Posted on 03/09/2024 7:39:22 PM PST by nickcarraway
For the past 60 years, a durian seller has been plying his trade at the intersection of Short Street and Albert Street.
Back in the day, 91-year-old Zhang Wende (transliteration) used to run a fruit business at Albert Street, reported Shin Min Daily News. He eventually started selling durians after obtaining a street hawking licence.
When a reporter from the Chinese evening daily recently visited his stall, Wende was seen selecting and cutting open durians for a customer.
Despite his age, the elderly man was reported to be skillful and nimble. He was in charge of handling the durians while another woman was manning the cashier and packaging the fruits.
Wende told Shin Min that he has been selling fruits for around 60 years but professed that is difficult to answer questions as he is hard of hearing.
His eldest daughter, Zhang Meiying (transliteration), told the Chinese paper that her father opens shop at around 11am and only closes at around 10pm.
"Except for the monsoon season when there's heavy rain, the stall is usually open for business," said the 68-year-old retiree.
She revealed that her father usually rides an e-bike at home to stretch his muscles and has no problem moving around his stall. However, it does get taxing for him to walk for a long time.
"He typically uses a wheelchair to get around. We live nearby, so I will push him here to open the stall. He also suffers from hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia, and needs to take medication regularly," said Meiying.
Business relies on word of mouth
Since her retirement 16 years ago, Meiying and her younger brother would help at their father's stall.
"The government is promoting active ageing, but he dislikes attending community activities. Continuing to work at the stall can also help pass time," explained Meiying.
"I can help at the stall while taking care of him. He can continue working until he wishes to stop. I won't tell him to retire."
Durians sold at the stall are imported from Malaysia, with the Musang King durians going for $18 per kg and the Red Prawn durians going for $14 per kg.
The business does not provide delivery services and relies on word of mouth from regular customers who are mostly Rochor residents.
A regular customer surnamed Zhang was spotted purchasing more than 10kg of Musang King and Red Prawn durians for around $175.
She told Shin Min that she would buy several boxes of durians to share with her family every time she visits the stall.
"The quality and taste of durians here are good. I also noticed that the boss is old, but still strong and continuing to work, so I want to support him."
Never retire without something better to do lined up.
God bless him.
Agreed. If you love your trade why quit?
“Durian and Brazil Nut. An odd pair? Yes, but they have this in common, that you have to be careful they don’t drop on your head.” Alan Davidson.
Impressive.
Speaking of people in their 90’s who are still working, Charles Grassley (R-IA) has been an elected politician for 65 years.
I know a place in Houston that sells Durian slurpies. Must have one before I start my Vietnamese meal. I then cuddle my 2yo granddaughter who gives me a look of disgust.
Someday she’ll remember that smell with nostalgia.
Wouldn’t want one of those falling on me.
Oh man, you got a way with words. thank you.
One of my favorite lines in an Asian drama is where the hero offers to kneel on Durian to demonstrate the sincerity of his apology.
He looks excellent to me. He still has some black hair and lots of grayish-black hair.
Does it taste like chicken?
Those things frozen are pretty good actually. Almost like a frozen fruit custard. And yes they do have a certain aroma about them.
This 91 year old man working 10 hours every day vs. US college students who simply can’t schedule more than 6-9 class hours a week.
Is that a pack of unfiltered Kools in the shirt pocket?.
There is a park down the street where I worked that had a few durian trees. They had signs which (roughly translated) said “Don’t stand under the tree, because if a durian falls on you, it will kill you.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.