Chapter 28

Thinking about this, he couldn't help but shiver. If it were really like this, these people would be terrifying, not only able to control the lottery and manipulate stock prices, but also omnipresent, with their people everywhere.

Seeing his unusual expression, Luoshi was also startled and asked softly, "You... What did you think of?"

Xumo glanced at her. He was not much of a talker, so he hesitated, unsure whether he should tell her. After a moment, he said, "I think it's best if you don't go."

Luoshi didn't understand, "Why not? The old man in the bamboo grove said I have a great calamity. How can I not go? What if the calamity comes to pass?"

Xumo sighed, "If you stay at home, what kind of calamity could happen?"

Luoshi was taken aback, "I don't know, but the old man in the bamboo grove said it would happen, so it must be true."

Hearing her words, Xumo realized she had already reached a blind faith in the old man in the bamboo grove. He felt a headache, not knowing how to persuade her. After some thought, he said, "I can't understand what kind of calamity could be ten thousand times worse than death. If you stay at home, would you encounter such a calamity?"

Luoshi thought for a moment, "Not necessarily. If I stay in the house, what if an earthquake happens, the house collapses, and I get buried under it?"

Xumo shook his head, "Being buried under a house, at worst, means death. How could it be ten thousand times worse than death?"

Luoshi continued, "There could also be a fire, and I could be disfigured, or a car accident, and I could become disabled or a vegetable."

Xumo asked again, "Are these ten thousand times worse than death?"

Luoshi replied, "At least I think they are worse than death. As for ten thousand times, I guess the old man in the bamboo grove might have exaggerated."

Seeing her defend the old man in the bamboo grove, Xumo felt even more at a loss. He wanted to give up, but felt that doing so would be too cold and selfish. After some hesitation, he said, "Have you heard the saying, 'Misfortune and fortune have no door, they are summoned by oneself'?"

Luoshi shook her head and said apologetically, "I haven't read much, and I don't quite understand. What does this mean?"

Xumo had already thought of what to say, "I once read a story about a merchant who met a fortune-teller on his way home. The fortune-teller told him, 'You have a great calamity, and you will die in a few days.' The merchant knew the fortune-teller was very accurate, so he was terrified and fell to his knees, begging the fortune-teller to save him. The fortune-teller told him, 'I can't save you; you can only save yourself.' The merchant asked, 'What should I do?' The fortune-teller said, 'I don't know.' The merchant asked again, 'How will I die?' The fortune-teller said, 'I can only predict that you will die, but not how.'"

"The merchant returned home, worried about his impending death, and became paranoid, fearing everything. He thought the kitchen knife might fly and stab him, the fire might cause a house fire and burn him to death, his wife might be unfaithful and plot to kill him, and the neighbor's child might insult him, leading to a fight where he might be killed."

"In short, he was paranoid and couldn't find peace. Finally, he couldn't stay at home anymore, so he took his belongings and left. On the way, he encountered robbers and lost all his possessions. He suddenly remembered the fortune-teller's words and became afraid, thinking he would be killed by the robbers. He shouted and pulled out his dagger, stabbing the leader of the robbers and injuring him."

"The robbers' original intention was just to rob, not to kill. But after he injured the leader, the leader, in a fit of anger, killed him."

Luoshi listened quietly and thought for a moment before saying, "Are you trying to tell me that disasters are self-inflicted?"

Xumo nodded, "Exactly. If you don't go out and stay at home, how could you encounter something ten thousand times worse than death?"

"But..." Luoshi hesitated, "But the old man in the bamboo grove told me to do this. How can I save myself if I don't listen to him?"

Xumo said, "My current neighbor's husband also had a strange experience..." and then told her the story of Qin Ruolan's husband from beginning to end.

Luoshi's face changed, and she forced a smile, "My experience should be different from his. Besides, why would the old man in the bamboo grove deceive me? What do I have that's worth his deception?"

Xumo said, "I can't understand it either, but what did the neighbor's husband have that was worth deceiving? If others can deceive him, why can't they deceive you?"

Luoshi seemed frightened by this, her face turning pale, and she didn't speak for a long time. If what Xumo said was true, the old man in the bamboo grove was deliberately plotting against her, but she thought it was unlikely.

If the old man in the bamboo grove was plotting against her, what did he have to gain? If he wanted something from her, couldn't he just ask? As long as he said a word, she would obediently hand it over. Why make it so complicated?

No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't figure it out. Finally, she said to Xumo, "If you had met the old man in the bamboo grove, you might not think this way. He is a very kind and warm-hearted old man, and he wouldn't do anything to harm me."

"You were deceived and think he is saving you, so you naturally think he is kind and warm-hearted. The person who was run over by a car doesn't think so." Xumo shook his head inwardly, seeing her strong preconceived notions, and realized that his persuasion would be in vain. He didn't say anything more.

The bus stopped at the terminal, and the two got off. They saw that the bus stop was at a T-junction, with Qiuxia Road running horizontally.

Directly across the intersection was a factory, and from a distance, they could see a large sign: Yixing Cement Co., Ltd.

This place was relatively desolate, with few buildings. To the left, they could vaguely see a few courtyards, and to the right, there were large fields. Far to the right, about two or three miles away, was a high slope. The road passed through the slope, cutting it off, and a stone bridge was built, leading to the distance.

The slope extended to the horizon on both sides, with trees planted on it, which should be a river embankment. The embankment blocked the view, and they couldn't see what was on the other side.

The two crossed the road and walked to the other side, where they saw the sign for Yixing Cement Co., Ltd. — Qiuxia Road No. 12.

Xumo glanced at Luoshi, already guessing something, but didn't say it. They walked to the security booth of the cement company and asked for directions. As Xumo had guessed, No. 9 was to the left, and No. 13 was to the right.

A security guard came out of the booth and pointed the way. No. 9 was simple, just go left, and you would arrive soon. No. 13 was more complicated. After crossing the stone bridge, turn right and walk along the other side of the embankment for about 500 to 600 meters, then look left. In the woods, you would see a large courtyard, which was No. 13 on Qiuxia Road.

Xumo took the opportunity to ask, "Do you know who lives in that courtyard?"

The security guard thought for a moment and said, "Sorry, I rarely go there, so I don't know much. The last time I passed by was last year."

Xumo asked again, "When you passed by last time, did you see anyone in the courtyard?"

The security guard's face showed a look of recollection, thought for a moment, and shook his head, "I didn't pay attention, so I don't remember."

Luoshi smiled, thinking Xumo was overly worried, but since he was concerned and helping her, she didn't stop him.

Xumo was about to say more when a sudden eagle's cry came from above. He glanced up and saw a large black eagle circling in the sky.

Xumo suddenly remembered something and was startled. He quickly ran to the eaves of the security booth to take cover.

Luoshi was surprised, "You... What's wrong?"

The security guard looked up and said, "What a big eagle!"

Xumo asked, "Have you seen it before?"

The security guard said, "I didn't pay attention, but eagles fly so fast, so it's not surprising to see one here."

Luoshi laughed at Xumo, "Even if it's an eagle, it won't attack you. Why are you hiding?" She laughed heartily, finding Xumo's fear of the eagle very amusing.

Eagles, of course, wouldn't attack people for no reason, but Xumo remembered the black eagle he had seen on North Mountain and was worried it might be the same one. Eagles have sharp eyes and can see very small objects from high up. If the black eagle recognized him, it would be troublesome.

The black eagle circled in the sky for a while and then flew away. Xumo saw it leave and came out from under the eaves, his expression uncertain. He silently prayed, "I hope it's just a coincidence, and this eagle isn't the one I saw on North Mountain."

Looking in the direction the black eagle had flown, he became worried again. It seemed to be heading in the direction of No. 13 on Qiuxia Road.

Looking at Luoshi, he said again, "I think it's best if you don't go." His expression was serious and solemn.

Luoshi said dismissively, "Ha ha, I'll be fine. You're overthinking it, but thank you for your concern."

Seeing that she still didn't understand, Xumo 'hmm'ed and stopped trying to persuade her. He said goodbye and turned to walk towards No. 9 on Qiuxia Road.

But he hadn't gone far when Luoshi, out of breath, caught up, "Hey! Big brother, wait a moment."

Xumo stopped and waited for her. When she caught up, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Luoshi said, "Big brother, I don't even know your name yet."

Xumo felt a bit puzzled but still told her his name.

Luoshi continued, "Big brother, I thought about what you said, and it does make some sense. Can you help me with something?"