At noon in July, even though the Great Heat had passed, the sunlight remained scorching.
Yao Ye’s father wore a floral shirt paired with white trousers, a red top hat, and a thick gold chain around his neck, yet his feet were clad in blue sandals—an eccentric outfit that dazzled the eyes.
Yao Ye himself wore a police uniform, but in Shui Miao’s eyes, it looked awkward on him.
They arrived in just one car.
Shui Miao’s side had four people.
Since Shui Miao had no intention of riding with Yao Ye anyway, he greeted his grandfather and decided to go with Chen Bing to find Chen Xiang first. However, as soon as he mentioned it, Wang Yong quickly interrupted, suggesting they eat first since it was lunchtime, and deal with everything else afterward.
Xiong Ying also chimed in, advising Shui Miao to go in the afternoon if he had time.
At this moment, Yao Ye’s father, Yao Kang, also stepped out to politely greet everyone.
Yao Ye stood aside, smiling broadly while eyeing Xiong Ying appreciatively. By extension, he also offered a few polite words to Shui Miao.
Seeing Chen Bing’s expression of wanting to stay, Shui Miao could only go along with the flow.
Eventually, Wang Yong rode his motorcycle, carrying Shui Miao behind the car with Yao Ye’s group.
Inside a luxurious private room at the Kyoto Grand Hotel, dishes were gradually served. The food was nothing special, worth about six or seven hundred yuan per table. The alcohol was “Sea Affinity,” priced at 180 yuan per bottle—nothing exceptional, but not bad either. This level didn’t seem to match Yao Kang’s flashy appearance.
In Shui Miao’s eyes, the food and alcohol were somewhat subpar.
However, to Xiong Ying and Chen Bing, it was already quite good.
Two bottles of white spirit were placed on the table, and Yao Ye picked one up to pour.
Shui Miao reached out and grabbed the other bottle, opened it, and took a sniff. The sharp smell made him shake his head.
Seeing Shui Miao’s reaction, Yao Kang’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly smiled and asked, “Young man, is this wine not good?”
Under normal social circumstances, most people would politely say it was fine—after all, guests should follow the host’s lead. Who would bother nitpicking?
In the midday of July, though the peak of summer heat had passed, the sunlight remained scorching.
Yao Ye’s father was dressed in a floral shirt paired with white trousers, a red top hat, and a thick gold chain around his neck. However, on his feet, he wore a pair of blue sandals, creating a strikingly eccentric and eye-catching appearance.
Yao Ye, on the other hand, was clad in a police uniform, though in Shui Miao’s eyes, it looked rather awkward on him.
They had only brought one car.
On Shui Miao’s side, there were four people.
Coincidentally, Shui Miao had no desire to share a car with Yao Ye. After informing his grandfather, he and Chen Bing set off to find Chen Xiang. However, upon hearing this, Wang Yong quickly interjected, suggesting that since it was mealtime, they should eat first and deal with other matters afterward.
Xiong Ying also chimed in, advising Shui Miao to go in the afternoon if he had nothing else to do.
At this point, Yao Ye’s father, Yao Kang, stepped forward to offer some polite remarks.
Yao Ye, standing to the side, observed Xiong Ying with a beaming smile. Love for a person extends even to the crows on his roof—he didn’t forget to say a few polite words to Shui Miao as well.
Seeing that Chen Bing also seemed inclined to stay, Shui Miao had no choice but to go with the flow.
So, Wang Yong rode out on his motorcycle, carrying Shui Miao, and followed behind the car.
Inside a luxurious private room at the Kyoto Hotel.
Dishes and drinks were gradually served. The food was fairly ordinary, likely costing around six or seven hundred yuan for the table. The liquor was “Ocean’s Fate,” priced at one hundred eighty yuan per bottle—not exceptional, but passable. This standard, however, seemed somewhat mismatched with Yao Kang’s flamboyant attire.
In Shui Miao’s eyes, the food and drinks were rather subpar.
But to Xiong Ying and Chen Bing, it already seemed quite lavish.
Two bottles of liquor were placed on the table. Yao Ye picked up one and began pouring.
Shui Miao reached out, took the other bottle, opened it, and gave it a sniff. The smell was pungent, so he shook his head.
Noticing Shui Miao’s reaction, Yao Kang was taken aback and quickly asked with a smile, “Little brother, is the liquor not to your liking?”
In such social settings, it’s customary to politely praise the host’s choices—after all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Who would bother nitpicking?
But Shui Miao was different. For one, he had taken a dislike to the Yao father-son duo and wanted to stir up trouble. Secondly, the quality of the feast didn’t meet his standards, and he intended to help his grandfather assert some prestige to avoid being looked down upon and to ensure they could negotiate a better deal.
“Indeed, it’s not great. This liquor has a pungent smell, clearly blended with alcohol. And the water used for blending seems to be ordinary tap water, since there’s even a hint of bleach in it,” Shui Miao said, putting down the bottle with a sigh. “Let’s change the liquor. How can we serve this to my grandfather?”
Shui Miao’s words instantly cast an awkward atmosphere over the room.
Seeing that Shui Miao spoke with such conviction, Xiong Ying and Wang Yong remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
Yao Ye picked up a freshly poured glass, took a small sip, and tasted it…
At this moment, Shui Miao quickly added, “Take a bigger sip, but don’t swallow it right away. Hold it in your mouth for ten seconds, and you’ll taste the liquor’s true flavor. The longer you hold it, the more your taste buds will reveal its composition.”
Most people swallow baijiu immediately after taking a sip; hardly anyone keeps it in their mouth.
Yao Ye followed Shui Miao’s advice and held it for over ten seconds before spitting it out onto the floor with a “yuck.”
“Fake liquor! This is fake liquor!”
“Waiter, call your manager here! How dare you serve us fake liquor…”
Clutching the liquor bottle, Yao Ye stormed out. With his police uniform lending him authority, his shouts were downright brazen.
“Incredible! Simply incredible!” Yao Kang, who usually paid no attention to such matters, was utterly bewildered. Seeing his son’s reaction, he immediately gave Shui Miao a thumbs-up. “As expected of a master’s disciple! Master Xiong Ying, I am truly impressed today. Please wait a moment—I’ll personally select a few bottles of fine liquor!”
“The dishes should probably be replaced too!”
Shui Miao once again stunned everyone with his words.
Wang Yong and Xiong Ying, who were about to politely decline Yao Kang’s offer, quickly fell silent again.
Yao Kang was taken aback. “Little master, are you saying there’s something wrong with the dishes too?”
“Of course!”
Shui Miao nodded, stood up, and spoke with the utmost seriousness. “All things in heaven and earth are formed from spiritual energy. The reason humans reign supreme among all creatures is that we consume everything. Various foods contain different types of spiritual energy. By eating them, we absorb this energy, which our bodies then utilize. Therefore, food is of paramount importance. It contains the energies of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements. Each of us also possesses our own Eight Characters attributes. Judging by your attire, your complexion, and the way gold gleams around your neck, Uncle Yao, I’d guess you have a Metal命 (Metal life destiny), am I right?”
“Wow! This is amazing!”
Yao Kang excitedly slapped his thigh. “Little master, you are truly remarkable! I indeed possess an Earth-born Metal Destiny!”
“…”
Seeing Yao Kang’s astonished and delighted expression, Xiong Ying and Wang Yong exchanged surprised glances.
Truth be told, even after a lifetime as a feng shui master, Xiong Ying couldn’t determine someone’s destiny at a glance. Yet Shui Miao had guessed correctly—it was almost unbelievable!
Instinctively, Xiong Ying thought Shui Miao was just making a lucky guess, but his calm demeanor carried the aura of a grandmaster.
Xiong Ying couldn’t help but wonder inwardly—what was really going on?
“Heh…”
Shui Miao smiled faintly, glanced at the dishes on the table, and pointed toward a plate of broccoli with meat slices, a plate of peanuts, and a bowl of cucumber and tofu pudding. “Uncle Yao, you particularly enjoy these three dishes, don’t you?”
“Little immortal, how… how did you know?!”
Yao Kang was utterly dumbfounded.
It’s hard to put into words the sight of a flamboyantly dressed old man completely stunned.
He was right again!
Wang Yong was thrilled, convinced in his heart that Shui Miao was the celestial child from his dreams.
Xiong Ying was also stunned. Even with the best luck, could Shui Miao repeatedly guess others’ thoughts correctly?
Moreover, this was Shui Miao’s first meeting with Yao Kang—they were complete strangers.
“I dare not claim to be a little immortal,” Shui Miao said modestly, waving his hand lightly. With another faint smile, he continued, “I also know that Uncle Yao, your romantic luck has never been great. Even though you’re wealthy, you’ve struggled to find a woman who is wholeheartedly devoted to you. Even if you do meet someone, they either leave you quickly or pass away. Additionally, it seems you’ve been single for quite a long time, haven’t you?”
Shui Miao’s last observation wasn’t based on his knowledge of the Five Elements but rather on Yao Kang’s hands.
On Yao Kang’s left hand, he wore a square gold ring and a jade thumb ring. The gold ring was on his pinky finger, symbolizing bachelorhood, while the jade thumb ring was on his index finger, indicating a desire to marry. His ring finger was bare, with nothing on it.
“Little immortal, you truly are a little immortal! From the day I was born until now, you’re the first person who understands me so well!”
Once again, Shui Miao had hit the mark perfectly. Overwhelmed with excitement, Yao Kang rushed to Shui Miao’s side, gripping his hands tightly, too emotional to find the right words.
But at that moment, Shui Miao simply smiled faintly and said, “Give me five hundred thousand, and I’ll resolve all your troubles.”
“It’s really not great. This wine has a strong, pungent smell—it’s clearly alcohol mixed with water, and probably just tap water at that. There’s even a hint of bleach in it,” Shui Miao sighed as he put the bottle down. “You should change the wine. How can you serve this to my grandfather?”
This remark immediately made the atmosphere awkward.
Xiong Ying and Wang Yong, seeing Shui Miao speak so confidently, remained silent, unsure of what to say next.
Yao Ye picked up the glass he had just poured and took a sip.
At this moment, Shui Miao quickly said, “Drink more, don’t swallow immediately. Hold the wine in your mouth for ten seconds, and you’ll taste its true flavor. The longer you hold it, the more your taste buds will reveal its ingredients.”
Most people drink white spirits straight down without holding it in their mouths.
Following Shui Miao’s suggestion, Yao Ye held it for over ten seconds before spitting it out in shock.
“Fake wine! This is fake!”
“Waiter! Call your manager over! Damn it, how dare you serve us fake wine…”
Yao Ye stormed out with the bottle, using his police uniform as leverage, shouting loudly and shamelessly.
“Brilliant! Brilliant!” Yao Kang, confused and unfamiliar with such matters, immediately gave Shui Miao a thumbs-up upon seeing his son’s reaction. “You truly are a master’s disciple. Master Xiong Ying, I’m truly impressed today. Please wait a moment while I personally go pick out some better wine!”
“These dishes should be changed too!”
Shui Miao suddenly spoke again, shocking everyone.
Wang Yong and Xiong Ying, who had just started to politely respond to Yao Kang, quickly shut up again.
Yao Kang was taken aback. “Master Shui, are you saying the food is also problematic?”
“Of course!”
Shui Miao nodded, stood up solemnly, and continued, “All things in heaven and earth are imbued with spiritual energy. The reason humans stand at the top of all creatures is because we eat everything. Various foods contain different kinds of spiritual energy, which we absorb and utilize. Therefore, food is extremely important. Food contains the energies of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, and each of us also has our own Ba Zi attributes. Looking at your attire, complexion, and the luster of the gold around your neck, I guess you must be of the Metal element?”
“Oh my! Amazing!”
Yao Kang slapped his thigh. “Master Shui, you’re truly a genius! I am indeed a person of Earth-Embedded Metal!”
“…”
Seeing Yao Kang’s astonished and delighted expression, Xiong Ying and Wang Yong exchanged surprised glances.
Truthfully, Xiong Ying had spent his entire life as a Feng Shui master and couldn’t immediately discern someone’s fate, yet Shui Miao had guessed correctly—it was simply unbelievable!
Instinctively, Xiong Ying thought Shui Miao was just guessing, but Shui Miao’s composed demeanor exuded the aura of a grandmaster.
Xiong Ying couldn’t help but feel confused in his heart—what exactly was going on here?
“Haha…”
Shui Miao smiled faintly, then looked at the dishes on the table, pointing to a plate of broccoli with pork slices, a plate of peanuts, and a bowl of cucumber tofu soup. “Uncle Yao, you must really like these three dishes, right?”
“Little immortal, how… how did you know?!”
Yao Kang was completely stunned.
It was hard to describe in words the expression of a flashy old man who was utterly shocked.
Once again, Shui Miao was correct!
Wang Yong was thrilled, convinced in his heart that Shui Miao was the divine child he had dreamed of.
Xiong Ying was also stunned. Even with luck, how could Shui Miao continuously guess someone’s preferences?
Moreover, Shui Miao had only just met Yao Kang for the first time and wasn’t familiar with him at all.
“I’m no little immortal,” Shui Miao gently waved his hand, smiled faintly, and continued, “I also know that Uncle Yao has never had good romantic fortune throughout his life. Despite being wealthy, you’ve never found a woman who truly loves you unconditionally. Even if you do meet one, they soon leave you or pass away. Also, Uncle Yao, you’ve been single for quite some time now, haven’t you?”
Shui Miao’s final judgment wasn’t based on his knowledge of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, but rather on observing Yao Kang’s hands.
On Yao Kang’s left hand was a square gold ring and a jade thumb ring. The gold ring was on his pinky, indicating bachelorhood, while the jade thumb ring on his index finger symbolized a desire to marry. His ring finger, however, was completely bare.
“Little immortal, you truly are a little immortal! From birth until now, you’re the only one who has ever truly understood me!”
Shui Miao was right again. Yao Kang was so excited he hurried over to Shui Miao, tightly gripping his hands, too overwhelmed to say anything else.
At this moment, Shui Miao simply smiled faintly and said, “Give me five hundred thousand, and I’ll solve all your troubles.”
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