Her words instantly piqued my interest, and I quickly asked, "What did the feng shui masters you consulted say?"
"The feng shui master in charge of relocating the grave said he'd studied feng shui his whole life but had never seen anything so strange. He had no idea why blood would seep from the grave. He told the workers to stop digging and said he couldn't handle this case. He advised my father to find a higher expert. That's how we ended up seeking your master, but Taoist Li never saw us, and when we asked you, you wouldn't take the case. Days have passed, and nothing's changed. My brother still has nightmares and is on the verge of collapse. If this continues, I'm really afraid something bad will happen to him," Zhang Yun Yao said anxiously.
What she described was eerie. I hadn't heard my master mention anything like this. To decide how to proceed, I'd have to inspect their ancestral grave myself.
Seeing my silence, Zhang Yun Yao continued, "Wu Shaoye, we've tried everyone my father could reach—connections and several feng shui experts—but none could solve our problem. They took money but brought no results. My brother's condition won't last long. If you won't help, maybe you can recommend someone you know. I'm sure the reward will be worth their effort."
I paused, then smiled. "The only feng shui master I know is my master. I don't know others."
Still, I recalled the masters who came to my home when I faced my three tribulations—the South Monk, North Shen, East Yang, and West Ma.
If just one of them were willing to help, perhaps the problem could be solved.
All four had once wanted to take me as their disciple, but I had no idea where they lived, so I couldn't recommend them to Zhang Yun Yao.
Hearing this, her eyes reddened. Those beautiful, pitiful eyes looked at me almost pleadingly. "Wu Shaoye, please think of a way. If you can save my brother, I'll do anything you ask."
"Anything?" I suddenly perked up, smiling at her.
She blushed deeply, lowered her head, and nodded slightly.
I knew she probably misunderstood. How could I be that kind of person, taking advantage of someone's desperation? No way.
I cleared my throat to ease the awkwardness, then asked, "Zhang, is your ancestral grave in Yanbei?"
She shook her head. "No, our hometown isn't in Yanbei. It's Yongfeng County, over 300 kilometers away. My grandfather and father came to Yanbei years ago to work hard, building the family business over two generations. When my grandfather passed, he was buried in Yongfeng."
Her words stirred me. My master's third rule was that my first business can't be in Yanbei.
But since Zhang Yun Yao's family problem is in Yongfeng, helping them wouldn't break my master's rule.
Feeling energized, I realized Uncle Hu and I were nearly out of money. If we didn't act soon, we'd starve.
"Zhang, I'll take your family's case," I said suddenly.
She looked stunned and glanced at me incredulously, cheeks flushing. Hesitantly, she asked, "Wu Shaoye, why did you suddenly agree? Are there conditions?"
She lowered her head again, nervously fiddling with her clothes.
I knew she thought I was interested in her, trying to get something out of it.
I'm definitely not that kind of person.
"Zhang, you're mistaken. Though my master forbade me from taking business in Yanbei, your ancestral grave is in Yongfeng. Going there doesn't break the rule, so I'm willing to help. Tomorrow morning, have your father come pick me up. We'll go see your family's grave together," I said firmly.
Zhang Yun Yao immediately brightened, grabbed my arm, and asked excitedly, "Wu Shaoye, are you serious? You really promised to help?"
I nodded and smiled, "Of course. But I should warn you, although I've trained with my master for eight years, this is my first real case. I can't guarantee success."
"You're the disciple of Feng Shui King Li Xuantong. If you're willing, success is certain!" she said eagerly. Then she pulled out a bank card and handed it to me. "Wu Shaoye, this card has 100,000 yuan. It's my pocket money from my dad. This is all I have, but consider it a deposit. Once it's done, my dad will definitely reward you."
I glanced at the card in her delicate hand. Such white skin!
I couldn't help but marvel at how wealthy they were—her pocket money alone was 100,000 yuan. When I was a student, my master never gave me more than a hundred yuan.
Comparing people really can be maddening.
I took the card and said, "Alright, I'll keep this. Tell your father to come for me early tomorrow."
"Okay! If my dad hears you agreed, he'll be thrilled," Zhang Yun Yao said, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
I smiled and stepped out of the car.
She rolled down the window and waved, "Wu Shaoye, I'll come pick you up with my dad tomorrow."
"I know," I replied calmly, walking back toward Uncle Hu.
He looked at me knowingly. "Young master, you were in that girl's car a long time. Nothing bad happened, right? Why's her face so red?"
"Uncle Hu, can you be serious? Am I that kind of person?" I rolled my eyes.
"You're taught by your master—how can I not suspect? Back in the day, your master and that young widow…"
"What young widow? I didn't know about that," I said curiously.
Uncle Hu immediately realized he'd said too much and quickly changed the subject. "Nothing, nothing. So, what's for dinner tonight?"
I shook the bank card in my hand. "Now that we've got money, we're eating well."