Chapter 9: The Double Dog Seeks Life

Without looking back, Luo Li quickly exited the restroom. The saying remains true: destiny cannot be defied.

Since he started working as a fortune teller, he hasn't made much progress in other areas, but his skill at avoiding people has certainly improved.

After turning a few corners and arriving at his usual spot, he set up his stall.

It was the same as always—either fortune-telling about relationships or financial luck. Many people who ventured out to make money late in the year still relied on these fortune tellers to guide them, hoping to find out which direction to take for wealth and success.

For Luo Li, the success of his business depended on the quality of the fortunes he encountered: good fortunes meant good business, while poor fortunes often led to a dismal day.

Fortunately, in this remote area, people were straightforward. If they heard something they didn't like, they would usually just throw a couple of coins and leave, rarely engaging in prolonged arguments. The saying about "a poor and harsh place producing cunning people" didn't seem to apply here.

"Luo Bazi, how's the market today? Let me draw one for you," said Wang Huzi, who had just finished with several women's fortunes and was now taking a break. He offered Luo Li a cigarette and sat down on a stool.

"Wang Huzi, please don't call me Luo Bazi. I'm not just a fortune-teller for Bazi (Chinese astrology). Your way of addressing me might affect my business development," Luo Li replied with a smile as he took the cigarette.

"Hahaha, alright, alright, you're not Luo Bazi, you're Luo Xianshi (Master Luo). Calling you Luo Bazi is a sign of respect. People with poor business can't even afford that title. Look at you—business is so dry all day."

Wang Huzi was from Maliu Village in Huayuan Town. In his early years, he was a "pig butcher," meaning he worked as a slaughterer. He was well-liked and knew how to handle people. Villages would often hire him for pig slaughtering. After the pigs were slaughtered, his family would be invited to eat and receive some of the pig's offal as well, making for a comfortable life. However, with the establishment of a centralized meat inspection system, and since he wasn't part of the official staff, his business dried up. But he was quick-witted, finished his studies, and noticed that fortune-telling was a good business with no upfront costs. So he studied it on his own by buying a few books and became self-taught.

At the beginning, business was tough, and no one trusted him. He relied on his natural charm and gave free readings to anyone, showering them with flattering words. Even those who were unfamiliar with him were eventually convinced. By relying on chance, he managed to carve out a niche for himself in Huayuan Town.

Luo Li had long been accustomed to his teasing and smiled in response. "Wang Huzi, you should improve your skills. So many people trust you, and you can't keep misleading people, harming both yourself and others."

Hearing this, Wang Huzi pretended to be angry and said, "Give me the cigarette. Every market day, I smoke your cigarettes for free, and now you're cursing me."

Then he added, "You think I don't want to be like you? At least I've read a few books by so-called 'experts.' But I'm not as carefree as you. I have three children who might starve. School fees, medical expenses—everything costs money."

"Then why did you have so many children?" Luo Li retorted.

"Oh? Do you want to get beaten?" Wang Huzi waved his arm towards Luo Li, who laughed and pretended to dodge.

"Hahahaha…" The two of them laughed together.

"Master, I finally found you. Do you remember me? I'm the one who offended you in the restroom this morning."

Huh? Both of them looked up and saw the fat boss Luo Li had encountered earlier that morning, now addressing him with respect.

Seeing that Luo Li had business, Wang Huzi stood up, moved his stool back, and nodded towards Luo Li, signaling him to take advantage of the opportunity. Luo Li remained noncommittal.

"I can't do business with you. You should leave and go do something meaningful," Luo Li responded to the boss's opening line. "Of course, I remember you, but you didn't remember my words. What's there to read about the dead?"