“Nĭ hăo? Who is there? Is it the mail?”
“No, it’s Tobias, Ahma.”
“Aiyah, Toby. Come in, come in!”
“How are you?”
“Very good, very good. How are you, lah?”
“I’m fine.”
“Your grades are outstanding?”
“Yes, Ahma. My grades are great.”
“You are freshman in high school?”
“Mhm.”
“You are taking Biology this year?”
“Yes, Ahma. I am.”
“That is great, lah! You will take Chemistry next year?”
“I don’t know…”
“Chemistry is great class to get into the science program. Will you be doctor or engineer after college?”
“I am only a freshman in high school, Ahma. I still have a couple of years to decide.”
“It is never too early to think about college, though.”
“Ahma, I don’t know if I want to go into science fields. I was thinking I could become a journalist or something.”
“Aiyah, lah! Journalism? You can become doctor or mechanical engineer, but journalism?”
“It’s what I love.”
“Come now, Tobias. Sit down while I make Keemun tea for us. We will discuss over tea.”
“Ahma, you don’t have to do that. I don’t need tea.”
“Nonsense, lah. I went to Costco the other day and guess what I bought.”
“What?”
“Feng li su, your favorite!”
“You bought pineapple cake?”
“Yes, just for you. They were also my favorite as a child.”
“Well, I guess we can talk over tea.”
“Perfect. I will make the tea now.”
“Can I record audio of you for a project I’m doing?”
“Shénme? I did not hear you.”
“I said, ‘Can I record audio of you for a project I’m doing?’”
“Sure.”
“Um, okay. I’m recording. First question: what was your childhood like?”
“Aiyah, Tobias. What is this project for?”
“I want to interview you about your past. I think it’s a step toward journalism.”
“Grandson, what did I say about journalism? It is not a stable career with a steady income. You will not find an employer who wants you. Now, if you become a doctor or engineer—”
“Ahma! I don’t want to be a doctor!”
“Tobias! Do not interrupt! Turn off the audio recording!”
“Okay, fine! But why are you trying to hold me back from what I love?”
“I want what is best for you, lah! I want you to be happy!”
“Money doesn’t always equal happiness, don’t you know that?”
“It made me happy. It made your Ahgong happy. Why not you?”
“Science is not one of my strong suits. I don’t think I would be great with any medical procedures or calculating complex things.”
“Aiyah! You will not grow into being better! You must make yourself better! Tobias, you know what your grandfather did to get ahead. He—”
“I know, I know. Ahgong learned the material two days before so he could prepare earlier. He would stay up late memorizing and taking notes. Then on the day of the exam, he would ace it.”
“Hǎo, good memory. Your Ahgong was the best of the class. He graduated at the top of his school.”
“You’ve told me this too many times.”
“Let me finish. When we immigrated to the United States, he enrolled in medical school. Your Ahgong became a well-known doctor after graduating.”
“I know that too, but—”
“Oh my! The water has boiled over! Come help!”
“Let me grab a towel…ow! Geez, that is hot! How are you wiping the stove? It’s burning!”
“Never mind that. Your Ahgong—”
“Oh my goodness! Would you stop talking about how smart and wonderful my grandpa is?”
“Tobias! Respect him! He was very intelligent! Do not be disrespectful toward him!”
“What is the point? He’s gone!”
“That may be so, but he is still very important to this family. He helped us make a living!”
“Again, I am tired from hearing how amazing Ahgong was! He makes me sick!”
“TOBIAS! WE DO NOT SPEAK OF YOUR AHGONG IN THAT TONE!”
“But it’s true! you’ve told me his life story thousands of times and how he became a successful doctor! why can’t you see that is not what I want to do?”
“You must be successful to live a content life!”
“I don’t need money to be happy, Ahma! I want to do what I love!”
“Then you should learn to love science! Become a doctor or engineer!”
“How many times do I have to explain! I don’t want to be a doctor or engineer! Those careers are pointless! I just want to write!”
“Why is writing so important to you?”
“What?”
“Why is writing so important to you?”
“No, no. I heard you the first time. Why are you asking?”
“I want to know if journalism is worth it.”
“Well, to begin with, I can convey my ideas through articles.”
“What ideas?”
“I guess ideas about racism and equality.”
“Interesting. Jìxù.”
“Writing has always been close to me. I write in my journal during my free time. It has gotten me through some pretty tough times.”
“What do you write in your journal?”
“Mainly interesting events happening around the world and at home.”
“Have you written articles yet?”
“Actually I have. I wrote a few articles for my school. They’re on the school website.”
“You seem very passionate about writing and journalism.”
“I am. I have even entered into a couple of contests for writing.”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“Did you win?”
“No, but the other entries were very good.”
“That is no excuse for losing. You are sure journalism is for you?”
“Yes, Ahma. I am very sure. I love it and I think I’m good at it.”
“Okay…”
“What are you thinking about?”
“I am not going to say this is the best choice, but if you love journalism, you try it.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I believe you have a decent chance.”
“Oh my goodness! Thank you! Thank you, Ahma!”
“This does not mean you should not consider being doctor or engineer. Still do Chemistry next year, but if does not work for you, try something else.”
“Thank you, Ahma, thank you!”
“Wǒ de tiān! It has gotten too dark out! You will get home safe?”
“Oh, yes. I can get home perfectly fine in the dark, but I should leave now. Thanks again!”
“Tobias, before you go…”
“Yes?”
“Take some feng li su.” 140Please respect copyright.PENANA6QGjK7iCzp