Talk big, make a draft: Liu Yong's Romantic Period Humorous Essays Anthology: Liu Yong's Romantic Period Humorous Essays Anthology

Author: Liu Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: It's also interesting to mention paying for taxi fares. Experienced taxi riders should notice that the meter often emits a faint sound before jumping the numbers. This "warning" can be quite significant for some drivers. If you can see your destination approaching and hear the taxi meter make a moving "warning" sound, the driver often steps on the gas hard to make a "final sprint." So when you shout "We've arrived! We've arrived!" the meter also jumps. But let's say that good drivers are not lacking. Many drivers, upon hearing the "warning and jumping" sound of the meter, actually slow down and stop gently, delivering you before the meter jumps. Most passengers are unaware of this, nor do they appreciate it, so those drivers are accumulating good karma. What's even more amusing is five years ago, when I took a taxi to work at "China Central Television," there were several cars parked at the company's entrance. The driver had to stop a bit ahead, and it was just when he did that—within those few extra meters—that the meter jumped. Before I could even reach for my money, the driver said, "Give me the amount as if it hadn't jumped earlier. What happened just now doesn't count." I said, "Since it jumped, of course, I'll pay for it." Unexpectedly, he got agitated: "No, no, absolutely not! Otherwise, what kind of person will you think I am? Someone who drives extra miles just to earn a few more bucks? I won't do that kind of thing." How can this man's behavior not be a reflection of his integrity and principles!