"You're referring to Zhao Xuanglang's situation, aren't you!" Zhong Niangyao leaned back on the sofa. "The fact that he's still alive, given his run of bad luck, is all thanks to the virtues of your ancestors."
"Lady Zhong!" The nervousness on Mrs. Zhao's face was obvious. "Then what about Xuan Lang, this child—"
Zhong Niangyao turned her head, glanced at Zhao Xuanglang, who already looked like he was on death's door, "Within a month, he will die an unnatural death."
As soon as these words came out, except for Zhong Niangyao, everyone else in the living room lost all color in their faces. Especially Zhao Xuanglang, a strong young man who now bore a look of despair, as if he might collapse at any moment.
"Lady Zhong, since you can tell, do you have a way to help Xuan Lang?" Mr. Zhao, a robust man, was now bowing his head humbly.
For now, he was just an ordinary father, his only thought was how to save his son.
"Yes, Lady Zhong, please, I beg you." Mrs. Zhao's tone was pleading, as if clutching at a lifeline. "Xuan Lang is still so young; he has a long future ahead and shouldn't die so young!"
Zhong Niangyao's expression didn't change, nor did she soften her stance because they were her elders. "You don't have to be like this. I came here today to deal with his issue. However, let me inform you beforehand, my fee is not cheap!"
Although she was quite interested in Zhao Xuanglang's situation, that didn't mean she was so charitable. And her relationship with Zhao Xuanglang wasn't that good. To be precise, though they were not enemies, there was bad blood between them.
The fact that she was willing to take action was a gesture enough; she certainly wouldn't help for free.
"Of course."
Even as a seasoned businessman, Mr. Zhao couldn't hide his relief. "That's only fair. So, what should we do now, Lady Zhong?"
He wouldn't be at peace until his son's issue was resolved. Now that there was a way to solve it, it had to be acted on quickly.
"Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush." After looking at Zhao Xuanglang, Zhong Niangyao continued, "Zhao Xuanglang's face is very strange. He wasn't supposed to have the face of an early death. Yet now, he is shrouded in an aura of death, which is rather unusual."
"Do you have his birth time and date? I need to calculate."
"We do, I'll go get it right away."
After saying that, Mrs. Zhao hurried upstairs. Within minutes, she hurried back down with a red paper in her hands.
Zhong Niangyao took the red paper, glanced at it, and understood everything in her heart.
"Lady Zhong, is there something wrong?" Mrs. Zhao's heart tightened, and she couldn't help but ask anxiously, "Or, is there something wrong with Xuan Lang's birth chart?"
"No, quite the opposite," Zhong Niangyao shook her head. "Zhao Xuanglang's birth chart is very good, a Life Chart full of blessings and prosperity. A life of wealth and a happy family, loving spouse and surrounded by children and grandchildren in his old age, destined to die peacefully."
"Although it's not the top-notch, it is certainly excellent."
"Then why has Xuan Lang become like this?" Mr. Zhao's eyes sharpened, seeming to have some conjecture, but he said nothing.
"Life exchange!" Zhong Niangyao spoke indifferently. "Someone has set their sights on his blessed and prosperous Life Chart."
"Life exchange!" Mr. Zhao and Mrs. Zhao exclaimed in unison, then exchanged a look. Without saying anything, they both saw shock in each other's eyes.
They had many guesses, but they never considered life exchange. It sounded far-fetched, but there was no reason for Zhong Niangyao to deceive them.
"That's right, life exchange." Zhong Niangyao explained. "The person who exchanged lives with him must be fated for misfortune and an early death, which is why Zhao Xuanglang has been so unlucky."
"In fact, Zhao Xuanglang should have died young. However, your Zhao Family ancestors must have done many good deeds. This blessing has protected the descendants, which is why Zhao Xuanglang has repeatedly escaped danger."
"What can we do about it?" Mrs. Zhao quickly asked. "What do we need to do to save Xuan Lang's life? Is it just a matter of exchanging the Life Charts back?"
"That's right," Zhong Niangyao nodded. "I can help Zhao Xuanglang exchange back for his original Life Chart."
Once Zhong Niangyao confirmed, Mr. and Mrs. Zhao's expressions visibly relaxed, even showing a hint of joy.
"What do we need to prepare?" Mr. Zhao immediately asked. "And when should we do it?"
Mrs. Zhao, too, pursed her lips, her gaze urgent as she looked to Zhong Niangyao.
Clearly, they hoped the sooner, the better. Yet, they dared not rush her, worried that pushing too hard might lead to Zhong Niangyao getting angry and reneging, and that would mean their son would truly be without hope.