Dear TUS,
Thank you, Thank U Store.
I took an apple flavoured soft candy pack. Although took isn't the right word, because everything is free in Thank U Store. It was my first time coming here. Originally I came here for the famous rice balls lunchboxes that the Thank U Store had recently gained a reputation for. But those were sold out. So I guess an apple flavoured soft candy pack is safe pick too.
I am a very ordinary young person living in public housing. I have a stable job but it’s so low salary I can’t afford housing in Hong Kong. I have plenty of hobbies like travelling and eating. In short, I have this job that doesn’t make much money, a hobby that makes no money, and a girlfriend that eats away my money.
I am intrigued by the vision of the Thank You Store because if everyone has money, would they still go to work? Right now, it seems everyone goes to work just to be able to afford housing. I hope that all changes one day, because right now my girlfriend would not marry me until I have a flat. But there is no way I can afford it, private or public housing. Either there is no money or the queue is too long.
The Government is working on all those things, but who knows how long it will take for the needed technology and reforms to take place. In between people like me, are waiting in between. Waiting for that needed upgrade for our wishes to be fulfilled. Waiting, hopelessly, faithlessly. I really doubted if you could change the world for the better for people like me, but in my heart, you also remain my only hope. After the violent revolutions failed in Hong Kong, almost nothing has changed, but perhaps a more gentle wish for economic reform that aims to implement humanistic goals is not forbidden, I hope.
Even then - the problem with money is, alas, the complaint is always there is not enough of it. And goods and services are never quick or fairly distributed enough. Say housing, medical, education services. I hope one day I can afford a house, but I supposed I am like a fisherman’s wife. It would also never be enough. Say I went to mainland to purchase a house and got a wife there. The next thing I want, would be to have expensive wife in a first rate city in China.
I know the promise of the Thank U Store is that someone is treating you to eat rice for free. But the end result – is everyone gets a bowl of white rice. It ‘s just barely fulfilling enough. The abstract beauty and lust of money is there’s always something more, and your desires always want something else. And you wanted to eradicate that, it’s a sweet ambition that is doomed to fail. I admire your wish to help out though, to make people nicer, and more aware of others’ pains and needs. For that, I am very grateful, and the soft candy is delicious. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Apple soft candy
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Dear Apple soft candy,
Once again, we thank you for coming and writing to us. I think I noticed you coming to our shop. What a fine young person you are! We are so happy you the goods from Thank U store made you happy.
Young man, you are so right about men’s relationship with money. There’s never enough. Even when I am running the store, most goods are from donations of conscionable big business that are making profits elsewhere (hence the irony of the shop), I am keenly aware of the difficulties of life when money is a problem.
Yes, we all hope for the day when an Einstein in economics will come up and solve the housing problem that people face. But until then, we shall hope that you would make the use of your life as responsibly as possible, meet as many people as you could, explore life and live to the fullest.
We believe at the moment, you are living with your parents, you have a roof on top of your head, so you only have to solve the problem of food. Or better and better food.
What is it that you most keenly seek in life, and wish to spend your life doing? Is it creating a family with your girlfriend? And is that a problem that is about money or something else in your relationship?
If it’s only about money, it can be easily solved. Simply move somewhere where the living expenses and housing are cheaper. Find a job you would enjoy and make a family elsewhere. If that is not an option, stay here, and find another girlfriend who would accept you, who has a lower maintenance.
While your goals in life are achieved, also think keenly about the mark you would like to leave in this world. You asked if work would still be needed in a world where people already are provided housing. I believe people work out of a sense of mission too. There may have been no choice for slaves, but now people have choices on what they want to achieve in life and how to achieve self- actualization.
Money should only be a tool, for people to get what they want. Once you know and get what you want, money should be beside the point, isn’t it? There’s always a point, when you are paid so much or you work so happily, you would not notice you working anymore. It’s very ideal, but I supposed that’s as plainly as I could put it. Some people do enjoy going to work, so it’s not work anymore. You see the difference there.
And I believe, the secret of a good economy that works for humanistic goals, is one where people are scarcely aware of the effect of money, and more focused on what they actually need. Say you won’t choose something just because it is more expensive option. You would choose it because you need it. Or on the other hand, you won’t be denied something because you are poor. You should be given it because you need it.
It's a beautiful vision that we promote. And it will take time to achieve it. In between I hope you live happily and contently, trying to reach a balance between what you want and what the world already provides you. Please feel free to write to us about your troubles again.
Yours sincerely,
Thank U Store
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Uncle Royce raised his brow and asked, “Thomas, what do you think about this reply to this letter?” Thomas, the younger shop assistant, laughed and said, “We are all waiting for Einstein in economics to help solve out the inequality problem. But it might take another 100 years for someone like that to come about.” Thomas took out his dirty cloth to clean the shop and tided the shelf with the newly arrived snacks. The flow of people to the shop increased despite the epidemic situation became mor serious. The city had regained vitality and people were coming out more, so more cleaning was needed.
“Do you think that is a responsible answer to him?” Uncle Royce asked. “It’s so tricky because we don’t want to encourage young men to be lazy on the one hand, but we know the housing prices are not easily affordable.”
“But you believe that housing should be a free commodity, no?” Thomas said, picking up a piece of wrapping candy paper.
“Housing is a necessity not a luxury, so it should be easily affordable or even free. But in our world, that would not seem plausible as an idea. Although we also lived once in the world where people were slaves, and didn’t own any property. There must a day when everyone has a secured place somewhere on this earth.”
“Such grand words.” Thomas said, “it all sounds like a fantasy right now. So many people are barely just surviving living in subdivided units, and making meager means doing manual work.”
“but whoever wrote this letter is very smart, he is aware that meeting basic living standards, is no where near a comfortable living. The kind where you can afford to eat out, watch movies, go on holiday, and have a family where you send your kids to study overseas,” Uncle Royce frowned.
“Life is not easy anywhere, and it seems people have been envying the rich since history immemorable.” Thomas said, looking around him, to find the shop so glossy and shiny. He was pleased with his efforts of cleaning.
“It seems material needs are a worthwhile goal for most people, but in the future, people really should have the luxury of time, to do what they want, like have a family, or pursue their true vocation.” Uncle Royce added.
“That’s quite ideal, but people might also just become lazy. I wonder if people would go to work by themselves with the same force of discipline if making money for a living wasn’t part of it.” Thomas said, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
“Well, if young people were like you, I wouldn’t be the least worried. You have been working diligently, do take a break, Thomas, sit next to me.” Uncle Royce said invitingly.
“I am fine, I can work all day without fail. Plus I enjoy cleaning and stock keeping in the store.” Thomas did a small spin inside the shop, and Uncle Royce watched gleefully. “Let’s move on to the next letter then.”
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and then Add to home screen.