After Descending the Mountain, Seven Big Brothers Spoil Me - Chapter 678

Chapter 678: Another Financial Loss
Abruptly awakened, Zhouzhou rubbed her eyes and said blankly, “Ancestral Master, am I not already earning money diligently?”

The Ancestral Master shook his head, “Merely earning money isn’t enough. Though money can be exchanged for merits, it is the easiest to lose. You must find a way to revive the Mystery Sect and expand the Sanqing Temple. The faith of the people is the most solid form of merit.”

“Oh,” Zhouzhou responded absentmindedly, yawning. These words went in one ear and out the other. Her mind was filled with just one thought: “I’m so sleepy.”

Seeing this, the Ancestral Master became anxious and resorted to a stern warning, “Do you still want to be a wealthy lady or not? If you continue like this, even if you earn money, it will slip away in various ways, leaving you penniless in the end!”

Penniless? Hearing this, Zhouzhou suddenly became alert. She didn’t want to be poor; she wanted to be wealthy! Instantly, she opened her eyes wide and asked urgently, “Ancestral Master, what should I do then?”

Satisfied with her response, the Ancestral Master nodded. “Indeed, one must grasp her weak points.”

Clearing his throat, he said, “You can tell fortunes, practice feng shui, or encourage people to visit our Sanqing Temple. In any case, expanding our Mystery Sect is the right path.”

He tapped Zhouzhou’s forehead, “Remember, no matter how much money you earn now if your destiny lacks wealth, you won’t be able to keep it.”

“Mhm, mhm.” Zhouzhou’s chubby little face was tense, clearly startled.

The Ancestral Master said, “Alright then, let’s go. It’s night time, the best time to capture spirits, so let’s start by collecting a few.”

“Okay, okay!” Zhouzhou eagerly jumped out of bed, but before she could steady herself, she toppled over and landed on the floor with a thud. She lay there, completely still.

The Ancestral Master came closer to check and, lo and behold, she had fallen asleep.

His mouth twitched as he stared at her peaceful, sleeping face. After a moment of hesitation, he picked her up and tucked her back into bed.

“Forget it, I’ll let you sleep properly tonight,” he muttered.

She played too hard during the day, no wonder she’s so tired at night.

After carefully tucking her in, the Grandmaster returned to his statue.

The next morning, Zhouzhou groggily opened her eyes. Seeing that she was still in bed, she let out a sigh of relief.

So it was just a dream.

That had really scared her–she thought all her money was going to be gone! Her little mouth curved into a grin as she quickly hopped out of bed, grabbed her comb, and rushed off to find Qin Lie.

Meanwhile, back inside the statue, the Ancestral Master gritted his teeth.

This little brat!

She’s like a plump little bird, and yet still manages to act so carefree.

Of course she’s a little troublemaker– she forgets what she promises as soon as she turns her head.

Hmph!

His frustration was palpable, but after calculating a few things, a smile suddenly spread across his face.

Since she’s not taking things seriously, let’s see how reality teaches her a lesson.

Zhouzhou had no idea what was about to happen as she happily chatted with Qin Er about setting up their stall. They were going to school today, but that wouldn’t interfere–during recess and after school, they could still sell their goods.

The Qin family was used to the two little money-makers constantly talking about business. Zhouzhou listened intently to Qin Er, picked up some goods from him, packed them into a burlap sack, and gleefully set off for school.

Off to make money!

When they arrived at the school gate, Zhouzhou immediately spotted Huo Ji’an. He was standing between Yu Ze and Huo Mingxuan. For some reason, Huo Mingxuan had put himself in a wheelchair. His face looked flushed, but his expression was that of someone deeply fatigued.

Zhouzhou trotted over and curiously asked, “Uncle Huo, is your injury still not healed?”

Huo Mingxuan glanced at her and nodded.

Huo Ji’an frowned and added, “Daddy kept complaining about his wound last night, saying it hurt. He wouldn’t stop until I told him a story.”

At that, Huo Ji’an shot a resentful glance at his father. Huo Mingxuan had insisted on being discharged from the hospital and coming to their house. Once he arrived, he took over Huo Ji’an’s room. Huo Ji’an had wanted to sleep with his dad, but instead, his father kept bothering him–thirsty one minute, hungry the next, and constantly in pain, forcing him to take care of him.

“Chubby Girl, you should take a look at him. His wound still hasn’t healed. Does that mean we can have the banquet soon?”

At these words, Huo Mingxuan’s face turned dark as he gritted his teeth in anger.

This little brat!

While he fumed, Zhouzhou’s eyes lit up.

That’s right!

If Huo Mingxuan was still around, she could sell medicine and make money. If he wasn’t, she could attend his funeral feast. Either way, she won!

Delighted by this thought, she placed her hand on Huo Mingxuan’s pulse. “Uncle Huo, let me check your pulse.”

Huo Mingxuan, knowing the little girl had impressive medical skills, panicked and tried to pull his hand away, afraid she might actually find something wrong. But her chubby little hand firmly held his arm in place. He’d forgotten how strong this little girl was!

He calmed himself and leaned weakly against the wheelchair, playing along with the charade.

Zhouzhou looked at him quizzically. “Huh?”

She tilted her head in confusion. “Uncle Huo, your pulse says there’s nothing seriously wrong with you.”

Then why does he look like he’s ready for a funeral?

Huo Mingxuan seized the opportunity to pull his hand back, his expression full of disdain. “Chubby Girl, your medical skills are lacking.”

Zhouzhou was baffled. She scratched her head, wondering if she had made a mistake with her diagnosis.

His face looks so healthy, though…

“Could it be… the final burst of energy before death?” she wondered aloud.

Huo Mingxuan’s face grew even longer. If this continued, these two little troublemakers were going to send him off for real!

“I’ll take another look,” Zhouzhou said, oblivious to his darkening mood, as she reached for his wrist again.

But this time, Huo Mingxuan swiftly lifted his hand out of reach, coughing into his palm as his eyelids drooped in disinterest. “Forget it, I’ll go see a doctor instead.”

Is he doubting her skills?

Zhouzhou panicked, quickly hopping to the other side to grab Huo Mingxuan’s other hand, bouncing on her feet as she exclaimed, “I can do it!” She looked like a small, eager green onion bouncing up and down.

Huo Mingxuan gave her a calm glance, amused at how she seemed taller when she jumped, but without hesitation, he pressed his hand on her forehead to push her away. “No need, I already have a personal doctor,” he said coolly. “And I won’t even hold it against you for selling me fake medicine before.”

Fake medicine?

Zhouzhou’s eyes widened with indignation, puffing her cheeks as she glared at him.

Qin Lie’s expression turned cold instantly. He shot a warning glance at Huo Mingxuan.

It’s one thing to play weak, but don’t slander his daughter’s skills.

Even Yu Ze couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward. He wasn’t foolish; it was obvious that Huo Mingxuan wasn’t really sick. He was just making an excuse to bond with Huo Ji’an. But accusing the little girl of selling fake medicine was crossing a line.

Huo Ji’an also glared at his father in anger. “Chubby Girl, ignore him. He’s just causing trouble on purpose, probably trying to scam you out of your money.”

What?!

Zhouzhou’s “money sense” instantly flared up, and she stared at Huo Ji’an with newfound suspicion.

He dares to scam me? No way!

Without hesitation, she took three quick steps backward. “I’m not selling you any medicine anymore!”

She was furious now! Grabbing Huo Ji’an’s hand, the two kids quickly ran off together. She had other things to sell anyway–who needed his money? Hmph!

Before class started, Zhouzhou dumped a bag of snacks onto her desk, her eyes curling into crescent moons as she grinned. “Snacks for sale! Who wants some?”

Instantly, a crowd of kids swarmed around her. Their parents were strict about not letting them have junk food, so they secretly bought snacks from Zhouzhou. They’d eat them during school, toss the wrappers, and no one would be the wiser.

Zhouzhou happily counted her earnings. By the end of the day, she had made quite a profit!

However, the next day during recess, just as she was setting out her snacks again, the class teacher walked in with a stern expression. A woman followed close behind her, her face filled with indignation. The two headed straight for Zhouzhou.

When the woman saw the snacks on Zhouzhou’s desk, she immediately pointed and yelled, as if she had just found ironclad proof. “There! She’s the one selling snacks to my son! It’s her fault he ended up in the hospital!”