Chapter 21

This enthusiastic attitude made Aunt Liu beside her stare, rubbing her eyes and double‑checking she hadn't misseen—could this really be Wang Hua's old lady? Surely she hadn't been swapped!

Seeing her approach, Aunt Liu instinctively raised her cane: "Hey, what are you doing? Don't bully Ling Yue."

Wang Hua's face stiffened—how does this old lady show up everywhere? She gave an embarrassed smile, thick‑skinnedly saying, "What's wrong with me? I just feel sorry for Ling Yue; she's a delicate young girl, so it's natural to pity her."

I can go to hell!

Pure nonsense!

Aunt Liu's face was full of disbelief; she even glanced at the horizon—the sun hadn't risen in the west, this guy could never change his ways, so there's only one possibility left…

She recalled Ling Yue's recent request of her, now wishing she could slap herself twice for showing off—this mess happened, surely it's for that dilapidated house!

But she couldn't outright call her out now, so she could only glare disgustedly at Aunt Wang: "Don't you have any tact? Ling Yue is heading home, and you just plop yourself down here like a weight—what are you up to?"

"Ling Yue, we won't keep you—hurry home." She said, planting her cane sideways to block Aunt Wang, then smiled kindly at Ling Yue: "Lately our compound hasn't been peaceful; someone's courting death—once you're home, definitely don't open the door."

The flustered Aunt Wang's face flushed at those words—who is this old lady talking about?!

She had a guilty conscience, harboring ill intent, immediately projected herself onto the remark, feeling Aunt Liu's words were aimed at her, and reacted intensely.

But Ling Yue had already walked away, and all her prepared explanations were meaningless.

Not happening!

Aunt Wang is the type who finally zeroed in on Ling Yue, this "soft persimmon," and yet she doesn't rush to seize the chance.

At night, Ling Yue returned home, placed the little dragon fish in the aquarium, humming a tune; in good spirits she brewed herself a cup of tea, then suddenly sniffed—why does it smell like alcohol?

Not having time to think it over, Big Black came flying toward her, its fluffy big tail wagging vigorously: "Owner, owner, have you noticed anything different about the house today compared to before?"

Ling Yue: "Ah?"

Before she could speak, a splashing sound rang out, and Big Black's cry followed immediately: "Grandpa Turtle, why did you just come out? This is the floor I just mopped."

Ling Yue followed Big Black's wistful gaze and saw, on the clean floor, a basin‑sized feng shui turtle crawling slowly, a conspicuous wet trail behind it.

The feng shui turtle glared at it: "I come out whenever I want—you're just a dog, what's with mopping the floor! It's exactly what humans say, just a, just a—"

The little dragon fish in the tank couldn't help but blurt: "Sycophant!"

Big Black flared up, about to retort, then immediately realized something was off: "Who are you?"

Because they'd been to the police station during the day, only it and Grandpa Turtle were unaware of this new member; Ling Yue gave a rundown, and the feng shui turtle looked at the little dragon fish with a squinting smile, then chuckled meaningfully: "Not bad, not bad—this household is getting livelier."

Big Black whined, the long‑absent kettle back in action; everyone knows how clingy the dog is, and as the household gains members, it worries more about losing its place.

The dog felt wronged, recalling how just earlier a dog had been chewing a mop to do chores, now it just wanted to cry from sadness; Ling Yue could only rub its head, not yet speaking, when Grandpa Turtle beside her suddenly exclaimed: "Xiao Yue, your complexion…"

"Your face is glowing red—you're destined for wealth; you'll soon strike it rich, no way to escape it!"

The feng shui turtle spoke with conviction; its scholarly comment instantly eased the dog's resentment, and after the police squad's influence, it's now a steadfast socialist successor hound: "Grandpa Turtle, you're pushing feudal superstition again!"

Ling Yue looked at the silly dog and gave a helpless smile.

The next moment, a knock sounded at the entryway; before the door opened, Aunt Wang's sickly sweet voice drifted through the crack.

Ling Yue opened the door, nearly startled by a wrinkled‑faced grin, then quickly left the door ajar, her expression blank: "What do you want?"

Aunt Wang hauled a fruit basket and tried to push inside: "Ling Yue, I'm here to apologize!"

"That whole thing was entirely my fault—I was muddle‑headed, leaning on my age to bully a little girl like you; I hope you can forgive me, I—I…" Her voice trailed off into mumbling, and from Ling Yue's perspective she showed not a shred of sincerity; the perfunctory intent was audible even in Inner Mongolia.

But that's not the point.

Ling Yue gripped the door, lowered her gaze, her voice softening as if half‑believing: "Really?"

Aunt Wang squeezed past, set the fruit basket on the table, and her shifty eyes began to scan. Goodness, she'd been to Ling Yue's place before; now she sees the layout unchanged, but the designer bags on the table and the freshly renovated furniture prove this girl has definitely become well‑off!

She's rich!

Filthy rich!

Aunt Wang's eyes gleamed with greed—being rich is great, being young is great, and a young thing is easiest to deceive!

She rubbed her hands and said: "Ling Yue, I truly know I was wrong and sincerely want to apologize—since I heard you've got a troublesome matter lately, I've come right over; I have a way to fix it!"

She spoke with utmost conviction, just short of pounding her chest to guarantee it.

Ling Yue watched her act, her eyes showing clear‑cut wariness: "What troubles could I possibly have?"

Aunt Wang cleared her throat, smiling like a chrysanthemum: "Isn't it about buying a house? I happen to have a place—old and a bit rundown, but it comes with a yard."

Ling Yue frowned: "What exactly are you getting at?"

Aunt Wang gave a fawning smile: "I'm planning to sell our family's unit to you—for just 1.5 million!"

After a while.

Aunt Wang retreated step by step, nearly about to be pushed out, then panicked: "Ling Yue! Ling Yue! Let's talk this out nicely—don't get violent, I'm sincere about selling you the house!"

Ling Yue gave her a cold glance: "Really? I thought you were trying to screw me over."

Her offhand remark made Aunt Wang break into a cold sweat: "Uh… uh…"

Like a goose with its throat choked, she clung to the doorframe, refusing to budge: "Of course not! We've known each other for years—I was indeed muddled before, but now I'm clear‑headed. How about this: I'll call the shots and sell you the house for 1.25 million?" She said it with a grimace, as if it pained her greatly.

Ling Yue: "It seems you still lack sincerity, so let's drop this—anyway I've already asked Aunt Liu to help, and as for a big yard, I'm a young person who doesn't need or have time for a large courtyard."

Aunt Wang wiped her face: "No!"

She hardened her heart: "I'll sell it to you for one million! That's my lowest acceptable price—any lower and we won't sell."

Ling Yue: "All right."

Aunt Wang still thought she'd refuse, but Ling Yue's quick agreement left her feeling instantly cheated, as if she'd suffered a huge loss and even wanted to back out.

The next moment, Ling Yue's words hung her heart: "However, I'm short on funds right now—if you want cash in hand, I'll need a few days."

"I'm not clear on the situation with your house—I'll ask Aunt Liu first."

Ask someone?

Aunt Wang's heart jumped; she almost shouted, "This won't do! If she finds out my place once had a horde of rats and they're still holed up inside, who'd buy it?"

After all, those are rats—so filthy!

She wracked her brains, saying everything pleasant, until Ling Yue agreed to sign the contract tomorrow morning—provided all funds are ready within three days, the transfer will go through!

Ling Yue, Wang Da Ma, maybe contract.

She laughed until she couldn't shut her mouth, her obsequious attitude making people unable to look straight; a big mama with slack flesh and bright eyes was truly an eyesore.

Ling Yue thought she should hurry and send the person away, when suddenly a sharp scream came from nearby; Wang dama let out this wail, shaking the whole building.

"My goodness, what is this? How can it still move?"

Ling Yue, Wang Da Ma, Feng Shui Turtle, old turtle.

The feng shui turtle was stunned, "What the hell, you old turtle?!"

It glared, its unfriendly look making Wang dama even more eager, she slurped: "Ling Yue, such a big turtle, stewing it would surely be a great tonic!"

The belatedly aware feng shui turtle: "……"

On the feng shui turtle's head, as if a cross symbol popped out with a pop.

I cultivate myself and nurture my nature over and over; I damn well can't hold back anymore—Grandpa Turtle kicks you!

Wang dama was caught off guard, face full of terror: "Ahhhh! The big turtle bit someone!"

Ling Yue could still hear her fawning voice: "Whenever you want to stew the big turtle, I'll bring you the pot!"

Here, Ling Yue watched her flustered back, couldn't help laughing, no trace of her earlier hesitation remained.

Ling Yue, the Wang family actively seeks itself.

One sentence made Wang dama eagerly seek her!

Turning around after closing the door, she met the feng shui turtle's furious gaze: "She deserves to lose money and invite disaster!"

Ling Yue's eyes flickered: "Is this also what you calculated?"

The feng shui turtle felt somewhat proud; having lived so many years, what it prided itself on most was its skill set—feng shui, metaphysics, antique appraisal—so much so that even contemporary masters couldn't compare.

Feng Shui Turtle.

It spoke, then suddenly paused, gazing deeply at Ling Yue: "This matter concerns you."

Ling Yue lay directly on the small sofa, hugging a pillow. She had never thought she could keep this from the feng shui turtle; she was even more curious about metaphysics, yet she forced herself to hold back, replying: "Yeah."

Ling Yue, feud with the Wang family.

Feng shui turtle: "So all this is karmic retribution. I was just wondering—you recently came into a sizable windfall, and there's a faint sense of cause and effect; now I see."

Ling Yue, Wang family daughter-in-law.

Ling Yue sipped her tea, which had grown a bit cool. Meanwhile, the little animals nearby were a bit dazed—except the Mysterious Cat Queen, lounging in her cat bed licking her paws; she was born with a talent for this, having encountered several paranormal incidents, and wasn't the least bit surprised.

Clever treasure-seeking rat, pecan.

none.

Da Hei, a Ling Yue blow.

It didn't realize that even someone as confident as Ling Yue could feel nervous. Ling Yue held her cup, her gaze occasionally falling on the feng shui turtle, a hint of hesitation lurking in her eyes.

Unexpectedly, the feng shui turtle spoke first: "Xiao Yue, this old turtle of mine knows feng shui and antique appraisal; over the past five hundred years I've roamed the splendid lands—do you want to learn my skills?"

Ling Yue's eyelid twitched, and without thinking she blurted: "I want to!"

After speaking, she realized her reaction might have been too big; she glanced furtively, meeting the feng shui turtle's amused gaze, and her face instantly flushed a faint pink.

The feng shui turtle didn't mind at all; it was interested, and moreover, based on its observations these past days, it had already seen that Ling Yue possessed astonishing talent—she was prime material for learning these arts.

It had only one request: "I'm old now, I don't want to keep tossing and turning; I'll be your master, and you must support me in my old age."

Ling Yue let out an "ah" and blurted: "Aren't I already supporting you in your old age?"

System: Accepting the Feng Shui Turtle's wish to enjoy a peaceful old age, reward: Dao Arts Compendium!

Accept.

Or refuse?

Ling Yue.

The feng shui turtle burst out laughing: "It's my attachment speaking."

Actually, long ago it had already begun looking for a disciple, because no matter how profound its Daoist arts, it remained just a turtle—being unable to transform into human form meant it would forever be only a turtle.

Over the past five hundred years it had served countless owners, but only Ling Yue could communicate with it—this was truly a heaven-sent opportunity!

Even when summoning the treasure-seeking rat: "Duo Duo, quickly pour me a small glass of wine; when my mood improves someday, I will matchmake you and the queen."

Duo Duo

Mystic Cat Queen.

The treasure-seeking mouse nodded without thinking: "Same as usual?"

Feng Shui Turtle.

Speaking, she suddenly felt the surroundings go silent; opening her eyes she saw Ling Yue, her heart jumped, she silently cursed: "Oh no, this is bad!"

Ling Yue chuckled: "I was wondering why there's been a liquor smell in the house lately—turns out it's you guys!"

The treasure-seeking mouse slipped away, while the slow, bulky feng shui turtle let out an "uh" under Ling Yue's amused gaze that said, "I'm waiting to see how you'll explain this," unable to utter a word.

Feng Shui Turtle.

Help! I was caught sneaking a drink by my little disciple—what should I do?

Feng shui turtle: "I just had a sip; even old folks need a hobby, right? Hahaha."

Ling Yue also laughed, her laugh making people uneasy.

In the evening, all members of the Wang family were present, with Wang dama heading the first family meeting.

Wang Da Ma, the Wang family's old residence.

Wang Lianghu's eyes lit up instantly as he looked at her: "Mom? Really? I have a chance at promotion!"

Earlier, the supervisor had been transferred, leaving the position vacant; who knows how many in their department were eyeing it, Wang Lianghu among them, but he knew his abilities were mediocre, so to sit in that seat he could only resort to unconventional tactics.

none.

He told his parents, who agreed unanimously; even his two precious sons clapped and cheered: "Great, Dad's finally getting promoted—from now on we're the boss's kids, nobody dares mess with us!"

Wang Lianghu patted his son's head, but not long after, something suddenly struck them all out of the blue—who could have imagined that old house would be so disgusting!

After a large number of rats spurted out from the well, Wang Dama's house immediately found no takers, not even real estate agents dare to handle it. Nowadays, with social development, the wealthy pay more attention to hygiene; a dilapidated house that has spewed out a large number of fat rats—who knows how filthy it is!

The first to fall into disrepair was Wang Lianghu.

He had been hoping to rise in status by selling the house, but now he has nothing, so the atmosphere at home these past few days has been extremely gloomy; now, suddenly, the situation has turned around, and the atmosphere instantly became lively.

Wang Lianghu couldn't help but ask: "How much money did the house sell for?"

Wang Dame spoke truthfully, and Wang Lianghu also sighed, obviously not as he had expected; seeing him like that, Wang Dame exclaimed: "My foolish son, this is all I got after begging Ling Yue for half a day! If she hadn't known about that matter, who else would dare buy our house? Do you still want money for a promotion?"

She said this while feeling a bit relieved, exchanging a glance with the old man; their son didn't care about these things, but they knew the house's problems weren't just these.

The house left by the older generation wasn't originally a ruin; it became desolate after decades of no occupants, but to have them move in would be throwing away their lives!

The house's foundation is not clean.

She now dares to say it is the Wang family's ancestral home, relying on the fact that those who knew the inside story back then have either died or moved away. Actually, decades ago, this house still bore the surname Zhou; it was taken from others by their father-in-law and mother-in-law.

It is said that back then, someone from the Zhou family returned, wanting to reclaim the house; they weren't short of housing then, but they also didn't want to give it up, so…

I dare not imagine what methods the father-in-law and mother-in-law used; later that young man disappeared, and the seized house kept having strange occurrences, so they bought another house.

Thinking of that house, Wang Dame's heart went all creepy, it was too eerie; to her, it was just like a hot potato.

A hot potato, she had always wanted to deal with it, and now she finally has the chance.

Until the son spoke up, the elderly couple came to their senses.

Wang Lianghu stared, a flash of strange light in his eyes: "Ling Yue?"

"She, she isn't she become an orphan? How does she have money!"

Bringing this up, Wang Dame felt uneasy: "It's not just that she opened some pet store; I hear business is booming every day, she's making money!"

Thinking of how she had previously lowered herself, Wang Dame snapped: "Wait until you become a high official, I will definitely make her kneel and beg me!"

The two grandsons couldn't help but speak up: "I want to too, I want to hit her! She won't buy me toys and even scolds me!"

"Good, good, good! When your father gets promoted, Grandma will personally take you to settle accounts with that little wretch!"

For a moment, the Wang household could even be considered harmonious and happy.

Early in the morning, Ling Yue had just finished tidying up when Wang Dame came to her door, holding a contract printed overnight, and asked her to sign.

Ling Yue glanced at it, her expression instantly turning strange; there was also a breach clause: if either party breached, the defaulting party must pay double the liquidated damages.

Seeing her smug look, Ling Yue also smiled, signed the document swiftly and cleanly, making Wang Dame break out in goosebumps; but Wang Dame's mind was full of the million she had just gotten, leaving no room for anything else.

As soon as the person left, Ling Yue plopped onto the sofa, yawned, and looked at the contract on the table, almost laughing herself to death.

Xunbao Shu was woken by the movement, rubbed its eyes: "Good morning."

It twitched its nose and immediately knew: "It's that old lady from yesterday; what is she here for?"

Ling Yue pointed at the contract: "Here, the house purchase contract."

Xunbao Shu: "……This is a big idiot, huh; with demolition slated in half a month, she actually wants to sell the house?!"

As a smart mouse, Xunbao Shu naturally knows humans love demolition, eagerly awaiting it; many old‑area residents are like that, getting rich overnight.

Someone actually throws money away!

Ling Yue: "You forgot, the demolition thing was something you told me; others don't know."

Xunbao Shu suddenly understood.

Ling Yue had already slipped on her slippers and gone to the kitchen: "Don't forget to notify the queen and the others; we're going out to play today, get up early, or else if we sleep until late morning we'll be late leaving."

From the kitchen came a sizzling sound, a fragrance gradually brewing; a pleasant day thus began.

Everyone was very happy; in the suburbs, they are city pets who still don't know what the suburbs are like!

Only the Feng Shui Turtle, hiding both its body and its name.

Yes, this isn't just a simple outing; Ling Yue also has a mission—to obtain the ancient text that the Feng Shui Turtle's master hid here before. This is also the fundamental reason it was captured: because it had been guarding these years' collection, and when basking in the warmth, villagers from the mountains saw it and unluckily caught it to sell to a hotel.

It almost became a dish on a human's plate.

The Feng Shui Turtle lay motionless on the car seat; the big black dog in the back seat was especially excited, sticking out its tongue and looking out the rear window, barking excitedly: "Off on a suburban trip!"

The little dragon fish is still too small, only able to stay home and guard.

As for the Mystic Cat Queen and Xunbao Shu—

Ling Yue instinctively looked up; on the unseen car roof, the Mystic Cat Queen wore a haughty expression as the wind ruffled its fur: "This is where I ought to sit!"

Beside it came a faint sound; Xunbao Shu Duo Duo clung to the safety rope, its bow‑tied tail swaying left and right: "I, I am too!"

The next moment, the car surged forward.

Xunbao Shu suddenly shot up into the air; fortunately Ling Yue had anticipated a possible mishap and prepared a small net to secure it, but—the entire mouse was blown straight up by the strong wind. Golden and gleaming, like a little glowing gold ball.

Xunbao Shu howled: "Woo woo woo, it's me the mouse! I'm going to fly away!"

Mystic Cat Queen: "……"

Look at what you've managed to get!

One must admit, the place where the Feng Shui Turtle lives is indeed a lovely spot of clear mountains and pure waters, far from the city's traffic, with blue skies, white clouds, green hills and clear waters; Ling Yue's heart instantly calmed.

Xunbao Shu fell to the ground with a plop, headfirst into the grass.

Its fluffy golden fur was especially conspicuous against a pile of cool, soft green grass.

"Good grief, how can there be such a fat big rat!"

Passing villagers made a snap decision, hoisting their iron shovels.

A huge shadow suddenly came crashing down; the Xunbao Shu, basking contentedly in the sun, stared intently: "!!!"

I really want to escape!

But I can't get away!