Kui Hua was a little worried that Tin Ming yearned for the prosperous city. On the other hand, she thought that Tin Ming might find a job in Canton City, so he could gain some experience, and also he should learn to be independent, even though his father, who was running a small grocery in San Francisco, could support them. She discussed her idea with her mother-in-law.

            The elder woman thought for a while and said, "This is a good idea, but Tin Ming has never left home or worked. I'm not sure..."
             Tin Ming interrupted, "Ma, I just want to visit Auntie Kim in Canton. I'm not going to stay or work there for a long time."
             Kui Hua urged him on. "Maybe Auntie Kim can find you a job. Why don't you try it? I believe you can do your best."
             "Let us see," Tin Ming answered uncertainly.
      Finally his mother nodded. Tin Ming was so happy that he danced with joy like a little boy, making the two women laugh.

That night, Tin Ming had a wonderful dream. He dreamed he was a prince, living in a splendid palace, surrounded by beautiful woman, servants, ad many jewels and precious things. He was very excited. Tin Ming laughed loudly in his dream. The laughter woke Kui Hua up. She looked at her husband and sighed lightly.

Three months passed. The young couple came back from Canton. They were not as happy as at the beginning of their trip. Tin Ming was amused by the beautiful sights of the big city. He was interested in the high buildings, various cars, neon lights and electric light, gorgeous fashions, etc. He told his mother about the interesting things, but he did not mention that he had quit two jobs when he stayed in Canton.

Kui Hua was distressed by her husband’s cowardice. She remembered that after they stayed at Canton for a month, she asked Auntie Kim to find a job for her husband. Since Tin Ming was inexperienced, Auntie Kim recommended him to her brother-in-law, who let Tin Ming work in his shoe shop as a salesman. She thought that was an easy job for him to handle. Ten days later, holding his head down, Tin Ming came home. He was very unhappy because some customers laughed at his strong Taishanese accent, and even teased him. Kui Hua tried to comfort him and persuade him to take it easy, but he insisted that he could not fact the shame and quit his first job.

Then Kui Hua begged her auntie again. This time Auntie Kim let Tin Ming work in her good friend’s wholesale store. Tin Ming worked as a delivery boy. It seemed that he liked his job because he could always go outside and see many funny things. Unfortunately, because of carelessness he once lost a very important letter. The boss was very angry and yelled at him, “You stupid fellow! How can you be so dumb?” Tin Ming was frozen and shocked. In his life, he had never been so insulted. He could not bear it. Unsteadily, he walked out of the store. Tin Ming was so upset that Kui Hua dare not mention any job again. She only worried inwardly.

Tin Ming’s mother sensed that something wrong had happened. She whispered, “Kui Hua, give him some time and don’t push him too hard.” Kui Hua understood that her mother-in-law loved and spoiled her only child very much. What could she say?

Outside, Tin Ming called, "Sunflower, come! Our plants have withered."

Kui Hua went out in a hurry. Tin Ming was working at their little flower-bed when he saw Kui Hua’s sad face. “Hey, cheer up! I will plant sunflowers for you tomorrow.” Kui Hua was so moved, she forgot all the unhappiness.

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