Tonight’s article, though brief, is anything but light — because this artwork is simply too worthy of our careful contemplation.
This painting is the work of Russian-born artist Konstantin Korobov.
My personal interpretation, from Master Chi’s perspective, goes like this: the small lamb in the painting can represent each and every one of us — ordinary people, pure, naive, and simple. We carry no wicked desires of our own, yet we also lack sufficient strength to protect ourselves.
Student Question:
Hello. I have a few questions about salary discussions that came up during an interview.
① They say whoever reveals their number first during salary negotiations loses. Does this apply only to fresh graduates, or to everyone?
② During a recent interview, when we got to salary, the manager asked what my expected pay was. Not wanting to show my hand, I turned it around and asked about their compensation structure. The manager gave a vague answer: base salary, commission, bonuses, and so on. I pressed further and asked about the salary budget range for the specific role I was interviewing for. The manager said it would depend on my abilities and what the company allocates per level — specifics would be discussed after a second interview.
Question: Hello, I’ve recently been looking into travel projects on Xiaohongshu and wanted to ask — is this something beginners can realistically do right now? How does it actually work?
Response: The Xiaohongshu travel project works like this: physical travel agencies use Xiaohongshu to generate leads, you funnel interested customers to WeChat, then hand them off to a travel agency to close the deal. Of course, if you have solid travel experience yourself, you can handle the sales directly and earn higher commissions.
Those who know me well already know this: Master Chi is someone who almost never wastes energy on inner turmoil.
Whether in the depths of rock bottom or back in comfortable circumstances, my life is remarkably simple. Every day, the same five things: reading, fitness, immersing myself in work, being present for family, and high-quality socializing.
Just these five. Nothing else cluttering the edges.
As for inner turmoil? Anxiety? Worry?
Tonight’s article is going to be very sharp and direct — not suitable for the faint-hearted.
But as adults, some truths must be faced.
So from my personal perspective, I hope you can gather your courage, grit your teeth, and try to absorb what this article has to say into your heart.
Because this article is Master Chi’s own summary and understanding of this thing called money.
Not long — but precise enough.
Yesterday, a friend came to see me through an introduction, drawn by my reputation, asking me to help with life planning and destiny framework (格局) analysis.
His manner was polite and warm. Right off the bat, he heaped on the praise: “Master Chi, your name carries real weight in our circles. Our boss holds you in the highest regard — he even says you have a truly extraordinary gift for reading destiny.”
These past few days I’ve been out in Southeast Asia — scoping business opportunities, exploring investments, building ventures. Met many people, got a lot done. Today I’m finally heading to Phuket for a brief breather before returning home.
But the moment I closed my eyes on the plane, barely five minutes of rest before a flood of thoughts came rushing in.
Fair enough. Experiences are only truly absorbed once you’ve taken the time to reflect on them. I haven’t posted in a few days, so let me share what’s been on my mind with you all.
You and I alike should be willing to admit it openly: we are ordinary people, nothing more.
In this world, we are not particularly important. Without us, the world keeps turning — the sun rises just the same.
After all, beyond ourselves and a handful of those closest to us, no one else truly cares what happens to us.
But this is precisely why we must treasure this hard-won life — and live it well.
Every time I see a question like this, I feel a deep sense of exasperation.
Because almost without fail, the answers that follow are a crowd of people debating whether you should or shouldn’t wash the dishes — what happens if you do, what happens if you don’t.
It’s like mother-in-law and daughter-in-law drama. These petty domestic questions can be recycled endlessly without ever repeating themselves. That’s some reliable content gold right there.
Things have been busy lately — work, social engagements, all of it — so I’ve kept this one short.
And that’s fine. Short doesn’t mean shallow.
For readers with real discernment, sitting quietly with a few well-chosen words can reveal layers worth savoring long after.
Which brings me to what I want to share tonight: as adults, what we truly need to aim for is the right thing — not the enjoyable thing.