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Gunsel Y. Faraguna / Yu Zhen Chan / David Chen / Ofelio Chen / Wah You Lee / Marisa Leung / Sau Mei To
Pak Ping Ng / Elena Tang / Wen Fei Liang / Winnie Leung / Man Ying Wong / Pauline Yau / Muhammed
By Lisa Lee Contents
In September 1976, I left mainland China and went to Hong Kong with my little daughter. I was only allowed to take along five Hong Kong dollars. After spending three dollars to buy two tickets for the train and some food for my daughter, two dollars remained. Therefore, to me the most important thing was to find a job as soon as possible, even though my parents generously supported me.
Because of the long time of separation (nearly 20 years), Hong Kong had become so strange to me that I didn't know how to adapt to this new environment in the beginning. At that time Hong Kong was more advanced and prosperous than mainland China. So usually people who come from mainland China were looked down upon by Hong Kong citizens. In this situation, it was very difficult for me to find a job. Middle school principals rejected my applications to be a substitute teacher, because I didn't have a British teacher's certificate.
When I was very anxious and disappointed, my auntie Ting gave me great help. She recommended me to her god-daughter, Mrs. Kwok, whose husband was one of the owners of the famous W.O. Department Store. Then I had a chance for an interview. The personnel manager gave me a test in English and in using a calculator. He told me that I needed to improve my English, but he still had two openings--cashier and wrapping maid. My father advised me it would be better to take the wrapping-maid position, because I didn't know how to differentiate real money from fake. Moreover, if I made a mistake with the change, I would have to compensate for the loss. I had no choice: I went to work as a wrapping maid in the W.O. Department Store.
In Japan, "wrapping" means to be discreet and restrained, and to show respect. "Wrapping" things is something to which people give special thought and cares. But quite unlike Japan, the purpose of our department store's wrapping was only to prove that one's goods were purchased from this store, or as advertising.
Our boss let one cashier and two wrapping-maids work together as a team. I was informed that there were many kinds of wrapping. Usually, I just put the goods in a plastic bag. If the goods were heavier, on the top I put a piece of paper on which was printed "W.O.Co.," and tied it tightly with a nylon string. If the customer asked for gift-wrapping, I was supposed to wrap the goods with special paper on which were printed silvery flowers, and to stick a paper flower on it. I worked hard and got along with my fellow workers very well. I was grateful to have this job and cared about the friendship of my colleagues.
I asked, "Please, what kind of wrapping do you want?"
He didn't answer, just walked away. After a while, he came back and pointed at the plastic bag, and yelled at me, "Look what you have done! The customer wants gift-wrapping!"
I retorted, "I asked, but you didn't say anything."
Mr. Choi was irritated by my answer, pounded the table with his hand, and barked, "You stupid Da Lu Po (the insulting name for a mainland China woman). Use your brain to work, don't just stand there like an idiot."
I was so embarrassed and couldn't bear this wanton insult in front of the customers. I burst into tears.
The cashier, Miss Tang, said sarcastically, "Mr. Choi, she is a new worker. She isn't used to your silent orders. Do you forget the helping new workers are part of our duty?"
"Next time please tell us clearly," said Alice, my young co-worker.
Mr. Choi picked up the wrapped goods and walked away angrily.
Then Miss Tang and Alice told me that Mr. Choi was a competent but nasty guy. He knew how to toady to the boss; he also knew how to treat other people. He especially hated people who came from mainland China, and played some low tricks on them. If you were soft or timid, he would give you a harder time.
I looked at Mr. Choi. He wore a well-fitted black suit and a white shirt, keeping a smile on his face. But in this fine "wrapping" was a shabby soul. What a pity!