Chapter 11: Apprentice, You’re Really Too Dumb
After wallowing in his bitterness, Old Su began educating his little apprentice.
“Apprentice, you must always remember what your master tells you. Never meddle in matters that aren’t your business. Even if you do get involved, you must take payment.
This isn’t because we’re greedy for money. It’s because money can ward off misfortune—misfortune not only for the client, but for us as well.”
Old Su spoke earnestly, patiently explaining these principles to his apprentice. She was his one and only precious disciple, exceptionally gifted. He had been the one to lead her into the path of feng shui, so it was his responsibility to make these truths clear to her.
Su Keke hurriedly nodded. “Don’t worry, Master. I know all that.”
“You know my ass!” Old Su snapped. “Look at how dumb you are—how could I be at ease? That book The Golden Coffer of Geomancy—I finished it in three days back then, and you took five! Tell me, aren’t you dumb?
“And talisman drawing! When I was four years old, I successfully drew my first talisman in less than a day. You took a full three days—and you were a year older than I was!”
The excited old man spoke with spittle flying, yet his eyes gleamed brightly. It was clearly not the look of someone disappointed in a pupil’s lack of talent.
Su Keke was mortified. She lowered her head in shame.
“Master, diligence can make up for clumsiness. I’ll study even harder from now on.”
Old Su snorted. “Hmph. It’s good that you know how dumb you are. Even though you’ve officially graduated as my apprentice, you still need to keep learning what you should. Go to sleep now—tomorrow morning, pack your things.”
“Master, there’s something else I want to discuss with you.”
Hesitantly, Su Keke told him about how her ‘Uncle’ wanted her to go to school.
She thought she’d definitely get scolded this time, but instead, her master fell unusually silent.
After a long while, Old Su let out a deep sigh.
“Go. It’s good to go out and broaden your horizons. In the past, it was my fault for keeping you too tightly bound—forcing you to learn this and that. When other kids were asking for toys and candy, you were already drawing talismans.”
“Master, I like these things. I don’t find them bitter or tiring at all.”
Old Su looked at her with a face full of gratification.
“Apprentice, you’ve grown up. I’m really happy for you. So from now on, you’ll earn your own tuition. If you ever run out of money, crawl back here—your master will raise you.”
Su Keke bluntly exposed him.
“Master, you’re destined to be broke your whole life. I should be the one raising you.”
Old Su: …
Life was unlivable now—even the little white rabbit knew how to bite back.
Suddenly remembering something, Old Su turned and opened the large wooden chest, taking out a timeworn leather notebook.
“Take this manual with you. If you run into something you don’t understand, call me.”
Su Keke stared at her master in disbelief.
“Master, are you serious? You’re not even dead yet—why are you already passing this treasure to me?”
The notebook he had taken out was handed down from the founding ancestor. It recorded many insights into feng shui, covering numerous fields, and was extremely precious—normally something the old man cherished above all else.
Hearing her words, Old Su really felt like grabbing a frying pan and smacking it against the little girl’s head.
But he couldn’t bear to. Ai—
This was his precious darling. He was counting on her to inherit his legacy.
“Alright, alright. Go sleep. You’re still growing,” Old Su said, yawning as he went back into the inner room.
Only after a quick wash did Su Keke climb into bed, rolling around happily on the wooden bed.
Though they lived in a thatched hut, their hut was actually quite big—just like Uncle’s place, it was a suite. And the bed was the deluxe version among wooden beds.
