Page 428
by 陈年奶泡The newspaper was filled with accolades for Fang Jingguo, hailing him as a rare investment genius in Hong Kong, whose ventures always reaped immense profits.
Wei Yanlin approached, well-informed about the esoteric world. He had heard rumors of the Fang family borrowing fortune, but no concrete evidence had surfaced yet.
"Something's off with the Fangs, isn't it?"
Chu Yuening folded the paper again and softly acknowledged, "They're harboring impure entities."
Wei Yanlin's gaze turned disdainful. "Truly despicable."
Observing Fang Jingguo's expanding business empire, she also frowned.
Fang Jingguo wasn't destined for wealth and luxury; he was merely moderately prosperous. Borrowing fortune forcefully harmed many, and if left unchecked, he would become a menace.
"Big Sister, are you upset?" Chu Yi asked cautiously.
Someone had placed the newspaper in the shop that morning, and she had hidden it to prevent her sister from worrying. However, after much contemplation, she decided it was best to inform her sister.
Having worked on numerous projects for so long, Chu Yuening's savings had long surpassed ten million. In terms of liquid assets, she likely exceeded the Fang family's.
She patted Chu Yi's head. "It's not worth getting upset over such a despicable person."
After their dinner, the three of them finished eating.
Wei Yanlin tidied up the table and approached with a book in hand. "Ning Ning, I don't quite understand this formation drawing method."
As he spoke, he yawned and shook his head.
With Chu Yuening's assistance these days, he had read many books and delved into various talisman-drawing techniques.
"Formation books? How have your recent talismans been turning out?" Chu Yuening took the ancient book, its text filled with obscure ancient language and numerous formations sketched with a brush.
"I still can't manage it. Out of ten attempts, none have succeeded." Wei Yanlin hung his head, dejected.
He had genuinely put in a lot of effort, striving to draw talismans every day, yet none had proven successful.
"Sigh, I guess my natural aptitude isn't there. I wonder why Master took me as a disciple back then."
"Don't easily dismiss your own abilities. Keep pushing forward," Chu Yuening encouraged, then proceeded to explain the array formations on the ancient book to Wei Yanlin.
Wei Yanlin had been struggling to understand many aspects of it on his own. After Chu Yuening's explanation, he was enlightened. He fetched a bowl of water from the kitchen, poured it onto the table, and traced the array with his wet fingers.
The more he drew, the more immersed he became.
"Ning Ning, can you take a look? Am I doing it right?"
Chu Yuening leaned over to inspect it. With her finger dipped in water, she adjusted one part. "This way would be better."
Wei Yanlin drew another one. As he continued, he grew increasingly excited, and his mind became clearer.
Suddenly, his nose started to bleed. Looking down, he saw a drop of blood on the table. The array formation shimmered with a faint golden light.
Chu Yuening caught sight of it and exclaimed in surprise, "I knew there was a reason it didn't work before. It turns out your talent lies in array formations."
She had always thought that Wei Yanlin wasn't dull-witted. Although he wasn't proficient in astrology or talisman-making, how could he not excel in anything?
It turned out that array formations were his true calling.
"The more potent the array, the more energy it consumes," Chu Yuening pointed at her nose. "When the energy is depleted, it can result in nosebleeds."
Wei Yanlin nodded stupidly, his gaze fixated on the array with marks still visible on the table, his mind buzzing.
Over the years.
His fortune-telling was subpar, and his talisman-making skills were even worse.
The first ten years of fortune-telling were based on calculations, while the latter ten relied on guesses. It was a miracle he hadn't been beaten to death by the neighbors.
Now, he had finally become...
It was as if he had been in an endless dark cave and had just caught sight of a ray of light.
"I can do it! I finally can!"
Recovering from his euphoria, Wei Yanlin yelled ecstatically, grabbing onto his red hair. After the excitement subsided, he slumped back onto the table.
Chu Yuening, busy braiding the red thread, looked up to find Wei Yanlin unresponsive. She tapped his shoulder lightly.
After a long moment, the young man finally lifted his head slowly. He attempted to smile, but his trembling lips fell back into a somber line.
His eyes seemed clouded with dust.
He choked out, "Ning Ning, my master was Hong Kong's most renowned feng shui expert. He saved people without seeking wealth. He had no disciples and only took me in as his one and only apprentice throughout his life."
"I have no parents; I grew up with my grandmother. My master treated me kindly, like a true father. After he passed away, I inherited his feng shui shop. For every person who once respected him, there were just as many who ridiculed me."
"They said I was good for nothing."
He pretended not to care about those words, pouring himself into studying the books left behind by his master and recalling his teachings. Yet, despite his efforts, he lacked the necessary insight.
In his despair, he met Chu Yuening.
It was Ning Ning who reached out and pulled him up.
Chu Yi handed Wei Yanlin a tissue, her own lips turning downward in sympathy. "Brother Yanlin, men don't cry easily. Wipe your tears."
Wei Yanlin took the tissue and hastily wiped his face. The rough paper stung his skin, but he managed a smile for Chu Yi. "Good girl, I'll take you out for late-night snacks later."
When Chu Yi had left for the kitchen, he turned to look at Chu Yuening. "I'll never forget your immense kindness in this lifetime."
Saying that, he patted his own chest.
"At your service, ready to go through fire and water anytime."
Seeing his earnest expression, Chu Yuening couldn't help but laugh. "No need to risk life and limb. If you have any questions about formations, feel free to ask me."
Wei Yanlin was surprised. "Ning Ning, you're also very familiar with formations?"
He had never seen Ning Ning draw a formation before and assumed she only knew a little about them.
After all, throughout history, there had never been a genius who was skilled in fortune-telling, feng shui, talisman drawing, and formations all at once.
Chu Yuening frowned, puzzled. "Sure, why would it be difficult?"
Wei Yanlin's mouth gaped wide in astonishment. He silently held up two thumbs in approval.
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