In the case of the businessman who had arrived with those 'pig eyes' and a knife in his coat, he had temporarily shown Sabaek-an (four-white eyes) due to his desperation. However, his overall countenance was closer to Wimeng-ji-sang, the Appearance of Majesty and Fierceness.

  For reference, Wimeng-ji-sang describes a face that exudes dignity and an overwhelming presence. People with this look usually rise to high-ranking positions or establish their own enterprises. It is one of the Eight Methods of Human Physiognomy.

  To briefly introduce these eight methods:

  1. Wimeng-ji-sang (Majestic and Fierce Look)

  2. Hujung-ji-sang (Solid Abundance and Stable Dignity)

  3. Cheongsu-ji-sang (Luminous Purity and Refined Grace)

  4. Gogwae-ji-sang (Archaic Oddity and Noble Ruggedness)

  5. Gohan-ji-sang (Lonesome Desolation and Bony Coldness)

  6. Bakyak-ji-sang (Fragile Frailty and Fading Fortune)

  7. Wanak-ji-sang (Callous Stubbornness and Malignant Air)

  8. Soktak-ji-sang (Worldly Meanness and Turbid Greed)

  The last one, Soktak-ji-sang, belongs to those who are worldly, vulgar, and frivolous. While such people may never lack the basic necessities of life, they absolutely never share their wealth with others. The overall energy they radiate is cheap and muddy.

  There was no way Grandpa would fail to see the energy of that truck driver, whose Soktak-ji-sang was so obvious even I could spot it.

  After examining the man's birth chart and reading his face, Grandpa asked, “So, what weighs on your mind today?”

  The man replied, “I’ve heard from word of mouth that the Dosa-nim helps those in need and even saves those on the brink of death. That’s what brought me here.”

  “You don't look like you’re struggling that much,” Grandpa remarked.

  “That’s not true! My business has collapsed, and I’m on my way to hand over my truck right now. It is my very last asset, and I have to give it up as collateral!”

  Grandpa tilted his head as if something didn't add up.

  “If you just stuck to your trade, you should’ve made a decent living. Did you... get into gambling or something?”

  The man’s expression shifted instantly, looking like a deer caught in headlights. He threw himself to the floor and began to wail.

  “I messed up! I just wanted to play one round, but I ended up playing Poker all night. I lost everything I had and ended up 500,000 won in debt.”

  “And?”

  “And the debt collectors, those thugs, told me that if I don't pay it back by today, they’re going to take my truck.”

  By now, Grandpa seemed to have lost interest. He spoke indifferently.

  “So? Then give them the truck. If you’re dealing with thugs, go talk to them. Why did you come to a Saju Philosophy Studio?”

  I couldn't help but let out a snort at Grandpa’s bluntness.

  “Pfft!”

  The man had clearly come to borrow money. Ever since Grandpa had given 300,000 won to that other man a while ago, guests like this had been popping up occasionally.

  They weren't guests, they were parasites.

  The right answer was to kick him out. Grandpa surely knew that, yet he kept beating around the bush. The man grew frustrated because Grandpa wasn't getting to the point he wanted, while I was just as frustrated that Grandpa hadn't thrown him out yet.

  ‘Just kick him out already.’

  The truck driver spoke up. “Could I get a glass of cold water?”

  That’s when I cut in. “Why don't you just send him away?”

  The driver glared at me, and I glared right back. But Grandpa told me to bring the water. After the man gulped down the glass, Grandpa spoke.

  “Did that cold water wake you up a bit?”

  Even in this situation, Grandpa seemed to feel a shred of pity and tried to read his fortune.

  “Let’s see your chart. You have a strong Earth (土) element. Earth supports and connects the other elements in a chart.”

  The man began to focus intently on the reading.

  “The Earth element is good for you. If you had too much, it would drive you straight into prison, but you’re not at that level.”

  The parasite grinned. Grandpa immediately continued.

  “That doesn't mean you have a chart that will never see a jail cell. Quit the gambling and the thugs, stick to your work, and you’ll hold some real money in your hands soon. You’re in the trucking business, right?”

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  “Yes.”

  “Instead of manufactured goods, try focusing on produce and things that come from the ground. If you can, don't just stop at hauling. Try to open up some wholesale channels as well. You’ll make a killing.”

  And with that, the reading was over. But even though it was finished, the man made no move to pay the fee. Grandpa sighed and said, “We’re done here. You can go. I won't charge you for the reading.”

  Still, the man sat there like a statue.

  “Why aren't you leaving?”

  Without a word, the man simply laid down on the floor.

  ‘A total freeloader!’

  If this guy didn't leave, we couldn't take any more guests. And if he refused to budge, someone would have to force him out. If Grandma found out, she’d surely beat him senseless, which would result in a fortune spent on medical bills or legal settlements.

  ‘If only Grandma hadn't brought him in.’

  Grandpa didn't say anything either. Eventually, he rummaged through some old books and pulled out a stack of hidden cash, holding it out to the man.

  “Here is 500,000 won. I usually only give financial help to those who are truly at death’s door.”

  Watching this made my blood boil. He wasn't about to die, nor was he the type to ever pay it back. I couldn't understand why Grandpa was doing this.

  “However, your chart says you’ll be able to pay this back within two years at the latest, so I’ll trust you. But let’s write a contract.”

  “What kind of contract?”

  “A promise that when you make it big, you’ll pay me back tenfold.”

  It seemed Grandpa decided to rid himself of this liar for the price of 500,000 won. Even though he looked like he truly hated parting with that money, the man clearly wasn't going to leave until he got what he wanted. After the man left with the money, Grandpa turned to Grandma.

  “Go sprinkle some salt at the entrance. I never want to see a guy like that again.” (In Korea, sprinkling salt at a doorway is a traditional way to ward off bad luck or cleanse the space after a particularly unpleasant guest has left.)

  It made perfect sense because, back then, we didn't have enough guests for Grandpa to earn 500,000 won in even a full week. Even Grandma stayed quiet this time. She had seen the man acting like a total nuisance after she’d brought him in, so she didn't have much to say for herself.

  I was annoyed and spent the whole day scowling. Grandpa said to me, “I’m annoyed too. But there was no other way. If I didn't give him that money, he would’ve come back tomorrow, and the day after that. That guy... he’s a textbook Soktak-ji-sang, isn't he?”

  It was a truly frustrating day.

  Exactly one year later.

  The truck driver returned, this time driving a Mercedes and wearing a suit. His appearance had changed, but his countenance hadn't changed one bit. He was still Soktak-ji-sang.

  ‘He looks successful. Did he come to pay back the debt? No, someone with a vulgar face like that would never do that.’

  That was my thought. In the waiting area, he was bragging to anyone who would listen.

  “The Dosa here? He’s the real deal. I did exactly what he told me, and I made so much money it could fill my truck! Hahaha!”

  “Really? Wow, that’s amazing.”

  “So I’m back to ask him how to grow my wealth even more. Hahaha! I want to expand the business significantly!”

  Watching him brag, I was learning exactly how a Soktak-ji-sang behaves when they come into money.

  Soon, he entered the consulting room. Curious about what Grandpa would say, I followed him in. The man gave his birth details as if it were his first time here.

  “Where should I invest to make even more money, Dosa?”

  He placed 100,000 won on Grandpa’s desk.

  “Tell me a good spot, and I’ll give you another 100,000 won. Just look at my chart and find me a nice investment opportunity.”

  He let out a greasy laugh. Grandpa had realized it was the truck driver the moment he crossed the threshold. I knew because Grandpa had a brief look of genuine surprise on his face. He was probably thinking the same thing I was.

  ‘A Soktak-ji-sang actually came back to pay the debt?’

  But Grandpa didn't let on that he recognized him. He just began the reading.

  “Your luck is at its peak right now. You had a hard time last year, but you escaped it by a stroke of heavenly luck. You won't face any major troubles for now. Just keep living exactly as you are.”

  Listening from the side, I felt a spark of anger. ‘Why is he continuing the reading for this guy?’

  Then the man spoke. “I have a lot of Earth in my chart, don't I? So it shouldn't be a problem to expand the business, right? Maybe move into human resources or something like that...”

  At that, Grandpa’s expression changed.

  “Ah, that was the story of your previous Great Luck period. Fire Produces Earth. Fire gives life to Earth. The Fire energy in your cycle was supporting your Earth energy. But now...”

  Grandpa trailed off. The man’s face hardened slightly.

  “Why did you stop talking?”

  Grandpa said nothing, simply staring at the stack of cash on the table.

  “I asked why you stopped!”

  ‘God, he’s thick,’ I thought. Since he wasn't getting the hint, I stepped in.

  “The 100,000 won worth of reading is over. If you want to hear more, put another 100,000 on the table.”

  The man snapped at me, “I’ll hear the rest first, then pay!”

  But Grandpa kept his mouth shut. I followed suit, just sitting there. After a few minutes of silence, the man finally folded. He pulled out more cash and slammed it onto the table. Only then did Grandpa speak again.

  “Starting next year, the Wood cycle begins. It will last for ten years. On top of that, your chart shows a Rob Wealth (Robbery Star) period clashing with a Seven Killings (Killing Star) influence.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means things won't be as good as before. Wood depletes and breaks the Earth.”

  Grandpa was subtly taunting him. Finally, the man lost his temper.

  “Hey! I paid you, so speak in plain English!”

  He shouted in anger, but Grandpa didn't even flinch.

  “I am. I’m giving you exactly what you paid for. If you wait, I’ll explain everything.”

  He said that, but it was clear Grandpa had no intention of making it easy for him.

  “When an element suppresses you, what do we call that? We call it Gwan-seong, which is the Officer element. And what does that mean? The word Gwan refers to authority and signifies one’s social standing, such as the position of a government official or a high-ranking employee in a company.”

  “If it represents a position, isn't that a good thing?”

  “A Direct Officer is a positive force, but the Seven Killings in the Heavenly Stems is what we call a Killing Star, and it’s not exactly a good sign. Every force has Yin and Yang.”

  The man tilted his head in confusion. Explaining such complex concepts to someone who knew nothing about Saju was a clear sign that Grandpa didn't truly want to help him.

  “The Seven Killings can sometimes work in one's favor, but for you right now, it’s not looking good.”

  The man laughed mockingly.

  “Hahahaha! Are you saying I’m going to become a civil servant or take a seat in some company? I’m a businessman! I have no intention of doing that. Are you some kind of fraud?”

  Grandpa just smiled.

  That expression. Whenever Grandpa had a client completely hooked, he felt a surge of thrill. That was the exact look on his face right now.