A mist of light lingers early in the morning at the wet market, carrying the earthy aroma of freshly harvested product. Wearing a sun hat that has faded to pale white, Xu skillfully sets up her stall to begin another day. Originally from Nantong, Jiangsu Province, she moved to Shanghai 20 years ago, diving into the vibrant yet smoky bustle of this "city of opportunity."
"There are so many opportunities here," Auntie says with a smile. "Earnings are much higher than smaller towns, but when it gets busy, it's no walk in the park." Starting her day around 6:00 a.m., she works tirelessly until noon, sometimes staying well into the afternoon if customers keep coming. Her days blend into one another, consumed by the endless cycles of arranging product, weighing goods, and moving around.
When asked about her life, she summed it up in four words: "Sweet and sour, bitter and somehow spicy."
Xu shared a story of frustration, recalling one particularly irrational customer: "Once, someone bought some eels and came back claiming I gave him one less. He even shouted,“ How can you not listen to your customers?" With a sigh, Xu added, "What can you do? There's no point arguing. In this business, staying calm and friendly matters most."
But life isn't all bitterness. Recently, a kind customer complimented her vegetables for being the freshest in the market and asked how she managed them. Auntie brushed off the praise modestly: "Choosing good produce? It's all about experience. You just have to put your heart into it." At that moment, her eyes sparkled with pride, revealing how much her hard work meant to her.
When asked about her plans, a wistful smile spread across her face. "One day, I'll head back to my hometown, raise chickens and ducks, plant a little garden, and enjoy a peaceful, quiet life." She glanced at the sky as if imagining the serene countryside she had left behind but still held dear.
"For now, life's not bad—it's just something you get used to. Every day has its share of sweetness and bitterness," she said lightly, her tone reflecting a quiet resilience as though time and experience had eased life's burdens…
Her words left a lasting impression on me: "You study and go to college for a better future; we sell vegetables for a better life. In the end, aren't we all working hard?" Her simplicity and persistence reminded me of the unassuming but radiant figures illuminating everyday beauty. Since I've loved eating eels since I was little, I hope that next time I buy eels from Auntie, I can experience the "sweet and sour, bitter and spicy" she described. —perhaps that is the authentic flavor of life.
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