Not long ago, the young lady Liu Yiren began to draw feces patterns. For a girl, this was rather improper, but no one in the Liu family could do anything about her.
Fortunately, Liu Yiren only left marks on specific people or things. For example, she would draw feces patterns in her diary, or shave a feces shape onto her kitten's back. These were all very private matters for Liu Yiren.
However, in a sense, wasn't Liu Yiren marking Yan Shouyi's arm with feces, treating him as a "secret"?
Old Master Liu showed a gratified smile. It seems the connection between our Liu family and the descendants of Lu Ban is not yet broken!
Liu Yiren heard the meaning in Old Master Liu's words, and her pretty face flushed. She did have a good impression of Yan Shouyi, but she only wanted to be good friends with him. After all, she didn't even have a close friend in the entire Zui Hua Li. Originally, she didn't plan to tell anyone about meeting Yan Shouyi, but things were exposed so quickly.
For a moment, she felt like a little girl whose secret had been discovered, both shy and nervous.
Yan Shouyi felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles. He didn't think too much about it, only feeling that the world was too small. He had been searching for a long time, only to realize he had already arrived at Zui Hua Li No. 1, just taking the back door to the main entrance.
Old Master Liu coughed a few times and suddenly ordered,
"Yiyi, pour tea for our distinguished guest!"
"Ah? Me?" Liu Yiren was stunned. She had never participated in such occasions, let alone poured tea for someone.
But after realizing, she gave an "Oh," and carried the teapot to Yan Shouyi, pursing her lips as she poured tea for him.
Yan Shouyi took the opportunity to whisper, "Is he your grandfather?"
"He's your great-grandfather, my good son," Liu Yiren replied.
Yan Shouyi: "..."
It seemed that Liu Yiren was unwilling to pour tea for him.
However, Yan Shouyi soon smiled again. He turned to Old Master Liu and said, "Old Master, is your surname Liu?"
Old Master Liu was startled, "Of course."
Old Master Liu then listed all the family members present with the surname Liu, introducing them to Yan Shouyi. When introducing Liu Yiren, he specifically mentioned that she was of similar age to Yan Shouyi and had never been in a relationship...
Yan Shouyi listened patiently to the introduction, then said,
"Actually, I came to the Liu family this time to accomplish something. My grandfather once said that our Yan family's connection with the Liu family is not broken. If I have the chance to meet someone from the Liu family in Rongcheng, I must become sworn brothers with their descendants!"
"Did your grandfather really say that?" Old Master Liu was surprised, then overjoyed. "This is great news!"
Yan Shouyi then said, "But I see that your generation of the Liu family doesn't seem to have many male descendants."
Yan Shouyi had noticed when Old Master Liu was introducing them that in Liu Yiren's generation, there was only a three-year-old boy who was male; all others were either women or from collateral branches.
Old Master Liu was also troubled, his face showing a hint of worry.
Given the Yan family's noble status, Yan Shouyi couldn't possibly become sworn brothers with a three-year-old child, could he?
Suddenly, Liu Zong said, "Dad, although I'm much older than Mr. Yan, perhaps we can become friends despite the age difference? Why don't I become sworn brothers with Mr. Yan?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yiren's eyes widened. She seemed to know what Yan Shouyi was going to do...
Old Master Liu couldn't make up his mind and could only seek Yan Shouyi's opinion. To his surprise, Yan Shouyi readily agreed.
"Hahaha! That's excellent! Why wait for a good day? Quickly prepare the altar, and let my son and Shouyi become sworn brothers immediately!" Old Master Liu was delighted. Having this connection with the Yan family meant that if the Liu family faced trouble in the future, they wouldn't have to worry about the Yan family not helping.
Therefore, the one most eager for Yan Shouyi and Liu Zong to become sworn brothers was Old Master Liu.
Thus, Uncle Zhong immediately had servants carry Guan Erye (a deity revered for loyalty and righteousness) and prepare fruits, offerings, and even a live chicken for the two to become sworn brothers.
Yan Shouyi quickly said, "No need for such trouble. Our Yan family doesn't have many rules, and we don't need to worship Guan Erye. Just drinking a cup is enough!"
"That works too. Yiyi, pour wine for Shouyi and your father!" Old Master Liu called out.
Liu Yiren walked forward with a pout and poured wine for the two. After Yan Shouyi and Liu Zong clinked glasses, Yan Shouyi shouted, "Big brother."
Liu Zong did not yet know Yan Shouyi's abilities, but since his father valued Yan Shouyi so highly, even if it was just to please his father, Liu Zong had to appear polite and immediately replied, "Second brother."
After drinking the bowl of wine, Liu Yiren came to refill Yan Shouyi's cup. Yan Shouyi seized the opportunity and called out, "Good niece."
"You scoundrel!" Liu Yiren said angrily, "You said so much, just to bully me?"
"No, I sincerely became sworn brothers with your father," Yan Shouyi replied earnestly.
I believe you if I'm a ghost!
Because his elders and many guests were present, Liu Yiren really couldn't do anything to Yan Shouyi. If they were alone, she would have already been tempted to ride her motorcycle and hit Yan Shouyi.
Sun Zhipeng, sitting below, witnessed Yan Shouyi secretly flirting with Liu Yiren and turned green with anger.
He didn't know where his confidence came from, but Sun Zhipeng always thought Liu Yiren was within his grasp and that no one in the entire Zui Hua Li was worthy of Liu Yiren except him.
But then Yan Shouyi appeared out of nowhere. This country bumpkin who had crashed into Zui Hua Li had transformed into a distinguished guest of the Liu family. Sun Zhipeng could not accept this fact no matter what!
Therefore, unable to bear it any longer, Sun Zhipeng suddenly spoke out, "Old Master Liu, you said that the Liu family's achievements today are all thanks to this Mr. Yan. Could you please elaborate on what happened back then? I believe everyone must be very curious!"
Sun Hao pulled Sun Zhipeng down and reprimanded him, "You stupid kid, are you out of your mind? Why are you talking so much today? Is it your turn to speak here?"
"Hey, don't blame Zhipeng, Brother Sun. Actually, he's right; we are indeed very curious!"
"Yes, this Mr. Yan looks so young. I wonder what abilities he has to be so valued by Old Master Liu?"
"Why don't you show us!"
Although Sun Zhipeng was brainless, he did voice a question that everyone had been concerned about. It was just that no one had dared to be the first to speak up earlier.
Being the first to speak meant questioning Old Master Liu, which would surely diminish his image in Old Master Liu's eyes.
As expected, Old Master Liu glanced at Sun Zhipeng displeasedly and then said,
"Back then, I was doing business in Chuan Yu, but my career was not going well and was very difficult. Later, I happened to meet Shouyi's grandfather. After his guidance, I came to develop in Rongcheng, and since then, my business has gone smoothly. I also relied on the protection of some ancestors, which allowed the Liu family to become one of the three major families in Rongcheng!"
Yan Shouyi, sitting beside Old Master Liu, suddenly thought of something and looked at Old Master Liu with slight surprise.
One of the three major families in Rongcheng?
Could the Guling Liu family mentioned by Old Jin be Liu Yiren's family?
It seems... there is indeed such a possibility!
Yan Shouyi observed Old Master Liu. Although he was old, he was robust, and there was even a trace of spiritual energy flowing between his brows, clearly indicating he was protected by the elders of his clan...
The world is indeed small!
While sighing inwardly, Yan Shouyi suddenly felt that he had come to the right place. If the Bai family intended to make a move against him, perhaps the Liu family could help mediate, avoiding conflict.
It wasn't that he feared the Bai family, but rather that he didn't want to attract too much trouble before his father was released from prison.
After hearing Old Master Liu's story, the guests all showed peculiar expressions, and even Liu Zong seemed a bit doubtful.
Just a word of advice, such a mystical matter – could the credit truly be attributed to Yan Shouyi?
The early bird, Sun Zhipeng, stood up again, "In that case, does Mr. Yan perhaps understand some fortune-telling and divination techniques, capable of knowing the past and the future?"
Old Master Liu showed a look of difficulty and glanced at Yan Shouyi.
He believed that Yan Shouyi's grandfather had true skills, but Old Master Liu was unsure how much skill Yan Shouyi had learned.
However, Yan Shouyi took the initiative to speak this time,
"I have inherited more than eighty percent of my grandfather's skills. It's quite easy to calculate the past and future. For example, I just calculated that you stepped in cow dung before coming to the Liu family."
Liu Yiren immediately covered her mouth, trying hard not to laugh.
Sun Zhipeng angrily said, "You're talking nonsense!"
"Then do you dare to make a solemn oath? If you didn't step in cow dung before coming, I'll be struck by lightning from heaven. If you did, then your entire family will die!" Yan Shouyi said with a smile.
This time, Sun Zhipeng couldn't speak. He opened his mouth and uttered "ah ah ah" for a long time, but couldn't say anything coherent.
Sun Hao took a deep breath.
What the hell did I give birth to, a human or a pig?
The guests around them all looked at Sun Zhipeng with mocking eyes. Of course, they knew that Yan Shouyi had not calculated that Sun Zhipeng stepped in cow dung, but had seen it with his own eyes.
However, they found Yan Shouyi's way of teasing and retaliating against Sun Zhipeng very amusing, showing an expression of enjoying the drama.
Despite being thoroughly refuted by Yan Shouyi, Sun Zhipeng still refused to give up, "You just happened to see it before, and it doesn't prove you can tell fortunes. I think you're just a charlatan, fooling others is fine, but you can't fool me, Sun Zhipeng!"
"Sun Zhipeng, there's a limit to being stupid," Liu Zong, who hadn't spoken much, suddenly warned.
Sun Zhipeng immediately reacted and wished he could slap himself twice.
Didn't his words imply that the Liu family were all fools?
Especially Liu Zong, who was about to become sworn brothers with Yan Shouyi. Wouldn't he be the biggest joke today?
It was no wonder Liu Zong was angry. Regardless of whether Yan Shouyi was a master or a swindler, Sun Zhipeng's words had first angered the Liu family.
Seeing the farce caused by Sun Zhipeng getting bigger and bigger, Yan Shouyi sighed slightly.
He had only intended to come for a home-cooked meal, but he didn't expect so much trouble to arise.
Well, since Old Master Liu was an old acquaintance of his grandfather, he couldn't let the Liu family lose face. Moreover, he might need the Liu family's help in the future.
Therefore, Yan Shouyi sat up straight, tugged at his slightly wrinkled clothes, and then said loudly,
"Since some people don't believe, I will give everyone three chances today. Anyone present has the opportunity to ask me for a divination, but there are only three chances in total. You can ask about the past, the future, about love, about matters, or about fortune and future... If I, Yan Shouyi, cannot answer even one question, or if I say anything wrong, I will immediately leave the Liu family without delay!"
Three chances, you can ask anything.
If I can't answer, I'll leave immediately!
Yan Shouyi made a bold statement, but he didn't seem arrogant at all. Instead, he had an inexplicable confidence, making it feel like he was playing a game.
This indicated that he was not afraid at all!
Old Master Liu felt that the person he had invited had put Yan Shouyi in a difficult position, so he quietly persuaded him, "Shouyi, you don't need to prove anything to them. If they don't believe, just consider it fate."
Yan Shouyi shook his head seriously, "Old Master Liu, I understand your kindness. We, the descendants of Lu Ban, have been traveling among the people for so many years and never argue about anything. Whether people believe it or not, they have their reasons. But the reason I am doing these three divinations today is not for anything else, but only to prove that you have not mistaken me!"
"Then... alright, you can do it with confidence!" Old Master Liu was deeply moved and supported Yan Shouyi's idea.
Liu Yiren didn't know Yan Shouyi's abilities and was actually a little worried about him.
What if he made a mistake? Wouldn't that allow Sun Zhipeng to be smug?
The guests present, upon hearing that Yan Shouyi was going to tell fortunes, were all eager to try.
Old Master Liu reminded them, "Opportunities are rare. Don't say I didn't warn you. Try to ask important questions. Don't waste your chance on questions like love."
This reminder made everyone hesitate to ask questions easily, and they carefully considered in their minds what kind of question would be appropriate.
At this moment, a middle-aged man in a suit and leather shoes, who clearly looked like a man of means, stood up, cupped his fists towards Yan Shouyi, and said,
"Mr. Yan, I don't really have any confusions, but to verify your abilities, why don't you let me ask about a past event? If you can predict it, everyone will surely be more at ease."
"Ask," Yan Shouyi said without any unnecessary words.
The man said, "My question is simple – calculate my life story!"
Yan Shouyi smiled. This middle-aged man was quite clever. Three simple words, seemingly one question, but in reality, he had to answer a great deal.
If he got even a little bit wrong, the other party would likely not be satisfied.
But Yan Shouyi was not flustered at all. He asked for the man's birth date and time and the location of his ancestral home, then began to calculate with his fingers closed eyes.
This time, he did not use a compass because he was not using the "Xiao Liu Ren" divine technique – calculating a life story was not enough to warrant the use of "Xiao Liu Ren" divine technique!
This time, Yan Shouyi used the simplest "Four Pillars and Eight Characters" algorithm!
The Four Pillars in the Four Pillars and Eight Characters refer to the four time points of year, month, day, and hour. The Eight Characters refer to the year, month, day, and hour's heavenly stems and earthly branches, in other words, the Four Pillars and Eight Characters algorithm only requires knowing the other party's birth date and time. The reason for asking the location of his ancestral home was simply that Yan Shouyi wanted to ask for more information to be safe, as the Four Pillars and Eight Characters algorithm taught by Lu Ban also extended to the ancestral home algorithm, which was used to verify the accuracy of the Four Pillars and Eight Characters algorithm.
Seeing Yan Shouyi begin his calculations, everyone couldn't help but hold their breath.
The people present were all industry leaders. Science was their standard for action, but some things, they believed in more than ordinary people.
Therefore, they were very much looking forward to Yan Shouyi's performance.
One minute passed, and Yan Shouyi opened his eyes and calmly replied, "Calculated."
"So quickly?" the middle-aged man said, "We're not in a hurry. You can calculate again."
"No need, it's already calculated."
Yan Shouyi tapped the table and shouted, "Good niece, pour your second uncle a cup of tea."
Liu Yiren was speechless. At such a time, this guy still couldn't resist teasing her.
But she still obediently poured Yan Shouyi a cup of tea and whispered, "Do you have confidence?"
"Don't worry."
Yan Shouyi gave Liu Yiren a reassuring look, then picked up the teacup and took a sip.
It seemed to be preparing his throat for the long speech that was to follow.
Then, Yan Shouyi slowly began...
[Author's Note]
Haven't had enough, everyone?! It's okay, this old man is working overtime. I'll add more today, but the update might be in the early morning. I'll update another chapter before 2 AM~!