Chapter Fourteen

灯不拨不亮，理不辩不明

An oil lamp becomes brighter after rubbing; an idea becomes clearer after conversing

JANUARY 31, 2020, EVENING

I log on to the Discord group right when the boys have finished a round of Chop Chop. I had picked Ming to play head chef earlier that day.

Steamer:

Where’s Mei? We wouldn’t have lost last round if she was here . . .

DragonMing:

She is probably busy volunteering.

TigerHong:

I gave my last bag of chips to the little boy with a sick grandpa. He was so hungry.

Meatball:

I brought the old lady next door some of my mother’s cooking. But I can’t do it every day. We barely have enough. My younger brother is a nonstop eating MACHINE.

DragonMing:

Is there anything more we can do?

EmpressMei:

Yes, there is!

I quickly explain that I will volunteer at Aunty’s emergency kitchen, which can also provide meals for neighbors in need.

Steamer:

You’re gonna cook with a real chef?? Can you get us in? Your Aunty is a big shot there right?

EmpressMei:

No, sorry. But you can help deliver the meals. The driver can drop them off at the hospital’s back gate. We just need to figure out how you guys can get the meals.

DragonMing:

I can pick up the meals and drop them off to everyone. I have a volunteer pass and my electric moped has a big luggage rack.

EmpressMei:

Oh, my gosh, I forgot you have a pass. That’s super!

Meatball:

I’m in!

TigerHong:

Me too! Can’t wait to bring the meals to the little boy and his grandpa.

EmpressMei:

Good. Just message me the number of meals you need for your neighborhood, and I will get them ready for the driver.

Later that night, I send Ming a private message.

EmpressMei:

Thanks for saving the day! How’s Grandma?

DragonMing:

Glad I can help. She is still in the hospital, but can eat and drink now.