CHAPTER 540: A THOUSAND TURNS BEFORE FALLING (PART TWO)

Something in the back of Uncle Lin’s mind stirred uneasily. The old master’s warnings came back to him, about the chosen one, the person destined to cross paths with Clyde. He had visited temples, prayed before shrines, sought meaning through divination, but the answers always slipped away like mist.

And yet another headache had appeared. Who in their right mind dared to meddle in Clyde’s affairs?

That expressionless man! Clyde! What on earth had he been doing all this time that Micah still doubted their relationship? That he would be shaken just because someone else’s words? Did his past lectures go in one ear and out the other? Was it all wasted breath? This hopeless man!

Uncle Lin took a deep breath. "I am not sure I understand all of what you said. It did not matter what I thought or said; in the end, it’s you who must decide."

He turned slightly, his gaze piercing through the drifting leaves. "Tell me, child...Can you bear to leave them? Can you truly step aside and just watch?"

Micah froze, lips parting.

Uncle Lin bent down, his back arching slightly, and picked up a fallen leaf. He turned it between his fingers, studying its fragile veins.

"There is a saying, the autumn leaf goes through a thousand turns before it reaches the ground. No one knows where it might land. Whether it encounters something along the way or not. Is it going to hit the rock or a small dirty puddle?"

Then he turned and looked at Micah. "Do you know," he said, "why the universe rarely interferes directly in human affairs? Why it whispers instead of commands?"

Micah shook his head faintly.

"Because direct help," Uncle Lin continued, "would shatter the balance. If you think kindly, the path opens. If your heart goes dark, every step becomes a burden. That is what people mean when they say the universe helps those who believe."

He let the leaf fall, its slow descent tracing the air like a soft sigh.

"You doubt yourself too much. There must be something in you that heaven found worth believing in. If not, you wouldn’t be standing here now." His eyes glinted faintly beneath the shadow of the trees. "Nothing is set in stone. Everything moves, shifts, bends with choice. But if you keep doubting, nothing, no fate, no destiny, can take root."

Micah’s gaze fell to the ground, to the tiny leaf that had landed by his shoe.

Uncle Lin stepped closer, his presence calm yet commanding. "Sometimes, the smallest signs, the things you dismiss, carry the greatest meaning. A gesture, a word, a dream." He tapped a finger lightly against his temple. "They are not just accidents. Perhaps the universe is speaking... but softly."

Uncle Lin’s tone softened. "And do not keep your burdens hidden. A heart that carries too much will eventually collapse."

He clasped his hands behind his back once more, looking toward the far edge of the park, where a bunch of old people were doing Tai chi. "Humans were never meant to shoulder everything alone. We are bound by each other’s hands, by small kindness. That’s what keeps the wheel of life turning."

Micah lifted his eyes, uncertain. "But what if... what if my decisions end up hurting them instead?"

Uncle Lin chuckled softly, a sound both weary and wise. "Hurt and healing are part of the same thread. No one walks without leaving prints on another’s path. What matters is not avoiding pain, but whether your heart remains true as you walk it."

He locked onto those hazel eyes hiding behind the glasses. "You see...this old man has watched the world rise and fall many times. Politicians, rulers, beggars, enemies... all the same in the end. What defines a person is not their victories, but the sincerity of their intent."

He reached out, his wrinkled hand resting on Micah’s shoulder with surprising strength. "Some give everything they own with poisoned hearts. Others risk their lives to save what little good remains. You can never tell by appearances alone."

The wind lifted again, brushing past them.

Uncle Lin patted Micah’s shoulder, voice lowering. "Life moves in circles. You may think you are walking toward an ending, but perhaps you are only returning to where you began. Don’t dismiss what you can’t yet understand. Even your presence, you mere being, may change the course of another’s fate. So never think you are useless, boy. Believe in your heart. Act with conviction. When your intent is sincere, the universe finds a way to meet you halfway."

Micah nodded, overwhelmed with Uncle Lin’s lecture. It was heavy. But heartwarming.

His lips curved into a faint, trembling smile. He bowed his head. "Thank you, Grandpa Lin... I think I understand now."

Uncle Lin hummed softly; his expression softened. "I am always here for you. Whenever you encounter a dead end, you can count on this old man. Think of me as a family member."

Micah’s smile deepened. "It was a blessing from the gods that I met you, Grandpa Lin."

Uncle Lin let out a laugh. "Sweet talking now?" He shook his head. "Come, child. Let’s go back. I am sure he has arrived long ago, waiting patiently for your verdict."

Micah lifted his chin, a touch of arrogance in his tone. "This crown prince will hand this troublesome subject to your majesty for final judgment."

Uncle Lin raised an eyebrow. "This old man will not interfere in matrimonial issues, young man. No matter how many favours you curry."

Micah let out a long sigh, a helpless smile on his face. "Grandpa Lin, don’t tease me."

"Alright. We’ll see if my help is needed or not," Uncle Lin said, already walking toward the way they had come.

Micah nodded and followed him back to the restaurant.

Uncle Lin’s words weren’t entirely clear, but something in them struck deep. What he understood was that Darcy’s dream was not an ominous sign or proof of failure. But the way that the universe was helping him. Warning him of danger that he was unaware of.

He exhaled, watching the leaves dancing in the air. He had come so far already. He couldn’t lose faith now.

He clenched his fists at his sides, then slowly released them.

He needed to be firm and act tough. This damn book was not just about his demise, anymore. Darcy and Clyde’s lives had gotten involved, too.