At thirty, I started my comeback from the intelligence system.

The next morning, Chen Geng asked Wang Zhenye for leave, explaining that he needed to go out for research to make final preparations for the afternoon's visit to the Starry Sky Building. Wang Zhenye readily agreed and told him not to worry.

Chen Gengxian drove to pick up his mother, Cui Lanzhen. His mother looked better than before. Seeing her son's new car, she was both happy and worried about the cost: "Genggeng, this car wasn't cheap, was it? Don't waste money, Mom can take the bus..."

"Mom, money is meant to be spent. Having a car is convenient; I'll drive you to the doctor and when you go out." Chen Geng smiled as he fastened his mother's seatbelt.

As the car pulled up to the intersection near the housekeeping company where her mother worked, a middle-aged woman wearing a floral shirt, with curly hair and a neat appearance was already waiting by the roadside. She was Yu Xiulian, Cui Lanzhen's colleague and the company's top-rated nanny, who was quick-witted and loved to compare herself to others.

"Xiulian, have you been waiting long? Come on up." Cui Lanzhen called out.

Yu Xiulian opened the car door, glanced at the Lincoln emblem, and exclaimed "Oh!" as she got in. "Lanzhen, your son is so filial, he even drove me here. Unlike my Xiaoqiang, who's the security captain at the Royal Palace Nightclub, working for President Lu Jiahao. He's always so busy, President Lu really values ​​him, he's a favorite! He just couldn't get away today, otherwise he would have driven me too. President Lu assigned him a Cadillac!"

Her tone was boastful, but her eyes were scanning the car's interior. The car didn't look ostentatious, but once inside, the space, seats, and noise insulation felt more comfortable than the ordinary BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, and Audis she had ridden in before, which made her a little skeptical.

"It's good for children to be busy with their careers," Cui Lanzhen said with a smile.

"That's right, following President Lu means a bright future!" Yu Xiulian seized the opportunity and asked Chen Geng, "Little Chen, your car... it looks quite sturdy, it must be expensive, right? Over two hundred thousand?"

Chen Geng smiled and said, "Pretty much." He didn't mention a specific price.

"Oh, that's not bad either, it's good for transportation." Yu Xiulian felt a little better; two hundred thousand yuan still couldn't compare to a Cadillac. She then steered the conversation back to her son, boasting about how capable Zhang Xiaoqiang was, how influential he was at the nightclub, and how many important people he knew.

Chen Geng simply listened, occasionally humming in agreement, and focused on driving. Cui Lanzhen, being gentle by nature, didn't interrupt either.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Chen Geng had contacted Lin Xiaoxiao beforehand. Lin Xiaoxiao happened to be off work that day, but she came over to help out. She skillfully guided Cui Lanzhen through the staff entrance to register, find the doctor, and get the medication, saving a lot of queuing time. Her arrangements were thorough and thoughtful.

Yu Xiulian, trying to take advantage of the situation, said, "Xiaoxiao is really capable; having connections at the hospital is really advantageous," while her eyes kept darting between Chen Geng and Lin Xiaoxiao. Taking advantage of Lin Xiaoxiao going to get the test results, she leaned close to Cui Lanzhen's ear, lowering her voice so that Chen Geng, who was nearby, could hear, "Lanzhen, this girl… is your son's girlfriend? She's pretty, and working at the hospital is good too. But… I heard Xiao Chen got married, right? Does this girl know? Could it be…?"

Cui Lanzhen's expression changed, and she hurriedly explained, "Xiulian, don't talk nonsense! Xiaoxiao is Genggeng's friend, and she's just trying to help. Genggeng, he..." She hesitated for a moment, unsure whether she should mention her son's divorce.

Chen Geng frowned, about to speak, when a cheerful voice rang out: "Auntie! Aunt Chen! Oh, Gengzi, is everything ready?"

Zhang Jiaxiao, dressed in a crisp shirt and trousers, strode over with a sharp and energetic air. He naturally stood next to Lin Xiaoxiao (who had just returned from retrieving her order) and greeted Cui Lanzhen and Yu Xiulian warmly: "Hello, Auntie! Hello, Auntie! I'm Gengzi, Zhang Jiaxiao, and I work at the Binjiang Subdistrict Office. Xiaoxiao is my girlfriend, and she came here today to help out."

"The subdistrict office?" Yu Xiulian was taken aback and looked Zhang Jiaxiao up and down again. In the eyes of ordinary citizens like her, the subdistrict office was also "government personnel" with a little power. Especially since Zhang Jiaxiao was young and had a good demeanor.

"Yes, it mainly serves this neighborhood. Auntie, which area do you live in? If you need any policy advice or assistance in the future, you can contact me," Zhang Jiaxiao said with a smile, her words carrying a certain weight.

Yu Xiulian immediately felt embarrassed and quickly gave the name of her neighborhood. Zhang Jiaxiao nodded: "Oh, that area is directly under the jurisdiction of our Director Wang, I know it well. Next time the community organizes an event, I'll save a gift for Auntie."

Yu Xiulian felt a little embarrassed. Just moments ago she was bragging about her son being a "gangster's darling," but now her "boyfriend" was a respectable street-level official who even knew the director. She forced a smile and remained silent.

After the midday check-up, Chen Geng was about to take his mother and Yu Xiulian home. At the hospital entrance, a flashy modified motorcycle rumbled to a stop. On the motorcycle was a fit young man wearing a tight black T-shirt, with tattoos on his arms, shaved pubic hair, and a fierce look in his eyes—it was Zhang Xiaoqiang.

"Mom! Over here!" Zhang Xiaoqiang called out, took off his helmet, saw Cui Lanzhen and Chen Geng next to Yu Xiulian, nodded, and said politely, "Aunt Cui." He glanced at Chen Geng's car but didn't say anything.

"Why are you so late!" Yu Xiulian seemed to find an outlet for her pent-up frustration upon seeing her son, but it was mostly her habitual complaining. "Little Chen drove us here, running around taking care of everything, and Nurse Lin and Cadre Zhang helped out—so considerate! And you, riding this thing..."

Zhang Xiaoqiang frowned, seemingly impatient with his mother's nagging, but he paid attention to the way she addressed him as "Nurse Lin" and "Cadre Zhang." He said to Xiulian, "Alright, Mom, get in the car, I'll take you home. Aunt Cui, Brother Chen, thanks." His tone wasn't particularly warm, but he was polite.

Watching the motorcycle carrying Yu Xiulian drive away, Cui Lanzhen sighed, "Xiulian is just a quick-tongued person, but she's not a bad person at heart. Her son... he looks fierce, but he's alright with his mother."

Chen Geng nodded, offering no further comment. That Zhang Xiaoqiang had a ruthless glint in his eyes, but there was a hidden concern beneath his impatience for his mother. Those in that line of work were often forced into their ways, but their feelings for family were perhaps genuine. This person, perhaps in the future… A thought stirred within him, and he made an impression.

After dropping his mother off at home, Chen Geng quickly ate a bite of food and then drove to the Starry Sky Building.

The Starry Sky Building, located on the edge of the CBD, is a brand-new twin tower with a modern and edgy design featuring a glass curtain wall. Chen Geng met up with Yang Zhenzhen in the parking lot.

"Manager Chen, you're right on time." Yang Zhenzhen had changed into a more professional-looking suit today, and her tone was calm. "Chairman Zheng attaches great importance to this inspection and has specially invited an expert to come and take a look."

"An expert?" Chen Geng felt a sense of foreboding.

"Yes, Lan Yuhe, the renowned feng shui master of Hong Kong. He's a longtime friend of Chairman Zheng and a guest of many Hong Kong tycoons," Yang Zhenzhen said, observing Chen Geng's reaction.

Lan Yuhe? Chen Geng's heart sank. A true industry expert was far beyond the reach of someone like him, a "quick-fix" who had spent half the night browsing the internet. Moreover, yesterday's intelligence report mentioned cracking down on feudal superstition, and today Zheng Baichuan had invited such a "master"—was he unaware of the situation, or did he have something to rely on?

The two took the elevator directly to the top floor. Stepping out, they found themselves on a spacious observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic city views. An elderly man, around sixty years old, dressed in a white Tang suit, holding a string of sandalwood prayer beads, with meticulously combed hair and a lean face, stood with his back to them by the window, seemingly sensing their "aura." Beside him stood a ruddy-faced, middle-aged man in a casual suit, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and exuding a powerful presence—Zheng Baichuan, chairman of Starry Sky Media. An assistant-like figure followed behind, carrying a compass and other items.

"Chairman Zheng, Master Lan, this is Manager Chen Geng from Hanfeng GG," Yang Zhenzhen introduced.

Zheng Baichuan turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over Chen Geng with a scrutinizing look before giving a slight nod. Lan Yuhe, on the other hand, slowly turned around, his gaze calm and profound, lingering on Chen Geng for a moment as if trying to see through him, before speaking calmly: "Mr. Chen, young and promising. Mr. Zheng said you have some unique insights into the feng shui of this building?"

The pressure was immense. Policy risks loomed ahead, true experts were nearby, and the client's boss was at his side. Chen Geng knew that his previous wishful thinking and last-minute preparations would likely crumble before the eyes of a true master.

The intelligence provided no solution; the system only warned him of the risks. The real test was just beginning.

He took a deep breath, met Lan Yuhe's gaze, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Master Lan, you flatter me. I dare not claim to be unique, but I feel that the relationship between architecture and people is like that between a boat and water; if it flows smoothly, it will be successful, and if it flows against the current, it will be difficult. Today, I am fortunate to learn from Master Zheng Donghe, and I hope to find a way to make this 'boat' sail more steadily and further."

He avoided using the word "feng shui" directly, instead using a more neutral metaphor that leans more towards environment and psychology. This was both a test and a way to leave himself some room to maneuver.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Lan Yuhe's eyes. He remained noncommittal, then turned to Zheng Baichuan and said, "Mr. Zheng, shall we continue watching?"

Zheng Baichuan nodded: "Okay, Manager Chen, come along too. Let's hear Master Lan's insightful opinions and share your thoughts as well."

The group first inspected the observation deck, then went downstairs to examine the building both inside and out. Lan Yuhe would occasionally tap his finger lightly, muttering professional terms such as "dragon vein," "qi kou," "sand and water," and "inauspicious position," which his assistant would occasionally jot down. Zheng Baichuan listened attentively, nodding frequently with a solemn expression.

Yang Zhenzhen followed beside him, occasionally glancing at Chen Geng. Chen Geng listened and observed intently, his mind racing, trying to understand the spatial logic behind Lan Yu's words by combining the "environmental psychology" concepts he had seen the previous night with the actual scene, and searching for possible entry points that fit the "scientific explanation."

When they reached the southwest side of the building and saw the newly built commercial building, slightly taller than the main building of Xingkong, Lan Yuhe stopped, her brow furrowed. Pointing in that direction, she said to Zheng Baichuan, "Mr. Zheng, I mentioned to you on the phone before that this building resembles a 'White Tiger peeking out,' and it's located in the Kun direction, creating a 'pressing' situation. This indicates unstable finances, personnel turmoil, and unrest among women. Has your group recently encountered many obstacles? Financial fluctuations? Or are your female executives or important partners experiencing many troubles?"

Zheng Baichuan's expression changed, and he nodded repeatedly: "Master Lan is absolutely right! Several projects have been progressing poorly recently, and we are under some pressure in terms of cash flow. Assistant General Manager Yang is also very worried about this." He glanced at Yang Zhenzhen.

Yang Zhenzhen nodded silently.

Lan Yuhe twirled his prayer beads and pondered, "This evil influence needs to be neutralized, but it cannot be forcibly countered. We must use gentleness to overcome strength and guide the flow of energy..."

All eyes, including Zheng Baichuan's and Yang Zhenzhen's, instinctively turned to Chen Geng. Lan Yuhe had already pointed out the core of the problem (which matched the intelligence and what Yang Zhenzhen had previously revealed) and was beginning to propose solutions. So, Chen Geng, you boasted before, and now, facing the diagnosis of a true master, what is your "solution"? Can it complement the master's, or even... offer more insightful perspectives?

Chen Geng felt a dryness in his throat. The problem and location pointed out by Lan Yuhe were consistent with his previous guesses. But how to resolve it? He knew he couldn't argue with the master using feng shui terminology, and it might even involve policy risks. Using scientific principles? How to explain the psychological implications of "White Tiger Peeking Out" and "Instable Wealth"?

He had to immediately come up with a solution that would be acceptable to Zheng Baichuan (who would believe in its effectiveness), that would not make him look foolish in front of Lan Yuhe, that would be self-consistent, and that would avoid any suspicion of "feudal superstition"!

Time seemed to stand still at that moment. Chen Geng's mind raced at an unprecedented speed, his gaze sweeping across the building in the southwest, over the glass curtain wall of the Starry Sky Building, across the ground beneath his feet, and across the bustling road in the distance...