海南之行5 - 新朋友 (Friends in Hainan)

To me, travelling has always been a good time to make new friends, particularly. Not only does that make the travel itself more interesting, getting to know locals a little better also helps in understanding and appreciating the place itself.

For this Hainan trip, one of our main sources of help, local knowledge and friendship came in the form of Auntie Yung who is a local traffic policewoman who took leave to take care of us. My parents were introduced to her from the owner of a coffee-shop stall whom my parents frequented in the wet market near my mum's work place. Quite far-fetched eh...but its true. It all links together because the owner is also a Hainanese like my dad and when he knew that my dad is going back to the village, he recommended Auntie Yung to us. Of course, nothing is ever "free" especially in the Chinese world. We showed our appreciation to Auntie Yung in the traditional way with the most sincere of hearts.
(Me with Auntie Yung)

Auntie Yung's story is not a simple one too. Her husband, who was a high ranking police officer, had a stroke a few years ago and did not recover. So Auntie Yung is now the sole bread winner of her family, which comprises her daughter Xiao Yen, a nephew (Ah Ren) and a niece (Anna).

Xiao Yen is in secondary school now and like Singapore kids, her typical school day starts early (she wakes up around 6am) and ends at 10pm (after tuition). But she is the fortunate one when compared to her cousins Ah Ren and Anna.

(Ah Ren and Xiao Yen)

According to Auntie Yung, Anna was a better student compared to Xiao Yen, but because Anna's dad was unable to afford her education, her studies had to be stopped prematurely. She is now helping Auntie Yung's elder sister to be a bus conductor. In my conversations with Anna, I found her to be mature, intelligent, bold and sociable and would have had a bright future if not for circumstances. Xiao Yen in comparison was reserved and quiet.

(Me and Anna)

Ah Ren is now a junior chef in a restaurant in Wenchang although he is only 17 years old. Auntie Yung said that Han Ren is a headstrong boy and will listen to no one but her. She related two stories about how she managed to subdue this young man.

Story 1 (Clearing Rubbish)

Auntie Yung said when Han Ren first came to the city of Wenchang from the village, auntie Yung, through her connections, for Han Ren a job at a local restaurant. Originally, such a newbie will be asked to start from the bottom performing odd jobs and that includes clearing up and throwing of rubbish. The restaurant owner however 'gave face' and gave Han Ren a promotion to be a junior cook. One day, one of the senior cooks asked Han Ren to clear some rubbish. Han Ren was indignant and retorted that he was a junior cook and does not do clearing of rubbish. Hearing this subsequently, Han Ren was promptly given the sack. Back home, Han Ren was given a scolding by Auntie Yung who said since it was not easy to get a job, one must be humble and do everything that is being asked, even menial jobs like throwing rubbish. Han Ren was not happy and on the same night took a bus and returned to the village. Auntie Yung called up Han Ren's father and and said that Han Ren can forget about coming back to Wenchang if Han Ren does not change his attitude. This was related to Han Ren and he reflected on this and realised his error. The next day, he came back to Wenchang, changed back into his uniform, returned to the restaurant and started clearing up the rubbish.

Story 2 (Staying out late)

Once Han Ren asked for permission to have tea with his fellow restaurant colleagues at night. Auntie Yung agreed on condition that Han Ren return by 11.15pm. She then waited by the door to see if Han Ren will keep to his promise. At 11.30pm, she said she heard Han Ren running along the main street and up the stairs to return home. He was shocked to see Auntie Yung waiting. Auntie Yung said to Han Ren if you ever return home late after the agreed time, you can forget about coming in through the door again. Han Ren was never late to return home again.