.

"There are plenty of empty stalls in Temple Street. Why would someone randomly want to rent yours?"

Lin Jiahua was well aware of the reason behind it. "Of course, it's because of you."

"So many people come to you for fortune-telling every day, and the neighbors love gathering here too. Among all the stalls on Temple Street, our dessert stall is the most popular. How could others not be envious?"

Temple Street was primarily a tourist destination, and few locals frequented the area. Although there was foot traffic, it was still limited.

Ever since Chu Yuening was featured in the newspaper, more and more people had come for her fortune-telling, indirectly boosting the local economy of Temple Street.

Lin Jiahua's smile held a hidden meaning.

"He offered me ten thousand dollars to vacate the spot, but unfortunately, he underestimated the depth of our friendship."

A mere ten thousand dollars, and they thought he would abandon his friend? Besides, the man's character was questionable; no one would feel at ease with such a person near Ning Ning.

"Friendship?" Chu Yuening was surprised. "Could you give it to me? I'll vacate the stall right away."

Ten thousand dollars!

A whole ten thousand dollars!

We can cover two months of rent now.

Lin Jiahua chuckled. "If you leave, not only me, but even the other stalls' business might decline."

Upon saying that, both noticed how unusually quiet the stall was.

Normally at this time, the dessert stall would have a long queue of customers.

Yet today, it was desolate with not a single soul in sight.

"Peculiar," Chu Yuening observed, looking left and right but failing to spot any customers. "Could there be a fortune teller more skilled than me around?"

Otherwise, there was no explaining this sudden downturn in business.

"NieNie," Lin Jiahua's expression turned worried. "There's something I haven't told you."

"What is it?" Chu Yuening moved out the small wooden table, and Lin Jiahua helped, pondering before speaking softly.

"The reason there's no business is because of the mountain cat."

"Ocelot?" Chu Yuening lifted her head, scanning the surroundings. "Is he here to cause trouble again?"

"No," Lin Jiahua replied. "Brother De mentioned that Ocelot has been spreading the word that he's looking for a confrontation with you. Anyone who dares to seek your fortune-telling is going against him."