Eighteen: The Third Free Divination

Yun Ran looked directly into the girl’s somewhat unfocused eyes. “You must have been to the hospital many times, yet they can’t find anything wrong. The doctors can only say you’re mentally exhausted and need more rest.”

The girl had only been pushed roughly into a seat and hadn’t been paying attention to the commotion before, so she didn’t realize Yun Ran was someone with real skills. Plus, her mind was a bit sluggish, so she didn’t think much of this precious fortune-telling opportunity.

But now, hearing Yun Ran’s words, she suddenly jolted, disbelief washing over her face. “How do you know that?”

If she weren’t the one involved, she might have suspected the young girl before her was some kind of plant.

The onlookers, already experienced with such scenes, quickly exchanged knowing glances, silently signaling the girl, “This little master here really has some skill.”

The girl had nearly been driven mad recently, her work suffering, and her planned promotion slipping away. Thinking of all this, she couldn’t hold back tears, her eyes reddening instantly.

“I’ve been so forgetful lately, not feeling well mentally…”

The onlookers were startled. “Miss, don’t cry. If you’re unwell, just get proper treatment. Medicine is very advanced nowadays.”

“Exactly, you’re still young. Whatever obstacle you face, you’ll get through it.”

These people, while making a ruckus, were genuinely sincere when it came to offering help.

Perhaps buoyed by emotion and comforted by the kindness of strangers, the girl finally found a way to vent, pouring out all her misfortunes.

In short, her finances, career, and love life were all in shambles.

Some older bystanders frowned as they listened. “Sounds like she’s possessed.”

“Even if it’s not possession, someone must be scheming against her. People nowadays are full of malice and jealousy. Stir up a little trouble and you’re doomed.”

The chubby group of aristocratic school students, hearing about such bad luck, felt a rare flicker of sympathy despite their usual arrogance.

“Miss, don’t worry so much. If work’s no good, just switch jobs. My family runs a company—I can arrange a position for you.”

Yun Ran’s gaze immediately fell on the speaker, curious to see which wealthy and somewhat foolish benefactor was offering help.

Her eyes met those of Qu Ziwei, who looked embarrassed—not because her posturing was exposed, but because she had spoken ill of Yun Ran earlier.

Although Yun Ran’s look was calm, Qu Ziwei felt mocked and shot a sharp glare at her.

But leaving was out of the question. Qu Ziwei averted her eyes, determined to watch the spectacle through to the end.

---

After venting, the girl felt much better, her spirit noticeably lighter.

She looked at Yun Ran sheepishly. “Sorry for making a scene.”

“I told you, your appearance here today is fate. I’m meant to help you.”

With that, everyone watched as Yun Ran made a few gestures in the air before placing her hand gently on the girl’s forehead.

“You’ve lost your soul. I’ll help you bring it back!”

The crowd was stunned.

If they had believed Yun Ran’s earlier fortune-telling, they now felt she was no different from a charlatan.

Just as they were about to voice their skepticism, something unexpected happened.

The bright sunny sky above suddenly darkened as a cloud drifted over, casting a shadow on them.

Through the haze, they seemed to see a white figure floating toward them.

When Yun Ran touched the girl’s forehead, the girl appeared dazed, but then a warm current flowed through her, making her feel completely at ease.

Yun Ran withdrew her hand, and the girl opened her eyes. Her previously pale complexion had turned rosy, and her once scattered gaze was now focused.

The onlookers saw the vague shadow merge with the girl.

Then the cloud that had blocked the sun dissipated, and sunlight bathed them once more.

“Did you see that just now?”

“Yeah, that wasn’t a trick—the cloud really floated over!”

“My goodness, she’s a true master!”

…

Having sold three talismans for peace without any leftovers, Yun Ran considered her task for the day complete.

“The three free fortunes for today are over. I’m closing up now!”

But just as she reached to pack up, someone stopped her.

“Master, please tell my fortune!”

“I want one too! This is the real deal!”

Yun Ran was used to such scenes and calmly waved her hands to quiet the crowd.

“The free readings are finished, and I only do three per day. Please disperse.”

But how could these people leave after encountering a genuine master? They begged her for more.

Some can only do three readings a day because more would harm them, and Yun Ran was naturally lazy. Besides, selling talismans and doing feng shui paid better, so she was reluctant to break her limit.

The aristocratic students had all been pushed out, looking bewildered.

Qu Ziwei, whose shoes had been stepped on multiple times, was furious. “Are these people crazy? It’s just fortune-telling, no need to act like this!”

Her friend beside her, however, whispered mysteriously, “I think I saw a shadow just now. Maybe Yun Ran really is powerful.”

“You saw it too?”

“Yes, I was almost scared!”

…

The supervising teacher, intending to keep an eye on Yun Ran, saw how unruly the crowd had become and called over the school security.

“Escort Yun Ran out so she doesn’t get hurt by these strangers.”

Knowing the delicate status of these young nobles, the security hurriedly separated the crowd.

Only then did Yun Ran pack up her stall. The ambulance called earlier had arrived, and the girl was taken away before she could thank Yun Ran.

“Master, will you come again tomorrow? Even if it’s not free!”

Yun Ran shook her head. “If there’s nothing particularly troubling you, I don’t recommend fortune-telling lightly.”