The bar called the Black Lady was bustling. Hotei stood over the group of new friends as they talked amongst themselves at a table in the back. He took long drags from his lit smoking pipe and tried to keep up with the conversation.
Suddenly, “Hotei Yang Shi!”, a spirit appeared shouting in a scolding manner.
Hotei wasn’t startled. He was used to Budai appearing out of the nether and snapping at him.
Budai stood opposite of Hotei, across the table, nagging at him in Cantonese with a waving finger as if he was swinging a sword. The spirits long robes bouncing around his wrists as he lectured, “You must stay with these people, Hotei. This is your chance to gain great honor for your family. These people aim to make a name for themselves, something you should be doing…” , the spirit badgered on.
Hotei nodded knowingly to his spirit mentor as smoke from his pipe danced around his tusks and horns.
“Hotei! They are introducing you! Pay attention! Tell them “what you go by these days”, Hotei!”, the spirit demanded.
Hotei realized the group at the table was looking at him expectantly. He leaned in to the group and said, “Hotei. I go by Hotei these days.” He gave a wink and a large tusky grin to his new friends.
