A fortune-teller was known as a “prophet” (预言家) as he could foretell the date and even the hour of death of a person or any household article. An unbeliever wanted to test him. He invited the fortune-teller to his house, treat him with a dinner and showed him a precious teapot. “Tell me,” he asked, “when and what time this teapot will die.” The fortune-teller looked at the article and said without hesitation, “Tomorrow noon.” The owner was surprised but thought the prophet was going to play some trick. So he said, “Well, we’ll see if you are right, but don’t come tomorrow!”　　　　

The next day the owner placed the teapot very carefully on the table, sat and watched it intently, making sure that it was still living. His wife who knew nothing about this test was preparing lunch in the kitchen. By noon she called “Lunch is ready.” The man answered but did not move. She called again. No answer. She came out of the kitchen. Seeing her husband staring at the teapot, paying no attention to her, she got mad, rushed over, grabbed the teapot and threw it on the floor, smashing it completely.　　　　

Just then, the clock struck twelve.