The dark energy surrounding the old lady’s health palace had finally dissipated, and she was in good health now. It seemed the rabies vaccine had done its job.

“That’s good, that’s really good,” Aunt Wang sighed in relief, placing the apple on the table, her eyes showing hesitation as if she wanted to say more.

“Aunt Wang, is there something on your mind?”

“Well, it’s nothing really… I’m just curious,” Aunt Wang coughed awkwardly. “I have to say, you’re usually so quiet, but it turns out you’ve mastered such a rare skill.”

Old Dai finally had someone to carry on his legacy.

“You’re too kind, Aunt Wang. It’s just something I picked up over time, nothing more than the basics.”

Even if she inherited her family’s craft, she wasn’t planning on making a living off it right outside her doorstep. That would only bring unnecessary trouble.

“That’s already impressive enough…” Aunt Wang squeezed her hand and sighed. “Life is getting better these days, and everyone’s scrambling to make a little extra money. Even though they’re still cracking down on superstitions, no one’s really making a big deal out of it anymore. As long as you have real skills and aren’t out to deceive people, it’s fine.”

Nowadays, things were more relaxed. In some corners of the park on weekends, or under the bridge, people would sit on small stools with cardboard signs offering their services. The city patrols only came by occasionally and rarely caused any issues.

“Don’t worry, Aunt Wang. I’ll be starting at the textile factory in a few days.”

At the moment, the factory had decent benefits, and the pay was relatively high. Working there for a year or two seemed like a good option. Of course, there was another important reason for her decision—revenge. Liu Ming had been working at the factory for five or six years now.

“Oh right, I almost forgot about that! You’re going to be an official worker at the textile factory now. Fortune-telling may not be a stable profession, after all. You’re still a young woman—you can’t let this affect your chances of marriage.”

Aunt Wang clapped her hands, her eyes lighting up. “When the time comes, I’ll help you find a reliable young man. You can meet a few and see who you like. Now that they encourage free love, we’ll take our time and find the best match.”

This girl had no family to rely on—it was quite pitiful. Aunt Wang was determined to look out for her.

Seeing the eager gleam in Aunt Wang’s eyes, Dai Qing forced a smile. Sometimes, too much enthusiasm could be overwhelming.

“Thank you, Aunt Wang. But for now, I’m not thinking about dating. I’d like to settle into my job first.”

Ever since the new marriage law had changed in 1980, women couldn’t legally marry until they were 20. It was the perfect excuse.

“Oh, I know, I’m not rushing you. I’ll just keep an eye out, and if someone suitable comes along, I’ll introduce you. As long as we don’t delay your marriage at 20, it’s all good.”

Dai Qing shook her head repeatedly. Could she just say she never wanted to get married in this lifetime?

For the next few days, she stayed home practicing her fortune-telling techniques. By the last day, she finally felt a warm sensation in her dantian and became aware of the energy flowing through her body. After a cycle, she felt clear-headed, and her vision became sharper.

The next morning, after breakfast, she grabbed her introduction letter and employment notice and headed straight to the textile factory’s HR department.

Upon entering the factory gates, she saw a small square leading up to a three-story office building. All the departments were housed there, including the security office and the manager’s office.

Just as she was about to head up the stairs to the second floor, she heard the sound of hurried footsteps. Instinctively, she moved aside, but as the person rushing by noticed her, they moved in the same direction, and the two collided.

“Ah…”

She bumped into the person’s chest, rebounded backward, and not only did her nose sting with pain and her eyes well up with tears, but she also missed a step and lost her balance.