Chapter 4: A Cry for Help

Since this is the first divination I’ve performed since stepping out into the world, I absolutely cannot tarnish Grandpa “Mr. Golden Point’s” reputation.

This is the promise I made to my grandfather—I must restore the glory of the Qingma Physiognomy Arts once more.

Perhaps it is because I performed a divination that I feel exceptionally alert at this moment.

I carefully recall all the physiognomic techniques and dragon-seeking geomantic secrets Grandpa taught me, etching them firmly into my memory.

These secret arts will be my reliance once I embark on my journey; I must commit them earnestly to heart.

Thus, time swiftly passed until the next morning.

I was just waking groggily from meditation when I heard my mother angrily speaking in the courtyard.

Judging by her tone, it seemed someone was being scolded by her.

“The Liu family has already severed ties with us; what are you and your father doing here again? Our Qiyue is simple and unrefined—she is not a match for your daughter.”

“Mom, it’s early morning—who are you arguing with? Aren’t you afraid the neighbors will laugh?”

I dressed quickly, half-awake, and stepped into the courtyard.

If anyone could rile my mother up like this first thing in the morning, I wanted to know who they were.

I opened the door and looked up.

The two people standing in the yard were them.

This sight was somewhat unexpected.

But on reflection, it all made sense.

It seemed my guess yesterday was correct: without Grandpa’s protective fortune, the Liu family’s luck had instantly run dry.

Their visit today must mean they have come seeking something from us.

“Sister-in-law, we overstepped yesterday. We came today to apologize. Let’s not break off the marriage between these two children,” Liu Sihai spoke humbly, his arrogance from yesterday completely gone.

His daughter, Liu Qingqing, stood beside him with her head bowed, as if she had just faced something terrifying.

“Don’t just stand there in the yard. Come inside and sit. You two probably haven’t had breakfast yet—we can eat together,” my mother’s soft nature reemerged. Seeing Qingqing’s pitiful expression melted much of her anger.

“Come inside and sit down. Your father went to the fields but will be back soon. Qiyue, you stay with them,” Mom called to me, then busied herself in the kitchen preparing breakfast.

Though the Liu father and daughter had behaved badly yesterday, their return today clearly indicated they were in trouble.

But whether to help them was not my mother’s decision to make.

I washed my face in the courtyard to clear my foggy mind.

Though I did not like the Liu family much, I followed my mother’s request and went inside to ask what was going on.

“Qiyue, it was my rashness yesterday. This marriage was arranged by your grandfather and me. Now that your grandfather has passed, I cannot go back on my word and break off the engagement unilaterally.”

“We came today to apologize to the Chen family and hope the engagement between you two can continue,” Liu Sihai said respectfully.

This scene was somewhat surprising: a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties humbling himself before a young person to apologize.

If anyone saw this, they might be stunned.

“Uncle Liu, since the engagement was already broken off, there’s no reason to restore it. This cannot happen.”

Grandpa had devoted most of his life’s merit to this engagement.

But the Liu family, relying on their wealth, had unilaterally announced its termination.

Now that they were in trouble and wanted to come back to us for help, that was absolutely impossible.

I’m no saint—I have my own judgment.

I could not agree to Liu Sihai’s request.

“This engagement is too important. I cannot accept your request. Please leave.”

I stood up to see them off.

“What’s going on, Qiyue? Why are you kicking guests out so early in the morning?” Dad returned from the field unexpectedly.

Before entering, he saw the luxury car parked outside and guessed who had come.

As soon as he stepped in, he saw me trying to send them away.

“You can’t treat them like this. Uncle Liu isn’t a stranger. Even if you want them to leave, at least have breakfast first.”

Dad gestured to Liu father and daughter not to heed me.

“If there’s anything, just talk to me.”

“Brother Chen, I know I was wrong. Can we reinstate the engagement between Qingqing and Qiyue?”

Bloodshot in the eyes, Liu Sihai must have faced many troubles since returning home yesterday.

“That’s a bit much. It was your family who broke off the engagement. It’s only been a day; why are you changing your mind now?”

Dad took a cigarette from his pocket. Just as he put the cigarette to his lips, Liu Sihai got up to light it for him.

This humble attitude was a stark contrast to yesterday.

After Dad took a drag, both Liu Sihai and his daughter knelt before him.

“Brother Chen, I’m in trouble this time. Please help me.”

Their actions deeply shocked me.

“What happened? Just tell us. Stop kneeling.”

Dad said this as he helped Liu Sihai to his feet, motioning for me to help Qingqing up as well.

I had no choice but to assist her to sit on the kang bench inside.

“Brother Liu, after we returned home yesterday, strange things kept happening. First, our car lost control halfway and nearly collided with a truck.”

“If it weren’t for the quick reaction of our driver, Qingqing and I would be dead by now.”

“When we finally got home, all our valuables were gone.”

“Even stranger, Qingqing’s mother went mad, yelling to kill us both and saying strange things.”

“I know the Chen family is renowned for physiognomy, and Grandpa Chen is the famous Mr. Golden Point. Only your family can help us now,” Liu Sihai said, kneeling and bowing repeatedly to Dad and me.

This scene made me quite uncomfortable.

I didn’t know whether I should help.

Yesterday, they left our home so resolutely, disregarding our feelings.

Now their fortune had reversed, and their wife was insane—they wanted to come back to the Chen family for help.

Liu Sihai had betrayed my grandfather’s expectations; I didn’t want to help him.

“You’ve already severed ties with us. The Chen family has no obligation to help you. You should seek help elsewhere; we lack the ability to save you,” I said coldly.

Liu Sihai should have anticipated this when he spoke so arrogantly yesterday.

“Qiyue, Uncle Liu knows he was wrong. I’ve wronged your grandfather and the Chen family.”

Kneeling and weeping, Liu Sihai seemed to truly regret his actions.

“Qiyue, if I die, it’s nothing. But Qingqing is still a young girl who hasn’t enjoyed the beauty of life. To die like this would be too cruel for her.”

Looking at his daughter with profound affection, Liu Sihai showed a father’s great love.

I glanced at Dad, then at Qingqing.

Finally, I sighed helplessly. It seemed the ominous divination from last night was coming true.

As the heir of Qingma Physiognomy, the first demon I must confront is the one haunting the Liu family.

Now that they had lost Grandpa’s fortune protection, those demons found their chance.

For a nouveau riche like Liu Sihai, their fortune often attracts demons more than ordinary people.

“Stand up, Uncle Liu. I will help you resolve this matter.”

In the end, I nodded and agreed to Liu Sihai’s request.