Someone suddenly interjected.
"No, no, I wouldn't lie to anyone but you. It was just put out the day before yesterday, and Chen Guafu from the neighboring village came to draw a lot. Her cow went missing, guess what happened?"
The owner paused deliberately, observing the reactions of those around him.
If they showed interest, half the battle was won; if no one paid attention, it meant his words hadn't yet hit the mark.
"What, did they not find the cow, but instead found you and took you home?"
"Hahaha! That's what you call good news!"
The remark drew laughter from everyone, but the owner remained unfazed. As long as people were happy, he could take a joke.
"Ah, you can't say that. I'm an honest person!"
The owner said with a straight face.
Having experienced such situations many times, even if it were true, he'd stand firm like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water.
"That widow came here and drew a lot, guess what the lot said?"
The owner paused again.
At this moment, the place was silent, everyone listening intently to the owner's story.
After all, this was about drawing lots, and many miraculous things happened.
"What did it say?"
Someone quickly chimed in.
"Kun, Yi De!"
"What's that?"
The owner spoke with a slight accent, and some couldn't hear clearly, so they asked.
Had no one asked, most people wouldn't have figured it out, and would have let it pass; but this question drew everyone's attention.
What did "Kun Yi De" mean?
The owner wasn't in a hurry to answer; revealing the mystery too soon would kill everyone's interest.
"Stop dawdling, say it quickly!"
Cai Jinqu ordered impatiently.
Among those present, he was considered the most distinguished. Therefore, his words were like imperial decrees.
That feeling was incredibly satisfying, which was also the main reason he enjoyed frequenting this place for entertainment.
"Someone, bring me a brush!"
"Oh my, this is something! The proprietor of this establishment is actually dabbling in calligraphy! It seems this small temple is about to undergo a change!"
Someone joked.
"Hahaha!"
Everyone around echoed the sentiment, finding amusement in the occasion.
Paper and brush were brought, still a writing brush.
Although the owner's calligraphy wasn't particularly good, it was legible and quite large, about the size of a head.
"Kun, Yi De!"
After writing, the owner emphasized again.
He also pronounced it with a rhythm, conveying the correct way to read this lot.
"What is this nonsense, making such a mystery of it? Old Hei, you might as well just tell us the outcome. Did they find it or not?"
"I've already told you, it was found on Chen Guafu's bed. You're still asking, you are..."
"Hahaha!"
Another round of hearty laughter erupted.
"Go away!"
As the person finished awkwardly and lowered his head.
Old Hei spoke.
"This cow, it belongs to the Wood element. 'Kun' belongs to the Earth element. Earth gives birth to Wood, which is equivalent to the cow's mother. Therefore, to find the cow, you just need to find its mother. Where is its mother? 'Kun' also means southwest. So, head towards the southwest!"
"Hahaha, what kind of logic is this!"
Someone said with a laugh.
"That's what the divination says. Chen Guafu indeed found it in a deep gully to the southwest of the village. This is a fact, you can go and ask if you don't believe me!"
Old Hei said solemnly, not joking at all.
The crowd began to discuss.
Some believed, some were skeptical, and some were eager to try.
Old Hei incited Cai Jinqu, hoping that if he took the lead, others would follow and draw lots for fun.
If it proved effective, why worry about not having visitors in the future?
Cai Jinqu was merely playing along, as if it could help Old Cai return home, then future matters might turn around.
Ever since Zuo Ruxiu appeared, everything seemed to have changed, to the point where he no longer recognized himself.
The Old Cai who used to return home no longer did. Meeting him was harder than ascending to heaven.
Meeting at the company was strictly business, and she would put on an arrogant face.
Thinking of these, Cai Jinqu felt an emptiness in his heart. He could never return to those carefree times; nor to that childhood of filial piety and paternal love.
"Director Cai, what do you say, how about drawing one!"
"Ah? Hmm!"
Cai Jinqu was lost in thought but was pulled back by Old Hei's voice.
Old Hei had already picked up the lot drawer from the ground and offered it to Cai Jinqu.
Cai Jinqu slowly looked at the lots inside: the lots were black, and under the lamplight, the drawer appeared dark.
He drew out a lot, looking troubled and hesitant.
In front of everyone, this was particularly trying. If it were a good lot, everyone would be happy; if it were a bad one, it would be embarrassing.
Old Hei didn't care much. As long as Cai Jinqu picked a lot, his purpose would be achieved. Regardless of whether the lot was good or bad, the gamblers who came and went would at least offer some incense money, which would be a small income.
"Come, let me see!"
He reached out to take the lot from Cai Jinqu.
Cai Jinqu flinched slightly. The movement was so subtle that one wouldn't notice it unless they looked closely.
"A grown man, always so indecisive, no wonder he hasn't amounted to much!"
Ten-Faced Rakshasa curled his lips and mumbled.
He didn't have the patience to wait for Cai Jinqu to decide. Everything had to follow his plan.
With a casual wave of his hand, something like a nail flew towards Cai Jinqu.
It was a Talismanic Wedge, each one more potent than the last. If enough were applied, a person's mind could be firmly controlled.
"Here! Help me decipher it!"
Old Hei immediately took the lot from Cai Jinqu and carefully examined it.
Many people's eyes widened, staring at the small bamboo slip.
Those inside could naturally see, their heads packed together; those outside, unable to see, didn't crowd in but simply stared towards the inside, waiting for the content of the lot to be announced.
Old Hei paused. Although he wasn't sure if the timing was perfect, he had managed the atmosphere quite well.
Tense and thrilling, comparable to the unveiling of cards in a casino.
People who came here, though drawn by money, mostly sought excitement.
"Oh!"
Hearing Old Hei exclaim, everyone, with wide eyes or perked ears, focused their attention on him.
Even Cai Jinqu felt as if he were being devoured by their gazes.
"How is it, how is it? Is it a good lot? How good?"
Someone asked.
"Get lost! It's not your lot, what's it to you? Go wherever it's cool!"
Someone rebuked.
"Pah! What's it to you?"
The other person retorted.
It was clear these two didn't get along.
"A good lot! A good lot."
Old Hei said.
"Tell us!"