Chapter 062

The smug smile on the Assistant Director’s face froze.

“Soon… soon what?”

Qiao Man nodded and repeated himself: “You’re dying soon.”

Assistant Director: “…”

At this moment, it wasn’t just the Assistant Director; everyone else watching fell silent. In a state of disbelief, they all turned their heads to look at him.

Assistant Director Du was a middle-aged man, slightly stout. While his complexion was a bit haggard and he had heavy dark circles under his eyes, making him look somewhat drained, most people in the production crew looked exactly the same. The filming schedule was grueling; once the cameras started rolling, no one had an easy job. Every person standing in front of Qiao Man right now had unsteady steps and deep bags under their eyes.

Aside from that, the Assistant Director seemed perfectly healthy. A few days ago, he had even taken third place in the crew’s arm-wrestling competition, proving himself stronger than most of the youngsters who stayed up all night.

What did he mean, dying soon?

Could it be a terminal illness?

He didn’t look like he was sick at all.

Even Assistant Director Du was a bit confused: “Master Xiao Man, are you sure you didn’t see wrong? I go for a physical every year. Aside from a few slightly high indicators, the reports say there’s nothing wrong with me. I don’t have any aches or pains. I’m perfectly fine, so how could I be dying?”

Qiao Man shook his head. “I wouldn’t see it wrong.”

He took a step forward and, through the thick down coat, patted the Assistant Director’s chubby stomach. “It’s right here. Something is wrong here. It’s shrouded in Death Qi. You don’t have much time left.”

Assistant Director: “…”

Looking down at where the child’s hand was placed and then back at the child himself, the Assistant Director opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, speechless.

He had just come over to join the fun; how did he end up diagnosed with a terminal illness?

But the one giving the diagnosis wasn’t just anyone; it was Master Xiao Man. Although Master Xiao Man was only a five-year-old child, his reputation preceded him. Putting aside his past feats, just in the last few days, he had told the fortunes of many people in the crew. Every single one had been incredibly accurate, making him very convincing.

Others were getting readings about marriage or career, so why was it his turn to be told he was dying?

When it came to his own life and safety, the Assistant Director was unwilling to believe the casual words of a child. Though he was middle-aged and over fifty, he considered himself to be in great health. He could eat and drink well, had no ailments, and felt he could easily live to eighty. How did he look like someone destined for an early grave?

Furthermore, looking at the spot Master Xiao Man had touched, it wasn’t some accidental disaster falling from the sky; it was a disease within his body.

In his stomach? His gastric system? Intestines? Or perhaps a bit higher, his heart?

He suddenly remembered that while he went for a physical every year, he hadn’t gone this year. Because work was so busy, he kept thinking he would wait a bit, and as a result, the year was almost over and he still hadn’t gone. He had originally thought that since he was usually healthy, it wouldn’t matter if he delayed it, but now… Assistant Director Du instinctively reached for the cigarettes in his pocket, but seeing the child in front of him, he pulled his hand back.

“Assistant Director Du, why don’t you go to the hospital for a checkup?” someone nearby said out of concern. “Going for a checkup will only cost you a day at most. If they don’t find anything, it’s just a false alarm. But if…”

The person didn’t finish the sentence.

If they actually found something wrong, at least he could start preparing himself early.

Someone whispered, “Before, Master Xiao Man predicted that Pei Xiwang had a Death Tribulation on that variety show, and the result…”

The result was that Pei Xiwang was nearly struck by lightning.

The crowd quickly recalled the trending topics from back then, and for a moment, even more people began urging the Assistant Director. If Master Xiao Man could even predict a sudden accidental Death Tribulation, perhaps he really was shrouded in Death Qi.

After all, this wasn’t just anyone; this was Master Xiao Man!

“I know, I know,” the Assistant Director said. “Once we’re done with this movie, I’ll go to the hospital for a checkup.” In truth, he was a little scared now.

Someone immediately spoke up in disagreement. “Assistant Director Du, if what Master Xiao Man says is true, you can’t delay something this serious. It’s better to get checked as soon as possible. It’ll be at least another month before filming ends.”

A month was long enough for many things to happen.

Everyone’s gaze couldn’t help but fall on the Assistant Director’s stomach. Master Xiao Man had just pointed to it, and no one knew what the problem was yet. But a month was long enough for a small problem to turn into a major one.

“Assistant Director Du, just go and see.”

“Yeah, exactly. If what Master Xiao Man said is true, it’ll be too late for regrets.”

“Ask Director Jin for some time off. This is a matter of life and death; Director Jin will definitely agree.”

The Assistant Director instinctively argued back, “What do you all know? The filming schedule is so heavy, how can I let one person delay the progress…”

Before he could finish, someone suddenly shouted, “Hey, Director Jin!”

Everyone turned around at the sound and saw the familiar, stern old man standing on the edge of the crowd. He had just happened to be passing by and was caught red-handed by the onlookers. When Director Jin stopped, his expression was a bit dazed. “Looking for me?”

The crowd quickly explained the context of this fortune-telling session. Hearing that it was Qiao Man telling fortunes, Director Jin couldn’t help but glance at the boy. When he heard that the Assistant Director had been told his life was nearing its end, his brow furrowed deeply.

Assistant Director Du had worked with him for many years, completing many works together. He was not only a professional partner but also a close friend in life. He absolutely did not want to see anything happen to him.

But… could a child’s words be taken seriously?

Although he turned a blind eye to the child telling fortunes in the crew and didn’t say anything when he stumbled upon the scenes, the prerequisite was that the child didn’t affect the filming.

Director Jin’s face darkened as he looked sternly at Qiao Man. The child looked up with his chubby little face and said with total gravity, “He is haunted by Death Qi. If he’s saved now, there’s still time. If it’s any later, he really won’t be able to be saved.”

Director Jin pondered for a moment and asked, “Can you guarantee that?”

“Of course, I’ve never been wrong.” Qiao Man nodded his head and said seriously, “My Master said that old people and young children get sick the easiest. Grandpa, you’re old, so you need to watch your health.”

“Director Jin, this…” Assistant Director Du hesitated, instinctively trying to decline. “The set is so busy, and our shooting schedule is heavy. I can’t just walk away. Besides, I don’t feel any pain or illness. I’m in good health. It won’t be too late to go once we finish filming.”

Director Jin quickly made the call. “I’m giving you tomorrow off. Go to the hospital and get checked out.”

“But what about our scenes?” the Assistant Director asked.

“While you’re gone, let Xiao Wu fill in,” Director Jin said.

Xiao Wu was the assistant director’s aide and a member of the directing team. He usually handled the logistical coordination, so with Assistant Director Du’s work logs left behind, having Xiao Wu step up for a day or two wouldn’t cause any issues.

Nothing in this world is impossible to complete just because one person is missing, especially in Director Jin’s crew. Under his strict management, the production had a mature organizational system. This was partly to improve efficiency and partly to ensure they could adapt flexibly if any unforeseen circumstances arose.

Realizing this, the Assistant Director nodded, finally giving up the struggle. “Alright then. I’ll go to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow.”

The first fortune had been told; there were two left for the day.

Qiao Man’s round, dark eyes scanned the crowd. “Does anyone else want a reading?”

Everyone was eager to try, but…

“Director Jin?” someone asked tentatively. “Would you like a reading?”

“No need.”

Director Jin waved them off and quickly left the area.

He didn’t really believe in this sort of thing.

Compared to the mysterious wonders of Metaphysics, he cared far more about the film he was currently shooting. Whenever inspiration struck, he couldn’t wait to discuss it with someone.

Once Director Jin’s back disappeared from view, the crowd swarmed forward again.

“Master Xiao Man, me!”

“I’m first!”

“There are only two spots left, don’t fight me for them!”

Soon, the next two readings were claimed.

Unlike the Assistant Director, these people weren’t just there for the spectacle; they got straight to the point. “Master Xiao Man, please help me check on my boyfriend…”

“I want to ask about my mother…”

The Assistant Director didn’t even wait until the next day. Handing the afternoon’s filming over to the assistant director’s aide, he hurried to book an appointment at a local top-tier hospital. Because Qiao Man had specifically pointed out that the Death Qi was coiled around his stomach, he went straight to the relevant department, saving himself a lot of trouble.

A few days later, Assistant Director Du’s medical report came back.

He hadn’t noticed anything before the checkup, but the results revealed a definite problem.

The report stated the diagnosis in clear, cold terms: pancreatic cancer.