Chapter 375: He Zuming

I finished picking up the bag from the ground.

Then I walked out of the Fate‑Gathering Tea House.

I reached the car, and Ding Li quickly opened the door.

I tossed the bag inside.

"Damn, the money is really fucking heavy."

"Brother Zhao, say something, let me go carry it."

"This little task isn't needed; go drive, He Zuming, you get in." I let He Zuming into the car.

After we got into the car, Ding Li started the engine.

We drove toward the villa where we live.

On the road, He Zuming asked me, "Jianqiang, how's your conversation with Wen Han?"

I gave He Zuming a brief summary of my chat with Wen Han.

He Zuming nodded after I finished speaking.

"Looks like Wen Han now trusts you. The token of allegiance succeeded.

From now on, in Sijiucheng, you're one of Second Master Wen's people. Jianqiang, up to this point I've done my best.

The road ahead is up to you; as the saying goes, a master can only lead you to the door, cultivation depends on the individual.

All you need is to stay connected with Wen Han."

Hearing He Zuming say that,

I laughed, "Mr. He, you want to step back—how can that be? There are still many matters ahead; I'll need to consult you. Our venture hasn't even begun."

"Jianqiang, I'm not withdrawing; where could I withdraw to? What I meant is that these are the only things I can help you with. The only people I can be familiar with are those like Qiu Xi; with Wen Han I can only exchange a few words."

The road ahead, you'll have to figure out on your own.

Jianqiang, from now on I can only stay behind the scenes.

"People age, sigh, the body really can't keep up." He Zuming sighed.

That time Li Tian sent someone to run us over with a car,

it seemed to injure He Zuming's body quite badly.

Indeed, He Zuming is already over seventy.

He's at the retirement age back in his hometown.

Out of old friendship, he helped me without hesitation.

He thought of a way out for me.

My heart was full of gratitude.

"Mr. He, I truly don't know how to thank you; you've worried yourself sick over my affairs. You could have completely stayed out of it.

But when I most needed someone to point the way, you stepped forward. Without you, I truly wouldn't know how to go on.

What should I give you in thanks? Money would be too vulgar, a house—I don't have one now.

A woman? You don't need that. I'm really at a loss."

After hearing my words,

He Zuming laughed heartily, "Jianqiang, I hear you. No need to thank me.

If I cared about wealth, the money I'd lose at the Duel‑Fun Hall could buy two houses in Sijiucheng.

Everything is extraneous.

You've already given me so much. You arranged my son's job, bought his house; what more could I ask for?

Being able to help you in this lifetime,

makes me feel quite good.

People's lives are like that—always doing things for loyalty and affection.

Jianqiang, I'll be honest, I also have selfish motives in helping you.

"Mr. He, then tell me your selfish motives. Let's see how I can repay your favor."

He Zuming twirled his beard and said, "Jianqiang, over the years I've traveled our country's mountains and rivers, admired famous peaks and great rivers,

seen countless scenic spots and ancient sites, and also the tombs of emperors,

and I've been pondering one thing,

Fengshui, a precious asset passed down for thousands of years.

Yet few truly understand it.

Nowadays many use it to swindle money and people.

Fengshui is said to be mysterious, but not really; ancient people lived sunward, with water before them and mountains behind—those were fengshui treasures.

All for the convenience of life.

Later it became merely a human‑made myth.

In truth, good fengshui resides in a person's heart,

what good fengshui means is simply having a kind heart.

These years, I've constantly reflected and recorded my insights from observing mountains and waters.

It's the experience of these years.

I don't know if it will help future generations.

In this life, I just want to leave something behind.

Ancients said a person has three foundations: establishing a career, setting ambition, and leaving words,

As for me, I have no career, no great ambition, only the legacy of words.

Jianqiang, I trust you; after a hundred years, just fulfill my wish.

"Mr. He, are you saying you want to publish some of the recorded material as a book?" I asked.

"That's exactly it. My own cultural level is not high, and what I write is still immature.

I am already seventy and no longer fear discussing life and death, Jianqiang; if one day I die,

then take what I've written, organize it well, and publish it.

In this way, I won't have to wander this world in vain," He Zuming sighed.

"Mr. He, why not publish now? Many authors publish while they're still alive," Ding Li asked at this moment.

He Zuming shook his head,

"Ding Li, you don't understand; I am a person who fears others' criticism.

Unlike those shameless writers, they will write anything carelessly and betray anything for profit.

Damn, in our generation we never ate coal. It's truly reckless fabrication.

If it's published after I die, no matter how others evaluate it, I won't hear it. I won't see it.

Heh, sigh, the main reason is I have no confidence in what I wrote."

"Mr. He, if you're not satisfied with what you wrote, we can find some experts to help you revise it, then publish it," I said.

"No need; my own work, I don't want others to get involved. Jianqiang, I'll leave this to you. That's all that's on my mind," He Zuming said.

"Mr. He, that's a minor matter," I said.

"It's not a trivial matter; establishing words is a great matter. Our history has developed to this point over thousands of years, and only a few books have been passed down.

Now publishing a book is very easy; almost anyone can do it. However, to think about whether readers will remember it or be able to use it—that's difficult.

I hope what I write can help the big fellows, so they won't take detours in certain matters," He Zuming said, looking out the window.

Since He Zuming has spoken of his wish.

This, for us, should not be a difficult task.

I said, "Mr. He, I promise you. After we finish our business, you give me the manuscript.

I'll help you publish it."

"Sure. Why would I let you help me? Because we are friends, you understand me.

Having a confidant in life is enough. Jianqiang, we have known each other for a while, and haven't met for ten years; meeting again feels the same as before,

Helping you is something from my heart.

Your helping me is also voluntary.

Everyone has no regrets; that's enough," He Zuming finished speaking and fell silent.

Hearing He Zuming say that,

I felt very grateful in my heart,

Indeed, on life's road, meeting a few friends and sharing hearts is a very precious thing.

Now He Zuming is almost giving his all to help me, and his only request of me is to help him publish a book.

I have nothing to say.

He Zuming did not return to the villa with us; he wanted to go back to his own shop to live.

I agreed,

Ding Li and I quickly returned to the villa.

When we arrived at the villa, as soon as I entered, I saw Shi Yong sighing and groaning,

I hurried forward,

and asked Shi Yong, "Shi Yong, what's going on?"

Shi Yong said with a painful expression, "Miss Xiao Fang has been crying continuously. Watching it makes my heart ache. I also want to cry."

"Xiao Fang is crying; why is she crying?" I asked, not understanding.

Shi Yong wiped his eyes and said, "Miss Xiao Fang told me that Shangguan Zhuren had an incident."

"Ah, Shangguan Zhuren had an incident—what kind of incident?" As soon as I heard Shi Yong say that, my mind went blank.

"Shi Yong, quickly call Xiao Fang over so we can ask her properly."

"I'll call Xiao Fang right away," Shi Yong said, then went upstairs to fetch Xiao Fang.