Chapter 1436 - 722: Rainmaking Competition
Lin Beichen understood that Huo Rongrong had feelings for him, but at this moment he was focused, as he had a limited-time task yet to complete. He casually exchanged a few words with Huo Rongrong and then she left.
Afterward, Lin Beichen set aside all affairs and began to wander around. He knew well that only during his travels might he encounter dependable people to help him complete his task.
Lin Beichen roamed aimlessly and unknowingly found himself in a remote mountain town. Despite its isolated location, the town was quite bustling.
Walking through the bustling streets, he felt somewhat confused, unsure of where to go next.
Just then, he vaguely heard discussions about Daoism.
Following the sound, he saw a blind fortune teller sitting there. The fortune teller seemed to have some understanding of Daoism and could even discuss its basics.
It’s known that only thirty percent of people have an understanding of Daoism, and Lin Beichen was fortunate to encounter such a person there.
Lin Beichen was quite intrigued and found a shady spot to observe the fortune teller’s every move.
Soon, a woman approached the fortune teller’s stall, worriedly asking, "Master, can you predict my luck recently? I have a feeling that I’ll encounter something unfortunate."
The fortune teller sized her up and then gestured for money. The woman understood the rule and handed over the money without hesitation, hoping he could predict her luck.
After accepting the money, the fortune teller pretentiously started calculating with his fingers. His furrowed expression was noticed by the woman who impatiently asked, "Well? Is it really like I said, am I about to face unfortunate events?"
The fortune teller mysteriously replied, "Just as you said, but I have a way to avert it, however, it requires..." The woman immediately understood and handed over all her money.
The fortune teller handed her a brocade bag and advised, "Whenever you face misfortune, just open this and you’ll avert disaster. Remember, you mustn’t open it unless it’s absolutely necessary."
The woman carefully remembered the fortune teller’s words and then left.
When the fortune teller saw no one around, he began counting the money he’d earned today.
After counting, he packed up his stall simply and headed elsewhere.
Lin Beichen followed immediately, curious to see what the fortune teller would do next.
The fortune teller strode over to three homeless children and kindly said, "Here, take this. You can go to school now."
It turned out that the fortune teller had previously funded their education, but due to insufficient funds, they were expelled after only a few days. Helplessly, the fortune teller could only resort to fortune-telling to earn money for their schooling and meals.
The children politely said, "Thank you, Grandpa, but if you give all your money to us, how will you eat?" They worried the fortune teller might go hungry by giving them his money.
The fortune teller patted their heads and said, "Good children, you don’t need to worry about me, I can earn money. You’re still young, can’t do much now. In this society, education is the only way out. You focus on your studies, as long as I earn money, I won’t let you fall behind in class or go hungry."
Lin Beichen observed all of this. He realized that although the fortune teller earned money through deceit, he wasn’t inherently bad; he was kind-hearted inside. He would use his earnings to sponsor these three children’s education.
This touched Lin Beichen deeply. If he hadn’t followed the fortune teller there, he wouldn’t have known this aspect. The three children bowed deeply to the fortune teller and then went to school with the money. They were determined not to disappoint the fortune teller’s hopes and to study hard to return the favor when they grow up.
After watching the children leave, the fortune teller returned home. Just as he was about to lock the door, Lin Beichen blocked it with his foot. The fortune teller thought Lin Beichen was there for fortune-telling and said without looking, "I’ve closed for the day, no fortune-telling. Come back tomorrow."
Lin Beichen quickly explained, "Sir, I didn’t come for fortune-telling."
"Then what do you want from me?" He stopped his actions, turned, and gazed directly at Lin Beichen, asking bluntly.
"Actually, I want to take you as my disciple. I observed you earlier and thought you were a good person." Lin Beichen stated his intention without beating around the bush.
This surprised the fortune teller so much that he almost thought his old ears were failing him. But seeing Lin Beichen’s expectant face, he knew he heard right; Lin Beichen indeed wanted him as a disciple.
The fortune teller began to scrutinize Lin Beichen, noting his young age, feeling puzzled: This young lad doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth, daring to have me, this old bag of bones, as his disciple—isn’t this a joke!
"Young man, you must be mistaken. It should be you who becomes my disciple," said the fortune teller.
"I’m not mistaken. I want you as my disciple. You can think it over." Lin Beichen reiterated his wish.
Upon hearing this, the fortune teller was displeased, angrily saying, "You little rascal, at your age, trying to make me your disciple, not a chance!" With that, he grabbed a stick wanting to chase Lin Beichen out.