Chapter 377

Chapter 377

◎Defying Destiny◎

Eighteen was a big deal birthday. Although the official celebration had already taken place, on Ji Nanxing’s actual birthday, the entire family—including Master Yan Da—returned home to celebrate with him.

The house had been decorated with floating birthday balloons, a large cake made by their family pastry chef, and a bowl of longevity noodles (a traditional Chinese birthday dish) that looked simple but was actually made from a broth simmered with top-grade ingredients.

It wasn’t a grand or extravagant affair—just the whole family gathered together to bless their little birthday guy.

Ji Nanxing had already eaten a bowl of longevity noodles in the morning, made by Xiao Ye—a single unbroken strand that left his cheeks sore from chewing. Now faced with another bowl in the evening and the eager, expectant gazes around him, he had no choice but to pick up his chopsticks. Thankfully, though it was also one continuous noodle, the portion wasn’t too big—just a bit tiring to slurp.

Ji Yanting snapped photos with her phone, focusing not on Ji Nanxing’s whole face but on his chipmunk cheeks as he slurped the noodles, then promptly posted them to her Moments feed.

After finishing the longevity noodles came the gift-giving, before dinner officially began.

Father Ji handed over a contract. Every child in the Ji family received a share of the company upon reaching adulthood, and Ji Nanxing was no exception. From now on, his allowance and living expenses would be supplemented by quarterly dividends from those shares.

Mother Ji gave him a property—an 800-square-meter luxury apartment (about 8,600 sq ft) in the city center. It was up to him where he wanted to live: the quieter villa outside the Third Ring Road or the more convenient downtown location, which was close to the Bureau of Management and various commercial districts.

Eldest Brother Ji presented him with a company. “Now that you’re grown, you should have assets of your own. This is a business I invested in a couple years ago. It’s been doing well, and now it’s yours. I’ll arrange for professionals to manage it—you won’t need to worry about it. Just check the profits quarterly.”

Ji Yanting curiously leaned in to see what kind of business it was. When she spotted the name on the documents, she gasped. “Dongyue Mansion (a high-end restaurant) is yours?! Can you have them deliver to my research institute from now on? They never do takeout for their crab roe soup!”

Eldest Brother Ji said with a grin, “Tell Little Treasure. The shop belongs to him now.”

Ji Nanxing chuckled. “Of course, sis. Anything you want, just say the word.”

Ji Yanting pinched his cheek. “Haven’t doted on you for nothing.” Then she added, “I’m just a scientist—not as loaded as your brothers. But I’ll handle the interior design for the place Mom gave you. Tell me what style you like, and I’ll make sure it’s perfect!”

She then pulled out a gold-based longevity lock encrusted with gemstones. “Xiang Ling taught me how to make this by hand. Not bad, right? It’s a bit big, though, so just keep it in your room as decoration.”

Ji Yuanting wrinkled his nose. “What’s with this nouveau riche aesthetic? A tacky rainbow explosion of colors—you just had to cram everything in, didn’t you? Zero coordination.”

Ji Yanting shoved him aside. “What do you know? A longevity lock symbolizes a long, healthy life. The ruby stands for eternal love, the sapphire for power, the emerald for wealth and happiness, the pink gem for good luck, the aquamarine for longevity, and this big pearl in the center represents completeness. Every stone has meaning!”

She wanted to give her little brother the very best the world had to offer, which was why the lock kept growing larger, packed with more and more gems.

Ji Nanxing could feel the love and care she’d poured into it. He took the lock and examined it closely. “I love it. Thank you, sis.”

Ji Yuanting hip-checked his sister out of the way and pushed a wooden box across the table to Ji Nanxing. “This is a new media company. Have the manager Eldest Ji finds for you handle this too. It’s not much extra work—just some spending money.”

Ji Nanxing accepted it with a smile. “Thanks, second brother.”

Then he turned to his master. Everyone else had given gifts—surely his master had something too.

Taoist Yan Da, whose fate was tough but pockets were light, slid a wooden box forward. When Ji Nanxing opened it, his eyes widened in disbelief. “The Four Directions Treasure Cauldron? Master?!”

This was his master’s soul-bound magical treasure, as crucial to him as Ji Nanxing’s golden bells and prayer beads. How could he bear to part with it?

Master Yan Da grinned at his stunned expression. “Do you like it?”

Ji Nanxing nodded fervently. Compared to material wealth, this was what truly moved him.

But as soon as he nodded, Master Yan Da snapped the lid shut. “Just showing it to you. It’ll be yours when I kick the bucket. Consider this a heads-up… for now.”

Ji Nanxing: "..."

Master Yan smiled and said, "Here—this is your real gift. Hold out your hand."

Ji Nanxing extended his hand, and a piece of candy was placed in his palm.

Taoist Yan Da: "Patience—your real reward’s coming."

Ji Nanxing: "..." Classic Master Yan—always dangling treats to keep me hooked.

Ji Nanxing pocketed the candy—at least it was still a gift.

After dinner, back in his room, Ji Nanxing unwrapped the candy, only to find not a sweet but a delicate silver chain. Freed from its sugary disguise, the magic artifact unleashed a surge of killing intent and oppressive force.

Ji Nanxing quickly channeled his energy to suppress the chain's volatile presence.

His master ambled in unhurriedly. "The Wushang Chain you wanted to refine—originally, I planned to make it into something portable, like a ring, so it wouldn’t interfere with your little bell. But then I thought, someone else’ll handle the rings later, so I melted it down and reforged it into a chain. Wear it on your wrist or around your neck—your choice."

Glancing at Ji Nanxing’s hand, his master snorted. "Already wearing it, huh? So quick."

Ji Nanxing stepped forward with a smile. "Thank you, Master. You’ve worked hard."

Master Yan huffed. "Hardly. I didn’t make the chain myself. The *Mie Talisman* and the entire Wushang Chain were both reforged into it. Spend some time letting it sync with your energy. There was some material left over, so I had a few guardian talismans made—one for each of your parents and siblings. If they’re ever in danger, these can turn defense into offense. That way, you won’t have to worry as much when you're away."

Seeing how meticulously his master had planned everything for him, Ji Nanxing felt a wave of relief. As he examined the silver chain, Master Yan said, *"Hand."*

Ji Nanxing extended his hand, teasing, "More sweetness?"

Master Yan gave him a look, then slowly traced his palm. Ji Nanxing could feel an invisible resistance trying to block his master’s touch, but his master’s spiritual power dissolved it effortlessly.

As his master’s finger passed over his palm, a faint life line gradually solidified into clarity.

Master Yan: "I once concealed your fate, letting you trade merit for lifespan. Now, your destiny is stable—no more need for concealment. But from now on, you must act with even greater caution. Never let your guard down."

Ji Nanxing nodded. He had always known how fragile his survival was. His master had defied the heavens to rewrite his fate; his family had walked on eggshells, fearing any misstep might weaken the family’s fortune and leave him unprotected. Now, with another person bound to him, he had to cherish his life more than ever.

Master Yan ruffled his hair before strolling off, hands clasped behind his back. Raising two such outstanding disciples filled him with more pride than any title of "Master Yan" ever could.

After a few steps, he paused and turned back. "Oh, I played a few games of chess with Xu Yi’s old man the other day. Took a fancy to one of his family’s yellow jade talismans. When you have time, go settle the bill for me."

Ji *Wallet* Nanxing chuckled and nodded. "Got it."

The last summer before college wasn’t particularly long, but it wasn’t short either—a solid two months. Whether it was learning something new or working part-time for extra pocket money, it was all about building experience.

Chen Shiyi’s family knew he’d taken up crafting and even earned a bit of money. Though not much, it was a good start—at least they no longer feared their eldest son couldn’t support himself later.

So his parents bought him the latest smartphone and a laptop. Whether for school, filming and editing videos, or even live-streaming, these would be far smoother than his old phone.

Jiang Tangtang and her two friends found part-time gigs as models—not the traditional kind, but for new store photo shoots, cosplay events, and even paid gigs as fan-meet support (holding signs, cheering, etc.).

A day’s pay covered travel and food, plus an extra 400–500 yuan—beats being a café server any day, and way more exciting.

Zhang Yuan returned to the Criminal Technology Department as an unpaid assistant—his second time. Even if he was just the tea-fetcher, listening to the veterans discuss cases taught him plenty of theory. When school started, systematic learning would be easier and more targeted than just theory from books.

Xiao Ye squeezed in a photography course between ghost hunts and spent the rest of his time accompanying Ji Nanxing on patrols for evil spirits. By the time summer break neared its end, most of the evil spirits had been captured—only one was still on the loose. Perhaps due to the Taoists’ intense activity during Ghost Month, this last spirit had gone deep into hiding, baffling the Bureau for weeks.

Besides ghost-hunting, Ji Nanxing also got his driver’s license. He didn’t love driving, but having a license was practical—just in case.

He got licensed right before school.

The good news was that he and Xiao Ye were in the same department and class, meaning they could attend lectures, seminars, elective courses, and even group activities together. The bad news was that they were assigned to different dorm rooms.

But this wasn’t really bad news either, since they weren’t planning to live in the dorms anyway. Keeping the dorm rooms just meant they’d have a place to nap during lunch breaks or stay overnight if the weather turned bad and commuting was inconvenient.

Jiang Tangtang and Xiao Xiao went into communications, which wasn’t at Yulan College, so everyone got together for a farewell meal and then saw them off at the airport.

Xiao Xiao’s family had opposed her decision to stay in China against their wishes and had made it clear they wouldn’t support her, so naturally, no one came to send her off to school. Jiang Tangtang’s family had planned to accompany her, but she insisted on traveling with Xiao Xiao, telling them they might as well give her the cash instead of spending it on travel expenses—it would serve as pocket money.

So, in the end, only their friends came to see them off.

The two girls clung to Lin Yi, reluctant to let go. “You hold down the fort here. Depending on our finances during the holidays, if we’re doing well, we’ll invite you to visit us. If not, we’ll come back to see you. Don’t keep things to yourself—if anyone messes with you and you’re too embarrassed to speak up, just holler, and I’ll get Brother Ye or the academic god to help.”

Lin Yi smiled at them. “Come on, I’m the one staying local. You two are the ones going far away—if anything happens, just holler. No matter how far, we’ll have your back.”

Jiang Tangtang whimpered and crushed Lin Yi in a hug. After three years of spending every day together and two more months of summer shenanigans, the thought of parting now had her eyes reddening.

Xiao Xiao patted them both. “Alright, it’s just a two-hour flight and a plane ticket away. It’s not like we’re never coming back.”

After dragging out their goodbyes, they finally had to go through security. Waving, they called out, “We’re off! Take care, and come visit whenever you miss us!”

Zhang Yuan, watching them dawdle, couldn’t help but urge, “Move it, or you’ll miss your plane.”

Jiang Tangtang shot him a glare before grabbing her luggage with one hand and Xiao Xiao with the other, heading inside.

Only after the two were out of sight did Ji Nanxing and the others leave the airport.

Chen Shiyi sighed. “Happy times are so short—just like that, it’s over. The grind of college is about to begin.”

Lin Yi smiled but didn’t respond. Though she still felt some uncertainty about the future, she believed that if she took it one step at a time, she’d eventually find her way.

Xiao Ye checked the time. “Let’s go. If we head back now, we’ll have just enough time for lunch together before parting ways. I’m buying.”

Zhang Yuan grinned. “Then I’m only ordering the expensive stuff.”

Xiao Ye shot back, “You’re getting ramen and you’ll like it.”

Then he turned to Ji Nanxing. “How about Jiwei’s Private Kitchen? Didn’t you say the other day you were craving their *yan du xian* (a savory stew)?”

Ji Nanxing glanced over and saw Zhang Yuan behind Xiao Ye mouthing “seafood” and pantomiming a lobster, with Chen Shiyi nodding eagerly beside him. Smiling, he said, “Let’s go to Yunting Hui instead. I’ve been wanting their furong shrimp.”

Zhang Yuan and Chen Shiyi gave him a thumbs-up, looking pleased with themselves.

Xiao Ye rolled his eyes—like he hadn’t noticed their antics—but in the end, he went along with it.

Lin Yi walked beside them, smiling. The goodbye blues lightened a bit.

A plane roared overhead, heading in a different direction from the group of young friends. But one day, the friends who had parted ways would surely reunite in a bright future.