C20 Not Forgetting the Original Intention

After Qu Ningyuan and Yang Xue had taken a stroll around the lake, they came ashore to find the lakeside bustling with activity. Vendors were selling all sorts of trinkets. Not too far away, there was even an old fortune teller. It's tough to make a living these days; fortune tellers have to set up their stalls during the day and still come out at night to earn a buck. It's certainly not an easy life.

Yang Xue, with her keen eyes, spotted the fortune teller and insisted on dragging Qu Ningyuan over to take a look. He had never experienced anything like this before and found it quite intriguing.

The old man had a snowy white beard and was dressed like the fortune tellers of ancient times. His table and divination tools actually looked quite authentic. Since Yang Xue was eager to give it a try, Qu Ningyuan thought, why not? It was harmless fun, as long as she didn't take it too seriously.

The fortune teller, noticing Yang Xue approaching, sensed a business opportunity. He could tell they were a couple and planned to butter them up with some flattering words to make a profit.

"Old sir, what can you predict?" Yang Xue asked with curiosity.

"I can predict anything—marriage, future, wealth—you name it. Whatever you wish to know, I can divine for you," the fortune teller replied.

Yang Xue was amused; she always enjoyed fortune telling segments on TV but rarely had the chance to try it herself, especially since city management was so strict. Regardless of whether the fortune teller was genuine or a charlatan, she was determined to have some fun.

Qu Ningyuan sat down with Yang Xue, observing the array of items before the fortune teller. Among them was a set of exquisitely crafted bamboo bone tiles. Qu Ningyuan picked up one and toyed with it, noticing an inscription that read, "Do not forget your original intention, and you will achieve your goal." He pondered its meaning.

The fortune teller watched Qu Ningyuan examining the bone tile and offered, "Young man, are you interested in having your fortune told? Let me interpret it for you."

"No need, I don't believe in these things. I'm just here for the experience," Qu Ningyuan replied.

He then placed the bone tile back into the box, mixing it with the others, making it indistinguishable from the one he had previously drawn.

Yang Xue showed genuine interest, although she had no specific expectations. She felt content with her life, lacking nothing and desiring no particular knowledge. The fortune teller asked her to write a single character on a piece of paper, which he would use to divine her destiny and forecast her future fortunes.

Taking up the pen, Yang Xue inscribed an elegant character. It was beautifully crafted, full of vigor and strength, perfectly proportioned to fill half the page, making it particularly pleasing to the eye.

"This character is exquisitely written, Miss," the fortune teller observed. "It reveals that you come from an extraordinary family. You've been raised in affluence, never wanting for food or clothing. However, it seems your love life may encounter some turbulence."

He paused, stroking his beard and affecting an air of mystery, leaving Yang Xue hanging on his words. She understood his tactic.

"Sir, please speak freely. Rest assured, we intend to pay you; you needn't worry about that."

"You're very kind, Miss. I don't doubt your intentions to pay, so I'm not concerned about that. I do, however, have one piece of advice: don't hold on too tightly. Just as sand slips through your fingers when grasped too firmly."

"What do you mean by 'slipping through the fingers'?"

"Ah, Miss, that's all I can impart. To say more would be to disclose the secrets of fate, and you wouldn't grasp their meaning until the proper time. Understanding these matters must come from within. Many aspects of life are predestined, and even with the answers in hand, you can't avoid your fate. You're bound to follow your predetermined path, regardless."

Yang Xue was puzzled by his cryptic advice. She wondered what she could possibly be holding on to too tightly. Was he referring to her projects? Surely, those required a firm grip. She sighed at the fortune teller's vague pronouncements.

The old man then turned his gaze to Qu Ningyuan.

"This young man is quite remarkable. Each day you live is a testament to your achievements. But remember, never take for granted those who love you."

What was the old man getting at? Who have I let down? His words seemed to carry a hidden meaning, and his half-smile was unsettling, as if he could see right through me. Could this fortune-teller actually know something? Qu Ningyuan found himself starting to believe.

They say true masters live among the common people. Perhaps this elder really did know something beyond our understanding.

"Sir, let's do this: we'll pay you extra for the fortune-telling if you could clarify things for us. We're completely lost here."

"Young man, not everything can be measured in money. Though I've been forced to earn my keep, I still adhere to my principles. I cannot reveal the secrets of fate lightly. I've told you what you need to know and what to be mindful of. If I say more, I fear divine retribution."

The fortune-teller was resolute, refusing to speak further. It was clear that despite his love for money, he wouldn't compromise his principles.

Sensing their dissatisfaction and fearing they might withhold payment, the fortune-teller added a few more words. "Here's what I can offer: I can't say much about the future, but I do have a pair of bracelets. They're meant for lovers, and wearing them should ensure you end up together. Seeing how affectionate you both are, I'll gift them to you. Just remember not to break them, or your marital fate might be severed."

Yang Xue found the bracelets quite attractive and accepted them. After paying the fortune-teller, they left without further questions.

"This old man is so secretive, he won't give us a straight answer."

"He's probably playing coy, hoping we'll come back to him and he'll have repeat customers. These street shamans are all about the show, aren't they? Just take his words with a grain of salt. After all, we're the masters of our own destiny. How can we expect to achieve anything without striving for it ourselves?"

While Qu Ningyuan reassured Yang Xue, he couldn't shake off his own unease. He had a hunch that the old man knew something, possibly about his own extraordinary vision. After all, he was someone who had been given a second chance at life. Qu Ningyuan resolved to seek out the fortune-teller when he had a chance, unable to settle the doubts lingering in his mind.

Every day I live feels like a bonus, as if my life isn't really my own. Are they trying to reclaim it now? That's not an option; my little sister is still so young. I have to at least see her through college. How would she manage on her own? I just can't bear the thought of leaving her behind. For her sake, I must find a way to hold on a little longer.

Lost in these heavy thoughts, I was brought back to reality by Yang Xue calling out to me.