Chapter 67: Meeting Li Wenshan by Chance

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Chapter 67: Meeting Li Wenshan by Chance

At that moment, Li Yi caught sight of a peculiar figure from the corner of his eye.

The man was dressed as a Taoist priest, wearing a pair of sunglasses, and appeared to be in his thirties or forties. He sat behind a small wooden table, exuding an air of mystery. Behind him, a small yellow flag fluttered gently, displaying eight bold characters: "Iron Mouth Judgment—Avoid Evil, Seek Good Fortune."

Li Yi couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

In this era of rapid reform, many people in remote areas still lacked scientific awareness. Superstitions and old beliefs still held a strong grip on their minds, and as a result, self-proclaimed fortune tellers had emerged like mushrooms after a rainstorm.

There was a time when Li Yi, too, had turned to gods and Buddhas in moments of confusion, hoping for divine guidance. But over time, he realized that a person's fate wasn't determined by the heavens—it was shaped by their own choices and actions. Through numerous setbacks, he had come to rely solely on his own abilities rather than complain about the world.

However, not everyone had the same awareness.

At that moment, a middle-aged man with a deeply worried expression approached the Taoist's table and sat down.

"Master, what exactly do you specialize in?" the man asked cautiously.

The Taoist stroked his goatee, adopting the tone of a hermit sage. "I can divine marriages, fortunes, luck, and even foretell the future."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man's eyes lit up with hope. He immediately stretched out his hand. "Master, can you read palms? Please take a look at mine!"

The Taoist gave a knowing smile. "Of course. What would you like to know?"

The man sighed heavily. "I've been down on my luck recently. Whether it's playing cards or mahjong, I always lose!" He hesitated before adding, "On top of that, my wife is threatening to divorce me. I have no idea what to do. If it's convenient, could you guide me, Master?"

Li Yi, who had been casually leaning against a nearby lamppost, smirked at the conversation.

This middle-aged man reminded him of his past self—reckless gambling, neglecting his family, and then suffering the inevitable consequences.

Curious about how the Taoist would respond, Li Yi crossed his arms and continued to observe.

The Taoist performed a series of elaborate hand gestures, pinching his fingers in deep concentration as if calculating the secrets of the universe. Then, his expression grew solemn.

"Fated one, listen carefully," the Taoist intoned. "Your misfortune stems entirely from your gambling habits! As long as you stay away from the gambling table, I guarantee that within seven days, your fortune will turn around. When good luck comes, it cannot be stopped!"

He continued, "Moreover, spend more time with your wife in the coming week. Your combined fate creates a complementary effect, strengthening your blessings."

"Do you understand?"

The middle-aged man's face lit up with realization. "Thank you, Master! Thank you so much! I'll go back right away and stay away from gambling!"

Before leaving, he hurriedly placed a fifty-cent bill on the table as an offering, then turned and walked away, visibly relieved.

The Taoist watched him depart with a faint smile. Stroking his goatee, he casually pocketed the money.

At that moment, a voice rang out.

"I didn't expect you to be quite capable, Master Taoist."

The Taoist turned his head and saw a young man leaning against a lamppost, looking at him with amusement.

He studied Li Yi for a moment before smiling. "Young man, are you interested in having your fortune read?"

Li Yi curled his lips into a smirk. "Master Taoist, do you believe in reincarnation?"

The Taoist's expression remained calm as he nodded. "Reincarnation? I understand it well. To put it simply, it means that good deeds will be rewarded."

"But," he added, "if someone does good solely for the sake of being rewarded, then it loses its meaning."

"There is a saying: 'If you do good intentionally, you will not be rewarded. If you do evil unintentionally, you will not be punished.'"

Hearing this, Li Yi's perception of the Taoist shifted.

It seemed that not all fortune tellers were frauds looking to exploit the ignorant. Some, like this one, had a certain depth of wisdom.

At that moment, Li Yi spotted his bus approaching in the distance. He chuckled, walked over, and placed a ten-yuan bill on the Taoist's table. "I'd like to have my fortune told, but you don't need to tell me the result. It's no fun if I already know what's coming."

Before the Taoist could respond, Li Yi had already turned and walked away.

The Taoist raised an eyebrow, watching his departing figure. Then, after a moment, he pinched his fingers again in silent calculation.

A knowing smile crossed his lips.

---

When Li Yi arrived at the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, it was already half past two.

Glancing up at the large wall clock on the building, he sighed. In this era, the Industrial and Commercial Bureau held incredible authority.

Just as he was about to enter, a familiar figure caught his eye.

"Deputy Director Li, good afternoon!"

Li Wenshan had just stepped out of the main office hall when he heard Li Yi's voice. Turning his head, he immediately recognized him.

The moment their eyes met, a smile spread across Li Wenshan's face. He had a deep impression of Li Yi. Quickly walking forward, he greeted him warmly.

"Li Yi? Long time no see! What have you been up to lately?"

Li Yi extended his hand with a smile. "I've been running around, thinking of starting my own business."

"Oh?" Li Wenshan's interest was piqued. "Many young people have that idea, but few actually succeed. What kind of business are you planning?"

"I just returned from Guangshen after purchasing a batch of clothing. Now, I need to quickly apply for a business license."

Understanding dawned on Li Wenshan's face. "I see! Have you gotten it sorted yet?"

"Not yet. I'm not sure how long it will take."

"Well, it seems you've come at the right time," Li Wenshan said with a chuckle. "Let me introduce you to someone who can help."

He turned and called out, "Guoxing! Come over here, I want to introduce you to someone!"

Li Yi followed his gaze and saw a middle-aged man in glasses with a polite demeanor walking towards them.

The man approached with a smile, joking, "It's rare to see Director Li so enthusiastic about an introduction. Who is this promising young man?"

Li Wenshan introduced them. "This is Li Yi. His father is the Deputy Director of the Provincial Meat Factory, and he's also a great help to us. Not long ago, he assisted in catching a group of human traffickers!"

Li Yi was surprised. He hadn't expected Li Wenshan to be promoted to Director of the Public Security Bureau so quickly.

"Congratulations, Director Li! With a great officer like you in charge, we ordinary folks can feel much safer!"

Li Wenshan shook his head modestly. "It's not as easy as it looks."

Then, he turned to the middle-aged man. "Li Yi, let me introduce you. This is Liang Guoxing, the Deputy Director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau."

Hearing this, Li Yi immediately extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Deputy Director Liang. This is quite the coincidence—I came here to apply for a business license today!"

Liang Guoxing laughed. "What luck! Since Director Li speaks so highly of you, consider it done. You'll have your business license before the end of the day!"

Li Yi was overjoyed. Connections truly made things easier!

Li Wenshan then smiled. "Since we met by chance, how about joining us for a meal? I'd love to hear about the economic situation in Guangshen."

Li Yi immediately agreed. This was a perfect opportunity to expand his network.