Letter #12

9-December-1945, to: mom

pp.44-48

Tsu learned from father that when Bangkok was bombed during the war, NT family take refuge with Tae Lim in Thonburi. Although NT paid for his own food and lodging he still feel indebt to TL

The day arrived when Seng was to formally meet Mui Eng and TSU pretended not to care all abt the commotion

After the meeting, AB came and tease TSU

“As a prize-winning ox is handsome beside an old water buffalo“

AB told TSU what ME wore to meet Seng, she said that ME dressed hideously carrying around an enormous book filled with questions she is going to ask Seng

TSU laugh out loud and suddenly NT came into the office with Thaokae Nia rushing after him

NT called out TSU to come with him to talk privately and let AB do the job

TSU was terrified and thought that NT would push him into a river

NT turn to his wife, and told his wife to keep an eye on Seng because he looks like he was about to burn the house, plus Tae Lim told NT that seng has a very bad temper

TSU follow NT to the khlong and they hoped on a boat (TSU was praying for his life cz he was sure he’s going to there right there)

Before NT told TSU what he wanted to say, NT asked TSU if he was going to think ill of his boss which TSU of course didn’t

NT told TSU that ME insisted to marry a learned man and was displeased with Seng

He says that ME is a hard child ever since she was young and now that she is grown up he dare not force her to do anything against her will for fear that she will run away with the man who had taken her fancy

NT then told TSU that Yong Chua (TSU’s father) would retired from travelling and settle down near him and that TSU would likely stop working under him to work for his father.

Most importantly NT told TSU that His father told NT that he would like ME to be his daughter in law

He says it was a dilemma for him to choose between his cousin and his friend whom he owes so much too

It’s seems like NT like TSU but TSU refuse and says that he is poor and of no status

NT says its likely that ME doesnt care because money to her is like rice and water and that she respects brain which for him is odd for girls.

NT likes TSU because he is educated and a good worker and loyal and someone who will not disappoint their elder.

NT tease TSU “You like her, eh? She is pretty enough for you?“ TSU grins

NT laughed and then told TSU that then it is settled when LYC came they will set the date and that they will keep it as a secret from ME

TSU so happy he cant keep a straight face.

“Nguan Thong, the wily old merchant of Sampheng Lane, was roundly beaten by his daughter before the battle had half begun.”

NT told TSU that they would take the afternoon off

On their boat ride, TSU saw some Thais sifting in the river for stuff

NT explained that Thai people loved to gamble so they rather sift and find valuable object, they would rather scramble for diamond rings rather than work regular job that could only feed them and nth more (nth more as in they dun have more money for gamble)

NT talks abt a man name Yi Ko Hong who who made thais gamble their money to his profit, and that most chinese are not like him because they find the surest way, not so quick way but honorable.

they went back to the store in the evening

TSU learned one thing today: Thais love to gamble. It is bad for them but good for us. and he shall not forget it

he tell his mom that she will soon gain a daughter in law and hoping that a grandchild would soon join.