Pigs are symbols of wealth and good fortune

[Scene: A cozy teahouse in Hangzhou. The two friends sip jasmine tea as they watch people stroll past outside.]

Chen Jie: (excitedly pulling out his phone) Li Wei, look at this! I just bought a little golden pig charm for my wallet. Pigs are symbols of wealth and good fortune, you know. I can already feel my luck changing!

Li Wei: (raising an eyebrow, smiling) Another pig, Jie? Didn’t you already have a jade pig keychain, a pig figurine on your desk, and that… rather suspicious pig wallpaper on your phone?

Chen Jie: (grinning) You forgot the pig socks. They’re my secret weapon! And hey, they work. Last week, I won 200 yuan in the office raffle!

Li Wei: You do realize that’s just coincidence, right? You probably had a 1-in-50 chance. The pig had nothing to do with it.

Chen Jie: Oh come on, Wei! Why do you always have to be so logical? My grandmother always said pigs bring fortune because they symbolize abundance. They’re fat, happy, and well-fed! Don’t you want a little extra luck?

Li Wei: I’m not against luck, Jie, but I like to rely on things with evidence. If pigs really brought wealth, wouldn’t pig farmers all be billionaires by now? And I’m pretty sure buying lottery tickets while wearing pig socks doesn’t increase your odds.

Chen Jie: (chuckling) Maybe the pig farmers’ wealth is measured in happiness! Besides, it’s not about math, it’s about intention. The symbol reminds me to be positive and grateful — that attracts good things.

Li Wei: That’s fair, I can respect the positive thinking part. But don’t you think it’s risky to believe too much in symbols? Remember when you refused to sign that business contract last year because the hotel room number was 44, and you thought double-four meant double death?

Chen Jie: (grimacing) Okay, that one might have been… extreme. But I just want to respect tradition. We’ve believed these things for centuries! There’s wisdom in that.

Li Wei: True, tradition matters. But tradition isn’t always truth. Remember when we were kids, and you believed that eating fish eyes would make you smarter?

Chen Jie: (laughing) Oh no, don’t remind me! I forced down so many fish eyes before exams… and still barely passed math.

Li Wei: Exactly! See? Symbols and beliefs are meaningful culturally, but they don’t change reality. Success comes from hard work and planning, not charms. You’re the one who stayed late practicing your presentation last week — not the pig charm.

Chen Jie: (sighing dramatically) Fine, maybe the pig didn’t cause the success, but it keeps me in the right mindset. Besides, aren’t you the one who always wears your “lucky” blue shirt on presentation days?

Li Wei: Touché. But that’s just habit… okay, maybe a little superstition.

Chen Jie: (grinning) See! Deep down, you’re just like me.

Li Wei: (laughing) Maybe we’re not so different. How about this — you can keep your pigs, but promise me you’ll still check the facts and work hard. And I’ll admit that a little harmless superstition can be fun.

Chen Jie: Deal! And next Chinese New Year, I’m buying you a pig charm. You’ll thank me when you get that promotion.

Li Wei: (mock groaning) What have I gotten myself into?

Chen Jie: Into good fortune, my friend. Into good fortune.

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[They clink their teacups and laugh, watching the golden afternoon light drift through the teahouse window.]