This truth-speaking condition, or as I call it, the open-mouth curse, first appeared during my freshman finals. My roommate casually asked, "The teacher covered so little in the course, I wonder what else will be on the exam?" My mouth said, "Pages 20, 38, 61, and 107 will be tested."
Though skeptical, she studied those pages and aced the test. Grateful, she treated me to dinner and insisted it was because of my tips.
The second episode happened sophomore year at a university talent show rehearsal. The instructor sighed, "This dance piece is way too complicated; we surely can’t finish in time for the show." My mouth replied, "The show will be postponed because of a typhoon."
The next day, a typhoon did hit, delaying the event. Everyone stared at me in disbelief, asking where my enchanted mouth got its power.
The third time was during junior year, when the school asked us to line up internships early. A well-known senior promoted her company, "Join us. Free meals and lodging, plus a salary over 10,000 RMB a month." My mouth said, "That's a pyramid scheme."
The senior was embarrassed when questioned by classmates and even threatened me before storming off. Within a few days, law enforcement raided her company for pyramid scheme activities.
Word spread that I had a mystical truth-telling mouth, though some called me the prophetess. Despite my embarrassment, the condition became harder to control over time.
After junior year ended, I went home and smoothly started a summer internship at a mid-sized state-affiliated company called Zhonghao Tech.
On my first day, I accidentally offended the boss.
Trying to keep control, I almost succeeded. But when the team leader rallied us, saying, "Trust me; this team will top sales this semester," my mouth whispered, "Your personal sales rank has been last for ten consecutive months."
Silence fell like a boulder. No one breathed. I knew I had messed up again. Though I swore to restrain myself, my mouth had a mind of its own.
The leader shot me a dark look and dismissed the meeting. My coworkers, however, secretly gave me thumbs up. "Wow, fearless rookie. You're the future of our workplace rebel generation," they said.
I forced a smile, thinking, "Six months here, just keep a low profile for the reference letter."
Then I offended the CEO directly. At an afternoon coffee break, while everyone fawned over her, my mouth blurted, "Coffee doesn't relax anyone. If you really want us to unwind, organize a proper team-building activity."
The CEO fixed her gaze on me, smiling with icy meaning, and promised a post-project outing. I returned to my desk, soaked in awkwardness.
Colleagues admired me as a legendary employee who dared speak truth in the corporate jungle. I wanted to cry but was also amazed at this uncontrollable mouth.
Back home, I sat blankly on the couch. Dad noticed my mood.
"Xinyi, something wrong at work?" he asked gently. I glanced at him, "Dad, you don't look so happy either." He sighed, "My stocks all hit the limit down again. I wonder which one will surge tomorrow?"
Before he finished, my mouth said, "Lianwei."
"How do you know?" Dad pressed. I had no choice but to tell them about my condition and workplace mishaps.
Dad and Mom laughed, incredulous but trusting me enough to buy Lianwei stock. The next day guess what? It skyrocketed and hit the daily limit.
Dad’s trading pride was restored, and he practically worshipped me afterward.
That evening, during a live news broadcast, the anchor said, "The Falcon Federation will dispatch four nuclear carriers for drills." My mouth said, "Three will be sunk within ten minutes."
Soon, a huge explosion erupted live on TV and the fleet lost three carriers.
Mom and Dad stared at me, speechless. "Xinyi, your truth speaking condition, it’s real." I nodded, munching watermelon, "Yes, tested many times, always accurate."
They believed me. We held an emergency family meeting. "It’s a waste for you to be an ordinary worker with this gift. Better to hand you to the government."
So my dad contacted his longtime friend, Deputy Director Chen at the city’s Human Resources Bureau.
Sitting nervously in a cavernous office, I faced Deputy Director Chen.
He was skeptical at first but kept me after hearing my dad’s detailed account. He wanted proof.
"Is there really such a condition?" he repeated. I sighed, "You're on repeat, Director."
He pondered deeply. This was hard to believe.
"I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true," I said firmly.
He stood up and paced. "I need to verify your words." "Go ahead," I answered confidently, trusting my mouth.
"How many siblings do you have?" My mouth said, "Five in total, including those who died young. You are second oldest. One older sister died before birth. Your siblings include a bank manager, a university professor, and a private sector executive."
Director Chen’s eyes widened. That was exactly right.
Still doubtful, he asked, "Have you studied fortune telling?" I just smiled. He was obviously worried I had prior knowledge of his family.
"No superstitions here," I said. "Ask me anything to test."
"How many schools did I attend before college?" My mouth said, "Three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, one university, plus one year of graduate studies after starting work."
Every detail correct. Chen looked astonished.
"Last night before bed, what did I do?" My mouth said, "Wiped your glasses at 10:03:29 PM."
No one else could know such specifics. His trust grew.
"You can ask about future events too," I said.
Chen was almost amazed to remember I was sitting right there.
"What document will I receive next?" "Personnel appointment for the Director of Xinghua District’s HR Department."
He smiled with expectation. Time-saving, he asked more: "What will CCTV12 broadcast in 10 minutes?" "What decisions were made in the Falcon Federation meeting?" "What’s your son having for dinner?" "What will your father be doing in one hour?"
Chapter 01
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