With one casual remark, Ye Chen instantly became the target of everyone’s criticism.
Calling Master Xiong a fraud was the same as calling everyone who believed in him an idiot.
Yet Ye Chen himself remained as calm as ever.
Eating his pork knuckle, a faint smile appeared on his face.
In truth, Ye Chen had indeed been contemptuous of Master Xiong, and his muttered complaint was genuine.
But he hadn’t expected his quiet grumbling to be heard by so many people. That was a bit ridiculous.
However, since the opportunity had presented itself, he had to seize it.
He planned to show off his skills sooner or later anyway. With everyone’s attention focused on him, he might as well ride the wave.
Over on his side, Bai Jinghong was also watching with keen anticipation.
The plot hadn’t changed at all. It was exactly the same: Ye Chen would first be questioned and mocked before slapping everyone’s faces.
Bai Jinghong didn’t plan to intervene yet; he was just an observer for now.
Ye Chen smiled. “Heh, perhaps my words just now were a bit harsh. But I must say, when it comes to Feng Shui Physiognomy, I do know a thing or two myself!”
“And I daresay, no one present here surpasses me in proficiency!”
Ye Chen slowly stood up, his expression brimming with confidence.
His words made everyone freeze, and then they burst out laughing.
“‘Know a thing or two’? You don’t know jack! Keep spouting nonsense and I’ll give you a knuckle sandwich!”
“Where did this punk come from, spouting such arrogant boasts? Is he looking down on Master Xiong?”
“I actually think this kid has some guts. Who knows, maybe this is all part of his plan!” one insightful person remarked.
“I’m thinking the same thing. Maybe next, he’ll kneel down before Master Xiong and say: ‘I know you have no children. If you don’t mind, I’d like to care for you in your old age!’”
Master Xiong, being a Master after all, remained calm and composed.
With an air of righteousness, he chuckled. “It seems this young friend has some skill as well.”
“Since he questions my authenticity, shall we each display our abilities?”
A wicked grin stretched across Ye Chen’s face. “Fine, then allow me to demonstrate! My apologies in advance.”
“Which area would Master Xiong like to compete in? Destiny Reading? Feng Shui? Break the Arrangement? Or something else?”
Master Xiong smiled lightly. “Let’s begin with Destiny Reading then!”
Everyone watched on. Since Master Xiong had spoken, they couldn’t say much.
Ye Chen was a Feng Shui Master?
Wu Kai and Liu Tiantian were stunned. Then they both looked towards Ye Chen.
In the next second, it dawned on them: this guy was just a fraud, a con artist!
Both knew that Ye Chen didn’t know a damn thing; he was just grandstanding.
Even if he lost, his name would be out there. After all, he’d be remembered as someone who once competed with Master Xiong.
They absolutely could not allow it!
“Master Xiong, everyone, you’ve all been deceived!”
“This Ye Chen couldn’t possibly know Feng Shui Physiognomy,” Wu Kai was the first to speak.
Liu Tiantian quickly chimed in, “Yes, everyone’s been fooled! He used to be a florist and a delivery driver!”
“And he just got out of prison recently!”
“You’ve all been tricked!”
These words hit the crowd like a thunderclap.
To people who prided themselves on clean records, the phrase “just got out of prison” was an absolute taboo!
Those who already doubted Ye Chen’s claims now looked at him as if he were a ghost.
Many even edged away from him.
Wen Chunyu might have been the only person present supporting Ye Chen.
Listening to these words, she felt a surge of worry for him.
But clearly, her concern was unnecessary. Ye Chen remained perfectly calm, as if they weren’t talking about him at all.
After years of tempering, Ye Chen had been reborn.
Seeing the varied reactions, Liu Tiantian and Wu Kai poured more fuel on the fire, their spears pointed straight at Ye Chen!
“Ye Chen, you’re an ex-con passing yourself off as a Feng Shui Master! What are your intentions?”
“Are you treating everyone here like fools? Or did you come to try your luck and scam some money?”
“Once a con, always a con—a dog can’t change its habit of eating crap!”
Liu Tiantian’s words were a devastating flurry of blows.
“Good! Good! Hahaha!” Over on his side, Bai Jinghong was beside himself with glee, clapping his hands. He might have been the only one clapping!
This drew everyone’s attention to Bai Jinghong.
Seeing Young Master Bai laughing so merrily, some clueless businessmen quickly joined in the clapping.
Seeing Bai Jinghong’s reaction, which she took as support, Liu Tiantian grew even more vicious in her insults!
“Shut up!”
Even though Ye Chen remained unmoved, Wen Chunyu couldn’t listen anymore.
Such humiliating words were trampling all over Ye Chen’s dignity.
“Who are you two to judge my friend? I can personally vouch for Ye Chen—he is a Feng Shui Master!”
Wen Chunyu was furious now, her determination to defend Ye Chen so fierce she was practically making a public guarantee.
Her gaze was so resolute it looked like she was about to take a party oath!
Bai Jinghong knew it was time to join the fun.
He stood up and, under the crowd’s gaze, walked step by step towards Ye Chen.
Following behind him were Qin Chuchu and Fan Ning’er.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today I’m just here to watch the excitement.”
“But I really am quite interested to see the abilities of this Master Ye Chen!”
As he spoke, Bai Jinghong deliberately placed his hand on Ye Chen’s shoulder.
The Copy Ring on his finger silently copied Ye Chen’s Feng Shui Physiognomy abilities.
If the ring didn’t require physical contact, he really wouldn’t have bothered touching Ye Chen.
Feeling Bai Jinghong’s touch, Ye Chen felt a surge of disgust. He shifted, trying to shrug the hand off.
But to his shock, he couldn’t move his shoulder away at all.
A wave of alarm washed over him!
“Come on, carry on. I’m just an observer. Master Xiong, I’m rooting for you!”
Bai Jinghong stepped aside. Fan Ning’er had already pulled up a chair for him.
Yun Mengxi really wanted to go over to Bai Jinghong’s side.
But seeing he was already flanked by two beauties, she hesitated and shrank back.
She could only stand quietly off to the side.
Bai Jinghong’s last words suddenly made things click for some in the crowd.
Clearly, Bai Jinghong was also not fond of this Ye Chen.
Ye Chen stepped forward. “Since we’re comparing Destiny Reading, is there anyone willing for me to read their destiny?”
Ye Chen swept his gaze around.
No one volunteered.
“I’ll do it!” a voice suddenly said.
A woman stepped out. She wore a shimmering blue blazer over a short, wavy bob. She looked to be in her forties and had a prosperous face.
Ye Chen smiled. “How should I address you?”
The woman smiled too, but then suddenly turned serious and proper. She introduced herself to the crowd:
“Three sentences—and a man spent one hundred and eighteen thousand on me. I am a female lecturer, highly skilled at making men spend money on me, and a master of human psychology!”
“Just two days ago, I was having dinner with a male friend. As soon as I sat down, I immediately asked: ‘Wowza, I’m so gorgeous today—I’ll give you a chance to compliment me…’”
“Oh for the love of—! This crazy broad is just advertising! Get out! Someone else! Get lost!”
Halfway through her ad, she was chased away.
Just then, a short, chubby man walked into the center.
“Read my destiny!” the round, stout man declared resolutely, standing his ground.
Ye Chen regarded him very seriously, circling him twice before sighing and shaking his head.
“Well? Have you seen anything or not?” the chubby man asked, his tone clearly annoyed.
Ye Chen sighed again. “Your Destiny Pattern, sir, can be summed up in one word: ‘Tragic’!”
This pronouncement sent a wave of shock through the audience.
The chubby man furrowed his brow. “Be more specific!”
“Everyone’s heard of the ‘Lone Star of Heavenly Calamity’. But this gentleman’s case is even worse. His Destiny Pattern is the ‘Suide Pattern’—it clashes with his kin!” Ye Chen explained.
“You’re the only one left in your family, aren’t you? Relatives have died either from illness or misfortune. Many people shun you, making you feel deeply uneasy. That’s why I say your destiny is ‘Tragic’ and that you are lonely.”
Bai Jinghong watched and listened from the side. He had to admit, the guy did have some real skill.
But how could Bai Jinghong let Ye Chen pass so smoothly?
