66 THE POOR, BUT KIND FAMILY (1/2)

\”Your new friend?\” The girl's mother asked and turned her attention to Hua Zhendan.

Hua Zhendan stared at her. She wore a simple worn out purple T-shirt on a baggy trouser. Her thinning hair was a dull black color that flapped around her shoulders messily. She had crinkles on the corner of her eyes and little wrinkles on her face. Hus Zhendan had seen these kinds of common looking women on the strength many times but had never stopped to consider the fact that his birth mother might be one of them. He had always pictured the word 'mother' to represent a sophisticated, never-aging, well-dressed woman.

\”Hello?\” The girl's mother called again in an attempt to draw Hua Zhendan's attention to her.

Hua Zhendan cleared his throat and returned his attention to the present. Pointing to his car, he said, \”I locked my car keys inside the car. And she happened to passed by.\”

The girl's mother gave the girl a knowing look. \”Tell me, Little Juan were you bothering this man?\”

\”Of course not.\” She shook her head. \”You see, he didn't just lock his car keys inside his car. He also locked his wallet and phone, so he can't call anyone for help. I was just lending a helping hand like you said I always should.\”

The girl's mother brushed the girl's head affectionately. \”That's very good.\” Facing Hua Zhendan, she said, \”My husband will know what to do when he returns. Please come inside with us.\”

Hua Zhendan looked from mother to daughter. Since there were two people present, the offer was now a lot less inappropriate and very kind. He had never met anyone who offered help to strangers just for the sake of it. He smiled politely and followed them into the house.

Inside the house was exactly how Hua Zhendan had imagined it would be. The chairs were worn from years of continued usage. The wooden coffee table had stains of different colors, shapes, and sizes with one small flower vase sitting on it. The curtains were plain and boring, the wall's paint, worn and dirty. It reminded him of a rundown hostel he found in Pingjing when he was looking for a place to stay.

\”My husband's name is Hua Bochang, I'm Hua Lin and our daughter is Hua Juan. What's your name?\” The woman asked after he had taken his seat.

\”I'm... Wang Li.\” Hua Zhendan said. If this mother and daughter pair were kind to him without knowing his identity, then perhaps, they didn't need to know yet. Perhaps, he could see the kind of people they were and be able to judge them from that. Instead of judging them as the people who abandoned him.

\”Then, Wang Li. Please make yourself comfortable. My husband will help you find a solution for your car when he returns.\”

\”Okay, Aunty. Thank you.\” He replied with a small, polite smile.

Making himself comfortable like he had been asked to do, Hua Zhendan had watched a show on the small, box TV in the living room. He woke up and immediately found himself wondering when he fell asleep. The lovely aroma of fresh food wafted into his nostrils, causing his tummy to rumble. He immediately felt embarrassed because he could not afford to buy dinner. Not with his wallet locked away in the car. As he stretched his legs, a man's deep, but lively voice greeted him.

\”You must've had a long day. You didn't look comfortable on that couch, but you slept so soundly.\”

\”Good evening, Uncle.\” Hua Zhendan greeted the man who he quickly recognized as Hua Bochang.

\”Good evening,\” the man replied politely.

Hua Zhendan stared at him meaningfully. He didn't want to impose by asking for a solution to his car, but he wondered if the man had done anything about it.

\”About your car,\” Hua Bochang said. \”I'm sorry, but I couldn't find do anything about it today. The mechanic I found doesn't work today and wouldn't change his mind about it. He, however, promised to come by first thing tomorrow morning.\”

\”Oh!\” Feeling distraught, Hua Zhendan lowered his head. He was hungry and didn't have a place to stay. Is this how poor people feel?

Like he had been reading his mind, Hua Bochang said, \”You can spend the night here. You should also have dinner with us when it's ready. You don't need to worry about anything.\”

Hua Zhendan suddenly felt overwhelmed with gratitude. People weren't this kind in the real world, were they? He was a complete stranger to these people for God's sake. He couldn't even pretend to be modest and refuse any of Hua Bochang's offers, he was too broke for that. \”I... Really appreciate this, Uncle. Don't worry, I'll sleep right here on this couch.\”

\”Nonsense. You'll sleep in Hua Juan's room. She'll sleep on the couch.\”

Hua Zhendan widened his eyes. \”No, I couldn't do that to her?\”

\”Hua Juan?\” Hua Bochang shouted her name at the top of her voice.

Hua Juan hurried into the living room from the kitchen. \”Yes, father?\”

\”Do you mind if this stranded, young man sleeps in your room while you take the couch?\”

The girl shook her head hurriedly. \”He can't sleep on the couch. He's a guest after all.\”

Hua Zhendan smiled at the innocent girl.

The girl picked up the flower vase from the middle of the table. \”Mother says it's dinner time.\” Staring at Hua Zhendan, she said, \”She also insists that you eat with us.\”

Hua Zhendan smiled and nodded. The girl returned to the kitchen.

\”Sorry, but we all sit cross-legged around this table to eat. I hope you can manage.\” Hua Bochang said.

Hua Zhendan nodded. \”Of course. Thanks for your hospitality.\”

\”You should taste mother's shrimps. They're the best you'll ever have.\” Hua Juan said as she placed a covered bowl on top of the table.

Hua Zhendan shook his head. \”I'm sorry. I'm allergic to shrimps.\”

Just then, the sound of glass shattering echoed from the kitchen.

Hua Zhendan looked towards the kitchen in concern while Hua Juan hurried to meet her mother.

Hua Bochang cleared his throat nervously. With a false smile. \”Don't worry about it. It's fine. She just happens to know someone who's allergic to shrimps.\”

***