The death of Iran’s Soleimani has sent the commentary media world into a frenzy of excitement — finally, some material to spin into endless jokes and conspiracy theories.
The most representative logic from this charming crowd goes something like this: Look! How stupid is Trump! He just poked the hornet’s nest! The Middle East is about to explode! Let’s grab the popcorn and watch!
And the crowd below erupts in applause, congratulating each other, pumping each other up.
When I was younger, I didn’t really understand why people who had achieved real status and accomplishment always needed a capable right-hand man by their side. Now, having reached a modest position myself, I finally understand: having an assistant isn’t about showing off or putting on airs, as outsiders might assume. Most of the important decisions and calls still have to come from you personally. The real purpose of an assistant is purely practical — to handle the physical labor and daily minutiae of life: driving, running errands, handling logistics, and so on.
The characteristic that best reveals a person’s true social tier is, in fact, not their wealth or power alone.
Ordinary people tend to think that judging someone’s class is straightforward — just look at their money and position.
But we all know that while these are important indicators, they’re neither the most reliable nor the most definitive measures.
From my own perspective, I’ve witnessed the rise and fall of far too many so-called big shots and industry leaders to know one thing clearly: the flower that blooms too brightly rarely lasts. True strength is built over one or two generations of dedicated effort — until you’ve genuinely embedded yourself into a tier and its inner circles. That is the real answer.
Recognize the illusion, invest in it, then exit the game before the illusion becomes apparent to the public.
This quote comes from Soros.
And I believe this is precisely the source of Xu Xiang’s confidence when he once boasted he could go toe-to-toe with Soros.
Because in our capital markets, magicians wielding butcher’s knives are everywhere — when it comes to manufacturing illusions, we are unmatched under heaven.
1 — What Is True Elite Consciousness?
To be candid, one of the things that has given Master Chi the greatest satisfaction and relief in recent years is the rise of “great nation consciousness” among China’s young people. This so-called great nation consciousness is not purely about “hot-blooded patriotism” — though patriotism is certainly an important part of it. What is truly remarkable is that a significant portion of today’s young people, along with the general public, have developed a profoundly clear understanding of “the logic behind a rising great nation.”
Master Chi’s recent trip to Thailand lasted nearly a week. The only article written during that time was first a preview — warning everyone in advance that the so-called “New Four Young Masters” were on the verge of serious trouble. That was followed by a brief sketch of the backstory, then Master Chi deliberately stopped short. The reason is simple: most people won’t believe there are undercurrents churning beneath the surface until they see actual waves with their own eyes. So after issuing the preview, he let the bullet fly a while. That way, the story that followed could be told properly.
To this day, Master Chi has always believed that the world’s most skilled gamblers and investors — when facing their chosen positions — share a remarkably uniform mindset: effortless nonchalance. Playing casually just for the fun of it is their common thread. This attitude stems partly from years of battle-hardened composure, and partly from a natural disposition that looks down on the game itself while holding firm confidence in their own abilities.
This morning I woke to find my phone filled with messages of blessing. For a moment, I couldn’t quite understand why. Opening them, it became clear — today is Teacher’s Day.
Seeing the warm wishes from friends and companions, Master Chi truly feels unworthy of them. The word “teacher” carries real weight — it speaks to the responsibility of passing one’s knowledge on to others. As far as Master Chi is concerned, what I have been doing all along is, at most, sharing: offering my worldview, my observations, my insights as a light embellishment woven into easy conversation. Because deep down, I know well that the knowledge Master Chi holds is, in truth, nothing remarkable — hardly worth mentioning. This is precisely why I believe you — my reader, and especially you — are far more deserving of the title “teacher.” For in you, Master Chi has seen and learned no less than anything I have ever shared with you, even without us ever having met or spoken face to face.
Introduction: Achievement has always required going against the crowd. Success is always born of decisive, independent action. As the saying goes — when disaster draws near, it is already too late to guard against it. The greatest slander in your life most often comes from those who are closest to you.
“A perfectly capable person — held back entirely by the six relations (liu qin) around them.”
This is something Master Chi has said with resignation ever since he began offering public consultations.
Preamble: Many people don’t understand why Hong Kong under British colonial rule — a place that offered not even a fraction of democracy or freedom, where locals were treated as third-class colonial subjects while government institutions were staffed wall-to-wall with blonde-haired, blue-eyed Britons and brown-skinned Indians — was not only tolerated by the “Hongkongers” of that era, but worn as a badge of pride.
And yet these same people resent the current era of free elections and shared prosperity.