Chapter 138: Finally Free

Lin Zhiling is also a suitable candidate. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s also very smart and highly capable. Taking her as a disciple would gain an extremely reliable assistant.

As for Sister Chen Meiling, if she also wants to learn the art of cultivating energy, of course she can be taught as well.

And Xiaoshuang and the others, whoever among them wishes to learn, I can teach them all. However, whether they can attain true success depends entirely on their own destiny.

Shui Miao made a phone call and reached Director Zhang. Upon learning that Director Zhang was at home, Shui Miao immediately invited Sister Chen Meiling to accompany him to Director Zhang’s house. Chen Meiling owns her own car, a luxurious model worth over a million. Inside the car, Chen Meiling’s heart was filled with complex emotions. She had always been looked down upon by Director Zhang, and now she was going to visit him in person—unsure of what cold stares and disdain she might face. Yet recalling Shui Miao’s words, “Do what you must, value yourself, and why care too much about others’ opinions?”—her emotions gradually calmed.

Now, it wasn’t only Chen Meiling who followed Shui Miao’s every word; even Lin Zhiling had thoughts of pursuing the Dao under Shui Miao’s guidance.

For any ordinary person, who wouldn’t want to cultivate the Dao and attain immortality if given the chance?

Lin Chiling is also a suitable candidate. Not only is she exceptionally beautiful, but she is also very intelligent and highly capable. Taking her as a disciple would mean gaining a very capable assistant.

As for her sister Chen Meiling, if she also wishes to learn Qi cultivation, of course, she can be taught as well.

And as for Xiao Shuang and the others, whoever among them wants to learn, I can teach them. However, whether they can achieve enlightenment will depend entirely on their own destiny.

Shui Miao made a call to Director Zhang. Upon learning that Director Zhang was at home, Shui Miao took his sister Chen Meiling along and hurried to Director Zhang’s residence. Chen Meiling owned her own car—a luxurious vehicle worth over a million. Inside the car, Chen Meiling’s emotions were complex. She had always been looked down upon by Director Zhang, and now, paying a visit to his home, she wasn’t sure what kind of disdain she might face. But then she remembered Shui Miao’s words: do what you ought to do, and just respect yourself—why care too much about what others think? With these thoughts, Chen Meiling gradually calmed down.

Now, not only was Chen Meiling obedient to Shui Miao, but even Lin Chiling had thoughts of following Shui Miao in cultivating the Dao.

For any ordinary person, given the opportunity, who wouldn’t want to cultivate immortality?

Once she had composed herself, the socially adept Chen Meiling made a point to stop by a supermarket and buy some gifts. As the saying goes, one can never go wrong with courtesy, and no one strikes a person who comes with a smile. Chen Meiling thought to herself that with her sincere visit and Shui Miao speaking on her behalf, the misunderstandings with Director Zhang would surely be resolved.

About ten minutes later, Shui Miao and his sister Chen Meiling arrived at Director Zhang’s home.

When Director Zhang opened the door and saw Chen Meiling, he was momentarily stunned.

However, thanks to the efforts of Shui Miao and Director Zhang’s wife, Zhao Li, the atmosphere was not as awkward as Chen Meiling had feared.

Director Zhang pulled Shui Miao into his study and asked him what was really going on.

Shui Miao explained everything that had happened to him that day and shared his thoughts, hoping Director Zhang would give his sister a chance to turn over a new leaf and not view her through prejudiced eyes.

Director Zhang shook his head. “It’s not that I want to view her with prejudice, but she burned her bridges in the past. She has a terrible reputation in the business world, especially for swindling acquaintances. Now you want to hand over all your assets to her? Isn’t that reckless? Don’t ask me about this—ask your mother first. If your mother can accept her, then I have no objections. After all, those properties were given to me by your father, and returning them to you is only right.”

“My mother!?”

Shui Miao was puzzled. “What do you mean? Did this Chen Meiling also hurt my mother?”

“Not her, but her mother did. Her mother took advantage of a vulnerable moment and stole your father away. There’s even a connection between her mother and your father’s death. If her mother weren’t already dead, I would have arrested her. That old woman, because your father refused to marry her, ended up betraying him. If not for that, your father wouldn’t have been driven to a dead end by those old scoundrels.”

Shui Miao only knew that his father had been outmaneuvered by the cunning old foxes of the Zhonghai Chamber of Commerce, which led to the bankruptcy of his company and his eventual suicide by taking pills. However, he had never been privy to the intricate details of what had transpired.

“Alright! I’ll go ask my mother.”

Shui Miao stood up to leave.

Unexpectedly, Director Zhang’s wife, Zhao Li, pulled him onto the balcony, pointed to a withered geranium, and asked quietly, “Xiao Shui, tell me, what level have you reached in your cultivation? This geranium was not this large before, and it had no buds. Tell me, Auntie, what exactly is going on?”

“Auntie, I actually revived this flower that day, but later I was afraid you might spread the word and cause trouble for me, so I withdrew my spiritual energy, and the flower withered again.” Shui Miao didn’t dare say he had cultivated immortal power—that would cause too much of a stir. “Auntie, if you want to learn Qi cultivation, I can teach you later. But right now, I need to see my mother. As you can see, I need to help my sister and mother reconcile.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you. As long as you’re willing to teach me, I’ll give you an idea that will surely help them reconcile—but only if this Chen Meiling is truly sincere.” Zhao Li’s eyes sparkled as she pulled Shui Miao along.

Seeing how mysterious Auntie was being, Shui Miao felt somewhat uncertain.

“Mom, I want to go too. After you finish your business, Brother Shui Miao still needs to go to school with me. Without him, I’ll be embarrassed in front of my classmates at the party they’ve organized.” Seeing everyone preparing to leave, Zhang Hanya, who had just been sleeping, quickly got up and insisted on joining them.

Unfortunately, Zhang Hanya needed a long time to wash up and put on makeup, so Director Zhang had no choice but to stay behind and wait for his precious daughter.

The group arrived at Bishui Mingyuan. Zhao Li went in first and spoke with Shui Miao’s mother, Yang Min, for over ten minutes in her room.

After more than ten minutes, Yang Fen brought everyone inside.

Yang Min spoke directly to Chen Meiling: “Chen Meiling, are you sincere?”

“Yes!” Chen Meiling nodded emphatically.

Yang Min smiled and shook her head. “But I don’t believe you. Are you willing to be tested?”

“I am.”

Chen Meiling responded without hesitation.

Yang Min nodded. “Your attitude is sincere. Well then, I’ll be direct. Your mother and I have our own grievances, which should remain between us. Dragging you into this is unfair to you. But my son Shui Miao wants to transfer all his assets to you, and as his mother, I cannot ignore this. Now, since you are wholeheartedly committed to cooperation, I suggest this: as the elder, I will take the lead. Both of you, the younger generation, will place your assets under my management, and then we will work together to expand them. What are your thoughts on this suggestion?”

Yang Min’s suggestion was actually Zhao Li’s clever idea.

This move could test Chen Meiling’s sincerity.

Those who knew her were aware that Chen Meiling valued wealth above all else and would not easily relinquish her assets. If she was willing to let go, it would prove she had truly changed. Moreover, Shui Miao’s current assets were far less than Chen Meiling’s. If Chen Meiling agreed under these circumstances, Yang Min would have nothing more to say.

Everyone looked at Chen Meiling, waiting for her response.

It felt like a gamble—one wrong move, and she could lose everything.

Chen Meiling looked around, then walked up to Shui Miao and said softly, “Little brother, because of your words—’Since we are born of the same root, why rush to harm each other?’—I felt the warmth of genuine affection. For no other reason than you calling me ‘sister,’ I am willing to do anything.”

“Are you really willing?”

Yang Min frowned, reminding her, “Aren’t you afraid I might embezzle all your assets and leave you with nothing? You need to understand, given all the heartless things you’ve done, I could easily be just as heartless toward you.”

“I don’t care. I’ve forgotten the past. All I know is that I now have a little brother—at least I have a little brother. I will never have nothing.” Chen Meiling spoke calmly, then let out a soft sigh. “I never realized how freeing it would feel to let go of the burden of money. I’ve lived such a exhausting life until now!”

“……”

Chen Meiling’s words were entirely heartfelt, without a single false note.

Zhao Li nodded to Yang Min, indicating that Chen Meiling could be trusted.

Yang Min was also taken aback. She looked at Shui Miao, wondering how her son, at such a young age, could be so remarkable. How could he have moved someone as money-obsessed as Chen Meiling? It was almost unbelievable.

Shui Miao nodded to Chen Meiling. “Sister, you will always be my sister. No one can deny that.”

These seemingly simple words carried deep meaning for Chen Meiling. Over the years, she had endured hardships, suffered greatly, and done many wrong things against her conscience to get to where she was today. For the sake of her current wealth, she had never truly enjoyed life and didn’t even know what family affection felt like. Today, she finally experienced the warmth of family bonds and realized that besides money, there were things in this world truly worth cherishing.

“Thank you… thank you, little brother…”

Unexpectedly accepted by everyone, Chen Meiling couldn’t hold back her tears…

Seeing Chen Meiling cry, Yang Min’s heart softened. She stepped forward, wiped the tears from Chen Meiling’s face, and sighed, “Look at you, you really take after your father!” As she spoke these last words, Yang Min’s own tears began to fall. “Child… from now on, I will be your mother… no one will bully you…”

Yang Min had experienced life and death and was not an stubborn traditionalist. She understood the challenges a woman faced in the business world and recognized that deep down, Chen Meiling carried many traces of her husband.

“Mom… Mommy…”

Chen Meiling burst into tears—this was the second time she had cried so bitterly today! This time, her heart was completely melted by the warmth of family affection. She had often dreamed of being recognized and accepted by everyone, but until now, everyone had been cold and distant toward her.

The cruel and indifferent society had nearly driven her to despair!

It was only today that she finally got her wish, let go of her hatred, and returned to a home filled with love and family warmth.

But who could truly understand the pain contained within her tears?

Zhao Li walked over and embraced Chen Meiling, offering her additional warmth.

Yang Fen and Chen Xiang also came over to hug Chen Meiling.

Wang Xiaomi approached as well…

Shui Miao let out a long sigh of relief, feeling incredibly happy! He believed that if his father’s spirit could see this scene, he would also be comforted. Given the current situation, it seemed he could truly step away now—leave behind the business world, focus wholeheartedly on cultivating the Dao, catching ghosts, studying feng shui, and then wholeheartedly winning people over, taking disciples, and earning faith and devotion! Step by step, he would ascend and explore the mysteries of the immortal realm!

“Here we come…”

At that moment, Zhang Hanya and Director Zhang arrived upstairs and reached the doorway. Seeing the scene before them, they were utterly stunned!

However, within ten minutes, the room was filled with laughter and a harmonious atmosphere.

The mischievous Zhang Hanya tugged Shui Miao aside and implored, “Brother Shui Miao, it’s almost time. My classmates are urging me. Since everyone is in such high spirits and we’re all like family now, please take pity on your little sister and accompany me to school. When those guys see how dazzling and handsome you are, they’ll be green with envy!”

“Haha, look how anxious you are. Shouldn’t we say goodbye to everyone before leaving?” Shui Miao smiled and shook his head, thinking Zhang Hanya really seemed like a little girl who would never grow up.

“No need, no need. I already said goodbye to everyone earlier.” As she spoke, Zhang Hanya pushed Shui Miao outward, saying, “I’ve already told my classmates that you’re a master feng shui expert. Many of them, hearing how amazing you are, have pressing issues they want your help with, and some even want to become your disciples!”

“Is that so? Then I’ll have to charge—my fees aren’t cheap!” Shui Miao joked.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Hanya sweetly replied, “They’re loaded! If you charge too little, they’ll think you’re not classy! You should ask for at least ten thousand, and that’s just for consultation. If it involves specific matters, you can adjust the price based on the situation. I estimate you could make at least a million tonight! Then you can give me a third as a commission!”

Zhang Hanya only mentioned half of the truth—her real motive remained unspoken.

The school was haunted, and recently, it had been causing widespread panic.

Zhang Hanya had boasted to her classmates, so she had no choice but to bring Shui Miao to save face.

Ten-odd minutes later, Shui Miao and Chen Meiling arrived at Director Zhang’s home.

When Director Zhang opened the door and saw Chen Meiling, he froze in shock.

However, with Shui Miao and Director Zhang’s wife, Zhao Li, helping to ease the atmosphere, it wasn’t as awkward as Chen Meiling had feared.

Director Zhang pulled Shui Miao into his study and asked, “What exactly is going on?”

Shui Miao told him everything that had happened that day and shared his thoughts, hoping Director Zhang would give his sister a chance to redeem herself and stop viewing her with prejudice.

Director Zhang shook his head. “It’s not that I want to look down on her—it’s because she went too far before. Her reputation in the business world is terrible; she used to con people she knew. Now you want to give her all the assets? That’s just reckless. Don’t ask me about this—ask your mother first. If she can accept her, then I have no problem. Anyway, those properties were given to me by your father originally. Returning them to you is only right.”

“My mother?”

Shui Miao was puzzled. “What does that mean? Did Chen Meiling hurt my mother too?”

“Not her personally, but her mother did. Her mother took advantage of a desperate situation, stole your father away, and was even involved in his death. If her mother weren’t already dead, I would have arrested her. That old woman, because your father refused to marry her, betrayed him. If not for that, your father wouldn’t have been cornered by those old bastards to the point of no return.”

Shui Miao had only known that his father had committed suicide after his company went bankrupt due to the scheming of the old foxes in the Haihai Chamber of Commerce. He didn’t know the full story.

“Fine! I’ll go ask my mother.”

Shui Miao stood up and was about to leave when Director Zhang’s wife, Zhao Li, pulled him out to the balcony. She pointed at a withered heavenly bamboo plant and whispered, “Xiao Shui, tell me honestly, how far along have you gotten in your cultivation? This heavenly bamboo plant shouldn’t be this big, and certainly shouldn’t have any buds. Tell Auntie what’s really going on here.”

“Auntie, I actually brought this plant back to life that day, but later I was afraid you’d spread the word and bring me trouble, so I withdrew my spiritual energy, and the plant withered again.” Shui Miao didn’t dare to say he had cultivated immortal powers—it would be too shocking. “Auntie, if you want to learn energy cultivation, I can teach you later. But now I need to go see my mother. You saw it yourself—I need to reconcile my sister and my mother.”

“Fine, I’ll go with you. As long as you teach me, I have an idea that will definitely help you turn swords into ploughshares—but the premise is that Chen Meiling must be sincere.” With that, Zhao Li grabbed Shui Miao and hurried off.

Seeing how mysterious Auntie was acting, Shui Miao felt a bit uncertain.

“Mom, I want to go too! Once you’re done with your business, Xiao Shui still has to go to school with me. Without him, I’ll end up embarrassing myself again at the party the classmates organized!” Seeing everyone preparing to leave, Zhang Hanya, who had just been sleeping, rushed up and insisted on joining them.

But since Zhang Hanya needed a long time to wash her face and apply makeup, Director Zhang had no choice but to stay behind and wait for his beloved daughter.

The group arrived at Bishui Mingyuan. Zhao Li entered the house first and spoke with Shui Miao’s mother, Yang Min, for over ten minutes.

Ten minutes later, Yang Min led everyone inside.

Yang Min directly addressed Chen Meiling: “Chen Meiling, are you sincere?”

“Yes!” Chen Meiling nodded firmly.

Yang Min smiled and shook her head. “But I don’t believe you. Are you willing to take a test?”

“I am.”

Chen Meiling answered decisively.

Yang Min nodded. “Your attitude is sincere. Well then, let me be direct. Your mother and I have a history, which should have been between us. Involving you was unfair to you. However, my son Shui Miao wants to transfer all his assets to you, and as a mother, I can’t just stand by. Now that you’re determined to cooperate, I propose this: as the elder, I’ll take the lead. You two younger ones will place your assets under my management, and you’ll both work with me to grow them. What do you think of this suggestion?”

This suggestion was actually Zhao Li’s clever idea.

It was a way to test Chen Meiling’s sincerity.

Everyone who knew her understood that Chen Meiling valued money above all else. She wouldn’t easily give up her assets. If she agreed, it would prove she had truly changed. Moreover, Shui Miao’s current assets were far less than Chen Meiling’s. Under these circumstances, if she still agreed, Yang Min would have nothing more to say.

Everyone turned their eyes to Chen Meiling, waiting for her response.

This was like a gamble—lose it, and she would lose everything.

Chen Meiling looked around at everyone and approached Shui Miao, speaking softly: “Brother, your words ‘born of the same root, why so harshly contend’ made me feel the warmth of true affection. Not for any other reason, but simply because you called me ‘sister,’ I’m willing to do anything.”

“Are you really willing?”

Yang Min frowned and warned, “What if I take all your assets for myself and leave you with nothing? Remember, you’ve done many cruel things, and I could be just as cruel to you.”

“I don’t care. I’ve forgotten the past. All I know is that I still have a younger brother now. At least I have a brother—I will never be truly alone.” Chen Meiling spoke calmly, then exhaled softly. “I didn’t expect letting go of the burden of money would make me feel so light. I’ve lived such a heavy life before!”

…

Chen Meiling’s words came straight from the heart, not a single false syllable.

Zhao Li nodded at Yang Min, indicating she believed Chen Meiling.

Yang Min was stunned. She looked at Shui Miao, puzzled—how could her young son be so powerful? Even someone as money-obsessed as Chen Meiling had been moved by him. It was almost unbelievable.

Shui Miao nodded at Chen Meiling. “Sister, you’ll always be my sister. No one can ever deny that.”

These words, which might have seemed trivial, touched Chen Meiling deeply. All these years, she had endured hardships, faced trials, and committed many wrongs with a guilty conscience, all to build her current business. She had never truly enjoyed life or known the meaning of familial love. Today, she finally felt the warmth of family. She realized that beyond money, there were things in this world worth treasuring.

“Thank you… thank you, little brother…”

Never expecting to be accepted by everyone, Chen Meiling began to cry.

Seeing Chen Meiling’s tears, Yang Min softened and stepped forward to wipe them away, sighing, “Look at you—you really do resemble your father!” Her voice trembled as she added the last few words, and tears streamed down her face too: “Child… from now on, I’ll be your mother… no one will ever hurt you again…”

Yang Min had experienced life and death. She wasn’t a stubborn old relic. She understood how hard it was for a woman to survive in the business world. She also knew that Chen Meiling carried much of her husband’s spirit in her bones.

“Mom… Mother…”

Chen Meiling burst into tears again—this was the second time she had cried so hard today! This time, her heart had been completely melted by the warmth of family. She had dreamed of being accepted and recognized, but everyone had always treated her with coldness and indifference.

The cruel, heartless world had nearly driven her to despair.

But today, her dream finally came true. She had let go of hatred and returned to a home filled with love and kinship.

But who could truly understand how much bitterness was hidden in her tears?

Zhao Li walked over, hugging Chen Meiling to give her even more warmth.

Yang Fen and Chen Xiang also came over and hugged Chen Meiling.

Wang Xiaomi approached too…

Shui Miao let out a long sigh, feeling especially happy. He imagined that his father, watching from above, would surely feel at peace. With the current situation, he could finally free himself from business affairs and fully devote himself to cultivating the Dao, exorcising ghosts, studying feng shui, seducing hearts, taking disciples, and accumulating faith power—rising step by step to glimpse the mysteries of the immortal realm.

“We’re here!”

At that moment, Zhang Hanya and Director Zhang arrived upstairs at the door and were stunned by the scene before them!

But ten minutes later, laughter filled the room, warm and harmonious.

Shui Miao was pulled aside by the playful Zhang Hanya, who pleaded, “Brother Shui Miao, it’s almost time. My classmates are already urging me. Now that everyone is so happy and we’re all like one family, please have mercy on me, your little sister, and help me go to school. When they see how wise, mighty, and handsome you are, they’ll be so jealous!”

“Hehe, look at how anxious you are. Shouldn’t we at least say goodbye to everyone before leaving?” Shui Miao smiled and shook his head, realizing how much like a little girl Zhang Hanya still was.

“No need, no need! I already said goodbye to everyone just now.” As she spoke, Zhang Hanya pushed Shui Miao toward the door, continuing, “I already told my classmates you’re an ultimate feng shui master. Many of them were skeptical when I bragged so much about you, so now they all have questions they want you to help with—and some even want to become your disciples!”

“Is that so? Then I’ll charge a fee. My services aren’t cheap!” Shui Miao joked.

But Zhang Hanya sweetly replied, “They’re all super rich! They’d think you’re cheap if you charged too little! You should ask for at least ten thousand per consultation. And if it involves specific tasks, you can raise the price accordingly. I estimate you could earn millions tonight. Just give me a third as a commission, and we’re good!”

Zhang Hanya only said half of it. Her real purpose remained unspoken.

There had been rumors of ghosts at school lately, causing panic.

She had bragged in front of her classmates, so she had no choice but to drag Shui Miao there to save face.