Chu Qianli, unwilling to give up, held the Sanqing Bell tightly and shook it repeatedly, trying to figure out its mechanism.
The tea house waiter brought over the tea, and Tan Muxing poured tea for everyone present. As the hot water was poured, the fragrance of tea filled the air.
Mei Rujing picked up her cup to take a sip and noticed Chu Qianli’s persistent fiddling with the Sanqing Bell. Leisurely, she said, “Not bad. Shake it before drinking tea. And if we go out for a meal later, you can shake it before eating too.”
Chu Qianli was dumbfounded. “That’s impossible. It’s an antique; it must have some kind of purpose.”
Mei Rujing replied, “I think it can also be used as a musical instrument during rituals, but I’ve never seen anyone in my family actually use it.”
Chu Qianli continued shaking the Sanqing Bell and joked, “Drop the beat?”
Tan Muxing: “?”
Failing to discern the Sanqing Bell’s function, Chu Qianli began explaining to Mei Rujing why she was searching for red crystal artifacts and shared stories about her grandfather’s travel journal.
“So there’s such a story behind this. But I’ve never heard my family mention it. By the time it reached my generation, I’m the only one dabbling in Xin Yi (Heart-Ease divination),” Mei Rujing said, taking the red crystal compass and examining it closely before returning it to Chu Qianli. “This is a feng shui compass, right? At least it has some practical use, but I don’t know how to use it either.”
According to Mei Rujing, Mei Manling was a female relative on her mother’s side. However, she knew little about her elders’ youthful exploits and was even less familiar with the purpose of the heirloom Sanqing Bell.
“Of course, this thing isn’t for sale either—it counts as a family heirloom,” Mei Rujing said as she shook the Sanqing Bell. The motion caused the bell bracelet on her wrist to jingle crisply. “Some people have tried to buy it before, but I didn’t agree. I’m not that desperate for money yet.”
Tan Muxing caught a glimpse of the bell bracelet on Mei Rujing’s wrist and found it peculiar. In a low voice, he asked, “May I ask, what is the purpose of the bell on your wrist?”
Mei Rujing’s outfit from head to toe was undeniably high-end, yet the small bell bracelet on her wrist seemed out of place and didn’t match her overall style.
Chu Qianli laughed, “It’s probably for divination, right?”
Mei Rujing’s eyes lit up with approval. “Not bad, you figured it out so quickly.”
Tan Muxing looked intrigued.
Chu Qianli explained, “Big Sister specializes in Plum Blossom Xin Yi divination, which emphasizes the integration of numerical formulas, external omens, and intuition. The ‘external omens’ refer to signs in the surrounding environment, and this bell is likely used to enhance those omens.”
The saying “man’s plans cannot compare to heaven’s plans” captures the essence: if someone rigidly applies unchanging divination principles to a specific scenario, the result will never achieve 100% accuracy. Only by capturing the external omens of the precise moment can one adapt flexibly and obtain accurate results.
Of course, this ability heavily depends on the skill level of the diviner. It’s akin to how artists rely on inspiration. Plum Blossom Xin Yi is easy to start but incredibly difficult to master. Beginners and true experts are worlds apart.
Mei Rujing smiled. “You’re pretty knowledgeable. What’s your main practice? Liu Yao? Qi Men Dun Jia?”
Chu Qianli shook her head, pointed upward, and said with a cheeky grin, “I study the stars above.”
“Zi Wei? Then your divination system is different from mine,” Mei Rujing said in surprise. “I thought you used the same Xiantian Bagua method.”
Mei Rujing’s practice was rooted in deriving predictions from heavenly stems, earthly branches, and the Five Elements. Chu Qianli, on the other hand, focused on interpreting the characteristics of fixed stars. Though both shared origins in the I Ching, their approaches diverged significantly.
“Just dabbling, just dabbling,” Chu Qianli said modestly. “As long as you argue enough with your peers, you’ll eventually pick it all up.”
Mei Rujing suddenly had a realization. “Zi Wei focuses on fate prediction, right? Then could you take a look at my recent fortune? I’ve been feeling so unlucky lately. I’m trying to make money, but it’s so frustrating. When will things turn around?”
Tan Muxing blinked in surprise and hesitated. “…Does a master need to consult another master?”
“Our focuses are different. I mainly analyze events; I don’t predict people’s fates,” Mei Rujing sighed. “And trying to divine for myself always gets messy. Let me tell you, ever since I took that awful exam, I haven’t had any luck making money. I’m about to go broke and starve on the streets!”
Chu Qianli whispered under her breath, “Big Sister, I’ve never heard of someone who drives a sports car starving to death…”
“A sports car still has insurance, doesn’t it? Don’t you have to maintain the car occasionally!?” Mei Rujing exclaimed. “You’re young, so you don’t understand how expensive life gets. If you have a house, you have to pay property fees. I’m self-employed, so I have to pay my own social security and even occasionally buy commercial insurance.”
“…So being a master has its own struggles too.”
Bringing this up, Mei Rujing launched into a rant. She had originally planned to make a significant profit working on a national project but was eliminated due to insufficient test scores. She thought she could settle for her previous work, only to find the new job fraught with problems.
Recently, Mei Rujing had been helping a wealthy businessman search for someone. The issue stemmed from the businessman’s illegitimate child living in another city suddenly going missing. Although local TV stations had broadcast notices and the police were actively searching, the young boy had vanished without a trace.
“Actually, my first divination resulted in the Xiaoguo hexagram. The issue didn’t seem too serious, and the Yonggua indicated the south, so I told them to search in that direction…” Mei Rujing explained. “At the time, the police even checked surveillance footage and spotted a shadow, but not long after, the trail was lost again. It forced me to cast a second hexagram.”
“You know how it is. Ideally, one hexagram is enough to resolve the matter. Casting consecutive hexagrams is usually not good. The second one turned out to be more ominous, and somehow, they still managed to lose the person again! I was so frustrated I started doubting myself and ended up having a huge argument with them,” Mei Rujing said angrily. “I even cast a hexagram for the employer because I began to suspect he wasn’t serious about finding the kid. But it doesn’t seem like that’s the case.”
In principle, a matter should only be divined once. Casting multiple hexagrams can reduce accuracy. What enraged Mei Rujing most was that her first two hexagrams had been fine, but the client’s failure to act on them properly left her exasperated.
Chu Qianli asked, “Did you cast a third hexagram, Big Sister?”
Mei Rujing sighed. “I don’t dare to. I’m worried it might be a life-and-death hexagram. You know how risky it is to divine for a missing person. If the outcome points to death, it’s a losing deal for me.”
“When you called me yesterday, I had just finished arguing with them and didn’t know what happened next. What’s frustrating now is they want me to cast a third hexagram. If the person still isn’t found, the final outcome will definitely be bad—this is my intuition.”
Tan Muxing asked, “Is the missing child in another city?”
“Of course. They wouldn’t dare to bring the illegitimate child home. I don’t understand these people; I’m just in it for the money.”
Chu Qianli pondered for a moment and said, “I don’t have enough information to help find the person. At most, I can take a look at you, Big Sister.”
“No need; you don’t have to find anyone. That’s my job,” Mei Rujing said, propping her head up while swirling her tea. “Just help me see if I’ll make money soon. Trying to earn anything lately has made me want to vomit.”
“Do you need me to give you a number? Or maybe a word?”
Chu Qianli noticed Mei Rujing unconsciously swirling her tea cup. She silently counted in her head before replying, “No need. I’ve already got it.”
Chu Qianli cast a divination for Mei Rujing.
Their divination systems were different, so Mei Rujing couldn’t understand Chu Qianli’s chart. She asked expectantly, “Well? How is it?”
Chu Qianli’s expression turned awkward.
Mei Rujing asked, “What’s with that face? Just say it honestly. We’re both in the business; I can handle it.”
Chu Qianli hesitated. “Uh, well…”
Tan Muxing, observing her expression, translated, “It seems like there may be a few trials and tribulations in the near future.”
Mei Rujing picked up the Sanqing Bell beside her and shook it expressionlessly. “It’s fine. They say this bell has a calming effect. I’m mentally prepared.”
Chu Qianli sighed and said, “It seems things aren’t going too well recently. In terms of finances, you’re facing significant difficulties. You might even lose money instead of making it. At work, there could be troublemakers causing disputes, and there’s a risk of accidents or even physical harm if you travel far…”
“But it’s okay! Based on the timing, if you can get through this period, you’ll reach the light at the end of the tunnel!” Chu Qianli quickly added, speaking cheerfully to encourage Mei Rujing and ease her worries.
Mei Rujing had already lost her composure, clutching her head in despair. She muttered to herself, “I knew it. I’ve had this feeling recently, but I was afraid it was just psychological. What you’ve predicted matches my intuition…”
Chu Qianli tried to comfort her. “Big Sister, it’s okay. We of all people should understand—there are always unlucky times.”
“But a healer cannot heal themselves!” Mei Rujing said in panic. “Oh no, should I keep doing this job? But if I back out now, there’ll be penalties for breaching the contract.”
For diviners, the most frightening thing is predicting disaster for themselves. Worse, the more one tries to avoid certain outcomes, the more likely they are to happen. And many events are beyond one’s control—like being dumped in a relationship or getting fired from a job. These aren’t issues that can be solved by effort alone.
Suddenly, the phone on the table lit up, displaying a new message.
Mei Rujing read it with a frown, then said numbly, “Wonderful. They’re now asking if I can fly out of town to perform a divination on-site. If I refuse, I’ll have to break the contract and lose money. If I go, it’ll count as traveling far from home, bringing the disaster you just mentioned. Everything you said is already coming true.”
Tan Muxing: “Is there no way to resolve this?”
Chu Qianli suggested, “From the hexagram, it seems that you might find a benefactor among your friends. Big Sister, you could try reconnecting with old acquaintances.”
Mei Rujing responded decisively, “Sorry, I have no friends. I only have money.”
Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing: “…”
Facing their subtle expressions, Mei Rujing angrily retorted, “How can adults have friends in this world!?”
Moments later, Mei Rujing led the two out of the teahouse to where her red sports car was parked. She pressed the key, and the car door slowly swung open. Determinedly, she said, “Alright, I’ll hire you two to be my friends for the day. It’s just too hard to make new friends on short notice.”
Tan Muxing whispered, “…Is it really that casual?”
Chu Qianli, now inspired by this novel idea, shook her bell while marveling, “So friends can be hired too.”
Mei Rujing: “Just stick with me for today. I’ll decide whether to break the contract or fly out of town. After all, it’s just a matter of facing the consequences sooner or later.”
Chu Qianli, indifferent as usual, obediently shook her bell and got into the car. She could empathize with Mei Rujing’s breakdown. After all, when Chu had once divined a bloodshed disaster for herself, she had been so terrified that she refused to go outside or even participate in a physical exam. Mei Rujing’s frantic behavior was understandable.
Seeing Chu get in the car, Tan Muxing had no choice but to follow. He sent a quick message to He Jianping before taking his seat.
Mei Rujing, visibly frustrated, drove off, while Chu Qianli idly shook her bell along the way.
The three of them quickly reached an agreement: Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing would serve as hired friends for the day. Their payment? The chance to borrow the Three Pure Ones Bell for a while to study it, with the promise of returning it once they were done experimenting.
At a high-end hotel, Mei Rujing parked her red sports car in the underground garage and led the pair to the elevator. They went to the fourth floor, heading for the reception hall.
Chu Qianli curiously asked, “A meeting in a hotel?”
“This hotel belongs to the client’s family.”
“So we just follow your lead?”
“Probably. I don’t even know what bringing friends is supposed to accomplish.”
When they reached the fourth floor, they found the entire level cordoned off, restricting access to outsiders.
Mei Rujing confidently led them inside. Hotel staff seemed to recognize her, glancing hesitantly at Chu Qianli and Tan Muxing but ultimately deciding not to intervene.
Inside the hall was a long conference table, surrounded by several individuals who appeared to be relatives of the client.
As soon as they entered, a man came rushing over.
“Master Mei, you’ve finally returned!” The middle-aged man approached anxiously. “You were absolutely right to scold us yesterday; it was our fault for being incompetent. After some reflection last night, I’ve decided to ask you to make the trip. Qingqing is still missing, and the police…”
The man stopped abruptly upon noticing the two young faces behind Mei Rujing. He blurted out in surprise, “Who are these two?”
Mei Rujing replied, “My friends.” Friends freshly minted today.
Her response left the room in awkward silence as everyone stared at the two students. Their youthful demeanor and student-like aura starkly contrasted with Mei Rujing’s usual style.
“Master Mei, bringing outsiders here isn’t appropriate, is it? Our contract…”
Mei Rujing retorted confidently, “There’s no confidentiality agreement.”
The group was momentarily speechless.
The client, a man named Shi Tuyi, glanced skeptically at the two young people. Chu Qianli’s innocent expression and casual bell-shaking, coupled with Tan Muxing’s reserved silence, made it clear that they didn’t fit into this scene at all.
“Master Mei, why did you bring these kids…” Shi Tuyi frowned. “No, why did you bring these two friends here?”
There was no way Mei Rujing could admit that she needed friends because of her bad luck and had hired these two just half an hour ago. Instead, she confidently began, “President Shi, here’s the thing. I’ve thought it over, and traveling out of town isn’t an option. Our contract stated no more than three hexagrams—”
“But why not travel? You never mentioned this before!” someone interjected, clearly dissatisfied. “We’ve already paid you, and this concerns a child’s safety!”
“Exactly! This is about doing good deeds and accumulating virtue. You can’t just ignore it!”
Mei Rujing, who had a notoriously fiery temper, was enraged. She snapped back, “Who said I’m ignoring it? It’s just that you’re all so incompetent! Even when I gave you clear directions, you couldn’t find the child!”
The group, who had argued with her the night before, seemed on the brink of another explosive confrontation.
Shi Tuyi hurriedly tried to mediate. “Let’s all calm down—everyone, let’s take it down a notch…”
Standing beside Chu Qianli, Tan Muxing muttered nervously, “Could the bloodshed disaster happen even without leaving town?”
Watching the tense atmosphere, he worried Mei Rujing might physically attack the client, especially after hearing his earlier comment about selling bound zombies for money.
Chu Qianli shook the Three Pure Ones Bell vigorously. Its resonating chime finally brought some order to the chaos.
Chu Qianli took charge and said, “Alright, everyone, let’s calm down.”
“And who are you supposed to be!?”
“Probably another scam artist here to make a quick buck!” someone scoffed, seeing the bell in Chu Qianli’s hand and assuming she was in the same line of work as Mei Rujing.
Mei Rujing, furious, retorted, “Who are you calling a scam artist? Did I get the first two predictions wrong? If you don’t believe me, just cancel the—”
Chu Qianli stopped her. “No need to get worked up. Let’s discuss this calmly. I haven’t introduced myself yet. Here’s my ID.”
Despite her youthful demeanor, Chu Qianli skillfully de-escalated the situation, producing her credentials with a mature air that seemed oddly out of place.
Mei Rujing remained indignant, but Chu Qianli exuded an unshakable confidence, almost scholarly in demeanor.
Someone sneered, “You actually have credentials?”
Chu Qianli responded good-naturedly, “Everything that’s needed should be there.”
Shi Tuyi took the ID with a doubtful look. As soon as he saw the word “Central” at the top, he froze. Skimming the rest of the affiliations listed, his expression grew increasingly shocked. He looked up at her in disbelief.
Chu Qianli smiled sweetly in return.
The ID listed her title as “Special Assistant.” However, the institutions backing it were all national-level organizations, particularly religious institutions, each more prestigious than the last. The affiliations clearly indicated her expertise, leaving no doubt about her professional standing.
This was exactly the advantage of people like Pan Yicheng. Even if they didn’t make much money, their reputation preceded them, especially in the capital’s inner circles!
Shi Tuyi even recognized some of the organizations listed on the credentials. When he had initially sought out masters, he’d heard that certain renowned Taoist temples were governed by these kinds of associations, including the nationally famous Qian Sect.
The others gathered around to take a look. Initially skeptical, they quickly searched online and found that the credentials didn’t seem fake.
Earlier, they had dared to argue with Mei Rujing, but now, faced with the unknown yet clearly influential background of Chu Qianli, they naturally became more cautious and restrained.
Shi Tuyi carefully returned the credentials, his attitude shifting entirely as he politely asked, “You are…?”
The fact that Mei Rujing had brought someone with such an impressive background left everyone at a loss for how to proceed.
Chu Qianli, seasoned by her experiences in various projects, had mastered the art of appearing unassuming. She waved her hand amiably and said modestly, “Oh, I just have a basic understanding of the I Ching and divination. I’ve worked on a few state projects. Today, I’m just here to accompany a friend, really nothing special.”
“…” Tan Muxing watched her calm and composed demeanor, and couldn’t help but feel like Professor Pan had possessed her. Her calm, almost slick confidence had an unmistakable air of a seasoned pro.
