My Longkang

Character : late 40’s businessman with businesses in China and Malaysia

Charles: Once there were two men,Chan and Wang who met in a railway station. They were looking for employment and one had a ticket for Beijing and another for Shanghai. They met an old lady. The old lady told the one going to Beijing, life was wonderful. He would never be hungry there as the government would take care of him. The masses would ensure he would have a roof over his head.

To the young man, Chan, going to Shanghai, she warned him of hard times. He would experience hunger, cold and people would see through him as if he didn’t exist. Life would be suffering.This spooked Chan who then persuaded Wang to trade train tickets with him. Wang went to Shanghai, Chan to Beijing.

In Shanghai, Wang experienced the hardships almost immediately. He became a beggar as everything was money. He couldn’t even use the public toilets as he had no money and had to do it like the animals in the wild. He resolved to better himself. He knew the key was money and money could be earned.

Wang took a menial job and saved some money. He took a trip to the countryside, brought back some sacks of soil. He fertilized it and sold it in flower-pot packs to the newly rich in Shanghai who lived in grand apartments. He later planted exotic flowers from cuttings he begged from his buyers. Soon he became a prosperous businessman.

Five years later he went back to his ancestral village for the Chinese New Year and met Chan. He was very curious to know how life was for Chan. Chan didn’t suffer but for Chan having a roof over his head and enough food for his empty stomach was enough. He had stayed put in Beijing as a sweeper, content with his life.

Bengbeng, you are like Chan. You are content with too little. You are in a comfy zone. You need to plan, to dream. You could be a millionaire or if not earn at least much more than what you are earning now. Be a dealer for Usana Health Products. Leave your comfy zone. Work hard. Don’t be like Chan who stayed on as a sweeper without realizing his true potential.

Presumably he means I am on the road to doom and bankruptcy and perhaps he is right. Many have made it through MLM .As for me, I don’t think I have the PR skills or have enough contacts to make it work. Perhaps I am just excusing myself. Sigh : I wish he hadn’t brought up the topic. He is making me wonder whereas before I was praising God for the wonderful life he has given me. Sigh.