Mr. Cai
The Heavenly Eye Feng Shui MasterContents
Contents
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Mr. Cai (蔡总); introduces himself by the surname Cai 23 |
| Gender | Male 23 |
| Age | Appears to be in his fifties 23 |
| Residence | Singapore; Sanhe’s next-door neighbor 23 24 |
| Affiliation | Master Wu’s qigong class; his own unnamed company 24 28 |
| Occupation/Role | Company boss and employer; qigong practitioner 23 28 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 23 23 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial sword-finger qi sensation | 24 | Retrospectively reports producing a sensation of qi through his sword fingers after three to five days of practice under Master Wu. |
| Protective qi field | 23 | After slightly more than six months of practice, possesses a distinct ring of qi close to his skin. Sanhe observes it holding back faint, ice-like spikes and suspects it developed through qigong. |
| Demonstrated external-qi sensitivity | 33 | Identifies a glass infused with Master Wu’s qi by passing his palm above the glasses. This demonstrates sensitivity rather than a stated increase in rank. |
Appearance
- Rimless glasses and a refined, gentlemanly bearing 23.
- Unhurried, composed movements that convey inner dignity; Sanhe initially suspects he is wealthy or influential 23.
- Slightly low voice, with slow, even speech 24.
Personality
Mr. Cai is perceptive and socially considerate. He notices Sanhe’s interest in his practice and volunteers information about Master Wu without needing further questions. When inviting Sanhe to class, he frames the invitation as a request for company, giving the younger man a graceful way to accept. He also serves tea outdoors after Sanhe’s exercise to spare him an immediate transition into air conditioning 24.
He respects expertise regardless of age. After hearing Sanhe discuss his unexplained pain, he changes his address from “young man” to “sir” and formally requests help. His curiosity extends beyond practical health benefits: he asks about gathering yin and yang and connects Sanhe’s explanation with the Diamond Sutra’s teaching against attachment to appearances 23 24 25.
He is decisive and generous. He completes the recommended changes to his home within days, insists on compensating Sanhe, and later offers further assistance out of gratitude for both his recovery and Li Guang’s recruitment 25 42.
Abilities & Skills
Sword-Finger Standing Practice
Learns qigong from Master Wu, whose free classes are held at a neighborhood center on Singapore’s Purple Line at 6:30 p.m. 24.
- Produces a sensation of qi through sword fingers within his first few days of training 24.
- Reports substantial relief from widespread joint pain after taking up the practice 23.
- Develops a protective qi field that temporarily keeps harmful influences away, but does not eliminate their source in his home 23 25.
- Detects externally projected qi stored in water during Master Wu’s sensitivity test 33.
Business Management and Recruitment
Runs a company with persistent labor shortages and understands the procedures for recruiting workers from abroad 28 29 34.
- Coordinates borrowed workers, overtime, and recruitment advertisements when the Block 468 site in Tampines is understaffed 28.
- Explains that his company has exhausted its quota for workers from China but still has SP slots requiring educational qualifications 28.
- Seeks hardworking men who are not afraid of heights; the available position requires little English and offers S$2,000 monthly plus overtime 28 29.
- Requests Li Guang’s résumé, passport, and diploma, then arranges his work permit card after arrival 34 42.
Background / History
Joint Pain and Feng Shui Treatment
Mr. Cai suffers from joint and bone pain for years, despite hospital examinations finding no cause. Qigong noticeably improves his condition, but he still suspects a feng shui problem. After meeting Sanhe while watering flowers, he asks the younger practitioner to inspect his home 23 42.
Sanhe identifies the principal problem in the lavish ground-floor living room: an entire mirrored wall and glossy decorative trim create harmful light sha. He recommends removing or covering large mirrors and putting smaller ones away after use. Mr. Cai asks for an auspicious date and offers a thick red envelope; Sanhe accepts only $100, postponing any further gift until the treatment’s results are clear 25.
Mr. Cai finishes the alterations within days. By the time Li Guang arrives in Singapore, he reports that all his pain has disappeared. Sanhe also observes that his aura has become clear and bright 25 42.
Introducing Sanhe to Master Wu
Mr. Cai drives Sanhe to Master Wu’s class. When Sanhe becomes dizzy and nauseated during practice, Mr. Cai checks on him afterward and takes him to the teacher for an explanation. He calls again before their next session to ask whether Sanhe feels well enough to attend 27 28 33.
Recruiting Li Guang
A work call during the drive home reveals Mr. Cai’s labor shortage. Sanhe recommends his strong, hardworking classmate Li Guang, and Mr. Cai asks for additional suitable workers. This conversation prompts Sanhe to investigate a recruitment business that could help people obtain legal employment in Singapore 28 29.
Mr. Cai approves proceeding with Li Guang’s application after overhearing his enthusiastic response to the opportunity. Once Li Guang arrives, he welcomes him and thanks Sanhe for providing an excellent worker 34 42.
During the subsequent office visit, Sanhe approves Mr. Cai’s unusual desk placement beside the door, facing west toward the windows. Mr. Cai explains that he chose the position simply because he wanted to face the windows 42.
Referring Another Client
Mr. Cai recommends Sanhe to Chen Wenjie, Sanhe’s landlord. Chen then approaches Sanhe about his daughter’s unexplained illness whenever she leaves home 44.
Relationships
- Sanhe — Next-door neighbor, feng shui adviser, and practice companion. Each regards the other as a benefactor: Sanhe resolves Mr. Cai’s pain and recommends a worker, while Mr. Cai introduces him to Master Wu and provides Li Guang with employment 23 25 42.
- Master Wu — Qigong teacher responsible for his Sword-Finger Standing Practice training 24.
- Li Guang — Employee recruited through Sanhe; Mr. Cai is pleased with his strength and straightforward manner 34 42.
- Chen Wenjie — Acquaintance to whom he recommends Sanhe’s services 44.