Stepping inside the cemetery, Xiao Yufan finally understood why even the smallest burial plot here cost over twenty thousand yuan…
Beautiful scenery ran through the pathways, and under the shade of cypresses and pines, the cemetery gained a mysterious tranquility. If the deceased could “live” here, it would at least be a sign of respect toward them.
“What spot in the entire cemetery do you think has the best feng shui?” Hu Yingluo playfully blinked her bright eyes and asked Xiao Yufan beside her.
“The best feng shui spot in the whole cemetery must be the northwest corner. I think you, Miss Yingluo, should already know that too!” Xiao Yufan smiled. He knew Hu Yingluo was testing him.
“Hmph, who’s your ‘Miss’?” She pouted cutely, though inwardly she was surprised. Previously, she had asked the manager of Ling Mountain Pagoda Cemetery the exact same question, and the answer had matched Xiao Yufan’s. Only now was she convinced that he truly understood feng shui.
The two turned directly toward the northwest. As they chatted along the way, they quickly became more familiar with each other. From the BMW X5 that Hu Yingluo drove, it was clear she came from a wealthy background. Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but wonder how Mateng had managed to befriend such a beautiful and rich girl.
“How did you meet Mateng? Not many people can get him to help. At least in the past three years, there hasn’t been a single one!”
“He dares not to be serious? In the company, I’m his… colleague…” Hu Yingluo smirked slightly, occasionally revealing a hint of pride. Yet Xiao Yufan felt no aversion toward her at all.
Xiao Yufan kept observing several vacant burial plots around them, not noticing the hesitation in Hu Yingluo’s tone. She stuck out her tongue slightly, almost revealing too much about herself. Luckily, he hadn’t noticed.
“Have you found any good burial plots? My grandfather is very superstitious about feng shui, so he asked me to find a blessed site that would bring blessings to future generations. I think you must know a lot about this.”
Upon hearing Hu Yingluo’s question, Xiao Yufan’s gaze fixed on a particular burial plot as he answered, “This twin monument with a dragon and phoenix design occupies a very favorable position. However, it’s more suitable for the deceased whose descendants have no male heirs. If I may be so bold, your family must not have any younger or elder brothers, am I right?”
Hu Yingluo paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. As an only child, her family indeed had no other male descendants.
“Then let’s choose this one. This burial plot faces west toward the welcoming Buddha statue and is surrounded by mountains on the outside. It lies at the confluence of the mountain’s energy, gathering spiritual power. It’s truly a rare feng shui treasure in the northwest area. Perhaps because it’s especially suitable for families without male descendants in the younger generation, it hasn’t been claimed yet.”
Upon hearing this, Hu Yingluo looked toward the burial plot Xiao Yufan had pointed out. Twin monuments were rare in this area. After observing it for a while, she didn’t object to his suggestion. She trusted that he wouldn’t make a mistake.
“I never thought choosing a burial plot could be so complicated. I’m really lucky that Mateng has a friend like you who understands feng shui. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to choose!”
“If it weren’t for my friend asking, I probably wouldn’t have come out of retirement!” Xiao Yufan joked, then added with a glance at Hu Yingluo’s pretty face, “Of course, if I had known the client was such a beautiful lady, I would’ve come even without being asked. After all, beauty is a feast for the eyes!”
“You’re just being cheeky!” she replied with a seductive pout. By now, the two had become as familiar with each other as old friends. Yet Hu Yingluo’s charm this time still left Xiao Yufan somewhat entranced.
“Here’s one thousand yuan. It’s your well-earned reward. If you have time tonight, I’d like to invite you… and Mateng for dinner as a thank-you!” She took out a thick red envelope from her bag and directly stuffed it into Xiao Yufan’s shirt pocket. He didn’t refuse. Feng shui practitioners usually placed great importance on etiquette, and wrapping the money in a red envelope was a sign of respect toward them.
“I’m free as a bird. Just let me know when you’re available. But let us men handle the treat!” Xiao Yufan accepted directly. Having dinner with a beautiful lady was always a pleasure. Plus, he wasn’t completely broke anymore and wanted to treat Mateng to a meal in return. After all, for the past three years, he had always been tagging along and eating at Mateng’s expense without ever treating him back.
“Then let’s meet later tonight at the Beijing 5th Ring Hotel. I’ll go back to the company and let Mateng know first. Would you like a ride?” Hu Yingluo waved at Xiao Yufan, got into the driver’s seat, rolled down the window, and smiled slightly.
“No thanks, I’ll take a taxi back. Besides, the way to my place isn’t on the same route as your company!” Xiao Yufan shook his head. Hu Yingluo was just being polite, and he couldn’t possibly trouble her to drop him off before going back to the company. Moreover, he didn’t want this beautiful lady, who had just started showing some interest in him, to see how difficult his life actually was.
Alone in a taxi back to his rented apartment, Xiao Yufan found that Yu Yihan hadn’t returned yet. Although they had been living together for a few days, he still didn’t even know her full name or what job she had. He realized he wasn’t a very considerate roommate. Yet all his secrets had been exposed to this woman, which made him feel somewhat ashamed.
After tidying up the room briefly, Xiao Yufan slumped onto the sofa. Since returning from Shanghai, he had noticed a significant shift in his fortune. Whether it was Lin Jiayao or Hu Yingluo, whom he had just met today, all these women seemed like people who should never have crossed paths with him, yet their lives had somehow intersected with his.
“Could this be what Grandpa meant when he talked about my fortune at age twenty-five? Don’t tell me it’s a romantic curse…” Rubbing his temples in frustration, Xiao Yufan recalled his grandfather’s words about his life path. At twenty-five, his fate would take a major turn, but whether it would be good or bad had been left unsaid. Thus, the road ahead remained full of uncertainty for him…
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