Chapter 62: Spring Water

The city of Springwater is a typical example of "towers rising from flat ground, with no mountains to lean on, turning its back to the river and the bow." Instead of embracing the city, the Yellow River curves away, forming a bow behind it. At such a place, energy easily dissipates, which should negatively impact the city's economic development and the well-being of its residents.

Yet, curiously, this city has not only avoided the adverse effects of such inauspicious geography, but has instead flourished at a rapid pace. It has produced many high-ranking officials, its people enjoy good health, and its tourism industry is thriving.

As I puzzled over the cause of this anomaly, the taxi came to a halt. The driver announced our arrival and told us to get out.

I was about to leave the car when Lu Jiu pulled me back. He fixed the driver with a hard stare and said, “You’re taking advantage of outsiders, aren’t you? The pier is still a kilometer away. How can you say we've arrived?”

The taxi driver, a typical burly northerner, looked uneasy and a little frightened. “Young man, I’m not overcharging you. It’s just that I really don’t dare go to the pier.”

“What’s the matter? It’s broad daylight—do you think there are ghosts at the pier?” Lu Jiu sneered coldly.

At the mention of “ghosts,” the driver’s face drained of blood. “Sir, judging by your appearance, you must be a feng shui master. You might not know this, but lately there really have been hauntings at the pier.”

“Tell us about it.” I frowned. If the pier was haunted, this business venture might not go smoothly.

The driver lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag before continuing. “Just a few days ago, many people living near the pier heard the clashing of metal, the sounds of ancient armies battling at night. But when they went to investigate, there was nothing there.”

“It’s just some magnetic field phenomena. Nothing unusual in the world of feng shui,” Lu Jiu replied with a calm air.

The driver coughed, choked by his cigarette. “A few of my colleagues drove to the pier and fell seriously ill as soon as they got home. Some are still lying in the hospital. Is that also just a magnetic field phenomenon?”

Lu Jiu shrugged. “It’s flu season. Don’t try to sell me your superstitions.”

I nearly choked on my tea at that. A Taoist priest admonishing someone not to be superstitious? The irony was too much.

Lu Jiu shot me a glance as I sputtered, then turned back to the driver. “Either take us to the pier, or give us a fifty percent discount. Otherwise, I’ll report you for smoking in a public place—I even have a photo.” He waved his phone in front of the driver, showing off the picture he’d just snapped.

The driver’s face darkened with anger. “You really are something. Fine, half price. Now get out, and don’t let me see you again.”

So we were unceremoniously dumped onto the roadside, baggage and all. Though it was embarrassing, we’d managed to save half the fare.

Watching Lu Jiu’s triumphant expression, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious. For someone so intent on saving a mere fifty yuan, how could he have been so generous yesterday, agreeing to split the cost of the boat so readily? After all, he’d negotiated the fee, and I had no idea how much it really was.

Either something was wrong with the shipment, or the money involved was definitely more than he’d said.

“Why are you looking at me so strangely?” Lu Jiu asked, noticing my odd expression.

I stared hard into his eyes. “Did the employer really only pay six hundred thousand? From what that driver just said, the cargo at the pier sounds anything but simple.”

Lu Jiu’s gaze flickered evasively. “It really is six hundred thousand. It’s just a five or six hour trip—how much more could you want?”

“Is it really just relocating an ancestral grave?” I grabbed Lu Jiu, who was starting to walk toward the pier, and didn’t let go.

He stammered, “Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have dared take the job. If you regret it now, you can turn back and I’ll return your deposit.” With that, he shook off my hand and strode quickly toward the pier.

I was troubled. I knew this boat trip was not as simple as it seemed, but with the lure of fifty thousand in reward money, I had no choice but to follow Lu Jiu.

We hadn’t even reached the Yellow River pier when a faint aroma of medicinal herbs drifted on the wind. I recognized it as the scent of camphorwood—specifically, the golden-threaded nanmu so prized by many. I guessed someone must be transporting timber at the dock.