It's Not Enough

Ever since they emigrated to set foot on distant shores, the overseas Chinese have been typecast as conniving, cut-throat merchants with wicked slit eyes who'd just as soon sell their mothers to make a quick buck. Incredibly diligent workers as well with their eye firmly on their target of reaping their first million.

Though I don't fit into that particular stereotype, even I used to think the same. How else to explain the fact the Chinaman-run store is usually the first to open and the last to close with rarely a coffee break in between. And that would include weekends and public holiday - all except for the infamous Spring Festival when everyone, even the most itinerant workaholic, shuts down for the week.


The wait
Even then most Chinese businesses enthusiastically fling their doors wide by the second or the fourth day to take advantage of the holiday crowds. Nothing like having even more prosperity!

Turns out that particular work ethic isn't true for all.

Paul : Two bowls of laksa.
Waitress : Aiya! Finish already lo. Two hours ago.
Paul : It's barely 11 in the morning.
Waitress : Popular liddat lo.
Paul : How about some chicken rice?
Waitress : Also finish lo.
Paul : So what exactly are you selling? Shouldn't you just close up and go home?

Like most popular adages, there are the odd exceptions.

For instance the bizarre coffeeshops in Miri. For some odd inexplicable reason, most shops here have their lunch offerings finished way before noon. Which belies the name. And the shopkeepers don't seem at all eager for more paying customers. Once the proverbial pot is finished, they are done for the day.

Really strange. Rather than the logical which would be to increase the amount made to cater for more the next day, they are far happier to just close up to dash home.

Unusual work ethic for the Chinese. Lazy contentment? Influenced by this promised land of lethargic afternoon siestas?

Rather than risk having intense competition amongst the stores, I am starting to believe there might be a secret quota placed on the number of bowls sold. Sell just one bowl too many and there's a likelihood of being hacked up by the friendly neighbourhood mafia.