Street Patron

Nhung's sister-in-law works in an industrial park on the outskirts of the city. Her company is quite large, has many workers, and specializes in electric cables.

Nhung rarely confided or talked to her sister. She worked all the time, sometimes working overtime until late at night, and also worked on Saturdays. On holidays and death anniversaries, Nhung helped her sister cook and set the table. The two sisters only cared about cooking, shopping, the children's education, and their parents' health, so they didn't know much about their income and finances.

Nhung is fond of appearance, often judging others by their appearance and demanding the same of herself. She spends time and money on shopping and beautifying herself. Every time she wears luxurious, expensive clothes, Nhung feels confident, thinking that others respect her more. Nhung believes that people with nice cars and nice clothes will have a high income. Therefore, through the way her sister-in-law dresses, she thinks that she is not well-off. The clothes at home are old but she refuses to change. When she goes to work, she always wears company uniforms. Every time there is a party or wedding, Nhung feels embarrassed in front of everyone because her sister-in-law, especially in the countryside, relatives comment that she is not as good as people from the countryside.

Hearing Nhung complain, her mother said:

- Since Nga came along, the atmosphere in the house has always been pleasant. I used to have a hot temper, but now I'm cheerful and rarely raise my voice. Mom is also happy.

- But that has nothing to do with what your sister-in-law dresses like?

Nhung's mother heard that but ignored it, she only talked about her daughter-in-law's good points, such as being a good cook, diligent in raising children, and having a clean and tidy house. Nhung laughed to herself, thinking that her mother had never seen her sister-in-law in society. What a stingy person.

Today, Nhung came home for an urgent matter, she wanted to borrow some money from her mother to pay the bank. Nhung and her husband have a debt of 300 million VND for building a house that needs to be paid. The payment date is coming soon but she still lacks 20 million VND, not knowing where to turn. Entering the house, she saw the head of the neighborhood group chatting happily with her mother, and even mentioning her sister-in-law's name. Nhung curiously asked, the head said he was going to mobilize "the neighborhood's generous donors" to support people affected by storms and floods and to fund activities to celebrate Vietnamese Women's Day October 20. This year, the neighborhood planned to buy each woman a piece of fabric to make an ao dai, but funding was still difficult. Nhung happily said:

- My sister-in-law doesn't have any money. She doesn't even dare to buy clothes, let alone sponsor ao dai?

The neighborhood chief looked at Nhung in surprise:

- Why do you say that? Don't you know that I'm a big benefactor of our neighborhood? If anyone is in need, I'll come to their house to help. And on holidays, Tet... I always support a lot. I'm also supporting monthly tuition fees for 2 disadvantaged students in our neighborhood every year.

At that moment, the sister-in-law came out, holding an envelope with 3 million VND written on it, and gave it to the head of the neighborhood. Then she signed the receipt, the head of the neighborhood greeted everyone and continued to campaign. When the head of the neighborhood left, Nhung's mother reminded:

- Be careful with every word and action when outsiders come to your house. People won't understand and will judge your family as not united.

- But I don't know what you do.

Seeing Nhung struggling, her mother gently said:

- You should look at yourself. I gave birth to you, but I don't know your character? You only judge others by their appearance. Anything shiny and flashy, you think is good.

Nhung is still angry:

- So what does she do to have so much money? Don't you ask the opposite question?

Mother knocked her head and said:

- Let me tell you. Your sister-in-law is the head of the planning department, with a very high salary, not an ordinary worker. Every month, she takes a portion of her salary, puts it in a charity envelope, and when the time comes, she takes that money to support and help people. Because your sister-in-law has such a kind heart, she was able to influence your brother.

Hearing her mother say that, Nhung felt ashamed. Yet for a long time, she had always looked down on her sister's appearance. Her sister-in-law stepped out, shoved a bundle of money into Nhung's hand, and seeing Nhung's bewildered expression, her mother said:

- Yesterday, mom told me your story. My sister-in-law saved some money and didn't use it. She asked me to lend it to her to pay off my debt.

Then mother took the basket to go to the market. Only the two sisters were left. Nhung suddenly felt awkward and redundant, not knowing what to say to her sister at this moment. Her sister-in-law understood, winked and smiled, reminding Nhung to go to the bank early or it would be late in the afternoon.