Fortune 016: The Outing

After a full night’s work, the entire house was finally wired for the internet.

Honestly, Nan Shi had previously thought Steward Zhou was being overly serious—did they really need to hire someone just to set up the network cables? How hard could it be?

But as it turned out, it was far more complicated. The thickness and brand of the cables, how to set up WiFi across such a large estate, and installing extra outlets for charging devices—Zhang He simply drafted a comprehensive list and even recommended a reliable shop open twenty-four hours a day. While Nan Shi went out to purchase everything, Zhang He’s skills as a veteran sysadmin were on full display: he had everything up and running in no time.

He even took a moment to code an auto-bot for Nan Shi’s mobile game, allowing him to clear missions and replenish energy while lying in bed. Nan Shi was thoroughly impressed.

Come morning, Nan Shi no longer feared losing internet in the outer courtyard! In certain designated rooms, devices could even charge wirelessly and at a distance!

For a modern adult, happiness really was that simple.

As the saying goes: “Old vines, ancient trees, dusk crows—air conditioning, WiFi, watermelon. Fish and shrimp for dinner, a Ge You-style couch, and as the sun sets, I just sprawl out!” (1)

Pure bliss!

What delighted Nan Shi even more was how in tune he and Zhang He were. Under Nan Shi’s onslaught of “ghost money” (cash), one of the attendants was persuaded to smuggle out two top-spec 66666ti graphics cards and two sets of full-dive VR gear from the Underworld for gaming. Zhang He, for his part, promised to crack the firewall to access the Underworld’s game servers within two weeks.

Pulling an all-nighter, Nan Shi tumbled into bed, vowing to relax and take the day off—his shop would stay closed.

Zhang He was settled in the outer courtyard, where Steward Zhou assigned him his own secluded quarters and even offered him a maid for daily care. Zhang He politely refused, saying he was used to living alone and would be fine with a cleaning lady coming in occasionally.

As a contract worker, Zhang He wasn’t allowed into the inner courtyard without summons. He didn’t care in the least—why would you wander a place this large when you could be comfy in your own two-hundred-square-meter suite?

Chi You had no interest in meeting Zhang He and merely acknowledged his arrival.

As for the household renovations—they involved updating the wireless network, which didn’t require setting foot in Chi You’s rooms and thus didn’t disturb him in the least.

Nan Shi slept all the way till dusk. He was still resisting the idea of getting out of bed when Qing Lan entered to inform him that Chi You had summoned him for dinner. With little enthusiasm, Nan Shi dragged himself up to go.

Upon entering, Chi You frowned. “A Nan, what are you wearing?”

“Pajamas,” Nan Shi replied, bowing to Chi You. Seeing his senior brother wave him to a seat, he grinned and plopped down beside him. “Senior brother, it’s rare for me to have a day off at home, so I couldn’t be bothered to change.”

Chi You looked at the scruffy, ill-fitted, fuzzy garment with disapproval. “That’s not proper attire.”

Nan Shi scrutinized Chi You. “You’re disgusted by me?”

“Naturally,” Chi You nodded. “Every place has its rules. Even in the most urgent matters, when you leave your courtyard, you must be neat and presentable.”

Nan Shi didn’t argue. Without a hint of discontent, he went to change into loungewear before returning; this time, Chi You voiced no objection.

Soon, the food was brought in. Chi You had no strict rule about not speaking at meals. Nan Shi served him a bowl of soup and suddenly recalled the seals Old Chen had given him, turning to instruct Qing Lan to fetch them. “Senior brother, is it all right to resell the gifts I’ve received from customers?”

Chi You countered, “Why do you ask?”

“I just worry—if there’s a divide between the living and the dead, and the item carries yin energy, I don’t want to accidentally harm a customer with it,” Nan Shi replied with a smile. “I want to make an honest living, not harm anyone’s life for profit.”

“That would depend on the item.”

“They’re just seals, carved for fun,” Nan Shi had barely finished when Qing Lan returned—when he wasn’t present, Qing Lan didn’t bother walking and simply drifted to retrieve the box.

With a bow, Qing Lan presented the wooden box. Nan Shi casually picked out a seal and showed it to Chi You. “Senior brother, these are the ones.”

Chi You glanced at them and nodded, “Quite good craftsmanship… yes, it’s fine.”

Nan Shi grinned. “Thank you, senior brother. Do you fancy any of them?”

Chi You picked out three that caught his eye, unashamed to claim his pick.

Since they were discussing selling goods, Nan Shi decided to bring up another topic. “Senior brother, I may be going away for a few days soon. I’ll be back in two or three days at most.”

“Where to?”

“To Yiwu. I want to restock the shop with some new merchandise—I need to examine the jade and such in person.” Nan Shi concisely explained, “Last week, I sourced a batch, and they sold well. It’s less than a month till New Year. If I don’t go soon, I’ll have to wait till next year.”

Chi You asked, “Have you arranged for company? If not, you can ask Steward Zhou to help.”

“No need.” Nan Shi smiled, “A buddy of mine—a classmate—knows the trade well. I’ll go with him.”

Chi You didn’t hesitate. “Very well.”

“Thank you, senior brother. If I see any interesting trinkets, I’ll bring some back for you. They may not be as valuable as what we have here, but some novelty is nice.” As Nan Shi was speaking, Steward Zhou arrived. “Master, Young Master, a guest has come to see the Young Master.”

“Hm? Me?” Nan Shi was surprised. Usually, serious visitors came for his senior brother.

Steward Zhou explained, “It’s a young lady. She says she’s here to thank the Young Master.”

Nan Shi glanced at Chi You, who nodded his permission. Nan Shi bowed and followed Steward Zhou to the main hall—the inner courtyard did not receive outside guests.

In the main hall, a woman awaited in the guest seat, her vivid red bridal gown catching Nan Shi’s eye the moment he entered. He exclaimed in surprise, “It’s you.”

The ghost bride was composed, likely coached beforehand; she stood and bowed. “I am Wang Yingying. Greetings, Mr. Nan.”

“No need for such courtesy,” Nan Shi said, maintaining a calm, unruffled air as he took the host’s seat. “You look joyous, Miss Wang. I imagine your wish has been fulfilled?”

“Indeed.” The ghost bride knelt and knocked her head on the ground. “Thank you for your guidance. Without it, I don’t know when I would have found my way.”

As she spoke, she took an item from her sleeve. Qing Lan stepped forward to receive it and presented it to Nan Shi, who saw that it was a jade bangle, quite good in quality—even with his amateur eye, he could tell it was expensive.

The ghost bride said, “Please don’t disdain it, sir. I have nothing else; this was placed in my urn by my parents when they reburied me… I washed it eight times and disinfected it with alcohol. Please have no fear!”

Well, that ruined the solemn mood in just a couple of sentences.

Nan Shi couldn’t help but smile. The ghost bride rose and bit her lip. “Sir, my great vengeance is now done, and the certificate for my retribution is about to expire. Soon, I’ll report to the Underworld, and we are unlikely to meet again. Please don’t decline my thanks.”

Of course, Nan Shi wouldn’t refuse her. Yet he was all the more curious now—his divination had pointed to great misfortune, and Chi You had told him his calculation was correct, so how was it that the young woman had gotten vengeance, was soon to depart for the Underworld, and nothing had gone awry? Was that what the omen of misfortune referred to?

Could he have calculated wrong?

That seemed impossible—Chi You had said he was right.

If that reading wasn’t about her revenge, it must pertain to something else.

As he watched the ghost bride’s relieved expression, Nan Shi couldn’t help but add, “Once you’ve said your farewells to your parents, go straight to the Underworld and don’t get involved in anything else.”

“Thank you, sir, I understand.” The ghost bride nodded, took her leave, and departed.

Nan Shi picked up his phone and started scrolling through social news. “When did she take her revenge?”

Qing Lan replied, “The day before yesterday, right after seeking your advice, she went on her own.”

Nan Shi searched the keywords: S City + ship. Sure enough, results popped up: an iconic riverboat in S City had caught fire in an accident, killing two homeless men. The news included their IDs, along with a notice for the next of kin.

Nan Shi pressed his tongue to his palate. “Have someone keep following her. Once she enters the Underworld, report back to me.”

“Of course, Young Master. We’re already tailing her.”

“Good.” Nan Shi turned the bangle between his fingers. Where, exactly, would that portent find its mark?

In hindsight, he shouldn’t have put on airs. He could’ve just gotten the young woman’s birth chart under some pretense and made a proper calculation.

He handed the bangle to Qing Lan, instructing, “Put this in the shop for me. I’ll be away in a few days—watch over the shop, and don’t let anyone break in.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Nan Shi’s eyes lit up. “Don’t worry—it won’t be for nothing. I’ll burn you two packets of spirit money.”

Qing Lan couldn’t help but smile and offered a bow. “Thank you, Young Master.”

“It’s settled, then.”

---

With his decision to source new stock and Qing Lan agreeing to mind the shop, Nan Shi could laze about openly for days, sleeping like the dead until he was fully refreshed. After booking his high-speed rail ticket and a hotel, he packed his bags and set out.

Calling it “luggage” was generous; he just had a backpack and an empty suitcase—for carrying stock home. As for clothes, he was a grown man who didn’t fuss—winter attire didn’t require frequent changes. A towel and a couple of clean pairs of underwear would suffice.

If he needed anything else, a quick trip to any convenience store would do.

Arriving at the train station and looking around for his friend, Nan Shi felt a hand tap his shoulder.

He stiffened instantly, only then turning his head. Honestly, had it not been for the crowds and bright daylight, he would never have dared turn around!

It’s said that everyone has a “yang flame” on each shoulder and atop their head. If you turn your head, the flame on your shoulder dims. If the person behind you is a ghostly “brother,” that’s when you’re most vulnerable.

Nan Shi hadn’t believed in this superstition at first—but after personal experience, he had no choice but to accept it.

He’d learned a little trick, though: if you feel someone following you, slap your own shoulder to stoke your yang flame.

Guo Xingxian draped his arm heavily over Nan Shi’s shoulder. “What’re you looking for! I’m right here!”

Nan Shi immediately pushed off his arm in protest. “Get off—you have no idea how heavy you are!”

“Nonsense, I’ve lost fifty kilos!” Despite his girlish name, Guo Xingxian was a sunny young man nearly six feet tall, built with eight-pack abs and the physique of a dedicated gym-goer. Back in college, he’d been a 200-kilo couch potato. “Bring that up again and you’re dead to me, thanks!”

Nan Shi rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll drop it. But get your arm off me—my skinny frame can’t handle you.”

Guo Xingxian finally let go, hefting a bag from the nation’s favorite fried chicken joint. “Food’s sorted! Perfect timing, let’s go, tickets are on.”

Xingxian’s family was in the jade carving trade. After graduation, he helped out in the family shop, making him, like Nan Shi, an independent shop owner. Neither of them bothered to get up early for the train—they chose one close to noon.

After all, S City wasn’t far from Yiwu. They’d arrive by early afternoon, just in time to start checking out the goods.

They boarded the train—a first-class compartment with lots of space. Both immediately spread out their food and feasted. Only after cleaning their hands and mouths did they begin to chat.

“Nan, you’re looking well these days! Seems like you’ve even put on weight!”

Xingxian gave Nan Shi a once-over. He had known all about Nan Shi’s antique shop—the last time they’d met, three months ago, Nan Shi’s complexion had been ashen and his face anxious from the failing business. They’d chatted a handful of times on the phone since, with Nan Shi reporting that the shop had pulled through but he was too busy to meet up.

Now, in just a few months, Nan Shi looked vibrant—his energy and even his aura more radiant than ever. The shop truly must’ve turned around.

Nan Shi patted his own belly. Sure enough, he’d never had abs, but now there was definitely an extra layer of flesh—he really had gained weight.

“Guess it’s true—I’ll have to exercise more when I get back.”

“By the way,” Xingxian suddenly asked, “why were you running around alone late at night last time? I called after you, but you didn’t stop—like you had ghosts chasing you.”

“Huh? When was this? I never heard you call out.” Nan Shi instantly realized which night he meant. Xingxian saw him running? How? He hadn’t seen anyone else around! But he couldn’t admit to it—some things were best left unsaid, lest he shatter his friend’s worldview. “You must’ve been mistaken. I usually finish work early. I close shop at night and head straight home; I’d never be out running in the dark.”

“Probably. The guy I saw was in a long robe, so it probably wasn’t you.” Xingxian dropped the subject and changed topics. “Still living above your shop?”

“No, I moved in with my senior brother,” Nan Shi replied cautiously—some details had to be concealed, but others could be safely shared. “I started apprenticing under a master, who owns a residence. I live there now, along with my senior brother.”

“Huh? Antique business?” Xingxian was surprised. After all, it was rare for someone in their twenties to take on an apprenticeship and even move in with fellow disciples. He added, “Careful you’re not getting scammed.”

“No chance.” Nan Shi said slyly, “To tell you the truth, I’m a fortune-telling immortal now!”

He gazed meaningfully at Xingxian. “I can see you’ve got a blue tint on your brow—a sign of impending disaster! As your friend, for a mere five thousand yuan, I can ward off this calamity for you!”

Of course, he was only joking.

Xingxian stared at Nan Shi in surprise, about to reply, when the middle-aged couple in the seat ahead turned around, giving Nan Shi an odd look.

Nan Shi burst out laughing, unable to restrain himself. “Just kidding, just kidding—don’t take it seriously!”

Xingxian shoved him and grinned, “Get lost!”

Xingxian had a good physiognomy; even without a full birth chart, you could tell he was dealt a good fate. Nan Shi had read the fortunes of those around him for fun before. The hexagrams matched the face: Xingxian had indeed faced a calamity at age nine, but since then, it was all good luck, prosperity, longevity—the works.

The only downside: his fate predicted no descendants.

That wasn’t much to worry about; maybe his buddy turned out to be gay, just like him.

No forced marriages, no surrogacy, no sudden change in orientation—then you’d have a destiny without heirs.

Of course, perhaps Xingxian would just be infertile.

With that thought, Nan Shi felt it was brotherly to remind him, even subtly. He said softly, “Dude, check your phone.”

“Hm?” Xingxian took out his phone and saw Nan Shi’s message: [Xingxian, once we’re back in S City, get a checkup at the hospital. If you’re sick, get it treated. Don’t hide from the doctor.]

Xingxian glanced at Nan Shi in confusion and replied with a macho man’s cute bunny sticker: [Bunny confused.jpg]

Without looking up, Nan Shi texted: [Actually, my sect studies Chinese medicine. Maybe your weight loss was too extreme and affected your health. Daddy won’t lie to you~ (Daddy loves you.jpg)]

Xingxian thought for a moment and suddenly realized Nan Shi’s glances were pointedly aimed at his lower body. He rolled his eyes. “What the hell, what are you implying? Your father is as healthy as a stallion!”

The middle-aged couple ahead of them promptly straightened their seats from reclined to upright.

Xingxian realized he’d raised his voice too loudly, glared at Nan Shi, and huffed, “Don’t talk nonsense! I’m just fine!”

“So you’re gay?”

“You’re the one who’s gay!”

Nan Shi nodded, utterly nonchalant. “Yep, that’s me.”

Xingxian: “…”

He was at a loss for words.

Nan Shi calmly unscrewed his cola and took a swig—only to be seized by a sudden violent coughing fit, spraying cola everywhere. Fortunately, he’d lowered his head in time; most of the drink landed on his own clothes.

“Whoa, you all right?!”

One hand raised to signal he was fine, Nan Shi kept coughing until his windpipe felt raw, finally managing to cough up the wayward gulp of cola. “Cough, cough… it’s nothing, I’m fine…”

His senior brother used to warn him that fortune-telling brought consequences. Nan Shi hadn’t taken it seriously; after all, he’d grown up alone, fulfilling the “solitary” fate from the five deficiencies and three lacks. If he had no children, that would be “no heirs.” He’d never wield power, since he had an eternal (if dead) senior brother above him—so, no matter which aspect of fate, he seemed to have fulfilled it already.

He figured his karmic retribution was already here, but he hadn’t realized his senior brother meant this sort of misfortune—even this quickly delivered!

After his coughing fit, Nan Shi pressed his hands together and silently prayed to the sky: Heavenly Way, forgive me! I swear I’ll never slip the secrets of fate again! Please take back this divine punishment!