Million Fans Through Live Streaming: My Journey of Drawing Charms

Netizen 1: [I was so caught up that I forgot to secure a spot! One rune per night, everyone!]

Netizen 2: [It's all because the streamer's aura of righteousness is too blinding to my eyes.]

Netizen 3: [My quick-money charm! I feel like I've missed out on some miracles.]

The comments flew by, but I tuned them out and connected the microphone to DreamingHomeward's line.

"How may I assist you?" I inquired.

DreamingHomeward replied, "Sorry, give me a sec to figure out how to put this."

His voice, tinged with a foreign accent, sparked the livestream into a frenzy.

Netizen 1: [Foreign accent? An international friend!]

Netizen 2: [Runes are part of our intangible cultural heritage; should foreigners really partake?]

Netizen 3: [Is it cool? If not, I'm up next. I'm dying to snag a quick-fortune charm!]

Sensing the skepticism, DreamingHomeward quickly explained, "I'm Bruce Kim, and my great-grandfather went abroad last century."

Realizing he was straying from the point, I gently reminded him.

"Please, tell me what troubles you."

Bruce found his focus and shared his tale.

"Simply put, since my great-grandfather's time, my family has been frail, none living past 40. We've sought answers across the globe, but it's futile. Now, three months from my fortieth birthday, I weaken by the day."

After listening to his narratives, I sensed something odd about the situation. But what I didn't anticipate was the sudden influx of savvy individuals flooding the comment section.

Netizen 1: [Oh my god! You and your family are cursed? It sounds like a storyline plucked right from the pages of "Lantern of the Lost Spirits."]

Netizen 2: [The Under-40 Curse? In your case, you really ought to seek out the Quadragenarian Liberation Pearl!]

Netizen 3: [I know where the pearl is. Elysian Vale! Head there now!]

I, however, was puzzled.

Bruce clarified, "Everyone, I've read the book 'Lantern of the Lost Spirits,' but seriously, I'm not some heir to the hero! Can my situation be fixed?"

I took a moment to think before inquiring, "Do you have any family photos?"

"Family photos? Yes!" Bruce responded.

"Send me three, ensuring all four generations are included," I requested.

Bruce complied.

I opened the private message and examined each of the three photos in turn.

I asked, "Is the porcelain bell-shaped flowerpot from the first photo still in your possession?"

"You have keen eyes! It was my great-grandfather's favorite, passed down through generations, now in my care," Bruce replied.

"Was a white peony ever planted in this pot?" I probed.

After hearing my question, he responded with doubt, "Can you see this?"

After a brief shock, Bruce shared what he knew.

"That must've been a century ago. I saw it in some old photos belonging to my great-grandfather. My dad said that my great-grandfather adored flowers, but for the sake of portability, he had to part with the white peony in the pot and left it behind in the backyard of our old house."

After hearing his explanation, I took a brief pause and ventured to ask, "After a century, that peony's surely gone by now, isn't it?"

Surprisingly, he said, "It should still be there."

I was stunned.

He continued, "Well, my old house has turned into a well-known tourist spot, Longriver Park, now. It should be pretty well preserved."

The live broadcast viewers erupted into excitement once again!

Netizen 1: [Oh my god! His house turned into a tourist spot? He's gotta be from some kind of royal lineage, right?]

Netizen 2: [His family left for abroad last century, and his last name's Kim. He's gotta be from a royal family, right?]

Netizen 3: [Jeez! Using porcelain for a flower pot? His family must have some serious clout.]

Amidst the flurry of exclamations from the online community, the voice of Bruce resonated once more.

He asked, "What kind of rune should I pray for in my situation?"

"Don't worry. Your current location might not be suitable for this rune yet," I replied.

"Can my illness be cured?" he asked hopefully.

I smiled, knowing the answer. "It can, but it depends on the choice you make."

"A choice?" he echoed.

"Yes, you need to decide between the flowerpot or your life," I stated calmly.

He murmured, "What's the connection with the flowerpot? Anyway, it's a family heirloom!"

I smiled serenely and stated with composure, "That is a national treasure, too."

Noticing the hesitation in his eyes, I offered my suggestion. "Look, if you're still unsure, how about we try this?

"I'll start by crafting the rune. Meanwhile, you should take out the cherished flower pot. Fill it with soil. Pay close attention to how you feel tonight. If there's improvement, we'll discuss next steps in the livestream tomorrow night at the same time."

After considering my suggestion, Bruce gave a reluctant nod.

With deft fingers, I pulled out the yellow paper from my bag. With my brush, a rune came to life.

"The rune for tonight is on its way. See you in the livestream tomorrow night, same time!"

I announced with a smile, ending the session by turning off the microphone.