Chapter 8, I am truly a seller of kitchen knives

"Sir, what is in your bag?" the security officer asked, pointing at the screen

This line is something he has said countless times over the years while using various modes of transportation, and he is almost always asked it again upon arriving at a new place

I apologize, sir, but you are carrying hazardous materials and cannot enter the subway

It may be effective elsewhere, but it does not work well here, as this is the capital city, and carrying a kitchen knife in such a manner is not permitted

Lin Yuan is correct; if we look back about a hundred years, many wealthy families had masters or teachers who understood feng shui and exorcism in their homes. However, with the changes of the times and historical transformations, especially after the campaign to eliminate the Four Olds, this practice gradually disappeared. Particularly in the northern regions, it has almost ceased to exist, with only the northeastern area still having the tradition of inviting household deities.

Then, um, what, I, I would like to ask..." The young man asked somewhat stammering and nervously: "Are you a moneylender?"

The bag contained several kitchen knives, which can be considered dangerous items in the capital. It was confiscated by security personnel immediately after passing through the security checkpoint.

Then how can I do it elsewhere

"What should I do with the book?" Wang Jingzhe asked the young man in front of him, whose eyes were dark and who looked listless.

Around 6 o'clock, it was the peak time for congestion, with people coming and going in a jostling manner. Wang Jingzhe, dressed in a dark blue long-distance running outfit and carrying a worn-out bag, particularly caught the eye. However, he had been dressed like this for years and was completely indifferent to it. He followed the crowd into the subway entrance, but encountered some trouble during the security check.

"Other places are not the capital," the security inspector's logic left Wang Jingzhe at a loss for words.

"Hey, hey, how can you just leave like that?" Lin Xianyu quickly called out, "I haven't finished what I was going to say. My dad said the price is negotiable, and you can propose any terms you like"

I do not do anything for anyone, I sell kitchen knives

With a bang, Wang Jingzhe suddenly turned around, and the figure behind him, caught off guard, collided with him immediately

In the past two years, Wang Jingzhe has been traveling among the common people. As he mentioned, whenever he hears someone singing about Chengdu, he makes a trip to Sichuan; when he hears someone singing about Zhengzhou, he rushes to central Henan. His life has been quite carefree, going wherever he pleases, living without a fixed residence for many years.

Lin Xianyu, with a pair of crescent-shaped eyes, said: "My father said that meeting you is also a sign of our fate"

On this trip, Wang Jingzhe came to the capital not only to take Ding Wu out of prison but also to settle an account. After finishing the accounts in the capital, he still needed to make a trip to Longxi. Wang Jingzhe mentioned that he basically would not be doing much this year, and that it would suffice to settle these two accounts.

"The kitchen knife, how obvious the handle is," Wang Jingzhe opened his bag for the security check and said, "I am a seller of kitchen knives..."

The accounts of the capital city were left by his grandfather, dating back over forty years if traced back.

Unable to take the subway, he could only transfer to the bus. Wang Jingzhe walked towards the nearest bus stop, and at that moment, someone came running up behind him.

However, in the southeastern coastal areas, particularly in regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Macau, and southern Fujian, people tend to adhere to these practices, and such methods are still prevalent. However, the masters invited no longer hold regular sessions; they only maintain contact with one another and are called upon when needed, with the act of worship evolving into a form of consultancy

I am just a knife seller, you are overthinking it..." After Wang Jingzhe threw this line, he suddenly turned around and left, leaving Lin Xianyu, who still had a lot to say, in the lurch.

Goodbye, there is no time for a handshake!" Wang Jingzhe waved his hand without looking back

Lin Xianyu pushed open the car door, stepped out, and said: "My father just called me and mentioned that historically, prominent families would invite a resident master to oversee their homes. If something like what happened to our family before were to occur, it could have spared our family from distress. This master may not necessarily understand everything, but they should have some knowledge of feng shui, geomancy, and exorcising evil spirits. It is not essential for them to reside in the house year-round; it suffices that they can be contacted when needed to provide solutions. I heard that in the past, this was referred to as 'offering', but now it is called 'consulting'"

After the commotion at home a few days ago, Lin Yuan's mind became more active regarding seeking help. Unfortunately, he encountered a wandering debt collector who never holds court.

Daxing Tianhe Prison is located at the southernmost part of the capital, almost on the verge of leaving the city limits. After meeting Ding Wu, Wang Jingzhe had to head towards the city center. This area is relatively remote, and it took him two kilometers before he was able to board a bus. After transferring through more than ten stops, he finally arrived at a subway station.

"Ah, what do you mean by this?" Wang Jingzhe asked, tilting his head.

"What about demeanor, what about demeanor?" Lin Xianyu muttered sulkily, then took out her phone and called Lin Yuan. Her father, having listened to their conversation, said without surprise: "It's fine. If people like them were so easy to invite, then anyone could get them, and they would lose their value. Just find a way to invite him later. However, you must not cut off contact. Start by getting to know him first. Do you have his phone number?"

You are like the wealthy tycoons from Hong Kong and Macau, each of whom knows some master or expert, treating them with respect and considering them esteemed guests. Every year, they distribute a considerable amount of red envelopes, primarily to ensure that the bond between themselves and the other party remains unbroken. Whether it is the birth of a child, the passing of someone, or plans to move, they will invite these individuals to come and offer their insights during events such as company openings or construction site inaugurations.

Seeing this, it is evident that the Wang family has been in the business of providing credit for generations, and it is unclear how many generations this has continued into his lifetime

The practice of the credit knife is just like this; they do not confine themselves to a specific location, but rather wander throughout the countryside all year round. No one knows where they come from or where they are ultimately headed. Perhaps you may wish to deliberately seek them out, yet you may not necessarily find them. However, they might be squatting in some corner nearby, with a few kitchen knives laid out in front of them, arms crossed, not calling out to sell, simply waiting for someone to approach and request a knife on credit. When the prophecy comes true or when there is a matter at home, the credit knife seller will then go to collect the debt. But they might be squatting in some corner nearby, with a few kitchen knives laid out in front of them, arms crossed, not calling out to sell, simply waiting for someone to approach and request a knife on credit. When the prophecy comes true or when there is a matter at home, the credit knife seller will then go to collect the debt.

"No, no, I mean are you the one who lends knives on credit?" The young man said a bit anxiously, "When I was a child, I heard my grandfather mention that there is a profession in the folk community called a knife lender, who not only divines the future for people but also understands feng shui and the principles of yin and yang"

With a rustle, Wang Jingzhe slung his bag over his shoulder and turned to leave. In a nearby corner, a young man in his twenties gazed somewhat dazedly at his departing figure. Once the person had exited the subway station, he finally came to his senses and hurriedly followed after him.

The two security guards beside him, gripping their batons, were watching him intently, clearly ready to step forward and apprehend him at the slightest provocation. Wang Jingzhe was well aware of this; even if he were to be captured, he would have no place to seek justice, for this was the capital.

"There is no phone, but he will definitely have to come again in half a month. I will just wait for him at that time," Lin Xianyu said with certainty.