[Scene: A cozy teahouse in Beijing. Xiao Wei and Chen Li are sitting by the window, sipping jasmine tea. The streets outside are lively with people preparing for Li Chun.]
Xiao Wei:
Chen Li! Don’t forget — today is Li Chun! Did you deposit your money at the bank this morning?
Chen Li:
smirks Oh no, here we go again. No, Wei. I didn’t. My wealth isn’t going to vanish into thin air just because I didn’t stand in line at the ATM today.
Xiao Wei:
Tsk tsk You’re missing out! Last year, I deposited 888 yuan on Li Chun, and guess what? I got a surprise bonus at work two months later! Coincidence? I think not.
Chen Li:
raises an eyebrow Wait, wasn’t that bonus because your boss was impressed with the project you led? You worked overtime for two weeks!
Xiao Wei:
Sure, sure, hard work matters — but the deposit gave me a head start. It’s like aligning your qi with the universe! You rational people never give credit to the unseen forces.
Chen Li:
chuckles Or maybe the “unseen force” was your sheer determination not to get fired if you messed up that presentation. Look, Wei, I get it — traditions make people feel good, connected, hopeful. But there’s no scientific evidence that depositing money on a particular day affects wealth. It’s the same as thinking carrying a lucky charm will help you pass an exam without studying.
Xiao Wei:
Hmph! Easy for you to say, Mr. Logic. Remember Auntie Zhang downstairs? She forgot to deposit last Li Chun, and her washing machine broke, then her phone, then her cat ran away! All in one month! I’m telling you, the universe keeps score.
Chen Li:
laughs Poor Auntie Zhang! But you know cats are curious, and washing machines break after ten years — not because of missed bank runs. By your logic, if I skip Li Chun and still have a good year, you’ll have to admit it doesn’t work, right?
Xiao Wei:
grinning Ha! You’re tempting fate! Don’t come crying to me if your laptop dies next week. Why not just deposit 100 yuan, just in case? It’s harmless!
Chen Li:
smiling True, it’s harmless — but harmless superstitions can grow into harmful ones. Today it’s Li Chun; tomorrow you’ll tell me to wear red underwear to avoid bad luck, or that mercury retrograde controls my Wi-Fi speed!
Xiao Wei:
bursts out laughing Okay, okay, maybe not the Wi-Fi… but admit it, you do knock on wood sometimes, don’t you?
Chen Li:
coughs awkwardly … Maybe. But only because you’ve infected me with your habits! Still, I like to put my energy into things I can control — saving wisely, working hard, and maybe investing, instead of relying on lucky days.
Xiao Wei:
Fair enough, but life’s more fun with a sprinkle of magic, don’t you think? Besides, these traditions bring people together — the queues at the bank today were full of laughter, neighbors chatting, sharing oranges. That’s part of prosperity too, you know.
Chen Li:
softens You have a point. There’s value in the social side, I admit. But if I deposit today, it’s for the friendship, not the fortune.
Xiao Wei:
smirking mischievously So… shall we hit the ATM after tea?
Chen Li:
sighs, smiling Fine. But only if you promise not to blame me if your phone battery dies tomorrow!
Xiao Wei:
Deal! But don’t forget — the universe is watching.
Chen Li:
And the universe just rolled its eyes.
[They laugh together, sipping their tea, as the sun sets outside over the bustling spring streets.]
Science Vs Superstition 
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