Keep On Carry On

“At first, I tried working in a factory, but it always felt restricting, so I switched to selling meat, which was less bounded.”

The aunt wore a pink hat and a fashionable coat, sitting in her meat store. Her face was filled with a warm smile, and she actively greeted every customer. The store was spotlessly clean, and the dazzling array of goods on the shelves were neatly arranged. As soon as we approached, she enthusiastically recommended the dumplings she had made by herself. This aunt from Henan had been in Shanghai for twenty years. Her two children were almost thirty years old, but her spirit showed no signs of the elderly. 

Auntie preparing the meat

"I think Shanghai is a really good place. There are many financial opportunities." 

Auntie’s straightforward answer took us by surprise, yet we had to admit the plain, universal truth that lied within her honest words. Money and opportunity are the essence that attracted migrants to Shanghai - one of the economic hubs of our country.

When we asked about Auntie’s recent business, worry creeped upon her face.

"Recently, the surrounding areas are all being demolished. Business is not as good as before, and fewer and fewer people come to the store."

Just then, an uncle stopped at the store entrance and looked around. The aunt, with acute eyes, immediately stood up, greeting the customer and warmly introducing her products.

"Usually, a box sold for 35 yuan, but today I gave you a discount, 30 yuan is fine. If you think a box is too much, it’s okay to buy half a box."

However, the uncle just waved his hand and turned away. Seeing this, the aunt shook her head helplessly and lamented the impact of the epidemic and the demolition on people's economic situation.

"When doing business, you will encounter all kinds of people, good or bad. No matter where you are, there are always nice people and mean people.", she shared her conclusion on humanity, drawing insight from her diverse life experiences where she drifted in many rural and urban cities.

"Life is about taking one step at a time. You see, how many college students can’t find jobs. The employment situation is severe. There are so many young people running food delivery on the streets. Everyone has to make a living and eat."

The aunt's free - spiritedness and her calm acceptance of reality made us feel ashamed of ourselves. She came from Henan from afar and took roots in this land, interpreting the philosophy of life in her unique way. Whether it was the courage to resolutely choose to sell meat at the beginning, or the calmness and composure when facing various situations in life, it all exuded a unique charm.

Although her business was facing difficulties, she always maintained a positive and optimistic attitude, never complaining or getting discouraged. Every word of hers was full of the most genuine understanding of life and a beautiful vision for the future. Life might be full of thorns, but as long as we have a free and clear-minded heart, we can find our own happiness and satisfaction in ordinary days - this was the greatest lesson I learned from the Auntie. In this vast crowd, our solid steps and composure would eventually lead towards splendor.