Chapter 1

Soon, a bystander replied online: "I don't know, I don't have a girlfriend, only a foolish old father who treats health supplements as food. How about we swap?"

The astrologer began to lure the ignorant girl: "Have you ever thought about changing yourself?"

How does she know you are an Aries and not a Taurus? Sister, it is because you are wearing an Aries hairpin on that useless head of yours

Liu Zhongqi inexplicably accepted the business card, and after walking several meters outside, he felt that something was wrong with him, yet he couldn't help but pinch the card and take a glance at it

In the past, this was a place where rogues congregated, with various groups such as gangs of thieves, fraudsters, and human traffickers... a rich variety of criminal activities. It is said that the police once extracted a group of interprovincial murderers from within during the dead of night. The locals all knew to avoid this area, thus giving "Little Water Pond" the nickname "Mud Pond".

Liu Zhongqi rolled his eyes and said, "Just wait, the next step will be for you to buy something."

Just as he was about to "escape," an elderly lady was unexpectedly shoved by someone and fell out. The elderly lady, with her head full of white hair and a back hunched like a boiled shrimp, was holding a cane in her hand. The people around seemed blind, their eyes glued to the scene of the fight among the delinquent youths, and no one came to help her.

Liu Zhongqi thought to himself: "What the hell?"

His hand was so cold that it trembled slightly. His fingers were slender, but the index and middle fingers seemed to have an abnormal bend. It was hard to tell whether it was due to an injury or simply because he was thin. In any case, it inexplicably reminded one of the withered branches protruding from a lonely grave in a desolate wilderness

How could she describe your personality traits so accurately? It is because of something called the "Barnum Effect" (note), and also because she knows you believe in astrology. As long as she recites the description of Aries from Baidu Baike, you will feel as if she has struck at the core of your destiny

How can Western astrology and traditional face reading intersect?

A glass door separated him from the aroma of the spicy crayfish next door. Fifteen-year-old Liu Zhongqi leaned against the glass door, reclining in a plastic chair, holding his phone and posting online: "What should I do if I have a girlfriend who treats 'astrology guides' as the ultimate authority?"

These social scum

Those who do not understand may perceive you as someone who is rather carefree and indifferent, but that is not the case. You possess a strong side; once you take things seriously, you embody the pride of "either do not do it, or do it well." The so-called "astrologer" is merely a deceitful woman. She speaks with a slightly smoky voice, carrying a hint of a not overly exaggerated Hong Kong-Taiwan accent, her voice seems to float in the air without descending, sounding somewhat mystical. "You are a girl born under the protection of the first house of the zodiac; I see a bright flame in your chest." In essence, she is just a con artist.

The astrologer lowered his voice, dropped the accent of Hong Kong and Taiwan, and quickly said: "Young man, I see that your forehead is dark today, indicating that there will be misfortune. It is best for you to avoid meddling in others' affairs and hurry home."

"Mud Pond Alley" is not a street; it is composed of a whole series of interlocking narrow lanes, originally named "Little Water Pond." Due to the low-lying terrain, water accumulates here whenever it rains, and the corners of the walls are covered with slippery moss, sometimes giving off a hint of a damp, fishy odor.

Liu Zhongqi is studying at the Third Middle School in the city. It is currently summer vacation, and he will be entering the second year of high school when school starts. The Third Middle School and the Muddy Pond Back Alley are in the same administrative district, less than three kilometers apart, and it takes only a few minutes to ride a bicycle over.

Immediately following a loud crash, several chairs were hurled onto the street. Four or five young men from the nearby barbecue shop rushed out like a whirlwind, spewing foul language as they engaged in a brawl, limbs flailing in all directions. In that moment, it was impossible to discern who was allied with whom.

"Fire is your most fundamental life energy," the astrologer pointed at Bai Yue's chest from a distance and continued, "but fire is difficult to control. When it burns too fiercely, one can easily become impatient, reckless, and careless. In interpersonal relationships, you may sometimes be too straightforward and outspoken. Upon reflection, you often regret having said the wrong thing, don't you?"

Liu Zhongqi shot her a displeased glance and said, "Mind your own business."

"Doing business relies on fate; today, fate has not arrived," the astrologer said calmly, handing him a business card. "If you have any confusion in the future, feel free to contact me anytime; scan the code to add me on WeChat."

This cool young man, after joining the "Early Love Vanguard" for only two months, has returned to the ranks of the single.

During the wonderful summer vacation, instead of staying at home to complete a couple of math exercises, he wanders around aimlessly. It is truly absurd

Liu Zhongqi turned around and discovered that the one who had caught him was none other than the fraudulent astrologer from the Star Dream.

Liu Zhongqi, feeling restless and impatient, attempted to squeeze past: "Excuse me..."

The theme is: "Ignoring the advice of the elderly leads to losses without spending money"

Fifteen years have passed, smartphones have become widespread, and IC phones have almost exited the historical stage. The infamous "den of vice" in the mud pit has also been significantly "cleansed" after several crackdowns.

Liu Zhongqi, a steadfast materialist, was about to retort a disdainful remark when he heard her calmly add: "Whether you want to inquire about academics or relationships, the first three consultations are free. You can also ask about family relationships, for example... what to do if you have a difficult sibling."

Liu Zhongqi was taken aback and hurried to offer assistance, just at that moment, a hand grasped his bare arm

Princess Bai Yue immediately became unhappy: "Why are you such a killjoy?"

Liu Zhongqi: "... ..."

This shop not only does not have an unpleasant odor, but also ordered a dozen scented candles. The dim lighting casts a glow on those small ornaments, which seem to have been wholesale sourced from somewhere, and there is even a 'fortune teller' dressed like a Gypsy to keep company.

She slipped the business card into Liu Zhongqi's hand and gracefully inclined her body, saying, "We welcome you to come again next time"

Note: The Barnum Effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are inclined to believe that a vague and general personality description is particularly applicable to them. Even if such a description is quite empty, they still perceive it as a reflection of their own personality, even if they are not that type of person - Bertrand Fowler

Some survived into middle age, looking around in confusion, empty-handed, and thus bowed their heads to lead an ordinary life

The astrologer easily swayed Bai Yue with just a few words, making her want to buy this and that. Not only did she want to be a blissfully naive fool herself, but she also didn't forget about her boyfriend: "Liu Zhongqi, your birthday is at the end of August, right? How about I buy you a Virgo-themed item? We can have matching couple's styles!"

Liu Zhongqi suddenly raised his head and asked warily, "Do you know me?"

Liu Zhongqi thought: "Come on!"

Liu Zhongqi simply crossed his arms over his chest and said with a cold smile: "I am not ruining the fun; I am enlightening you, Bai Yue. Let me analyze for you right here and now how you were deceived— the moment you walked in, she knew you were born in April. Why? Because you were jumping up and down in front of that pile of birthstones, pointing at that piece of junk for April and repeating three times, 'This is mine.'"

Liu Zhongqi: "... ..."

The fall was quite severe; the elderly person struggled on the ground for a long time without getting up, calling out mournfully while reaching out for help to Liu Zhongqi, who happened to be nearby.

Liu Zhongqi, who finds joy in helping others, assisted an elderly lady who had been knocked down by someone, and also helped her retrieve her cane. Hearing the elderly lady complain about her back and mention that her home was not far, Liu Zhongqi, without any suspicion, supported her and followed her directions, escorting her out of the chaotic muddy back street.

Sweet ... ... my dear.

This exemplary youth of the new era shook off her hand, paid no attention to the swindler, and, following in the footsteps of the esteemed Lei Feng, walked towards the elderly lady

Yes! Bai Yue—this female classmate who has failed in brain evolution—not only bit the hook, but also swallowed the fishing float whole. Do you think it would be good for me to buy a set of birthstones, including a bracelet and a necklace? Would it be helpful?

"No," Liu Zhongqi replied indifferently, "Drinking Huoxiang Zhengqi Water works for me when I have heat in my body."

For the well-behaved children of these key secondary schools, the mud pit is a place that both the school and parents have repeatedly forbidden them to go. Consequently, it has become a venue for their thrill-seeking. Occasionally visiting, they might indulge in two kilograms of crayfish, spend some time playing games in an internet café, or purchase a couple of pirated books, as if they could touch a bit of "society". This serves as an outlet for their unique adolescent rebellion and a way to relieve academic pressure

Those arrogant old rascals, some have died, some have been left crippled, some have fled to the ends of the earth, and some have gone to sing "Tears of the Iron Window"

The onlookers were in high spirits, and one bystander, unable to contain his excitement, shouted from the side, "Wow! Amazing!"

The current muddy alley remains chaotic, with illegal street vendors clustered together. Occasionally, there are incidents of fights and brawls after a few have had too much to drink, but overall, it is still quite peaceful. Once summer arrives, after 6 PM every day, this place transforms into an open-air barbecue area, with the scents of chili and cumin wafting through the air, and the aroma of thirteen spices dominating the scene, evoking a lively atmosphere of "harmony brings wealth".

Liu Zhongqi was dragged out by his young girlfriend for an "adventure"

In terms of appearance alone, this woman possesses a highly mystical aura, making her exceptionally suited for playing the role of a sorceress.

... Soon after, the young man underwent a process of "social re-education".

It is uncertain whether it is a real name or a pseudonym

The contemporary fools have become so easily deceived to this extent

Liu Zhongqi put down his phone, and a few wisps of anger erupted from his seven orifices—his little girlfriend Bai Yue had already been chatting with the "astrologer" in the accessory store for ten minutes.

"I don't know," the astrologer said with a slight squint, "Aren't you familiar with my methods? Take a guess at how I came to know this."

Liu Zhongqi was startled by this line, thinking to himself: "This charlatan, are you hoping to eat roasted chicken hearts?"

The two of them were first overwhelmed by the smoky atmosphere of the internet café, then choked by the street barbecue, leaving their hearts and lungs battered. In the midst of this ordeal, they unexpectedly discovered a jewelry store named "Star Dream".

If you don't catch up now, you might not have a girlfriend tomorrow. The deceitful astrologer, with a remarkably stable mindset, listened to the entire argument with a smile, unfazed by the failed business, and leisurely began to tidy up the trinkets that Bai Yue had just taken out to look at.

Furthermore, how does she know that you are 'blunt and straightforward'? Liu Zhongqi coolly delivered his concluding remarks, 'Because that's how a fool behaves, what is there to guess about?'

The line "Scan the code to add WeChat" feels a bit out of place, as it is too colloquial and disrupts the Hong Kong and Taiwan accent

She is very tall, with skin that is extremely pale—not the kind of radiant white associated with beautiful girls, but rather a ghastly pallor as if she has not seen the sun for years, cold and lacking luster. A few bluish-purple veins are visible near her temples. She is wearing a pure black long dress, her long hair covers half of her face, and she is adorned with exaggerated jewelry, making her appear very thin, as if a gust of wind could lift her straight into the sky

Liu Zhongqi turned around, and the lights at the entrance of the Star Dream had already been lit, dim and quiet, truly possessing a hint of mysterious significance

Bai Yue: "Yes, yes, yes, I am just a bit straightforward!"

At that moment, the people in the alley suddenly became agitated for no apparent reason. They pushed and shoved each other, crowding towards the street side, and Liu Zhongqi was pushed into a corner. He angrily raised his head and discovered that a large space had already opened up in the middle of the path, while someone nearby excitedly whispered, "They are coming, they are coming"

By the time he realized something was amiss, he had already been led by the old lady into a deserted dead end, where three thuggish ruffians had surrounded him.

The elderly lady, who had just moments ago appeared pitiful, suddenly sat down on the ground with a commanding presence, crossed her legs, and exclaimed with great vigor: "It was this little brat who knocked me over and broke my leg!"