For the past few days we’ve been talking about the sweeping currents of the broader world. Today, let’s bring it back to earth and talk about something both you and I care about — a “small” but deeply personal topic.
That is: what mindset should we carry as we face an uncertain future?
After much reflection, I’ve decided to say everything I want to tell you in a short piece of writing. Remember this above all else: no matter how difficult the coming season of your life becomes — do not doubt yourself. Do not deny your own worth.
I truly never expected these three years of turbulent journey to end with such decisive, unequivocal clarity.
Barring any surprises, what follows will be a gradual reopening — each region moving at its own pace, feeling its way forward step by step, before arriving at full openness around next Spring Festival.
While all of this is, by any measure, good news — after all, the arteries of economic life and wealth will slowly begin to pulse again — we must also understand that this pandemic has fundamentally upended many of the old rules.
Everyone has felt the weight of this year in their own way. There’s no point saying much more about it.
But warmer days ahead — that much is certain. It just won’t happen overnight. The transition needs time to unfold gradually, giving everyone a chance to mentally prepare, and giving society and the healthcare system time to get ready as well.
The truth is, the bigger the ship, the more time and preparation it takes to change course. That’s simply unavoidable.
— Master Chi: In this world, you will encounter low points in life — that is perfectly normal.
After all, whose life runs completely smooth with no bumps along the way?
But if you find that you’ve been struggling for a prolonged stretch — romance fortune (桃花运) uncertain, wealth fortune (财运) twisted, nothing you attempt seems to pan out — then you need to pay serious attention.
Because this means there are at least one or two things in your life that haven’t been “set right.” And quietly, continuously, they are draining your efforts and wearing down your spirit.
By now, most of you are probably tired of hearing about that couple’s public meltdown.
I won’t bother picking sides — frankly, I still can’t figure out what one party was even trying to accomplish. Days of frantic thrashing around, yet nothing coherent to show for it. Not worth the energy.
But there was one woman in this whole spectacle who earned my deepest respect: Zhang Lan.
Consider this — Zhang Lan is 64 years old. Yet watching her, where do you see even a trace of the frailty we associate with age? Whether it’s the videos she puts out or the sheer intensity of her workload, you can feel it clearly: she is the pillar holding up her son and the entire business. She is the lone warrior standing in the storm.
The World Cup is a grand feast of entertainment — it only gets truly interesting when everyone joins in the spirited discussion.
I move through all kinds of circles, so unusual stories find their way to me constantly.
The strangest one still dates back to the 2014 World Cup. The night before the Brazil-Germany semi-final, a friend of mine named Old Zhao had a dream. He dreamed of Brazil’s crushing defeat and Germany’s overwhelming victory — the entire pitch swathed in waving German flags.
“Want” means pouring your precious wealth into fine garments and luxury goods.
“Need” means investing your hard-earned gains into solid assets that grow over time.
The difference is this: the former brings joy for a week, the latter brings returns for a lifetime. Which would you choose?
You already know the answer in your heart. Let yourself grow with steadiness and purpose — that is the most valuable and meaningful gift you can give yourself.
If you are a woman past her prime years — still ordinary, still soft, still struggling — then today’s article is critically important for you.
Read it to the end with patience, and your destiny may transform beyond recognition.
This article is, from beginning to end, a direct guide for one ordinary young white-collar woman: showing her how to become self-reliant, how to unlock her wealth fortune and romantic destiny, and how to straighten the course of her life.
Tonight’s article matters — I hope you’ll read it all the way through.
I want to start by sharing a message a long-time reader left me. It’s brief, but every line carries weight. More importantly, the question he raises may well be the very question you’ve been wanting to ask:
Student Question:
Master Chi, I’ve been a reader of yours for many years. The reason I’m writing tonight is that my spirits have been especially low lately — on one hand, I’m worried about the future; on the other, I feel lost about where my life is heading. Both feelings are tangled together, and I’ve barely been able to sleep for over a month now.
Just a few casual words — think of it as two friends chatting over afternoon tea.
First, I’m quietly looking forward to spring arriving. Exactly when the warm winds will come, I can’t say for certain, but the warmth is already slowly moving in — so let’s hold onto the best of hopes.
For the next two months, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Think of it like the final few minutes of a game: go through the motions, keep things ticking along. There’s no need to let small problems throw you off your footing. Just hang in there a little longer, then rest.