Master Chan

It was raining cats and dogs when I walked through the metal gates into the lush garden of my feng shui master's residence. His handsome mongrel, Tim, greeted me at the doorway, wagging its tail furiously as I came closer.

You can call me old-fashioned, but I was there to consult Master Chan about my new office location. When it comes to matters concerning my new office or abode, I always seek his wise counsel. He's already in his 70s but still sprightly and active. With the help of his capable daughter, Amanda, they provide feng shui consultation services to many homes and offices, keeping a low profile through the decades.

I've known them for years and I like their simple, parred-down style. They won't ask me to knock down walls or change the door facing. Afterall, feng shui is not fortune-telling nor is it supernatural divination, it's about helping an individual achieve life goals by harnessing the qi of his living environment.

Master Chan helps me to identify the best way to harness my qi, which will lead to a higher quality of life expressed through improved health, increased prosperity, beneficial relationships and a greater sense of well-being.

Amanda translates his readings into an office plan, where the sitting positions are all carefully plotted out. They tell me which areas are best for the accounting files or conference table, right down to which colours are suitable for me and the staff. They've also picked out some auspicious dates for us to move in.

I walked out of their residence with a big smile on my face. The rain had stopped and the sun was starting to peek through the fluffy clouds. According to them, I've picked a good office.