Chapter 173 A lot of things happened on the eve of leaving Wu
As I was about to leave Wuxiang, there weren't many people in this place I truly missed. Only Master left a lasting impression on me. I called him and asked about his recent situation.
He said his family was safe, as they owed so much money that it was impossible to pay it off all at once. His son had to go bankrupt, and now he's calmer.
I told him the whole story of how Lao Xiao introduced me to develop in Shangzhou.
He was delighted to hear this and gave me some pointers. Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened. Master, even in that situation, was still thinking about me.
I said, "I once said I would support you in your old age. Now that I'm independent, I'll give you 20,000 yuan a month for living expenses."
The master on the other end said, "No, really no. I'm gradually getting over my depression and am ready to resume my old job here. I'll find a storefront and start some business."
My heart ached. For a master who used to live in a villa and wait for people to come to him, what a huge difference it was to now find a storefront.
No one knew him, no one understood him. He was almost seventy, and he had to start his life all over again. Life was so cruel.
I said, "I fully believe you can make money, but you must move to another place. If people who are familiar with your situation knew about your son's situation, they might not believe it. You two should move to Shanghai. It will be easier to start your business with Sister Li."
The master listened and said, "You are right. But we cannot do without people here."
I said, "Then let your wife stay in Shenzhen, and you go to Shanghai."
“That’s an idea, too,” he said.
The master and disciple talked for a long time before hanging up.
After the call, I thought, if Master goes to Shanghai, a storefront would be quite expensive. I had originally planned to give him 20,000 yuan for living expenses, as opening a storefront costs money. I need my salary this month, and I don't need to buy a car. So I decided to give him 100,000 yuan.
I called again and told him what I was thinking. Master sighed and said, "Shanhong, what can I say?"
My voice was a little choked up. “I owe everything to you. It’s just that my ability today is still limited.”
After hanging up the phone, I transferred money to my master.
Next, I began visiting Mr. Deng, Xiao Liming, Chairman Song, Director Ming, and Mr. Xipo. I called Mr. Chen Er and invited Dongzi and Yitong to dinner. All I heard was congratulations.
Finally, I went to Youranju, which I hadn't been to for about two years. Walking into the courtyard was like walking into the vegetable garden, and I walked along the familiar stone path in the middle and into the living room.
Lan Xin's mother was sweeping the floor when she suddenly looked up and saw me, looking at me warily. I called her "Auntie" and she was startled and asked, "Why are you here?"
I said, "Look, after all, I've been here for four or five years."
"have a look?"
"Yes, I'll take a look."
I ignored her and walked into the study. Nothing had changed. But when I walked into the backyard, it was much simpler and more shabby. There was a plastic shed in the courtyard.
"What is this for?"
“Make mushrooms.”
"Oh, then uncle is not at home?"
"I went to sell mushrooms."
I stopped asking and turned to leave. Lan Xin's mother called me: "Hey, what are you doing today? Uncle, aunt are calling you so sweetly."
"Nothing, just taking a look."
As soon as I left the house, I saw the familiar Land Rover and Lan Xin's father unloading the remaining mushrooms from the trunk. I was no longer surprised.
The moment he straightened up, he saw me. I called out "Uncle." He seemed almost incredulous, then suddenly understood and said with an embarrassed smile, "You coming over here?"
"I'm leaving Wuxiang and working outside. Maybe I'll have fewer opportunities to visit this yard in the future. So come and take a look." After saying that, he handed him a cigarette.
He wiped his hands on his clothes, took the cigarette, lit it, and started smoking. After a long while, he said, "Master is away. I know you're not happy with your life. It's better for you to leave."
I asked, "Where's Lan Xin?"
"I didn't pass the exam, so I'm repeating the year."
I didn't want to say anything more, so I waved at him and left.
Sitting in the car, starting the car, I looked at Youranju again in the rearview mirror. I remembered what my master once said: People are unpredictable. You watch them build a tall building, and you watch them collapse.
Master, you are not at fault; you were simply implicated by your son. Your building is still standing, it hasn't collapsed. It's just this unworthy couple who have destroyed it beyond recognition.
When I got home, I went into my bedroom and thought quietly. Anyone's house could collapse, so how should I start a new life?
First, I won't be telling fortunes anymore. If I do, it'll only be for a very small number of people. I must focus on both Taoism and psychiatry. On the Taoist side, I'll help the group build Taiyi Temple. On the psychological counseling side, I'll combine the basics of fortune-telling with character divination to provide psychological counseling.
I should pursue the path of a planner, just like I did when I gave Director Ming some advice. I should plan a few successful business cases. That way, I can be upright, gain recognition, and achieve both fame and fortune.
As for fortune-telling and the like, it's no longer our main business. We're closed to the public. Also, Master reminded me over the phone that when it comes to calling snakes and listening to words, I don't need to claim they're special abilities. If I want to practice them, I can just say I'm performing a magic trick.
This is extremely important. Including the things that Master Chen taught, as Master Chen advised, don't brag about it, just create some atmosphere when making friends.
Once I figured out my code of conduct, I felt relieved.
Soon, the phone started to pick up. Many people knew I was leaving Wuxiang. They also knew I was joining the Sunrise Group, where I was offered a good annual salary and a house. They all congratulated me.
There are two calls that are special.
One call was from Lan Xin's father. His tone was incredibly affectionate, and he even asked me to help Lan Xin find a job. Finally, he lowered his voice and said, "Nephew, I, your incompetent uncle, am going to tell you the truth. Lan Xin is disobedient and has no hope of repeating her studies. She already has a boyfriend, and all day long..."
Lan Xin's mother snatched the phone away: "Shanhong, we are not close relatives, but for Master's sake, please help Lan Xin find a job. As soon as she gets out, she will break up with her boyfriend. What kind of guy is this? His family is extremely poor, but he is so sweet that Lan Xin fell for him."
I was speechless for a moment. Logically, I should help, but dating in high school... After a pause, I said, "You need a degree to work outside. You should urge her to get into school."
"Is that so? You've been studying with Master for five years, and we know a little bit about how good Master is to you."
My heart ached, so I hung up.
The other call was from Xi Meiqi, probably because President Song told her.
She said, "Mr. Wan, I heard that you became an executive at Xuri. We can get together more often."
"often?"
"Yes, my workplace is not far from your hotel."
"Distance is not a problem. I'm afraid of the other gun on my brother-in-law's waist."
She was silent for a long time, and finally said quietly, "It didn't work out."
I smiled and said, "Now, I don't do fortune-telling anymore. I've taken the psychological counseling exam. I can help Mr. Xi analyze why the deal didn't work out."
She burst out laughing: "Still so frivolous."
"Very serious, a psychologist certificate granted by the state."
"I can't argue with you, you're the one who doesn't tell the truth."
Hahahaha...I laughed so happily.
Xiao Lin opened the door, came in and asked, "What makes you so happy? I can hear your laughter through the door."
"In my line of work, you have to practice laughing. You have to be able to laugh out loud for no apparent reason and shock people."
“Like an actor?”
"Almost, but I don't want to be an actor."
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