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A Chinses cabbage
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In the supermarket, there was an elder man at his age over 50 waiting in line for the pay. He was several meters head of me. With a safety helmet and a yellow work suit spotted with mud revealed he just came from a construction site. All the dazzling costume was just not that harmonious with surroundings.
Only holding a Chinese cabbage, he seemed to be tired after shift. There was nothing else left from his stiff facial expression, eyelids went down and eyes stared over right ahead. Deep wrinkles told of vicissitudes.
After paying, he staggered away. From the start to the end, there was not a single word from him. Wait, payment and leave. Disappeared.
Was the cabbage all his ready for supper? Did he eat alone or with family? What did he ponder over? Thinking of the time when he would go back hometown to meet family in spring festival? Or worried that he sill could not book a ticket home? The guess remains opaque.
Everyday, in each city, there are migrant workers contribute every dot of sweat and blood to the modernization. No one knows who they are. They are familiar with yet strange to recognize. Only at the time, when there are accidents happened or nonpayment from their boss, we may be attracted and have nerve triggered.
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Post comment Comment (11 replies)
- Reply ada23
- At first glance you put two much sympathy on this man who is only purchasing stuff for dinner. Everyone on the earth in persuit of sth who may get better start but no one get success by no accident. The road you step on and divert your road through hard working. And also i never look down on construction worker who pay their sweat and perservence to feed their home and that is just their way and no one else can decide it is worth or not except themselves.
- Reply sunnyv
- Observing the attitude and the outlook of shoppers at supermarkets can be an intriguing experience. Sometimes it requires patience. Normally, it would be an elderly lady before me slowly counting her payment and collecting her loose change in coins. I wonder if I would be same like them when I become old. They don't believe in the debit charge cards so they prefer to use cash. Every Wednesday a 5% discount is given to those who are aged 65 and above, so during these days, the supermarket is packed with elderly shoppers and it is best to avoid these days.
On other days, those standing in line are housewives and sometimes it is embarrassing for me as a man to be surrounded by ladies. I purchase my household provisions twice a week and I normally go to the supermarket after work when there are less people. I have a shopping list, quickly pickup all the items and off to the cashier. They don't supply plastic bags anymore so each time I have to bring one of those odd looking cloth shopping bags. My friend gave me one bag which could be folded small like a wallet and it is quite handy.
The construction worker described by you is occasionally seen in my place too, but they normally buy drinks at the supermarket. It would have been more appropriate if he had bought the cabbage at the wet market.
The supermarket has become part of our daily event.
- Reply sunnyv
- Your words shows that you are a fair minded and respectable girl. Although there is a slight tone of disapproval, I believe he is not looking down on the construction worker. Teadrinking is an educated and accommodating person and not the type who would discriminate.
ada23: At first glance you put two much sympathy on this man who is only purchasing stuff for dinner. Everyone on the earth in persuit of sth who may get bet ...
- Reply bombax
- Hi Sunny,
sunnyv: Observing the attitude and the outlook of shoppers at supermarkets can be an intriguing experience. Sometimes it requires patience. Normally, it would ...
I have read your comment, there is one sentence that I can't understand, could you please explain in a easy way? Here is the sentence: It would have been more appropriate if he had bought the cabbage at the wet market.
Thank you.
Jane
- Reply sunnyv
- Cabbage is a vegetable. People normally buy vegetables at the market. I don't know why the worker buy cabbage at a supermarket.
bombax: Hi Sunny,
I have read your comment, there is one sentence that I can't understand, could you please explain in a easy way? Here is the sentence: It ...
It would have been more appropriate if he had bought the cabbage at wet market.
means:
It is more suitable to buy cabbage (vegetable) at the normal market.
- Reply teadrinking
- He just bought the cabbage, and I just wrote it down. No discrimination and sympathy on him.
ada23: At first glance you put two much sympathy on this man who is only purchasing stuff for dinner. Everyone on the earth in persuit of sth who may get bet ...
While sometimes we have to think of something which is easily going to be lost or neglected by our ignorance.
- Reply teadrinking
- Yeah, you got the point. Since at that moment, there is market for vegetable available nearby. Maybe he found it more convent when he passed by. So it is ok for him to buy something, also used the cash and coins the same as the old lady you mentioned.
sunnyv: Observing the attitude and the outlook of shoppers at supermarkets can be an intriguing experience. Sometimes it requires patience. Normally, it would ...
Sometimes, I avoid those peak hours to buy stuff there. I just select items from my list and then go for payment. Very quick and efficient.
When I see something, I just wrote it down. No discrimination, and other views to judge them.
- Reply teadrinking
- Sunnyv gave the proper explanation for you. He could have chosen places to buy something and also I think it is his right to decide where he wants to buy.
bombax: Hi Sunny,
I have read your comment, there is one sentence that I can't understand, could you please explain in a easy way? Here is the sentence: It ...
- Reply sunnyv
teadrinking: Yeah, you got the point. Since at that moment, there is market for vegetable available nearby. Maybe he found it more convent when he passed by. So it ...
Nice.
- Reply lovingfun
- I guess that you never know what kind of life they just lead. If they have the choices, they would definately change present job to another one. But, they have no choices.
ada23: At first glance you put two much sympathy on this man who is only purchasing stuff for dinner. Everyone on the earth in persuit of sth who may get bet ...
Most of them don't get well-educated, so they have do some labour jobs.
Anyway, just as you say, everyone has his or her own fate, on what way, the answer may blowing in the wind.
- Reply teadrinking
- Your thoughtful words do give me a consideration of those guys. Right if they are given chance, and they are well educated, they can find another better job.
lovingfun: I guess that you never know what kind of life they just lead. If they have the choices, they would definately change present job to another one. But, ...
Anyway, comes the weekend, have a good time.
