Alone/Fragrant for 22 years! Buddha Heart sells “explosive” fried rice: to keep students fed, Fengjia’s 84-year-old grandmother endures tears and retires | Lifestyle | Sanli News Network SETN.COM

Reporter Zhang Yazhu, video editor Jiang Fangyuan/Taichung Report

▲A portion of pork and egg fried rice costs NT$70, and the price is so high that the paper box can hardly be covered. Grandma said she just wants everyone to be full and save money. (Photo/photographed by reporter Zhang Yazhu)

A plate of “grandma’s fried rice” that was so popular that you could even add rice for free is a memory of many teachers and students at Fengjia University. Grandma Chunmei, who has been selling fried rice and noodles for 22 years at the age of 62, never thought about retiring. Unexpectedly, a car accident not long ago caused sequelae. In addition, as she gets older, her physical strength and memory are not what they used to be. Deciding to retire after achieving 5/10 made many fans, regular customers and students sad to hear the news. When interviewed, my grandma lamented that she actually couldn’t bear to do it, but she really couldn’t do it anymore. Sometimes she was so hot that she almost fainted, and she really wanted to get old.

▲Grandma’s fried rice has been fragrant for 22 years from a small stall to a store. It is the memory of many Fengjia and Qiaoguang people. (Photo/photographed by reporter Zhang Yazhu)

The aroma of fried rice located in the alley of Wenhua Road of Fengjia University is the memory of many students of Fengjia or Tunghai University. Grandma Chunmei, who was once so miserable that she could hardly survive, knew very well how many hard-working people there were in society, especially students. Some of them might have to borrow money to even study, which was not that easy, so at the age of 62, she started pushing a stall. When she opens the shop, she always sells “explosive” fried rice and fried noodles at Buddha-like prices. Sometimes, when she sees that the other party is in bad condition, she will deliberately say, “I’ve made enough today, so I’ll treat you to a meal.” Please.” She even lets guests add rice and noodles for free. She said she just hopes that the students can be full and don’t have to spend more money.

“It is better to feed others than to be robbed by others!” After 30 years of working as a farmer, I managed to save money, but in the end it was dumped or borrowed by others. In the past, everyone saw her as an old lady doing business like this. She had to work hard to take care of her grandson, so many kind-hearted people came to help her. Many students even became her “unrelated grandsons” and came to help wash the dishes and clean after class. The illiterate grandma said that in fact, she has been very open-minded after living to such an age. She can live a decent life without worrying about food and clothing. She has never thought about making any more money. “It doesn’t mean that everyone is rich, so just let When people have enough to eat, I always tell them, “Eat enough to save money.” That’s what I think…”

▼▲My grandma originally wanted to work for a few more years, but her physical condition was not as good as before. She finally decided to retire on May 10. She said that what she wanted to say most was to thank the people who had helped and supported her. Thank you very much. (Photo/photographed by reporter Zhang Yazhu)

I originally wanted to continue selling until I could no longer do it, but unexpectedly my physical condition was not as good as before. During the interview, my grandma told reporters while wrapping rice dumplings that she really has to accept her old age. Sometimes she almost faints from the heat in front of the stove. As soon as the news came out that grandma was retiring, many customers came to have a “memory” meal, and some were new customers who wanted to try the “Buddha’s Heart” fried rice recommended by relatives and friends.

During the interview, grandma suddenly said: “Miss, can I ask you to tell me what I feel when you report for me?” Grandma looked at the photos on the wall, and then said emotionally: “Many people I feel that it is very hard for me to sell fried rice. Over the years, both students and people from society have come to help me on their own initiative. I hope to say that I can thank these people who have helped me through the news. There are too many to say, but there are thousands of words. All I can say is, those who have helped me, my grandma has to give up some money. Thank you for coming to help me in the past. I am really grateful. I wish you all good health, career development and a lot of money. Alas, I really can’t bear to part with you. …”

▼▲From the age of 62 when she was selling fried rice and fried noodles to the age of 84 now, she has many memories and people who miss her grandma. She choked up and said, “I really can’t bear to part with you…” (Above picture/Provided with permission from Grandma’s home; Below picture/ Photo by reporter Zhang Yazhu)

Grandma said that in the past, she even encountered people who gave her money, and she was so frightened that she rushed out to pay them back, and some asked her not to change the money. But in fact, the reason for her fried rice business is not how much money she can make, but how much money she wants to make. Let everyone eat well, “What I earn is happiness and good health, so I don’t have Alzheimer’s disease, and I don’t have any pain. You see, it’s good, right?”

What are your plans after retirement? Grandma said that she is now preparing to sell rice dumplings for the Dragon Boat Festival. In the past few years, she almost sold 2,000 to 3,000 rice dumplings. She will also sell meat rice dumplings in the future, but maybe during the Dragon Boat Festival or when she has free time, she laughed instantly. Said: “Grandma’s fried rice will be replaced by grandma’s meat dumplings after retirement, hahaha.” In the hearty laughter, it seems that she wants to hide the sadness of reluctance in her heart, and hopes that everyone will not worry about her. Grandma will continue to live a good life. It’s just a change. form.

▼▲My grandma would make rice dumplings and sell them every Dragon Boat Festival, and even help with charity. Standing next to her was Amin (Huang Jiemin), a unrelated grandson who had helped her for 8 years since he was a sophomore in college. (Photo/photographed by reporter Zhang Yazhu)

▲Grandma joked that although Grandma’s fried rice was retired, after taking a break, she would make rice dumplings and sell them before the Dragon Boat Festival. “Grandma’s fried rice became Grandma’s meat rice dumplings.” (Photo/photographed by reporter Zhang Yazhu)

✎Grandma’s fried rice information

Address: Lane 155, Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City (open until 5/10)

Facebook fan page, grandma’s Dragon Boat Festival southern rice dumpling reservation method: https://reurl.cc/jkVNYD