A Friendship Story in Vietnamese Culture

"This morning there was no money when I left the house. I thought I could go and borrow some money from the neighbors but they also didn't have any. However, there was a wig factory in need of long hair, and since I have it I sold it. It is only once in a lifetime a friend like you comes to visit. Do you expect us only to look at each other the whole time? Please do not feel bad. Once hair has been cut it will grow again. Why worry?"

Tung was very touched by Mai's wife's words and actions. Not a moment sooner, he confessed to his friend about his life since the day they went their separate ways including the visit to Truc and how he was treated. After Tung was done talking, he took out a box of jewelry and gave it to Mai's wife and said,

"The hair's root is the basis of a person. I truly regret not knowing beforehand of the situation so that you would have not sold your precious hair. Nonetheless, with that action I discovered what kind of person you are and I want to give you this as a gift. Go ahead and sell this. Spend it however you like while you wait for your hair to grow back and can find work again."

Not long after Tung returned home, he sent money to Mai and dispatched him to Nam Dinh to learn the art of dyeing clothes. When Mai finished learning the skill, Tung helped him open up a dyeing factory in the village. Their business began to grow bigger by the day and before long it became successful.

Mai took what he knew and taught it to the people in the village. The dyeing skill became the most successful business that anyone had ever known. And what happened to Truc? It was not until later on when he heard Tung had become an officer in the capital city that he started to regret it.

Next, he found out with Tung's help that Mai's business was as successful as it was. "If I had known then, I would not have treated my friend poorly rather than harboring the thought he would run away with my money," he said this regretfully.

One day, Truc packed up his luggage and went to search for his two friends. When he arrived to each house, Truc received the same hospitality he had treated them to. He had no choice but to drag himself home.

So, what do you think? I think that every now and then we should be reminded of all the people making a difference in our lives. I hope that you are always surrounded with friends who you can depend on. If you have any questions, do contact me. From where I am and wherever you are, have a good night.

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Raphita Tobing