Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay
Lulan sees Lil in the grocery store from afar and she immediately turns around for the purpose of avoiding her. Lil is one of those forever positive people that Lulan can’t understand and can’t communicate with.
When all the women are whining about the lack of attention from their husband, Lil can’t find one single relationship woe to contribute to the conversation. Her husband is very caring and attentive. What’s most unbelievable is that he even enjoys accompanying her to clothing stores and standing right outside of women’s fitting rooms to give his opinion on her clothes one after another. When this was first discovered ten years ago by women who met Lil and her husband in shopping malls, it was considered the 8th wonder of the world, at least by the Asian immigrant community here.
Lil’s son has aced all the tests and stayed away from all the bad habits. He does that without any parental supervision. It’s impossible for Lil to complain about the kid. And her in-laws are the nicest. Every year, they would fly in to spend the summer months in New Jersey and they would plant veggies in the backyard, cook, clean, and even drive around to run errands for Lil.
When all the women are worried about their look and try to save money for facial treatment or cosmetic procedures, Lil doesn’t show one wrinkle on her face and has no need to worry about her beauty. When everybody is insecure about their job, their Asian accented English, and their health, Lil shows no sign of concern.
Lulan thinks that Lil’s life is so perfect that her only complaint about life is the lack of anything to complain about. For this reason, Lulan has nothing to talk with Lil since Lulan loves to complain about things. Lulan hastens her steps towards the exit, but right before she reaches the door, she hears the familiar voice that she has taken trouble to avoid:
“Here you are. I saw you and I had to almost run all the way to catch up with you.” Lil says, with a big positive smile on her face.
Lulan utters some pleasantries and skillfully inserts one or two phrases to indicate that she’s in a hurry.
“I know you are busy, but you are going to come to my place this weekend, right? I have a harvest party. My in-laws are leaving and everything in the backyard farm is going to be harvested, cooked, pickled, and taken away by everybody.” Lil says.
“I am not really into food. I am only interested in books…” Lil tries to find an excuse but can’t come up with a good one.
“Nonsense. Everybody has to eat. You will come.” Lil says.
Somehow Lulan feels that she just can’t argue with such a forceful positivity. She has to yield.
Haoyan Do 
“I’m not really into food” has to be the excuse of the year. Lol 😂
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Thank you. LOL. And different people have different attitudes towards food…
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Lil is the perfect object of jealousy. How can she have the perfect life when everyone is so busy complaining and whining? I guess Lulan genuinely doesn’t know what to say…
But maybe enjoying a harvest party isn’t a bad idea.
Great story with some wise teaching and learning. 🙂
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Actually I was trying to write a character who’s very conservative, but she ends up to be very perfect. How did this happen? I think I need to write another post on her just to keep the record straight. I have to say you are very inspirational.
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Thank you Haoyan!
I truly admire you as a person and a writer.
Keep going!
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Thank you. This is mutual and a lot of hugs and sweet regards.
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Perhaps jealousy is an issue? I find that it is the case in most Asian cultures, from South, East, and Southeast Asians as well.
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That’s true. People make comparison on the pettiest thing possible. I know there are two women who can’t get along just because one is 11 months older than the other one.
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Lil may be a little lonely because apparently she drives people away with her niceness. She should ask Lulan about her favorite books.
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I was trying to write a very conservative lady who can’t comprehend other people’s plight, but somehow she comes out as somebody perfect. Can’t believe that happened. I will try to write another post to do away with the confusion.
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I can see what you are saying in your characters. My comment may be what is confusing!
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You are perfectly right to comprehend it the way you do. I didn’t express well and I’ve found that villains are often the most interesting figure in one’s writing. it is strange but it is true.
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I think Lil sounds like a really bright, optimistic person but that can be a little annoying sometimes lol.
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I was trying to describe a very conservative women who’s happy because of money and family background. Her values are not really suitable for 95% of women, but suitable to the very few. Unfortunately I didn’t express well and she ends up being the perfect woman.
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Actually, Lil sounds very nice. I wonder if a person got to know her really well if she would maybe have a couple of things she’s not a positive about.
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Yes, wish Lil well. I was trying to write something different, but somehow the writing comes out not as I expected. LOL.
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Good one! I guess Lulan needs to be less negative?
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LOL. Lulan tends to be very analytical.
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Interesting story. I think this is fiction but if not I hope she does have a blessed life and is happy with her family. Nice piece of writing. ❤️🤗🦋💕 love Joni
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Thank you, Joni. Always nice to hear from you and a lot of hugs. Wish you a great week ahead.
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Humm
.maybe she can think positively.
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LOL. Let’s wish she can rally her strength.
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💪💪💪
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