Trafford's Trading Club

630: Chapter 43: Karmic Fire Before the Buddha’s Lamp 630: Chapter 43: Karmic Fire Before the Buddha’s Lamp It’s still Hongfu Tower.

Before coming here, Xiao Yu Cheng was deep in thought, feeling quite surprised that Da Zhe could persuade Master Jin.

Although the old man has kept a low profile for the past decade, looking like he’s just waiting to die in a nursing home, you still have to give him some face.

The fortunate part was that his idiot subordinates got lost and went somewhere else last night, and didn’t make a move.

Otherwise, dealing with the old man today would have been tricky.

But… two places that are worlds apart, with signposts all the way, and those guys, being locals, still managed to get lost?

It’s like seeing a ghost.

Xiao Yu Cheng plastered a smile on his face, then pushed open the door of the private room and immediately laughed, “Ah, Elder Jin!

Elder Jin, long time no see!

Sorry I’m late.

I’ll punish myself with three glasses later!

What?

Haven’t ordered yet?

Waiter!”

Da Zhe and Master Jin had already arrived early, sitting there drinking tea. “Xiao Yu Cheng, stop shouting,” Master Jin chuckled, waving him over.

Xiao Yu Cheng sat down directly but never once looked Da Zhe in the eye, “Come on, Elder Jin, let me serve you some tea!” “Ha, rare to see you with such intentions,” Master Jin’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Xiao Yu Cheng, with a similar smile, said, “What are you saying!

When I first started out, even if I wasn’t under you, our headquarters and your turf were brotherly allies, right?

You’re an elder; you’ll always be one!” “Truly considerate, it’s rare to find young people like you these days,” Master Jin nodded, “Xiao Yu Cheng, since you mentioned some ties, shouldn’t you be more measured in your actions?” “Elder Jin, you’re exaggerating.” Xiao Yu Cheng laughed, “Am I the kind of person who doesn’t know his limits?

If I were, I wouldn’t have lasted this long.”

Master Jin squinted, “So you and Da Zhe aren’t here to settle things over drinks today?” “Of course not!” Xiao Yu Cheng slapped the table and said, “We’re here to chat and drink tea with you, right…

Da Zhe, don’t you agree?”

Da Zhe took a deep breath, nodded, raised his cup to Xiao Yu Cheng, and said, “President Xiao, forgive me if I’ve offended you.

This toast is for you.” “Small matter; we’re civilized people,” Xiao Yu Cheng downed his drink without putting on airs, then suddenly appeared displeased, “But Da Zhe, you’re really something.

If you said you’re Master Jin’s man, we wouldn’t have had that clash yesterday, right?

Fine, I’ll find someone else to do the original work.

If you don’t want to do it, don’t!

There’ll be plenty of opportunities in the future, and I’ll keep you in mind!

We’re family; let’s make money together!” “Let’s discuss it later.” Da Zhe nodded calmly.

At this moment, Xiao Yu Cheng said again, “Elder Jin, you’re the one at fault here!”

Master Jin curiously asked, “How am I at fault, this old man?”

Xiao Yu Cheng said, “Aren’t you?

Why didn’t you tell me sooner that Da Zhe is one of yours?

If I had known, how could I have had him do all those tiring tasks?

Weren’t you setting me up?

What if word got out that I, Xiao Yu Cheng, mistreated your people, how would I face others?

Don’t you think you’re in the wrong?” “Alright,” Master Jin chuckled, “Listening to you, you might be right.

Tell you what, I’ll punish myself with three glasses later.” “Three glasses aren’t enough!” Xiao Yu Cheng said, displeased but with a smile, and upon seeing Master Jin’s barely perceptible frown, he laughed loudly, “Of course, until we’re all drunk, right?!” …

The meal went on for a long time.

Though they said they’d drink until drunk, they were all heavy drinkers and only got slightly tipsy.

After Xiao Yu Cheng’s driver came to pick him up, Da Tou ventured out to quietly get Master Jin and Da Zhe into the car.

In the car, Master Jin counted prayer beads, his face flushed, smiling as he said, “This Xiao Yu Cheng is something.

You saw tonight; this venomous snake…

I reckon it’s not that simple, but he probably won’t dare act recklessly.

This guy has gotten cocky.

I remember him being much less arrogant when the folks on this road came to celebrate my birthday years ago.

Hmm…

Da Zhe, try to minimize contact with him in the future.” “I noticed,” Da Zhe nodded. “Old man, where to now?” Da Tou turned and asked.

Master Jin said calmly, “Let’s go back to my place.

Da Tou, spend the night at mine; I have something I need you to help with tonight.” “Sure thing!” Da Tou chuckled, “Elder, you want me to massage your back?” “What, trying to find a job at my place?” Master Jin smiled, “Seeing this old face might still be of some use, and now you’re thinking about it?” “Well… heh heh.” “Drive, we’ll talk later,” Master Jin waved his hand.

Da Zhe did not get involved in the conversation between Master Jin and Da Tou.

He just silently leaned back, holding a key given to him by Luo Qiu.

Thinking of it now, because the matters concerning Xiao Yu Cheng seem to have paused…

Da Zhe suddenly wondered how to return this key to its owner.

This kind of house key. … …

The sound of knocking.

Luo Qiu was at home looking at the photo albums he pulled out from upstairs, containing more photos of his father, grandfather, and grandmother when they were young.

Looking at them now, his father didn’t really resemble either his grandfather or grandmother in appearance…

Ever since he unexpectedly heard this truth from Grandma Xiao Chun, Luo Qiu felt as if many ties between himself and the current world had been severed.

A very subtle feeling…

It doesn’t seem all that regrettable, and the extent of surprise in his heart was far less than he imagined, as if subconsciously he could quite accept this change.

But at the same time, another connection with the present world seemed to form unconsciously…

But the knocking interrupted his thoughts.

This late-night visitor was none other than his cousin Luo Zheng, the son of his uncle Luo Shan. “Brother Zheng, what’s brought you here at this hour?” Luo Qiu opened the door to greet him. “You must be worn out these past days,” Luo Zheng said as he came in.

Luo Qiu poured some tea, shook his head, and said, “I haven’t done much, but you all must be exhausted.

You’ve gone several nights without rest, right?”

Luo Zheng sighed and then silently sat there, “I just want to sit for a bit, clear my head…

The atmosphere at home isn’t good, I’m stressed.” “It’s okay,” Luo Qiu said, sitting down again, looking at the album in his hands.

Luo Zheng looked at Luo Qiu, lost in thought, not knowing what he was considering until Luo Qiu raised his head and asked, “Is something the matter?”

Luo Zheng leaned closer, hesitated, and then asked, “Hey Luo Qiu, you’re educated, could you counsel me a bit?”

Luo Qiu closed the album, smiling, “Let’s talk about it.

Besides, my opinion may not be great.

The key is how you yourself feel.” “Just asking,” Luo Zheng shook his head, then earnestly said, “I mean, Luo Qiu, do you think I should inform Da Zhe about grandma’s situation?

Oh, he’s my former brother-in-law, you’ve seen him once on your way here, remember?”

Luo Qiu nodded, suddenly asking, “Why are you hesitant?” “Isn’t it because the family doesn’t like him,” Luo Zheng said helplessly, “But to be honest, Da Zhe, he’s done a lot of crap outside, but he’s actually kind to us.

You saw it yourself, right?

The day he picked you up, he slipped me stuff, never asking for anything, sometimes even giving me money for my sister’s kid.” “So you want to call him?”

Luo Zheng nodded, “Yeah, even if he’s just from the neighboring village, he’d come to pay respects, right?

Especially since Da Zhe showed some heart before.

Not telling him… feels unfair.

Not allowing him to mourn… it’s uncomfortable.

But I’m worried about upsetting my parents and sister, making things awkward.”

Luo Qiu smiled, “You seem quite concerned about this former brother-in-law?”

Luo Zheng sighed, “When my sister married Da Zhe, I was just this young, right?

I would follow him around like he was a hero.

Back then, Da Zhe ran a repair shop himself.

Though small, he took good care of us.

Honestly, I even thought of learning how to fix cars from him when I grew up.” “You’re doing quite well now.”

Luo Zheng said, “It’s just getting by; nothing special.

Everyone has to figure things out for themselves, can’t rely on others forever.”

Luo Qiu smiled, “You seem quite concerned about your former brother-in-law?”

Luo Zheng sighed, “Well, I was close to him.

My sister married him, and when you came down, he gave me some stuff, never asked for anything, sometimes even giving me pocket money for my sister’s kid.” “And so you’re considering telling him?”

Luo Zheng nodded, “Yes, but I’m worried my parents, my dad, mom, and sister, won’t be happy and might cause trouble.”

Luo Qiu smiled, “You seem quite fond of your former brother-in-law.”

Luo Zheng sighed, “Well, I’m just making a living right now, there’s nothing good about it or bad.

A person has to think for themselves, right?”

Luo Qiu replied, “But you’re doing well now.” “Maybe it’s because there’s no one at home to talk to?” Luo Zheng said: “Actually, it’s not easy to talk about… and besides, you’ve seen Da Zhe, at least as an observer or something, chatting without pressure…

Of course, I’m not saying we’re not close!

Just that we seldom keep in touch.” “So, what do you think of him?” “Think of him?” Luo Zheng hesitated, lost in thought for a while, then sighed: “I feel it’s a pity…

To be honest, even now, I still can’t understand why Da Zhe has been such a jerk all these years.

He wasn’t like that in my impression.

Actually, after my sister’s death, she kept visiting him in prison for a while, but he wouldn’t see anyone, wouldn’t say anything, like… like he was soulless.

Oh, and the divorce was proposed by Da Zhe himself in prison.

Later, again and again, he came out and went back in, then out, then back in again, like he’d given up on himself.” “Haven’t you asked him?

Since you couldn’t understand?” Luo Qiu asked.

Luo Zheng sighed: “I have, why not?

But when the topic comes up, he always avoids it… once when we were talking, he seemed drunk and said something about… needing to return something, that he had to return it.

Then he just passed out, and when he came back to his senses, he didn’t say anything.

I figured maybe it had to do with Da Zhe and his buddies kidnapping and killing the kid back then.”

Saying this, Luo Zheng looked at Luo Qiu, scratched his head, and said: “You don’t know, do you?

I haven’t really talked about it before.”

Luo Qiu smiled and said: “Actually, I’ve looked up the old news on my phone.” “Impressive you found it.” Luo Zheng shook his head, looking complicated: “That incident caused quite a stir back then.

I later heard the kid’s mother cried herself blind, then his father’s clothing factory went bankrupt, and he ran off, leaving his wife alone with a pile of debt.

I’ve heard the kid’s mom attempted suicide multiple times.

I think the boss’s name was Cheng Gong or something… forgot.

So, just like that, not only did they kill a child, but they shattered a family.

You don’t know, back then because of this, my sister’s work was hard, always being pointed at and talked about, crying when she got home…

It was only later, when she met her current husband, that life slowly improved, and she started anew.

Sometimes I think maybe it’s a good thing my sister didn’t persist, otherwise she wouldn’t have found such a good life…

Let me tell you, my sister just got pregnant recently, two months now, but she’s put on a little weight, being thirty-five or thirty-six, it’s normal for her figure to change, you probably didn’t notice.

But let me tell you, my sister was really beautiful when she was young!” “Want to have a midnight snack?” Luo Qiu stood up, checked the time, and looked at Luo Zheng.

Luo Zheng rubbed his belly, “Ah, that’s a great idea!

You do it, I’ll go get some beer?

You drink, right?

College students aren’t scared!

At least we’re brothers!” “Sure.” … …

After returning to Master Jin’s villa-like nursing home residence, Master Jin didn’t say anything, just let Da Zhe stay alone in the Buddhist hall, then took Da Tou to another room, directing here and there.

Da Tou was sweating from moving things but dared not utter a word of complaint… yet curiously asked: “Old Master, what are these tables, yellow cloths, and what is this?

Peachwood sword?

Coins?

Do you know how to set up a ceremony and perform a ritual?” “Not a ritual, do you believe in exorcising ghosts?” Master Jin said with a smile.

Da Tou looked at the setup here and there, “Exorcise, exorcise ghosts!?

Old Master, don’t scare me, I’m Da Tou, I’m timid!”

Da Tou had heard of the old master’s unusual skills… though it was just a rumor. “Relax, even if there are ghosts, you can’t see them.” Master Jin took a brush, dipped it in a bit of cinnabar, and started writing something on yellow paper, saying: “You’re filthy and sordid, even ghosts won’t seek you.” “But, but if there really are ghosts, even if I can’t see them, they can see me!

Old Master, this is chilling!

Are you kidding?”

Master Jin couldn’t be bothered with him much, suddenly asking: “By the way, has Da Zhe recently gone to see Sister Lin?”

Da Tou hurriedly approached Master Jin, lowered his voice: “Old Master, please don’t tell Brother Zhe about this… especially don’t say I told you!” “Why?

I’ve put in effort and work, almost laid down flat, not worthy of knowing this?” “That’s not what I mean, Old Master, you’re certainly qualified!” Da Tou quickly said: “When Da Zhe had me do something, registered something with the Red Cross Society, asked me to handle real estate…

Where would I find that?

If you want me to find girls for fun, I can get a dozen easily, but I really don’t know how to deal with this!

If I hadn’t found you, and you weren’t kind enough to help with taking care of these things, would I, Da Tou, have been able to handle so much back then!

But, my Brother Zhe’s temper, you know, if he hadn’t gone back inside when it came to arranging real estate for Sister Lin, he wouldn’t have needed me.” “Okay, okay, I just asked if Da Zhe has recently gone to find Sister Lin, why are you saying so much?” Master Jin glared at Da Tou displeasedly. “He did, just yesterday.” Da Tou nodded: “But to say, Sister Lin is quite pitiful too.

At this point, she completely doesn’t remember having a son, that her husband ran off ages ago, just thinks she’s an unfortunate, blind orphaned old lady.

Clearly, she’s not even forty, but looks like she’s fifty or sixty.” “So he did go…” Master Jin nodded, suddenly said: “Da Tou, do you have Sister Lin’s birth date characters?” “Huh?

When handling real estate, I did have the ID copy, but that’s not the birth date characters?” Da Tou was stunned: “Why do you want them?” “ID is fine, use the perpetual calendar to find the lunar date for me.” Master Jin glared, “Don’t ask anything else, just do as I say!

Also, keep this charm with you!” “What’s this?

A peace charm?” “Yes!

You have a female ghost eyeing you, waiting to have some fun!” “Female ghost!” Da Tou’s eyes lit up: “That’s nice, I like that…”

Master Jin rolled his eyes, grabbed a ceramic bowl, and ran outside, saying he was going to gather some dew from the son’s time. …

In front of the Buddhist hall, Da Zhe stood in front of the Guanyin Statue as instructed by Master Jin, closing his eyes, emptying his thoughts.

The more he emptied, the clearer some voices became.

Still in prison. “Da Zhe… did you hear?

That kid, he’s come for me!

He’s come for me!!

He’s come for me!!!” “Brother Zhe, Brother Zhe… last night when I was sleeping in the cabin, I saw… saw…

Dragon said, he’s come to take our lives… he saw it too… when taking a shower… water, water…” “What do we do… what do we do…

Xiao Hu, he…

Xiao Hu hanged himself yesterday!

Took advantage of the guards not noticing… hanged himself…

It’s, it’s after me!

I’m next, I’m next…

I’m next…

I’m next…” … “My child!!

My son… give him back to me… give him back to me!!

Heaven… give him back!

My son…” … “Da Zhe… are you really going to divorce me?” … “Save me…” … “Don’t come!

None of you come!!!” “Xiao Hu!!

Don’t be impulsive!!” … “Brother Zhe, heard Dragon also died inside, they say he died of illness…

Alas, another one less known.” … “Thank you, Gan Jing, Sister Lin will make something delicious for you…

If Sister Lin really had a son like you, she’d be so happy.

You’re such a good boy.” “Sister Lin, actually I…” “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, nothing…” … “Like you, a policeman’s son, wouldn’t you have some opinion on someone like me who’s been to prison?” “But you’re out now, aren’t you?” …

Da Zhe suddenly opened his eyes, in front of the Guanyin Statue, he knelt down with a thud.

Before the Buddha, the green light of the Karmic Fire, fragrance curls in smoke.