The taxi driver had a buzz cut, a tanned face, and a visible weariness from the hardships of life.
"Driver, to Guazijiang Park!"
"Alright, hold on tight, we'll be off right away!" the driver said with a smile.
Liu Sandao saw his demeanor and considered it a good omen. Even if unexpected events occurred, they would turn out for the better. This was his intuition, honed by his experiences in the mortal realm.
For the purpose of understanding worldly affairs, Liu Sandao occasionally studied metaphysics. For instance, the revered "Book of Changes," which seemed remarkably accurate. Other methods of divination also had their merits, and mastering even one could grant the ability to perceive heavenly secrets, though such individuals were exceedingly rare.
Liu Sandao got into the car and took out his "Manual of Blessings and Virtues," where a name prominently appeared: Liu Sangen, a four-star individual. In mortal terms, this person shared his surname.
Since they hadn't reached the location of the incident yet, there was no need for tension. Liu Sandao casually picked up the pen from his manual and began to draw, his movements slow. Perhaps influenced by the driver's mood, he felt a sense of ease and freedom in dispensing blessings of fortune for the first time. Thus, he drew the fortune fruits with leisurely strokes.
However, this style of drawing revealed a discovery. Previously, he had watched Fu Ruhai draw and assumed fortune fruits were always depicted in that manner. But now, in his relaxed state, he realized the pen could alter the shape of the fortune fruits. In other words, if he drew it round, it would be round; if he drew it square, it would be square.
Recalling what Zhao Xiaoying had seen in her mind, Liu Sandao drew the fortune fruit in the shape of a "Ginseng Fruit." On its belly, however, was a clearly drawn character for "Fu" (blessing). To add a touch of fun, he also drew a happy face on it. After completing this, he showed it to Fu Ruhai, who nodded with a smile.
The timing wasn't quite right yet, so Liu Sandao saved it in the manual for the moment. The taxi drove quickly, and before long, they crossed the Guazijiang Bridge. Guazijiang Park was located in the central cave, essentially laid out along the Guazijiang River. Near the riverbank, there were riverside pedestrian paths. Many people were strolling, fishing, playing cards, and dancing by the river.
Although they could see this from the car, it would still take several traffic lights from the bottom of the bridge to reach the entrance of Guazijiang Park. As they came off the bridge, there was an intersection. To prevent speeding vehicles, a traffic light was installed about a hundred meters after descending the bridge. At this moment, the traffic light was green. However, Liu Sandao observed the pedestrian signal flashing from inside the car, indicating that the crossing time was nearly up and it could turn yellow at any moment. Liu Sangen, an experienced driver, understood this well. Yet, relying on his instinct, he accelerated and sped through.
The "Manual of Blessings and Virtues" vibrated more intensely. Liu Sandao estimated the time was nearing and decisively opened the manual, retrieved the fortune fruit he had just drawn, and tossed it to Liu Sangen. Just as Liu Sangen's car crossed the stop line, the light turned yellow.
After descending the bridge, there was a gateway, and beyond it, a straight road running from left to right. Therefore, the driver could not see approaching vehicles from the pedestrian crossing to his front left. Liu Sangen's right foot, which had been pressing the accelerator, now firmly rested on the brake.
With a screech, an electric bike with a takeout box attached darted out from the left-hand intersection. Liu Sangen's heart leaped, but his body instinctively tapped the brakes and gently nudged the steering wheel to the right. The electric bike wasn't moving very fast, but its untimely appearance caused some alarm.
Another name appeared on the "Manual of Blessings and Virtues": Wu Gang, a five-star individual. Liu Sandao understood that another fortune fruit was needed here. He quickly sketched one and sent it flying. The timing was sufficient, and the speed was adequate.
Wu Gang, seeing the traffic light about to change, assumed the cars below the bridge would stop and, without a second thought, sped through the stop line. Fortunately, it was broad daylight, and both individuals were paying attention. However, an accident was unavoidable, and the front left of the taxi scraped against the electric bike. The electric bike toppled in the middle of the road, spilling some contents from its takeout box, but no actual food. Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai merely experienced a slight jolt.
An accident is typically a vexing affair. But the outcome here was unexpected. Liu Sangen and Wu Gang did not lose their tempers. Wu Gang casually offered Liu Sangen a cigarette. Liu Sangen, instead of engaging with Wu Gang, first spoke to Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai.
"My apologies, the two of you. We're not far from the entrance of Guazijiang Park, and given this situation, I can only take you this far!"
Liu Sandao said nothing. He opened the car door, got out, and walked to the roadside. Fu Ruhai did the same. However, neither of them left. Liu Sangen made a few phone calls and took pictures with his phone. Wu Gang also made some calls. It was somewhat dangerous in the middle of the road, so both men moved to the roadside.
To onlookers, Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai appeared to be like most others, standing there to watch the commotion. Therefore, no one paid attention to whether they stayed or left. Amidst the roaring of passing vehicles, whatever Wu Gang and Liu Sangen discussed was known only to themselves. However, it seemed they hadn't reached an agreement. They stood by the roadside, likely waiting for traffic police.
Wu Gang casually browsed his phone while smoking. As he happened to be near Liu Sandao, Liu Sandao glanced over. He saw an app interface.
"Brother!..."
Liu Sandao spoke for the first time, a subconscious impulse, perhaps fate. He wasn't entirely clear on how the initial conversation began. Regardless, after a few exchanges, Wu Gang opened up, talking about his takeout app and platform. Liu Sandao was deeply inspired. He wasn't planning to deliver takeout himself, but rather because he had stumbled upon a groundbreaking idea.
Fu Ruhai didn't understand why Liu Sandao had suddenly become so talkative. As the traffic police arrived, Wu Gang stopped his conversation. Liu Sandao, pulling Fu Ruhai along, headed towards Guazijiang Park. As they walked, he led Fu Ruhai back to Yaotian Building. This was their company, a place dedicated to work.
"Why are we going back here? It's this late, we should be heading back to school!" Fu Ruhai said, confused.
"Of course, we're not going back to school. We're here to discuss work. How about a cup of coffee?" Liu Sandao said, gesturing for Fu Ruhai to get one. This was Ying Bafang Company, the tallest building in the heart of Sandong City. No idle individuals would disturb them here.
"Hmph! What work can't be done tomorrow?" Fu Ruhai grumbled but moved to make coffee.
"I've thought of an excellent method for dispensing fortune fruits. Want to hear it?"
Upon hearing this, Fu Ruhai's spirits immediately lifted. He quickly brewed two cups of coffee and brought them over. "Quick! Tell me!"