Chapter 147: Your Dog's Days Are Numbered
The sun had already set, and the afterglow on the horizon was gradually fading.
Rattle rattle...
An enlarged and reinforced carriage was slowly moving on the road. Iron tires fitted with anti-skid chains left deep tracks on the snow-covered road.
Chen Lun and Noah were sitting opposite each other inside the carriage, with a small copper stove placed next to them to provide warmth. Specially made charcoal was burning inside, releasing a fragrant scent.
This carriage was custom-made by the Silver Dragon Trade Association specifically for Noah, and now it was left at Jack's estate for Noah's exclusive use when traveling.
No ordinary carriage of this era could bear Noah.
"Noah, it must be quite inconvenient for you to go out, isn't it?"
Chen Lun, seeing Noah wiping sweat despite the cold weather, couldn't help but ask.
"Hehe, indeed, it's often not convenient, and the gazes of others are not kind... But I have gotten used to it over the years."
Noah replied with an embarrassed smile, putting down his handkerchief and explaining softly.
Chen Lun looked at him; in the original future, Noah would become the murderous "Bloody Painter". But now, he was just a shy young man.
"I told you before that I might be able to help you with the curse that's wrapped around you..."
Chen Lun said.
Noah shook his head slowly and smiled,
"Mr. Jack, my mother once told me it's a high sequence curse from the Flesh Faction. I'm already very grateful that you are willing to help..."
Chen Lun replied with a smile.
"This high-sequence curse is indeed stubborn, but if we follow my method, there's a good chance of removing it. You must have confidence... however, you need to make a preparation in advance."
"Please tell me, Mr. Jack,"
Noah trusted Chen Lun very much, and upon hearing this, he immediately became serious.
"Through the channels of the Silver Dragon Trade Association, acquire 'Cursed Objects'. It's best to have more than two pieces, the stranger and more bizarre the curse effects, the better... Once the 'Cursed Objects' are in hand, we can formally begin."
Chen Lun explained.
His gloved fingers gently caressed the handle of his walking stick.
"Palm Fireworks" was providing him with warmth every second, which was quite appropriate in this deep winter.
"Understood, Mr. Jack."
Noah nodded vigorously.
Thinking of his ugly and obese appearance potentially being restored to its original form, his heart filled with hope and joy.
*
*
*
The carriage soon stopped in front of an apartment on Third Avenue.
Chen Lun and Noah got out of the carriage.
Looking up, the sky had completely entered the night, and the Purple Moon had already risen to mid-sky.
"Mr. Jack, I will go to the apartment next door to paint a portrait for Mr. Hawkins..."
Noah said.
Chen Lun nodded.
"Then let's meet back here later, and the carriage will stay parked by the roadside."
"Okay."
Noah replied, bowed with his hand on his chest, and then turned around with his tool bag and left.
Chen Lun watched his retreating figure, then turned his head, walked a few steps forward, and directly knocked on the iron gate of the apartment courtyard.
Clang clang...
"May I ask who it is?"
A state-of-the-art wireless device was installed at the door, and from inside came the sound of static and a deep male voice.
"I've come to fulfill your divination commission with the Silver Dragon Trade Association, Mr. Lang Bo..."
Chen Lun said calmly into the fixed intercom.
There was a pause from the other side, suddenly replaced by another voice:
"Oh, Lang Bo, this is not good... I seem to recall that a painter will be visiting me this evening too!"
This voice was clearly male, but the tone revealed a feminine softness.
The initial deep voice said softly,
"Let's do this then, invite this diviner inside... Hakin, you've always wanted to have your fortune told, right? Although I've never believed in it..."
"Yes, Lang Bo, I've heard the Silver Dragon Trade Association has an excellent reputation, and I trust that the diviner they recommend won't disappoint us... This is about our future."
The two of them whispered to each other quietly for a few more moments.
The deep voice spoke again:
"Please come in, Mr. Diviner, just reach out and unlock the bolt."
"Alright, Mr. Lang Bo."
Chen Lun responded.
When the intercom turned off, it made a piercing noise before falling silent.
He reached into the gaps of the iron gate, pulled open the bolt inside, and the gate swung open with a clear clanking sound.
Chen Lun then walked straight towards the entrance of the apartment.
The Great Gate was already open, and a red and white hound was sitting on the steps, warily watching him.
This was a breed of hunting dog very popular among the nobility, the red and white Spaniel. Its body was covered with white fur while the head, particularly the two drooping big ears, was adorned with wine-red curly hair.
As Chen Lun approached, the Spaniel underwent a transformation, standing up and wagging its tail, fawningly nuzzling against his legs.
As "Friend of Animals," plus his innate 22 Charm points, reaching a total of 33 points, this was a level even many Mid Sequence Transcendents could not achieve.
Chen Lun, in the eyes of the red and white hunting dog, was an irresistible presence, full of allure, authority, and amiability.
"Oh, Mr. Diviner, it seems Frida really likes you... This is amazing! She is never like this with strangers!"
The effeminate male voice said, clearly astonished. Find more chapters on empire
Chen Lun looked up to see two figures standing at the door. Although both were male, their gestures were somewhat affectionate.
Having had his suspicions, Chen Lun now confirmed them in his mind.
They were good friends and companions.
The men were neighbors, sharing a deep kinship.
This realization was accompanied by a bit of bewilderment.
"Perhaps it's because I'm not only a diviner but also a pet trainer,"
Chen Lun suggested politely.
Chen Lun said jokingly as he petted Spenger "Frida's" head, and the latter excitedly licked his large hand.
"Oh! Is that so! Giggle... Please come in, sir, you really have a great sense of humor!"
The gentleman known as Hawkins laughed and stepped aside, letting Chen Lun walk through.
"Thank you."
Chen Lun took off his hat and said.
As they passed by each other, he took a quick measure of the noticeably effeminate Mr. Hawkins, who was significantly taller than Mr. Lang Bo with a bizarre contrast.
After Chen Lun had hung his coat and hat on the hallstand in the living room, both Lang Bo and Hawkins came over to him.
"I haven't asked for your name yet, my apologies."
Lang Bo reached out his hand and began.
Chen Lun shook it, responding with a polite smile.
"Jack Spett."
"Oh, Mr. Jack, please have a seat."
Lang Bo gestured with his hand, and Chen Lun sat down on the chair.
Hawkins also made a cup of fruit tea for him, claiming it would aid in sleep.
Suddenly, the two sat down side by side across from Chen Lun, seeming not to avoid showing their relationship.
Mr. Lang Bo scrutinized the young diviner before him without restraint.
The man gave him a sense of extreme composure as well as an enigmatic and elusive aura.
It was a rather peculiar feeling.
But Mr. Lang Bo, being a distinguished solicitor, still didn't believe the young man before him could divine destiny; the idea was too fantastical to entertain.
"May I ask, Mr. Lang Bo, what would you like to have divined?"
Chen Lun took a sip of the fruit tea, tasting the slight fragrance of lemon and a hint of orange peel.
Lang Bo and Hawkins exchanged a glance.
"Hawkins?"
He called out affectionately.
Hawkins immediately realized something, excused himself with a 'One moment, please', and intended to leave the living room.
Chen Lun glanced over and reminded:
"Mr. Hawkins, when you return, please bring Mr. Lang Bo's medicine and two clean handkerchiefs."
Hawkins was momentarily stunned, but didn't say anything and quietly left.
Moments later, when Hawkins returned carrying a large cardboard box, Mr. Lang Bo suddenly started to breathe heavily.
Startled, Hawkins happened to be holding a bottle of pills, so he quickly unscrewed the cap, grabbed the water glass from the table, and helped Mr. Lang Bo take the medication.
During the medicine-taking process, Mr. Lang Bo couldn't help but cough, spilling water on his collar. Hawkins promptly wiped it off with a handkerchief.
Once Mr. Lang Bo's breathing stabilized, he and Hawkins looked at each other with surprise.
It seemed everything had been anticipated by Mr. Jack.
When they raised their heads to look at the silent young man with black hair drinking tea, a tuft of dog hair was blown by the wind and landed in front of Mr. Lang Bo.
He suddenly opened his mouth, about to sneeze. Hawkins, quick as lightning, grabbed the other clean handkerchief and handed it over.
"Achoo!"
Mr. Lang Bo covered his nose with the handkerchief, his eyes quietly shifting, the hint of indifference giving way to reverence.
Could this be fate as well...?
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Jack."
He put down the handkerchief and said with a deep voice.
Chen Lun waved his hand as if it was nothing of concern.
The cardboard box Hawkins brought was filled with various divination tools, such as crystal pendants, tarot cards, crystal balls, and Ouija boards, among others.
"Mr. Jack, please feel free to choose any tool... I used to be fascinated by this mysterious knowledge, so I bought many tools and books, but I haven't learned anything of value yet."
Seeing that Lang Bo was okay, Hawkins then spoke.
He wasn't embarrassed but rather laughed heartily.
Chen Lun didn't rush to take any tools from the box but continued to drink his tea leisurely and asked:
"May I ask, Mr. Hawkins, what are you planning to divine?"
"Oh..."
Hawkins began but suddenly hesitated.
"It's about marriage, oh no, happiness... well, not exactly."
He turned his head to glance at Mr. Lang Bo, then looked down at Frida, the hound lying at Chen Lun's feet.
"It's about life, about the future life of myself, Lang Bo, and Frida. What will it be like?"
Hawkins finally settled on the query and replied confidently.
Chen Lun nodded.
This divination involved only ordinary people, so he could easily give a vague answer. Nonetheless, considering it was a well-paid job, he decided to be as diligent as possible.
'Let's try poker divination then; it might be a bit challenging.'
Chen Lun thought to himself.
His "Divination" skill was already maxed out, but the techniques of poker divination were quite difficult, harboring ominous signs and varied messages. To master it fully, he might need to ascend further.
Chen Lun took out a deck of ordinary playing cards from the box and, like a seasoned gambler, skillfully shuffled and cut the deck, the cards whirring in his palm, leaving blurring afterimages.
"Mr. Hawkins, please state four keywords you care about,"
Chen Lun instructed while shuffling the cards.
"Health, location, wealth, and happiness,"
Hawkins deliberated and then spoke.
Chen Lun paused, his fingers flicked like a magician, and four cards landed neatly on the table in a row.
He flipped them over in succession: "Diamonds 7," "Diamonds 3," "Diamonds J," and "Diamonds Q."
Four cards of the same suit, yet signifying different meanings.
Glancing at Lang Bo and Hawkins in their black attire, Chen Lun said solemnly:
"The two of you need not worry about your health in the future, but Frida will die in the seventh week after the autumn of next year..."
"Oh, no."
The faces of Hawkins and Lang Bo weren't looking good.
"You are likely to move to a bustling, large city within the top three of the city-state sequence rankings, and you will be wealthy and happy... but all this will face separation after 33 years."