As they drove to the Temple street, Xu Shaowen initially prepared to accompany Cai Yongcheng. However, upon arrival, Cai Yongcheng hesitated and said, “Xiao Lin, you and Old Li go ahead and test that fortune-teller’s abilities first.”

“Mr. Cai, this…”

Xu Shaowen looked visibly surprised, clearly not expecting Cai Yongcheng to change his mind after coming this far.

Secretary Lin and the driver, Old Li, acknowledged the instruction. The driver parked the car in a discreet location before heading out with Secretary Lin.

Only then did Cai Yongcheng explain to Xu Shaowen, “Old Xu, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but my face appears in the papers often. If that fortune-teller knows about my family, it’ll be hard to tell if what they say is genuine. Xiao Lin and Old Li are less likely to be recognized. If this fortune-teller is truly skilled, they won’t be fooled by Xiao Lin.”

“You make a fair point,” Xu Shaowen nodded after a moment of reflection, understanding Cai Yongcheng’s caution. After years of being deceived, Cai Yongcheng had become numb. He no longer feared losing money, but he dreaded being cheated out of hope.

Given Cai Yongcheng’s fragile health, he couldn’t afford the highs and lows of misplaced trust.

Old Li, who was doing this kind of thing for the first time, couldn’t help but glance back at the car as they approached Gu Xicao’s stall. In a low voice, he asked Secretary Lin, “Miss Lin, the boss asked us to test this fortune-teller, but how exactly should we go about it? I don’t know the first thing about fortune-telling!”

Lin Lianhe chuckled. “Uncle Li, don’t worry. Just follow my lead. Pretend to be my father. How about that?”

“Alright, alright. I’ll leave it all to you!” Old Li patted his chest, visibly relieved.

He trusted Lin Lianhe’s capabilities. Unlike what Cai Qi and others had gossiped about—claiming she got her position through her looks—Lin Lianhe had proven herself many times over by handling crucial tasks for Cai Yongcheng. Her abilities far surpassed those of someone like Cai Qi.

As they spoke, the two arrived at Gu Xicao’s stall.

Thanks to the newspaper coverage, Gu Xicao had already served five or six clients earlier in the day. She was now enjoying a break, sipping watermelon juice and chatting with Wang Laoshi, when she noticed the pair approaching. Turning her head, she took a good look at them.

“Are you the fortune-teller, Miss Gu?”

Lin Lianhe asked with a polite smile, her arm linked with Old Li’s. “I’d like to have my fortune read.”

Gu Xicao glanced at Lin Lianhe, then at Old Li. She straightened up in her seat and gestured, “Please, take a seat. How should I address you both?”

“My surname is Lin—Lin Lianhe. This is my old dad,” Lin Lianhe said with a smile.

Upon seeing Gu Xicao in person, Lin Lianhe’s eyes briefly flickered with surprise. The black-and-white photo in the paper hadn’t done justice to this young woman’s appearance. While she’d known the fortune-teller was supposed to be young, seeing her in person was still unexpected. Dressed in a short-sleeve top and jeans, Gu Xicao looked just like any ordinary girl. Had she not been sitting behind a fortune-telling stall, no one would associate her with the trade.

Gu Xicao glanced at Old Li and then back at Lin Lianhe, her lips curling into a faint smile. “Alright, Miss Lin, what would you like me to predict? My services cost 188 yuan—payment first, reading after.”

Without hesitation, Lin Lianhe handed over the money.

After Gu Xicao gave her the change, Lin Lianhe said, “I’d like to ask about my marriage prospects. I plan to marry my boyfriend, but my father here is worried. My boyfriend’s an orphan, you see.”

Old Li chimed in, “Exactly! I’m not trying to be picky, but my daughter is very capable. As parents, we naturally hope she can marry someone with good prospects, so she won’t have to suffer.”

“This gentleman and Miss Lin are truly a match made in heaven,” Gu Xicao said as she calculated on her fingers. “Their marriage will be a rare blessing, and they will enjoy smooth sailing after tying the knot. From what I see, they’ve known each other since childhood—like two peas in a pod, supporting each other through life. Am I correct?”

“This…”

Old Li, clueless about Lin Lianhe’s relationship history, instinctively looked at her.

Lin Lianhe, slightly surprised, nodded. “That’s right. We’ve been childhood sweethearts for as long as I can remember.”

Old Li was taken aback.

Gu Xicao continued, “By the way, Miss Lin, you and this gentleman here aren’t father and daughter, are you? You’re colleagues.”

At these words, both Lin Lianhe and Old Li were stunned.

“How… how did you know?” Old Li stammered, his mouth agape.

“I calculated it. You two act convincingly, but my calculations tell me otherwise,” Gu Xicao said with a shake of her head. “Miss Lin, you lost your parents at a young age and grew up in an orphanage. This gentleman, however, has three children—two sons and a daughter—and encountered a benefactor early in life, living comfortably ever since. There’s no way you two could be related.”

Old Li nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes! I really do have two sons and a daughter.”

Having worked for Cai Yongcheng for so many years, he’d met plenty of so-called “master fortune-tellers.” Yet, none had been as accurate as this young woman.

In the Mercedes parked nearby, Cai Yongcheng sat watching the stall through the window. From his vantage point, he could clearly see Gu Xicao’s setup.

Leaning on his cane, Cai Yongcheng watched intently as Secretary Lin and Old Li conversed animatedly with the so-called “Master Gu.” He couldn’t hear their words, but he noticed Old Li gesticulating wildly, saliva flying as he spoke. Even the usually composed Secretary Lin appeared surprised.

Xu Shaowen, who stood beside Cai, also observed the scene. He whispered, “This master truly seems to have some abilities, Mr. Cai. Perhaps your decades-long wish may finally come true today.”

“I hope so.” Cai sighed deeply. As he looked up, he noticed Gu Xicao walking toward them from her stall.

Startled, Cai Yongcheng asked in disbelief, “Is she coming toward us?”

Xu nodded after a quick glance. “It seems like it. Maybe Secretary Lin or Old Li mentioned us?”

“That’s impossible. Secretary Lin would never overstep her bounds,” Cai Yongcheng said firmly, just as Gu Xicao tapped on the car window.

After a moment’s hesitation, Cai Yongcheng rolled the window down. “Miss, how can I help you?”

Gu Xicao’s gaze swept over Cai Yongcheng and Xu Shaowen. She smiled lightly and said, “Why don’t you gentlemen step out? It’ll be easier to discuss your concerns in person.”

Secretary Lin and Old Li had caught up by now and quickly interjected, “Mr. Cai, we didn’t tell her you were here!”

“Indeed, she just started walking toward this direction on her own,” Old Li quickly clarified, trying to absolve himself.

Xu Shaowen chuckled and turned to Cai Yongcheng. “Well, Mr. Cai, do you believe now that this master truly has abilities? Why don’t we step out and speak with her?”

Though intrigued, Cai Yongcheng remained cautious. Gripping his cane tightly, he asked, “Very well, but does the master know what I’m here to ask?”

Gu Xicao smiled. “Mr. Cai is here to seek help finding your lost son, isn’t that correct?”

Secretary Lin’s pupils contracted in shock. “We haven’t mentioned this to her!”

Cai Yongcheng’s face remained composed, though inwardly he was astonished. “That’s correct. You’re quite accurate. However, discussing this matter at a street stall might draw attention. Let’s go to a more private location. If you can help me find my son, money will not be an issue.”

Xu added, “Exactly. Master Gu, Mr. Cai is a well-known figure. A public place like this isn’t suitable for private matters. Would you mind accompanying us? If you’re worried, feel free to bring someone along.”

After a moment’s thought, Gu Xicao nodded. “Give me a moment.”

She returned to her stall and persuaded Wang Laoshi to accompany her.

As they prepared to leave, Wang Laoshi couldn’t help but marvel, “Xiao Gu, you’ve really made it big! Even someone like Cai Yongcheng is seeking your help!”

“Is he that famous?” Gu Xicao asked, genuinely curious.

“Famous? Extremely famous! He’s the Toy King. But what’s even more well-known is that he’s been searching for his son for over two decades. Everyone in our line of work knows about this.”

As they approached the car, old Li eagerly opened the door for Gu Xicao. Unperturbed, she gracefully entered and sat beside Cai Yongcheng, while Wang Laoshi took the front passenger seat.

Once seated, Cai Yongcheng suggested, “Master Gu, I’d like to discuss this at my home. It’s more private and convenient. Does that suit you?”

“Of course, that works perfectly.”

As the car drove off, Gu Xicao glanced around the interior. The spacious and luxurious design was unlike anything she’d ever seen. Even decades later, such cars would still exude elegance.

Cai Yongcheng quietly observed Gu Xicao. This car had been custom-built overseas at a cost of several million. Even prominent figures were often awestruck by its opulence.

Yet, this young woman, despite her modest attire and background, displayed neither greed nor discomfort. Instead, she carried herself with ease and dignity.

Her composure stood in stark contrast to the countless so-called “masters” Cai Yongcheng had encountered, who often revealed flashes of avarice or nervousness in his presence. This unexpected grace gave Cai Yongcheng a glimmer of hope that perhaps, this time, he might truly find his son.

The car pulled into a grand estate on Tai Ping Mountain. As they approached the main entrance, a large fountain came into view, causing Wang Laoshi’s jaw to drop in awe.

The vehicle came to a halt, and Lao Li hurried to open the door. However, Cai Yongcheng gestured toward Gu Xicao. “Open the door for Master Gu first.”

Gu Xicao declined politely, “No need, Mr. Cai. I can manage.”

She stepped out, taking in the fresh mountain air. Meanwhile, Wang Laoshi relished the rare experience of being treated like a VIP.

“Strange, why isn’t anyone here to greet us?” Cai Yongcheng frowned, scanning the entrance.

Secretary Lin jogged over, explaining, “Perhaps Aunt Liu and the others are busy. Allow me to assist you inside, Mr. Cai.”

Before she could, Xu Shaowen stepped in. “I’ll help him. You should welcome Master Gu.”

As Cai Yongcheng and Xu Shaowen entered the mansion, Cai Qi suddenly appeared with a wide grin, followed by a flustered Aunt Liu and several other staff members.

“Godfather! My mom and I brought our luggage over to surprise you. Aren’t you happy to see us?”