The Soya Bean Stall

A plain stall that is to be found in the heart of Kangar city, equipped with only a few tables and chairs. The owner is a mid-50 friendly old man selling soya bean drink. Speaking the local dialect, he politely asked each of his customers what they want; well the choice are limited to either the soya drink or his famous ‘Lo Hon Guo’(a Chinese herbal drink).

What really grasp my attention aren’t his well-known drinks, nevertheless what do attract me the most is none other than his hard work. He devotedly opens his stall every night no matter what’s the weather or who’s the customer. Working with sweat, blood and pain; he struggles each night to keep his business running. A plain stall that are surrounded by numerous of gargantuan food courts; situated strategically right in the middle of more than four food courts, where most of the food courts offer drinks too. There are even some food court that does not allow his drink into their place. I can’t help to wonder “how can one survive beneath such taut competition?”

As I was observing from a corner, the old man is working hard; trying to jot down every single order from his customers, then he hurriedly pours the white soya to a cup filled with sweet ginger syrup and it do look like a busy day for me. Let’s face it, everyone is making a living. Nonetheless on top of his serious make-living face, I found that he seems to enjoy his work as well. Often a smile or two can be seen on his face; joking with his customers, chatting with his sons or even having a big laugh with his fellow friend. I was really amazed by his enthusiasm; his gusto; how one can find his heaven in the midst of chaos.

And I started to understand why some can endure such state of affairs.