Today, two rather significant things happened — one concerning world affairs, the other concerning life itself.
The world affairs: Zelensky’s heated confrontation with Trump and his Vice President Vance during their White House meeting.
My own view? “Neither here nor there.”
Because from the highest macro perspective, human civilization has now entered a new phase of global realignment and consolidation.
Going forward, barring any dramatic wildcards, the world chessboard will have only two and a half players left who truly qualify as players.
One is the Dragon, one is the Eagle, and the Bear counts as half.
Everyone else — as supply chains, military power, and geopolitical influence slowly shift — will be reduced to mere pieces on the board.
Take Europe as an example. Look at it from the highest macro vantage point and you’ll find that the powers of Europa — once dominant across the world for centuries — have now crumbled into a pile of sand, each faction harboring its own agenda.
Individually, none of them has what it takes to speak with authority on the world stage anymore.
Why?
For all these years, while the three core players were maneuvering fiercely against one another, Europa was simultaneously enjoying the Eagle’s military protection, the Dragon’s affordable goods, and the Bear’s abundant energy.
It seemed to have it all — playing both sides, extracting maximum benefit. But the price was a collapsed military, a hollowed-out industrial base, and an addiction to high-welfare dependence.
So on the surface, today’s event was Zelensky being humiliated. At its core, it’s the players deciding there’s no need to keep bleeding each other dry — better to each reconsider how to deal with Europa, that crowd which has been freeloading off everyone for so long.
That’s why I’ve been reminding the brothers and sisters in my private community: Europa is fine for studying abroad, travel, and experiences — but it is absolutely no longer a place to settle down in for the long term.
Then came the news of Fang Daotong’s passing due to illness. This felt more like a wake-up call — reminding us that those of us in our middle years will slowly begin to face the reality of death.
Indeed. Never mind that Fang Daotong was a relatively young singer — the vast majority of artists and celebrities we grew up with have already entered their 50s, 60s, 70s. The final period at the end of life’s sentence can arrive at any moment.
What can we do?
I only want to share this reflection as a reminder — I hope you can absorb the essence of what Master Chi is trying to convey: the true standard for happiness is not actually that high, yet it is remarkably hard to achieve.
1 — A job you genuinely like, earning at least 30% above your city’s median income. Stability is a bonus.
2 — A partner with sound values, one who can basically meet each other’s emotional, physical, and companionship needs.
3 — Housing that doesn’t strain your finances. Any additional property beyond that is simply a bonus.
4 — No serious chronic illness in the family, and everyone is able to care for themselves.
That is the full 100-point score — nothing more, nothing less. The moment you want anything beyond this, be mentally prepared for a very high price.
That high price includes — but is not limited to — risk, emotional cost, health, dignity, and family harmony. None of these can be resolved with money alone.
Speaking from my own experience and that of the people around me — without exception, everyone who looks glamorous on the outside, with thriving careers and plenty of wealth fortune, carries their own burden of health and psychological suffering. It doesn’t matter if you’re a businessman, a celebrity, or a powerful figure — none are exempt.
One more thing — these past several days, the demands of investment and business planning have made it nearly impossible for me to sit down and write properly, especially the longer, more substantive pieces.
I genuinely dislike that state. Writing takes effort and heart — but being able to talk and connect with the brothers and sisters is, to me, the most comfortable and fulfilling thing there is.
The good news is that over the past couple of days, this year’s arrangements have mostly settled into place. Going forward, I can be properly present with you again for the next month or two.
That’s all for tonight. Goodnight, brothers and sisters.