One Centimetre Summary, Explanation – Class 12 Chapter 5

 

One Centimetre Summary and Line by Line Explanation

CBSE Class 12 English (Elective)  Chapter 5- One Centimetre Summary, Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from Kaleidoscope Book Short Stories 

 

One Centimetre Summary  – Are you looking for the summary, theme and lesson explanation for CBSE 12 English (Elective) Chapter 5 -One Centimetre from English Kaleidoscope Book Short Stories. Get Lesson summary, theme, explanation along with difficult word meanings

 

CBSE Class 12 English (Elective) Short Stories Chapter 5- One Centimetre

By Bi Shu-min

 

‘One Centimetre’ is a short story by Bi Shu-min exploring the theme of seemingly insignificant things turning out to be a life changing situation. Tao Ying’s life gets complicated after the seemingly insignificant measurement of her son turns out to hurt her pride and relationship with her son. It’s a story about her struggles to fight for the dignity and integrity for her son. 

 

• One Centimetre Summary
• One Centimetre Summary in Hindi
• One Centimetre Theme
• One Centimetre Explanation

 

Related: 

• One Centimetre Question Answers
• One Centimetre Character Sketch

 

One Centimetre Summary 

Tao Ying is a cook in a factory canteen, who often avoids buying a bus ticket when riding alone, believing her presence doesn’t impact the bus’s operation. She assesses the driver’s behaviour to decide whether to pay for the ticket. One day, she rides the bus with her son, Xiao Ye, who reminds her about the importance of having a ticket, emphasizing the significance of rituals for children. Additionally, a painted finger on the bus door points to a height restriction of 1.10 m. Xiao Ye has unruly hair that contrasts with his overall health and cleverness, thanks to his mother Tao Ying’s careful approach to his diet. Tao Ying feels a deep sense of responsibility for her son as she brushes his hair, reminded of the vulnerability of his development symbolized by the soft spot on his head. Despite her feelings of insignificance in the larger world, she recognizes her crucial role in her son’s life, striving to be the perfect mother for him. 

Tao Ying gently informs her son, Xiao Ye, that he is still one centimeter short for a ticket. Despite being from a modest background and not well-read, she strives to set a good example. Xiao Ye, frustrated and feeling wronged, insists he is tall enough and reminds her of her previous promise to let him have a ticket this time. Tao Ying reflects on the value of the ticket, highlighting its worth compared to basic food items, while Xiao Ye’s hopeful expression suggests his desire for her to keep her word. The conductor scolds them for blocking the entrance of a bus. Despite his intimidating demeanor, Tao Ying decides to buy two tickets, valuing her son’s pride. The conductor notes that her son, Xiao Ye, is just under the height requirement for a ticket. Determined to boost her son’s self-esteem, Tao Ying insists on purchasing two tickets. As they exit the bus, she reflects on the absurdity of a mother trying to evade fare, highlighting her desire to maintain dignity in front of her child.

Tao Ying hands overthe bus tickets to the conductor, choosing not to claim them back, despite knowing she could reuse them for future work-related outings. She is mindful of her financial situation as a worker doing labour job and knows her son, Xiao Ye, might question her about the honesty of her decision. Determined to be an ideal mother and set a good example, she navigates parenting challenges while showing love and attention. For instance, she carefully eats watermelon in front of Xiao Ye, avoiding the rind even though she believes all parts of the fruit are refreshing and beneficial. Tao Ying discovers her son, Xiao Ye, imitating her messy way of eating a melon, prompting her anger and realization about the impact of her behavior on him. She understands that children imitate adults and recognizes the need to set a good example for her son to reflect a cultured upbringing. This realization motivates her to focus on her own actions, although she finds it challenging, yet remains determined to improve.

Tao Ying takes her son, Xiao Ye, to visit a temple for the first time, emphasizing that he has never seen the Buddha. Despite not being a believer herself, she does not intend to impose any religious practices on him. The tickets for the temple cost five dollars each, but Tao Ying’s ticket was a gift from Lao Chiang, a familiar figure at her local meat counter. He often shares quirky publications, including one humorously titled the “Big Reference,” which contains speculations about events like the Middle Eastern war and their impact on trade. Lao Chiang encourages Tao Ying to take her son and suggests ways to make the most of her ticket, showcasing his practical nature. Tao Ying takes a break to spend a day out with her son, Xiao Ye, at a temple in the city. The atmosphere is refreshing, reminiscent of nature. Xiao Ye eagerly snatches the ticket and races to the entrance, prompting a moment of sadness for Tao Ying as she worries he might forget her in his excitement. A young guard at the entrance resembles a waiter in his attire. Xiao Ye knows how to navigate the crowd, and the guard retrieves the ticket from him, while Tao Ying watches her son with affection.

Tao Ying encounters the young man in red who asks her for a ticket for her son, claiming that children need tickets. Tao Ying, believing children under 110 centimeters are exempt, remains calm and patient despite the young man’s insistence. As a crowd gathers and expresses anxiety about the delay. The guard questions her knowledge of the rules, and when she tries to read the ticket to clarify, the young man stops her. He claims her son is over the height limit, which Tao Ying disputes while maintaining her composure. She faces scrutiny from a guard who confidently claims her child has crossed a marked line. As her son, Xiao Ye, affectionately calls for her, the crowd hopes for a quick resolution. The guard feels anxious but remains firm in his duty, while the composed mother, Tao Ying, finds amusement in the situation, noting that her son is enjoying the situation. The guard asks the child to approach the marked area for re-measurement, and the crowd anticipates the outcome. Xiao Ye gazes at his mother, Tao Ying, who gives him a slight nod. He approaches the guard confidently, but the crowd watches in suspense as a worm moves toward his ear. Tao Ying, only a few steps away, strikes Xiao Ye’s head sharply, shocking the crowd. They gasp in disapproval, condemning her behavior as unacceptable and disgraceful. Tao Ying had intended to smooth his hair. He insists he wasn’t standing on tiptoes while the height marker reached close to his brow. The guard, losing his patience, demands that Tao Ying buy a ticket for her son, while she pleads that he is still under one meter ten, as she realizes she stands alone. The guard told her that those who avoid paying always make the same claims and questioned whether others would trust her over him. He mentioned the International Standard Ruler in Paris, made of pure platinum, which left Tao bewildered. All she knew was that she needed two metres and eighty centimetres to create a dress. Amazed by the Buddha’s power that made her son grow several centimetres in moments, she argued he wasn’t that tall just on the bus. The young guard mocked her, suggesting her son hadn’t been that tall at birth either, escalating the tension.

Amidst the mocking crowd, Tao Ying’s face turned pale as she faced her son, Xiao Ye. He held her frozen hand with his small, warm one and asked what was wrong. Struggling to find the words, she told him she had simply forgotten to buy him a ticket. The guard challenged her calm demeanor, suggesting she might as well forget she had a son. Anger surged within Tao Ying; she needed to maintain her dignity and retorted, asking what more he wanted from her. The young man leans against the wall, addressing the crowd as if issuing a decree. He scolds Tao Ying for her nerve, insisting she should apologize and questioned her how she even got a free ticket. Now, she wants to sneak another person in, prompting him to challenge her decency. Despite being told to get a proper ticket, she contemplates confronting him but decides to set aside her pride for the sake of her child, Xiao Ye. Tao Ying tries to reassure her son, Xiao Ye, that she will buy a ticket. However, she couldn’t purchase the ticket as feels terrified about how to explain this to him. In a rush, she takes Xiao Ye away, telling him they are going to the park to bring him joy, but he becomes quiet and withdrawn, showing signs of maturity.

As they pass an ice cream vendor, Xiao Ye asks his mother for money and rushes to an elderly woman at the stall to get measured. Tao Ying notices the old lady struggling to extend the measuring pole. After measuring, she informs him he’s one metre eleven tall. Tao Ying wonders if her son is growing like a shoot of bamboo, taller with each glance. Tears well in Xiao Ye’s eyes as he sprints away from his mother without looking back. He stumbles, soaring briefly through the air before crashing to the ground. Tao Ying rushes to help, but he quickly stands and runs off again. Heartbroken, she wonders if he’ll return. After running for a while, Xiao Ye glances back at her but takes off again. Confused, Tao Ying approaches an elderly woman to ask about the scales she possesses. The old woman explains to Tao Ying that her scales are designed to make people happy, but they are outdated and can make individuals appear lighter and taller than they actually are. Tao Ying believes the old woman is clever despite her gentleness. She wants her son, Xiao Ye, to hear their conversation, but he is too far away and feels doubtful about his mother’s intentions. When they return home, Tao Ying attempts to measure Xiao Ye again, but he refuses, suspecting her motives and fearing he will be measured shorter. He has lost trust in her, viewing her measuring tape as a deceptive tool. 

At work, a customer complains that Tao Ying’s cakes resemble camouflage uniforms, noting they are spoiled with burnt spots. Feeling guilty about the situation, Tao Ying reflects on her recent lack of focus at work. After putting her child, Xiao Ye, to bed, she measures his height, which is one meter nine centimeters. Tao Ying decides to write a letter to the temple administrators but realizes it may be more difficult than she thought. Her husband questions the potential outcome of sending the letter, highlighting her uncertainty about its impact. Nevertheless, she feels compelled to take action to gain her son’s trust. After completing her letter, she seeks the help of a man known as ‘the Writer,’ who has experience with minor publications. When she presents her letter to him, he critiques it for being too formal and lacking warmth. The writer analyzes the opening paragraph of a letter, highlighting the limitless power of the Buddha, illustrated by a five-year-old boy who grows two centimeters after visiting a temple but returns to his original height at home. The writer encourages following this line of thought. Tao Ying, the recipient, tries to remember the writer’s advice but struggles with clarity. Upon returning home, she makes adjustments to the letter before sending it out. During lunchtime, the Writer visits Tao Ying’s stall, where she briefly appears to collect vouchers. He suspects the cakes may be overcooked and thinks she might be looking for better ones. Tao Ying gives him a cake topped with extra sugar and sesame, which he views as a significant gesture of appreciation from her as a baker.

Tao Ying spends her days waiting and reading newspapers, including classified ads for videos. She listens to the radio, hoping to hear her own letter announced. She frequently visits the post office, anticipating a response from the temple regarding their mistake. Despite imagining various outcomes, nothing prepares her for what actually happens. The days feel monotonous to her, similar to the white flour she kneads. Although Xiao Ye appears to have recovered from a past trauma, Tao Ying believes he hasn’t truly moved on.

Xiao Ye offers to guide two elderly men in uniform to comrade Tao’s place, announcing their arrival to his mother, Tao Ying. While she is busy with laundry, the representatives from the temple’s administrative office visit to verify a letter she sent, which was forwarded by the local newspaper. Tao Ying feels anxious and downcast about her disorganized home, worrying that they might view her as lazy and distrust her claims. Tao Ying encourages Xiao Ye to go outside for fun, but she feels uneasy about his presence as a significant event unfolds. The individuals who hired a youth in red have ordered that Xiao Ye shouldn’t be allowed to leave, wanting to take his measurements. Xiao Ye stands close to the wall, which is described as a blank canvas, while the men draw a line at his height and measure the distance to the floor, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Tao Ying discusses the measurement of her son with two officials, questioning the accuracy of the younger man’s claim about his height due to a delay in their arrival. The officials realize they cannot dispute her claim and pull out a five-dollar bill, indicating they came prepared. The elder official, speaking gently, acknowledges a prior incident when Tao Ying and her son were denied entry, offering a small gesture to amend the situation. Tao Ying remains still, reflecting on a joy that can never be recaptured. A younger man offers her cash or two tickets to visit the temple, but she declines due to painful memories associated with the place. Both men ask what she would prefer, and Tao Ying grapples with the same dilemma. Despite her gracious nature, she feels that had the young man in red apologized in person, she would have made him feel at ease. A woman reflects on her desires and instructs her son, Xiao Ye, to address an elderly official as “Grandpa” in a sweet manner. She requests that the officials keep the money and tickets. She also pleads for leniency towards the guard on duty, asserting he was only doing his job. The officials appear confused, but she asks them to explain the situation to her son, emphasizing that she has done nothing wrong.

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Summary of the Lesson One Centimetre in Hindi

ताओ यिंग एक फैक्ट्री कैंटीन में रसोइया है, जो अकेले यात्रा करते समय अक्सर बस टिकट खरीदने से बचती है, क्योंकि उसे लगता है कि उसकी उपस्थिति बस के संचालन को प्रभावित नहीं करती है। वह टिकट के लिए भुगतान करने का निर्णय लेने के लिए ड्राइवर के व्यवहार का आकलन करती है। एक दिन, वह अपने बेटे, ज़ियाओ ये के साथ बस में यात्रा करती है, जो उसे टिकट रखने के महत्व के बारे में याद दिलाता है, बच्चों के लिए अनुष्ठानों के महत्व पर जोर देता है। इसके अतिरिक्त, बस के दरवाज़े पर एक पेंट की हुई उंगली 1.10 मीटर की ऊँचाई प्रतिबंध की ओर इशारा करती है। ज़ियाओ ये के बाल बिखरे हुए हैं जो उसके समग्र स्वास्थ्य और चतुराई के विपरीत हैं, इसका श्रेय उसकी माँ ताओ यिंग के उसके आहार के प्रति सावधान दृष्टिकोण को जाता है। ताओ यिंग अपने बेटे के बालों को ब्रश करते समय उसके लिए ज़िम्मेदारी की गहरी भावना महसूस करती है, उसे उसके सिर पर नरम स्थान द्वारा उसके विकास की भेद्यता की याद दिलाती है। बड़ी दुनिया में महत्वहीनता की अपनी भावनाओं के बावजूद, वह अपने बेटे के जीवन में अपनी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका को पहचानती है, उसके लिए एक आदर्श माँ बनने का प्रयास करती है। ताओ यिंग अपने बेटे, ज़ियाओ ये को धीरे से बताती है कि वह अभी भी टिकट के लिए एक सेंटीमीटर छोटा है। एक साधारण पृष्ठभूमि से होने और अच्छी तरह से पढ़े-लिखे न होने के बावजूद, वह एक अच्छा उदाहरण स्थापित करने का प्रयास करती है। ज़ियाओ ये, निराश और अन्याय महसूस करते हुए, जोर देकर कहता है कि वह काफी लंबा है और उसे इस बार उसे टिकट देने के अपने पिछले वादे की याद दिलाता है। ताओ यिंग टिकट के मूल्य पर विचार करता है, बुनियादी खाद्य पदार्थों की तुलना में इसके मूल्य को उजागर करता है, जबकि ज़ियाओ ये की आशावादी अभिव्यक्ति से पता चलता है कि वह उससे अपना वचन निभाने की इच्छा रखता है। कंडक्टर उन्हें बस के प्रवेश द्वार को अवरुद्ध करने के लिए डांटता है। उनके डराने वाले व्यवहार के बावजूद, ताओ यिंग अपने बेटे के गौरव को महत्व देते हुए दो टिकट खरीदने का फैसला करती है। कंडक्टर ने नोट किया कि उसका बेटा, ज़ियाओ ये, टिकट के लिए आवश्यक ऊंचाई से थोड़ा कम है। अपने बेटे के आत्मसम्मान को बढ़ाने के लिए दृढ़ संकल्पित, ताओ यिंग दो टिकट खरीदने पर जोर देती है। जैसे ही वे बस से बाहर निकलते हैं, वह किराए से बचने की कोशिश करने वाली एक माँ की मूर्खता पर विचार करती है, अपने बच्चे के सामने गरिमा बनाए रखने की उसकी इच्छा को उजागर करती है। ताओ यिंग बस टिकट कंडक्टर को सौंप देती है, उन्हें वापस न लेने का विकल्प चुनती है, जबकि वह जानती है कि वह भविष्य में काम से संबंधित सैर के लिए उनका फिर से उपयोग कर सकती है। वह एक श्रमिक के रूप में अपनी वित्तीय स्थिति के बारे में सजग है और जानती है कि उसका बेटा, ज़ियाओ ये, उसके निर्णय की ईमानदारी के बारे में उससे सवाल कर सकता है। एक आदर्श माँ बनने और एक अच्छा उदाहरण स्थापित करने के लिए दृढ़ संकल्पित, वह प्यार और ध्यान दिखाते हुए पेरेंटिंग चुनौतियों का सामना करती है। उदाहरण के लिए, वह ज़ियाओ ये के सामने सावधानी से तरबूज खाती है, छिलके से बचती है, भले ही वह मानती है कि फल के सभी भाग ताज़ा और फायदेमंद होते हैं। ताओ यिंग ने पाया कि उसका बेटा, ज़ियाओ ये, तरबूज खाने के उसके गंदे तरीके की नकल कर रहा है, जिससे उसे गुस्सा आता है और उसके व्यवहार के उस पर पड़ने वाले प्रभाव का एहसास होता है। वह समझती है कि बच्चे वयस्कों की नकल करते हैं और अपने बेटे के लिए एक अच्छा उदाहरण स्थापित करने की आवश्यकता को पहचानती है ताकि एक सुसंस्कृत परवरिश दिखाई दे। यह अहसास उसे अपने कार्यों पर ध्यान केंद्रित करने के लिए प्रेरित करता है, हालाँकि उसे यह चुनौतीपूर्ण लगता है, फिर भी वह सुधार करने के लिए दृढ़ संकल्पित है। ताओ यिंग अपने बेटे, ज़ियाओ ये को पहली बार मंदिर ले जाती है, इस बात पर ज़ोर देते हुए कि उसने कभी बुद्ध को नहीं देखा है। खुद आस्तिक न होने के बावजूद, वह उस पर कोई धार्मिक प्रथा थोपने का इरादा नहीं रखती। मंदिर के लिए टिकट की कीमत पाँच डॉलर थी, लेकिन ताओ यिंग का टिकट लाओ चियांग से एक उपहार था, जो उसके स्थानीय मांस काउंटर पर एक परिचित व्यक्ति था। वह अक्सर विचित्र प्रकाशन साझा करता है, जिसमें एक मजाकिया शीर्षक “बिग रेफरेंस” भी शामिल है, जिसमें मध्य पूर्वी युद्ध जैसी घटनाओं और व्यापार पर उनके प्रभाव के बारे में अटकलें हैं। लाओ चियांग ताओ यिंग को अपने बेटे को ले जाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करता है और अपने व्यावहारिक स्वभाव को प्रदर्शित करते हुए, उसके टिकट का अधिकतम लाभ उठाने के तरीके सुझाता है। ताओ यिंग अपने बेटे, ज़ियाओ ये के साथ शहर के एक मंदिर में एक दिन बिताने के लिए छुट्टी लेती है। वातावरण ताज़ा है, प्रकृति की याद दिलाता है। ज़ियाओ ये उत्सुकता से टिकट छीन लेती है और प्रवेश द्वार की ओर दौड़ती है, जिससे ताओ यिंग को दुख होता है क्योंकि उसे चिंता होती है कि वह अपनी उत्तेजना में उसे भूल सकता है। प्रवेश द्वार पर एक युवा गार्ड अपनी पोशाक में एक वेटर जैसा दिखता है। ज़ियाओ ये भीड़ में से निकलने का तरीका जानती है और गार्ड उससे टिकट वापस ले लेता है, जबकि ताओ यिंग अपने बेटे को प्यार से देखती है। ताओ यिंग लाल रंग के कपड़े पहने युवक से मिलती है जो उससे उसके बेटे के लिए टिकट मांगता है और दावा करता है कि बच्चों को टिकट की ज़रूरत होती है। ताओ यिंग का मानना ​​है कि 110 सेंटीमीटर से कम लंबाई वाले बच्चों को छूट है, इसलिए वह युवक के आग्रह के बावजूद शांत और धैर्यवान रहती है। जैसे ही भीड़ जमा होती है और देरी के बारे में चिंता व्यक्त करती है। गार्ड नियमों के बारे में उसके ज्ञान पर सवाल उठाता है और जब वह स्पष्टीकरण के लिए टिकट पढ़ने की कोशिश करती है, तो युवक उसे रोक देता है। वह दावा करता है कि उसके बेटे की लंबाई सीमा से ज़्यादा है, जिस पर ताओ यिंग अपना संयम बनाए रखते हुए विवाद करती है। उसे एक गार्ड की जांच का सामना करना पड़ता है जो पूरे विश्वास के साथ दावा करता है कि उसके बच्चे ने एक चिह्नित रेखा पार कर ली है। जैसे ही उसका बेटा, ज़ियाओ ये, उसे प्यार से पुकारता है, भीड़ जल्दी समाधान की उम्मीद करती है। गार्ड चिंतित महसूस करता है लेकिन अपने कर्तव्य में दृढ़ रहता है, जबकि शांत मां, ताओ यिंग, स्थिति में मनोरंजन पाती है और देखती है कि उसका बेटा ऊंचाई सीमा से ज़्यादा है।

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Themes of the Lesson One Centimetre

Power Politics 

The young guard was in an authoritative position, which allowed him to misbehave with Tao, though he was wrong, still he snubbed her with the power of his knowledge about the international measurement Ruler in Paris. The same behavior could be found in the two temple administrators when they visited Tao’s home, they measured the earthworm on the temple’s wall and knew they were wrong, still they pretended as if the child measured one metre ten. It was only after Tao Ying argued with them about being late for a month and ten days, that they brought out the envelope of five dollars from their pocket. The story critiques the social norms that priorities rules over personal integrity.

Moral Dilemma of Choosing Right or be an Ideal Mother

Tao Ying’s desire to be an ideal mother has made her go through the moral dilemma of whether to be herself or be a perfect example for her son following the parenting books. She was left in the moral dilemma of whether to claim the train ticket or not, as her child Xiao Ye was listening to their conversation. Though she was right if she wanted to claim as her son was one meter and nine, Xiao Ye would think that his mother doesn’t want to buy him a ticket.The same moral dilemma she goes through when she was writing the letter as her husband was quizzical about any action being taken regarding it, but she wants to fight to gain her son’s trust back.

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One Centimetre Lesson Explanation

Passage:

When Tao Ying rides on the bus alone, quite often she does not bother to buy a ticket.

Why should she? Without her, the bus would still be stopping at every stop, a driver and a conductor would still have to be employed, and the same amount of petrol used.

Clearly Tao Ying has to be astute. When the bus conductor looked like the responsible type, she would buy a ticket as soon as she got on board. But if he appeared to be casual and careless, she would not dream of paying, considering it a small punishment for him and a little saving for herself.

Tao Ying works as a cook in the canteen of a factory. She spends all day next to an open fire, baking screw-shaped wheat cakes with sesame butter. 

Today she is with her son Xiao Ye. She follows him onto the bus. As the doors shut her jacket is caught, ballooning up like a tent behind her. She twists this way and that, finally wrenching herself free.

‘Mama, tickets!’ Xiao Ye says. Children are often more conscious of rituals than adults. Without a ticket in his hand, the ride doesn’t count as a proper ride.

On the peeling paint of the door somebody has painted the shape of a pale finger. It points at a number: 1.10 m.

Word meanings:
astute: smart
wrenching: twisting
ballooning up: increase rapidly or swell out

Explanation of the above passage—When Tao Ying takes the bus by herself, she frequently chooses not to purchase a ticket for herself. She doesn’t feel the need for it because even in her absence, the bus would continue to stop at each stop, and both a driver and a conductor would still need to be present, along with the same quantity of fuel being consumed. Clearly, Tao Ying must be quite clever. Whenever the bus conductor seems responsible, she promptly buys a ticket upon boarding. However, if he appears relaxed and negligent, she would never consider paying, viewing it as a minor penalty for his careless nature and a small benefit for herself. Tao Ying is employed as a cook in a factory canteen. She spends her days next to an oven, preparing spiral-shaped wheat cakes with sesame paste. Today, she is accompanied by her son Xiao Ye. She follows him onto the bus. As the doors close, her jacket gets caught in the door, puffing out like a tent behind her. She twists in different directions, ultimately freeing herself. Xiao Ye exclaimed to his Mom about tickets. Children often pay more attention to rules and regulations than adults do. Without a ticket, he believes the journey doesn’t truly count. On the deteriorating paint of the door, someone has drawn the outline of a pale finger. It points to a number: 1.10 m. This passage highlights the reality of Tao Ying, which is different from when she is with her son Xiao Ye. It shows how Tao Ying wants to be a perfect role model for her son, wanting him to behave in a certain manner though she isn’t following them herself, when he isn’t around. It also explores the rules and regulations in China which exempt the buying of a ticket for those whose height is below 1.10 metre.

 

Passage:
Xiao Ye pushed through. His hair looks as fluffy as a bundle of straw—dry and without lustre. As a rule, Tao Ying is very careful with her purse, but she has never skimped on her child’s diet. Nonetheless the goodness in his food refuses to advance beyond his hairline. As a result Xiao Ye is healthy and clever, but his hair is a mess. Tao Ying tries to smooth it down, as if she was brushing away topsoil to get to a firm foundation. She can feel the softness of her son’s skull, rubbery and elastic to the touch. Apparently there is a gap on the top of everyone’s head, where the two halves meet. If they don’t meet properly, a person can end up with a permanently gaping mouth. Even when the hemispheres are a perfect match, it still takes a while for them to seal. This is the door to life itself—if it remains open, the world outside will feel like water, flowing into the body through this slit. Every time Tao Ying happens upon this aperture on her son’s head, she would be overwhelmed by a sense of responsibility. It was she who had brought this delicate creature into the world after all. Although she senses her own insignificance in the world, that her existence makes no difference to anyone else, she also realises that to this little boy she is the centre of the universe and she must try to be the most perfect, flawless mother possible.

Word meanings:
aperture: opening
skimpy: stingy
slit: cut
overwhelmed: overcome
lustre: gloss
flawless: perfect
brushing away: to remove something from a surface with your hand

Explanation of the above passage—Xiao Ye persisted. His hair resembles a bunch of straw, which is dry and lacking shine. Generally, Tao Ying is very prudent with her finances, but she has never compensated on her child’s nutrition. However, the nutrients in his meals doesn’t reach his hairline. Consequently, Xiao Ye is healthy and intelligent, yet his hair remains unkempt. 

Tao Ying attempts to tame it, as if she were clearing topsoil to reveal a sturdy base. She can sense the flexibility of her son’s skull, soft and springy to her touch. Supposedly, everyone has a gap at the top of their head, where the two halves connect. If they don’t join correctly, an individual might end up with a permanently open mouth. Even when the two halves fit perfectly, it still takes time for them to close. This is the gateway to life itself, if it stays open, the outside world will feel like water, seeping into the body through this gap. Each time Tao Ying feels this opening on her son’s head, she is flooded with a sense of duty. She is the one who has brought this fragile being into existence, after all. While she feels insignificant in the grand scheme of things, believing her presence makes no impact on anyone else, she recognizes that to this little boy, she is the center of his universe, and she must strive to be the ideal mother possible. This passage explores Tao Ying’s love for his son, she was prudent but not for her son. She considered herself as insignificant to others but for her son she is the center of his universe.

 

Passage:

Between Xiao Ye’s round head and the tip of the painted digit setting out the height requirement for a ticket rests the beautiful slender fingers of Tao Ying. Since she is in contact with oil all day, her nails are shiny, glistening like the smooth curved back of a sea shell.

‘Xiao Ye, you are not quite tall enough, still one centimetre away,’ she tells him softly. Tao Ying does not come from a privileged background, and has not read very many books. But she likes to be gentle and gracious, to set an example for her son and make a good impression. This elevates her sense of self-worth and makes her feel like an aristocrat.

‘Mama! I’m tall enough, I’m tall enough!’ Xiao Ye shouts at the top of his voice, stamping on the floor as if it were a tin drum. ‘You told me the last time I could have a ticket the next time, this is the next time. You don’t keep your word!’ He looks up at his mother angrily.

Tao Ying looks down at her son. A ticket costs twenty cents. Twenty cents is not to be scoffed at. It can buy a cucumber, two tomatoes or, at a reduced price, three bunches of radishes or enough spinach to last four days. But Xiao Ye’s face is raised up like a half-open blossom, waiting to receive his promise from the sun.

Word meanings:
half-open blossom: a flower that is partially open
stamping on the floor: to forcefully bring your foot down onto the floor, usually making a loud noise, often expressing anger or frustration
aristocrat: rich
scoffed at: mocked

Explanation of the above passage—Between the round head of Xiao Ye and the painted digit indicating the height requirement for a ticket lies the elegant slender fingers of Tao Ying. Since she works with oil all day, her nails shine, glimmering like the smooth, curved surface of a seashell. 

She gently informs Xiao Ye that he was still not quite tall enough and still one centimeter short of the required 1.10 m to buy a ticket. Tao Ying does not come from a wealthy background and hasn’t read many books. However, she aspires to be kind and gracious, aiming to set a good example for her son and create a positive impression. This boosts her self-esteem and makes her feel like she belongs to a higher class. 

Xiao Ye cries out loudly, that he is tall, stomping on the floor as if it were a drum made of tin. 

He looked up at his mother with anger, and said to her that she told him last time that he could have a ticket the next time, and that was that next time. She was not keeping her promise. Tao Ying gazes down at her son. A ticket costs twenty cents, and twenty cents should not be dismissed lightly. It could purchase a cucumber, two tomatoes, or, if on sale, three bunches of radishes or enough spinach to last four days. But Xiao Ye’s face was tilted upward like a partially opened flower, eager to receive the promised Sunshine from the sun.

 

Passage:

‘Get in! Don’t block the entrance! This is not a train, where you stand from Beijing to Bao Ding. We’re almost at the next stop…!’ the conductor bellows.

Normally, an outburst like this would certainly have discouraged Tao Ying from buying a ticket. But today she says, ‘Two tickets, please.’

The fierce conductor has beady eyes. ‘This child is one centimetre short of requiring a ticket.’ 

Xiao Ye shrinks, not just one but several centimetres—the need for a ticket has all of a sudden become interwoven with the pride of a small child.

To be able to purchase self-esteem with twenty cents is something that can only happen in childhood and certainly no mother can resist an opportunity to make her son happy.

‘I would like to buy two tickets,’ she says politely.

Xiao Ye holds the two tickets close to his lips and blows, making a sound like a paper windmill.

They had entered through the central doors of the bus, but alight towards the front. Here another conductor is poised to examine their tickets. Tao Ying thinks that this man can’t be very bright. What mother accompanied by a child would try to avoid paying the correct fare? However poor she would never have allowed herself to lose face in front of her own son.

Word meanings:
bellow: a deep roaring sound
beady eyes: keenly observant, typically in a sinister or hostile way
self-esteem: self-respect
poised: graceful
alight: get off
lose face: humiliated
interwoven: woven together
shrinks: get smaller
resist: avoid

Explanation of the above passage—The conductor yells at them to get in and not to block the doorway. It wasn’t a train ride from Beijing to Bao Ding that they could stand all along the way. They were almost at the next stop. Typically, an outburst like this would make Tao Ying think twice about buying a ticket. But that day she responded politely to buy two tickets for them. The stern conductor has sharp, beady eyes, and told Tao Ying that the child was one centimeter short of needing a ticket. Xiao Ye shrinks down, not just a little but by several centimeters, but the necessity for a ticket has suddenly got tied to a child’s pride.  

Purchasing self-esteem for twenty cents is a unique occurrence in childhood, and no mother can resist the chance to make her son feel valued. She states politely that she would like to buy two tickets. Xiao Ye clutches the two tickets close to his mouth and blows, creating a sound reminiscent of a paper windmill which shows his happiness. They entered the bus through the central doors but got off at the front. Here, another conductor stands ready to check their tickets. Tao Ying thought that this man isn’t very clever, as no mother traveling with a child would attempt to evade paying the proper fare. Regardless of how poor she might be, she would never allow herself to be humiliated in front of her own son.

 

Passage:

She hands over the tickets nonchalantly. The conductor asks: ‘Are you going to claim these back?’ ‘No.’ In fact Tao Ying ought to have kept the tickets so that the next time there is a picnic or an outing at work she could use her bicycle and then claim back the fare with the stubs. Both she and her husband are blue-collar workers, and any saving would have been a help. But Xiao Ye is a smart boy, and might well question her aloud, ‘Mama, can we claim back tickets even when we are on a private outing?’ In front of the child, she would never lie.

It is exhausting to follow rules dictated by parental guide-books all the time, but Tao Ying is determined to be the ideal mother and create a perfect example for her son to look up to. She needs to really concentrate—living this way is not unlike carrying an audience with you wherever you go. But her actions are full of love and tenderness. For instance, whenever she eats a watermelon in front of Xiao Ye, she would take care not to bite too close to the rind even though she doesn’t actually think there is much difference between the flesh and the skin. True, the sweetness gradually diminishes as you work your way through the red towards the green, but every part of the melon is equally refreshing. In any case the skin of a melon is supposed to have a beneficial cooling effect, and is often used as medicine.

Word meanings:
beneficial: advantageous
nonchalantly: a casually calm and relaxed manner.
blue-collar workers: people who perform manual labor or skilled trades, often in physically demanding jobs.
stubs: ticket
rind: the tough outer skin of certain fruit

Explanation of the above passage—She casually hands over the tickets. The conductor inquires if she was planning to get a refund for these. She disagreed. In reality, Tao Ying could have saved the tickets so that the next time there’s a company picnic or outing, she could ride her bicycle and reclaim the fare with the ticket that she had bought. Both she and her husband used to work in the manual labour that involves physical work and any savings would be beneficial. However, Xiao Ye was a clever boy and asked her directly if they could get a refund for tickets even on a personal outing. She would never lie in front of her child. It was tiring to follow the guidelines set by parenting books all the time (they required the parent to set a good example for the child), but Tao Ying was intent on being the perfect mother and setting a great example for her son to admire. She really needed to focus on living that way even though it felt like having an audience with her at all times. Nevertheless, her actions were filled with affection and care. For example, when she ate a watermelon in front of Xiao Ye, she ensured not to bite too close to the tough outer skin of certain fruit even though she didn’t believe there was much difference between the flesh and the skin. Admittedly, the sweetness fades as you approach the outer part, but every section of the melon is equally refreshing. Furthermore, the skin of a melon is thought to have a cooling effect and is often used for medicinal purposes.

 

Passage:

One day, she came across her son eating a melon in the same manner she did. When Xiao Ye looked up, Tao Ying could see a white melon seed stuck to his forehead. She was furious: ‘Who taught you to gnaw at a melon like that? Are you going to wash your face in it too?’ Xiao Ye was terrified. The small hand holding the melon began to tremble, but the big round eyes remained defiant.

Children are the best imitators in the world. From then on Tao Ying realised that if she wanted her son to behave as if he were the product of a cultured home, then she must concentrate and never fail in her own example. This was very difficult, like ‘shooting down aeroplanes with a small gun’—but with determination, she knew that nothing was impossible. With this clear objective in mind, Tao Ying found her life becoming more focused, more challenging.

Word meanings:
gnaw: to bite or chew something repeatedly
defiant: resistant
imitators: copier
shooting down aeroplanes with a small gun: attempting to do something seemingly impossible or trying to defeat a powerful opponent with inadequate means

Explanation of the above passage—One day, she caught her son eating a melon just as she used to eat. When Xiao Ye glanced up, Tao Ying noticed a white melon seed stuck on his forehead. She felt a surge of anger, and asked him who taught him to bite into a melon like that and if he was also planning to wash his face with it. Xiao Ye felt frightened. The little hand clutching the melon began to shake, yet his big round eyes remained defiant. Kids copy what they see. From that moment, Tao Ying understood that if she wanted her son to act like the product of a refined environment, she needed to focus and set a consistent example. This was quite challenging, much like taking down airplanes with a small gun, but with resolve, she believed that anything was achievable. With this clear goal in mind, Tao Ying found her life becoming more directed and more demanding.

 

Passage:

Today she is taking Xiao Ye to visit a big temple. He has never seen the Buddha before. Tao Ying is not a believer and she does not intend to ask him to kow-tow. That is superstition, she knows.

The tickets cost five dollars a piece—these days even temples are run like businesses. Tao Ying’s ticket was a gift from Lao Chiang, who worked at the meat counter. The ticket was valid for a month, and today was the last day. Lao Chiang was one of those people who seemed to know everybody. Occasionally he would produce a battered coverless month-old magazine and say: ‘Seen this before? This is called the Big Reference, not meant for the eyes of

the common people.’ Tao Ying had never seen anything like this before and wondered how such a small rag, smaller even than a regular newspaper, could be called a Big Reference. She asked Lao Chiang but he seemed confused. He said everybody called it that—perhaps if you were to take out the pages and laid them flat they would end up bigger than a normal newspaper. It seemed to make sense. Studying this publication written in large print, Tao Ying could see that it was full of speculation about the war in the Middle East. Foremost on everyone’s mind seemed to be whether the export of dates from Iraq to China would continue as it did in the sixties during the famine. In any case, Tao Ying was full of admiration for Lao Chiang. In return for her indiscriminate respect, Lao Chiang decided to reward her with a ticket for the temple. ‘Is there just one?’ Tao asked, not without gratitude but with some uncertainty. ‘Forget your husband, take your son and open his eyes! Children under 110 centimeters do not need a ticket. If you don’t want to go, sell it at the door and you’ll earn enough to buy a couple of watermelons!’ Lao Chiang had always been a practical man.

Word meanings:
indiscriminate: done at random or without careful judgement
famine: extreme scarcity of food
admiration: respect
speculation: opinions
gratitude: thankfulness
battered: damaged by age and repeated use.
kow-tow: kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of Chinese custom.

Explanation of the above passage—That day, she was taking Xiao Ye to explore a temple. He had never seen God Buddha before. Tao Ying isn’t a believer, and she has no plans to ask him to bow down. She knows that is merely superstition. The cost of entering the temple with tickets is five dollars each. Nowadays, even temples operate like businesses. Tao Ying received her ticket as a gift from Lao Chiang, who worked at the meat counter. The ticket was valid for a month, and that day marked the final day. Lao Chiang was the type of person who seemed to know everyone. Occasionally, he would pull out an old, battered magazine without a cover and ask them whether they had seen it before. This was referred to as the Big Reference, not meant for the eyes of ordinary people. Tao Ying had never come across anything like that and wondered how such a small publication, even smaller than a regular newspaper, could be called a Big Reference. She inquired about it, but Lao Chiang appeared confused. He said that everyone referred to it that way, perhaps if she removed the pages and laid them out flat, they would be larger than a typical newspaper. It seemed logical. As she studied the publication, which was printed in large text, Tao Ying noticed it was filled with speculation about the conflict in the Middle East. At the forefront of everyone’s thoughts appeared to be whether Iraq would continue to export dates to China as it had done during the famine in the sixties. Regardless, Tao Ying felt a deep admiration for Lao Chiang. In appreciation of her unreserved respect, Lao Chiang decided to reward her with a temple ticket. Tao asked him if there was only one ticket, expressing gratitude but also some doubt. Lao Chiang, being practical as always, told her to forget about her husband, take her son, and broaden her son’s horizons. Children under 110 centimeters height didn’t need a ticket. If she didn’t wish to go, she could sell it at the entrance, and she would make enough money to buy a couple of watermelons.

 

Passage:

Tao Ying decided to take the day off and go on an outing with Xiao Ye.

It is rare to find such a large patch of grass in the middle of the city. Even before they got there, there was something refreshing, something green in the air, as if they were approaching a valley, or a waterfall. Xiao Ye snatches the ticket from his mother’s hand, puts it between his lips, and flies towards the gilded gates of the temple. A little animal rushing to quench his thirst.

Tao Ying suddenly feels a little sad. Is the mere attraction of a temple enough for Xiao Ye to abandon his mother? But almost immediately she banishes the thought— hasn’t she brought her son here today to make him happy? 

The guard at the gate is a young man dressed in a red top and black trousers. Tao Ying feels somehow that he ought to have been in yellow. This uniform makes him look somewhat like a waiter.

Xiao Ye knows exactly what he has to do. Moving amongst the crowd, he seems like a tiny drop of water in the current of a large river.

The young man takes the ticket from his mouth, plucking a leaf from a spring branch.

Tao Ying’s gaze softly envelopes her son, a strand of silk unwinding towards him, following his every gesture.

Word meanings:
quench: extinguish
patch: spot
banishes: exile
snatch: grab
envelopes: wraps
unwinding: ease up
glided: covered in golden colors 

Explanation of the above passage—Tao Ying chose to take a break and spend a day out with Xiao Ye. It’s uncommon to discover such a vast expanse of grass in the heart of the city because it was all built up. Even before arriving, there was a refreshing, green essence in the atmosphere, reminiscent of nearing a valley or a waterfall. Xiao Ye snatched the ticket from his mother’s grasp, tucked it between his lips, and raced towards the decorated entrance of the temple like a small creature eager to quench its thirst.  

Tao Ying suddenly felt a wave of sadness as she thought that the simple attraction of the temple was enough to make Xiao Ye forget about her. Yet she quickly dismissed the thought. After all, she has brought her son to bring him joy. A young man in a red top and black trousers served as the guard at the entrance. There was a sense that he should have been wearing yellow. This outfit made him resemble a waiter to some extent. Xiao Ye knew precisely what was expected of him. Moving through the crowd, he appeared like a small droplet within a massive river’s flow. The young man retrieved the ticket from Xiao Ye’s mouth just like plucking a leaf from a budding branch. Tao Ying’s gaze wrapped her son with tenderness of a delicate silk thread only disentangled toward him by tracking his every movement.

 

Passage:

‘Ticket.’ The youth in red bars her way with one arm, his voice as pithy as if he was spitting out a date stone. 

Tao Ying points at her son with infinite tenderness. She feels that everybody should see how lovely he is. 

‘I am asking for your ticket.’ The red youth does not budge.

‘Didn’t the child just give it to you?’ Tao Ying’s voice is peaceful. This boy is too young, years away from being a father, she thinks. Tao Ying is not working today and is in a really good mood. She is happy to be patient. 

‘That was his ticket, now I need to see yours.’ The youth remains unmoved.

Tao Ying has to pause for a moment before it sinks in—there are two of them and they need a ticket each.

‘I thought that children were exempt?’ She is confused.

‘Mama, hurry up!’ Xiao Ye shouts to her from inside the doors.

‘Mama is coming!’ Tao Ying shouts back. A crowd is beginning to gather, so many fishes swarming towards a bright light.

Tao Ying starts to panic. She wants this fracas to end, her child is waiting for her.

‘Who told you he doesn’t need a ticket?’ The guard tilts his head—the more onlookers the better.

‘It says so on the back of the ticket.’

‘Exactly what does it say?’ This boy is obviously not a professional.

‘It says that children under 110 centimetres do not have to pay.’ Tao Ying is full of confidence. She moves to pick up one of the tickets from a box next to the guard and reads out what is printed on the back for all to hear. 

‘Stop right there!’ The youth has turned nasty. Tao Ying realises she should not have touched the box and quickly withdraws her hand.

‘So you are familiar with the rules and regulations are you?’ Now the young man addresses her with the formal ‘you’. Tao Ying detects the sarcasm in his tone but she simply nods.

‘Well, your son is over 110 centimetres,’ he says with certainty.

‘No he isn’t.’ Tao Ying is still smiling.

Word meanings:
tilt: lean
fracas: disturbance or quarrel.
spitting out: to say something quickly and angrily
pithy voice: a brief, forceful, and meaningful way of speaking
exempt: not allowed
swarming: moving in dense group
sarcasm: to make fun of someone or something

Explanation of the above passage—The young man in red dress obstructs her path with one arm, asking her about her ticket. His tone was curt as if he were ejecting a pit from his mouth.  Tao Ying gestures toward her son with boundless affection. She believes that everyone should perceive how charming he is. The young man in red stays firm and requests her ticket. Tao Ying’s tone remained calm, and she asked him if the child had just handed it to him. This boy is far too young to understand parenthood, she thinks. Tao Ying wasn’t working that day and so was cheerful. She was patient. The youth showed no sign of budging, as he told her that it was his ticket and now he needed to see her ticket. Tao Ying hesitated for a moment before it registered that there were two of them, and each required a ticket. She was left bewildered and said that she was under the impression that children didn’t need tickets. Xiao Ye calls out to her from inside the doors to hurry up. To this, Tao Ying replies that he is on her way. A crowd begins to form, like numerous fish swimming toward a radiant light.  Tao Ying starts to feel anxious. She wishes for this commotion to resolve quickly, her child is waiting for her.  

The guard tilted his head and asked her, who informed her that the child didn’t need a ticket. According to him, more spectators only make it better for them. Tao pointed out that it states so on the back of the ticket. This young man is clearly not a professional because he did not know the rules. Tao Ying told him confidently that it mentions children under 110 centimetres are exempt from payment. She reaches to grab one of the tickets from a box near the guard and reads aloud what is printed on the reverse for everyone to hear. The youth becomes hostile and stops her from doing that. Tao Ying realizes she shouldn’t have touched the box and quickly withdraws her hand. The young man now addresses her formally, asking her if she seems well-versed in the rules and regulations. Tao Ying senses the sarcasm in his voice but merely nods. He asserted that her son is over 110 centimetres. To this, Tao Ying disagrees and continues to smile.  

 

Passage:

Everybody begins to look at the mother with suspicion. ‘He just ran past the mark. I saw it clearly.’ The guard is equally firm, pointing at a red line on the wall which looks like an earthworm inching across the road after a rainstorm.

‘Mama, why are you taking so long? I thought I had lost you!’ Xiao Ye shouts to her affectionately. He runs towards his mother, as if she was one of his favourite toys.

The crowd titters. Good, they think, here is proof, the whole matter can be cleared up at once.

The youth is getting a little nervous. He is just doing his job. He is certain he is right. But this woman seems very confident, perhaps that would be awful…

Tao Ying remains calm. In fact, she feels a little smug. Her son loves excitement. This is turning into something of an event so it is bound to delight him.

‘Come over here,’ the youth commands.

The crowd holds its breath.

Word meanings:
smug: self-satisfied
awful: unpleasant
titters: giggle 

Explanation of the above passage—Everyone begins to regard the mother with doubt. The guard said that the child clearly went past the 1.10 height mark. He saw it distinctly. The guard remains steadfast, indicating a red line on the wall that resembles an earthworm crawling across the pavement after a rainfall. Xiao Ye calls out to her fondly, asking why she was taking so long. He thought he had lost her. He dashes toward his mother as if she were one of his favourite toys. The crowd laughs softly. Good, they thought, here is the evidence; the whole situation can be resolved immediately. The young man starts to feel a bit anxious. He is merely performing his duty. He’s convinced he is correct. However, this woman appears very assured, and that could turn out to be disastrous for him. Tao Ying stays composed and she is sure that her son is under 1.10 meter and will prove the man wrong. In fact, she feels somewhat pleased. Her son enjoys a thrill. This is becoming quite the event, so it is sure to entertain him. The young man told the child to come over to the pavement so that he could measure him again. The crowd waits with anticipation.

 

Passage:

Xiao Ye looks at his mother. Tao Ying gives him a little nod. He walks over to the guard graciously, coughs a little, adjusts his jacket. In front of the gaze of the crowd, Xiao Ye is every inch the hero as he approaches the earthworm. 

Then—the crowd looks, and sees—the worm comes to Xiao Ye’s ear.

How is this possible?

Tao Ying is by his side in two paces. The flat of her hand lands heavily on the little boy’s head, making a sound as crisp as a ping-pong ball popping underfoot.

Xiao Ye stares at his mother. He is not crying. He is shocked by the pain. He has never been hit before. 

The crowd draws its breath.

‘Punishing a child is one thing, hitting him on the head is totally unacceptable!’

‘What a way for a mother to behave! So what if you have to buy another ticket? This is a disgrace, hitting a child to cover up your own mistake!’

‘She can’t be his natural mother…’

Everybody has an opinion.

Tao Ying is feeling a little agitated now. She had not meant to hit Xiao Ye. She meant to smooth down his hair, But she realises that even if Xiao Ye were bald at this instant, he would still be towering above the worm on the wall.

‘Xiao Ye, don’t stand on tip-toe!’ Tao Ying’s voice is severe.

‘Mama, I’m not…’ Xiao Ye begins to cry.

It’s true. He isn’t. The worm crawls somewhere next to his brow.

The guard stretches himself lazily. His vision is sharp,he has caught quite a few people who had tried to get through without paying. ‘Go get a ticket!’ he screams at Tao Ying. All pretence of courtesy has by now been eaten up by the worm.

‘But my son is less than one meter ten!’ Tao Ying insists even though she realises she stands alone.

Word meanings:
agitated: upset
courtesy: politeness
pretence: make-believe
towering: extremely tall

Explanation of the above passage—Xiao Ye gazes at his mother. Tao Ying offers him a slight nod. He strides over to the guard with grace, coughs softly, and adjusts his jacket. Before the watchful crowd, Xiao Ye appears entirely heroic as he approaches the earthworm. The crowd watches and notices the worm moving towards Xiao Ye’s ear.  

How can this be? Tao Ying is just a couple of steps away. The flat of her palm strikes the little boy’s head, producing a sound as sharp as a ping-pong ball bursting underfoot.  

Xiao Ye looks at his mother in disbelief. He does not cry. He is stunned by the pain. This is the first time he has been hit. The crowd gasps. The crowd judged her for her behaviour. One exclaimed that disciplining a child is one thing, but striking him on the head is absolutely unacceptable. Another one said that it was a shameful way for a mother to act. So what if she needs to buy another ticket? It’s disgraceful to hit a child to cover her own error. Another one exclaimed that she must not be his real mother. Everyone had some opinions about the situation, but Tao Ying turned out to be the villain. Tao Ying now feels somewhat uneasy. She hadn’t intended to strike Xiao Ye. Her purpose was to smooth his hair, but she realised that even if Xiao Ye were completely bald at that moment, he would still be looming over the worm on the wall. Tao Ying said in a stern tone to Xiao Ye that he shouldn’t stand on his tiptoes. Xiao Ye begins to weep, telling her that he wasn’t standing on tiptoes. He was telling the truth. He wasn’t standing on tiptoes. The worm had crawled close to his brow. The guard stretched lazily. He had keen eyesight and had caught numerous individuals attempting to pass without paying. He yells at Tao Ying to buy the ticket. All acting of the guard’s politeness doesn’t exist anymore. Tao Ying insists, that her son is under one meter ten, even as she realizes that no one is supporting her.

 

Passage:

‘Everyone who tries to escape paying always says the same thing. Do you think these people are going to believe you, or are they going to believe me? This is a universally accepted measurement. The International Standard Ruler is in Paris, made of pure platinum. Did you know that?’ 

Tao is flummoxed. All she knows is that to make a dress she needs two metres eighty centimetres, she does not know where the International Ruler is kept. She is only astonished at the power of the Buddha which can make her son grow several centimetres within minutes! 

‘But we were on the bus just now and he wasn’t as tall…’

‘No doubt when he was born he wasn’t as tall either!’ the youth sneers, chilling the air.

Word meanings:
flummoxed: confused
sneer: a contemptuous or mocking smile

Explanation of the above passage—The guard told her that anyone who attempts to avoid paying always claims the same thing. He further asked her, if she thinks these individuals will trust her, or will they trust him. This is a widely recognized metric. The International Standard Ruler is located in Paris and is made entirely of pure platinum. Was she aware of that? 

Tao is bewildered. All she understands is that to create a dress, she requires two metres and eighty centimetres; she has no idea where the International Ruler is stored. She is merely amazed by the Buddha’s power that can cause her son to grow several centimetres in just a few moments! Still, she argued that they were just on the bus, and his son wasn’t this tall. The young guard mocks her, making the atmosphere all the more tense, by saying that surely her son wasn’t this tall when he was born either.

 

Passage:

Standing in the middle of the jeering crowd, Tao Ying’s face has turned as white as her ticket.

‘Mama, what is happening?’ Xiao Ye comes away from the earthworm to hold his mother’s frozen hand with his own little warm one.

‘It’s nothing. Mama has forgotten to buy a ticket for you.’ Tao Ying can barely speak.

‘Forgotten? That’s a nice way of putting it! Why don’t you forget you have a son as well?’ The youth will not forgive her calm confidence of a moment ago.

‘What more do you want?’ Tao Ying’s temper rises. In front of her child, she must preserve her dignity.

Word meanings:
preserve: protect
way of putting it: to the manner in which something is expressed.
jeering: making rude and mocking remarks

Explanation of the above passage—Amidst the mocking crowd, Tao Ying’s complexion has turned as pale as her ticket.   Xiao Ye leaves the earthworm to grip his mother’s frozen hand with his small, warm one and asks her what is going on. Tao Ying could hardly utter the words but told him that it was nothing, and she had just forgotten to purchase a ticket for him. The young man refused to excuse her earlier calm behaviour and questioned her if she had forgotten to buy him a ticket. He considered it as a pleasant way to describe it. He asks her why don’t she accept that she also forgot that she had a son. Tao Ying’s anger flared. She must maintain her dignity in front of her child.  She asked him what else he wanted from her.

 

Passage:

‘You have the nerve! This is not to do with what I want, clearly you must apologise! God knows how you had managed to get hold of a complimentary ticket in the first place. To get in free is not enough, now you want to sneak in an extra person. Have you no shame? Don’t think you can get away with this, go, get yourself a valid ticket!’ The youth is now leaning on the wall, facing the crowd as if he is pronouncing an edict from on high.

Tao Ying’s hands are trembling like the strings on a pei-pa. What should she do? Should she argue with him? She is not afraid of a good fight but she doesn’t want her child to witness such a scene. For the sake of Xiao Ye, she will swallow her pride.

Word meanings:
edict: order
complimentary: free
to have the nerve: have the daring to do something bold
Pei Pa: the Chinese musical instrument called the “pipa,” which has four strings, and symbolically represent the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter
Swallow her pride: to do something even though it might make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed

Explanation of the above passage—The young man is now resting against the wall, facing the crowd as though delivering an order from above. He scolded her that she had got daring to do such an act. She should apologize to him. He considers it to be a mystery how she even got a complimentary ticket, to begin with. Getting in for free wasn’t enough for her now she wants to sneak in another person. He questions her decency and tells her that she cannot escape the consequences. She was even told to get a proper ticket for herself.

Tao Ying’s hands are quaking like the strings of a pei-pa. She contemplated the actions she should take. She thought of confronting him; while she was not averse to arguments, she doesn’t want her child to witness such a confrontation. For Xiao Ye’s sake, she decided to set aside her pride.

 

Passage:

‘Mama is going to buy a ticket. You wait here, don’t run off.’ Tao Ying tries to smile. This outing is such a rare occasion, whatever happens she mustn’t spoil the mood. She is determined to make everything all right.

‘Mama, did you really not buy a ticket?’ Xiao Ye looks at her, full of surprise and bewilderment. The expression on her child’s face frightens her.

She cannot buy this ticket today! If she went ahead, she would never be able to explain herself to her son.

‘Let’s go!’ She gives Xiao Ye a yank. Thankfully the child has strong bones, or his arm might have fallen off.

‘Let’s go and play in the park.’ Tao Ying wants her son to be happy, but the little boy has fallen silent, sullen. Xiao Ye has suddenly grown up.

Word meanings:
bewilderment: confused
sullen: gloomy
frightens: scare

Explanation of the above passage—Tao Ying attempts to smile and tells her son that she is going to get a ticket and he should stay where he is and not wander off. This outing is a rare opportunity for them, and she must ensure nothing goes wrong. She is resolved to keep everything on track. Xiao Ye gazed at her, filled with confusion, and questioned her if she really did not get a ticket. The look on her child’s face terrifies her.  She cannot buy the ticket. If she proceeded, she would never be able to explain herself to her son.  She pulled on Xiao Ye with some urgency and took him away with her. Fortunately, the child is sturdy, or his arm might have come loose.  She told him that they were going to the park as she wanted her son to feel joyful, but her son had gone quiet and withdrawn. Xiao Ye seems to have matured suddenly.

 

Passage:

As they walk past an ice-cream seller, Xiao Ye says, ‘Mama, give me money!’

Taking the money, Xiao Ye runs towards an old woman behind the stall and says to her: ‘Please measure me!’ It is only then that Tao Ying notices the old lady sitting next to a pair of scales for measuring weight and height. 

The old woman extends with difficulty the measuring pole, pulling it out centimetre by centimetre.

She strains to make out the numbers: ‘One metre eleven.’

Tao Ying begins to wonder if she has encountered a ghost or is her son beginning to resemble a shoot of bamboo, growing every time you look at him?

Word meanings:
encountered: meet

Explanation of the above passage—As they walked by an ice cream vendor, Xiao Ye asks his mother for some money. After receiving the cash, Xiao Ye dashes towards an elderly woman behind the stall and requests her to measure his height. It’s only at this moment that Tao Ying notices the old lady sitting beside a pair of scales designed to measure weight and height. The old woman struggles to extend the measuring pole, pulling it out slowly, inch by inch. She could barely make out the numbers and told him that his height was one metre eleven. Tao Ying starts to wonder if she has come across a ghost, or if her son was beginning to resemble a shoot of bamboo, growing taller every time she looked at him.

 

Passage:

Something moist begins to glisten in Xiao Ye’s eyes. Leaving his mother behind and without a backward glance, he starts to run away. He trips. One moment he is in the air, taking flight like a bird, another and he has dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. Tao Ying rushes over to lend a hand but just as she is about to reach him Xiao Ye has picked himself up and is off again. Tao Ying stops in her tracks. If she gives chase, Xiao Ye will only keep falling. Watching her son’s vanishing silhouette, her heart begins to break: Xiao Ye, aren’t you going to look back at your

mother?

Xiao Ye runs for a long time and eventually comes to a halt. He throws a quick glance backwards to find his mother, but the moment he can see her, he takes off once more…

Tao Ying finds the whole incident incomprehensible. She wanders back to the old woman and asks politely: ‘Excuse me, these scales you have…’

Word meanings:
silhouette: shadow
incomprehensible: not able to be understood
glance: look quickly
glisten: shine
vanishing: disappear

Explanation of the above passage—A glimmer of moisture appears in Xiao Ye’s eyes, he had tears. Leaving his mother behind without looking back, he begins to run away. He falls. In one instant, he again runs like a bird in the sky, and in the next, he crashes down to the ground with a thud. Tao Ying hurries over to help him, but just as she is about to reach out, Xiao Ye has already stood up and is off again. Tao Ying stops in her place. If she follows him, Xiao Ye will just continue to fall. As she watches her son’s retreating figure, she is so heartbroken that she contemplates whether Xiao Ye will turn back to her. After running for a considerable distance, Xiao Ye finally comes to a stop. He quickly glances back to search for his mother, but the moment he sees her, he takes off again. Tao Ying finds the entire situation puzzling. She meandered back to the elderly woman and politely asked her about the scales she had.

 

Passage:

‘My scales are here to make you happy! Don’t you want your son to grow tall? Every mother wants her sons to shoot up, but don’t forget when he is tall, that means you’ll be old! Mine are flattering scales,’ the old woman explains kindly, but Tao Ying remains baffled.

‘You see my scales are old and not very accurate and they make people seem lighter than they really are. I have also adjusted it to make them seem taller. These days it is fashionable to be long and lean—mine are fitness scales!’ The old woman might be kind, but she is not without cunning.

So that is the reason! Xiao Ye should have heard this speech! But he is a long way away and in any case would he have understood the convoluted logic?

Xiao Ye still looks suspicious, as if mother has turned into a big bad wolf, ready to eat him up. Later when they are back at home, Tao Ying takes out her own tape measure and insists on measuring him again.

‘I don’t want to! Everybody says I am tall enough except you. It’s because you don’t want to buy me a ticket, don’t think I don’t know. If you measure me I am bound to get shorter again. I don’t trust you! I don’t trust you!’

The yellow tape in Tao Ying’s hands has turned into a poisonous viper.

Word meanings:
viper: snake
flattering: praiseworthy
baffled: puzzled
convoluted: extremely complex and difficult to follow
cunning: crafty
shoot up: grow taller rapidly 

Explanation of the above passage—The old woman told Xiao Ye that her scales were designed to bring her joy. She asked her if she wished for her son to grow taller; every mother hoped for her son to grow up, but keep in mind that his growing tall would imply her growing old. The elderly woman explains that her scales are pleasing; they make people happy, which leaves Tao Ying confused. She told Tao Ying that her scales are outdated and not particularly precise, and they make people appear lighter than they truly are. She has also modified them to make people appear taller. Nowadays, it is trendy to be tall and slender. Her scales are for fitness. After hearing her explanation, Tao Ying thought that the old woman may be gentle, but she possessed a certain cleverness. Tao Ying wanted Xiao Ye to listen to their conversation. However, he is far away, and even if he were here, he wouldn’t be able to understand this difficult reasoning. Xiao Ye still appears doubtful, as if his mother has transformed into a fearsome wolf, who would eat him. Later, when they return home, Tao Ying retrieves her own tape measure and insists on measuring him once more, but he refuses to be measured as everyone tells him that he is tall enough except for her. It’s because she doesn’t want to buy a ticket for him and he is aware of it. He believed that if she measured him again, he would surely end up shorter again. He doesn’t trust her anymore. The yellow tape in Tao Ying’s grasp is like a venomous snake. 

 

Passage:

‘Chef! Your cakes look as if they are wearing camouflage uniforms, all black and brown!’ a customer queuing in front of her counter shouts out. 

The cakes are ruined. They are full of burnt marks, and look like tiny terrapins, 

Sorry sorry sorry.

Tao Ying feels very guilty. She is usually very conscientious in her work, but these days she often finds herself distracted.

She must rescue the situation! At night, after Xiao Ye has gone to sleep, Tao Ying straightens his little legs so that he is lying as flat as a piece of newly shrunken fabric. Tao Ying then stretches her tape from the soles of his feet to the top of his head—one metre nine centimetres.

Word meanings:
camouflage uniforms: special clothes that help soldiers and police blend in with their surroundings.
conscientious: diligent
tiny terrapins: turtles that live in fresh or brackish water.
queuing: line up

Explanation of the above passage—A customer in line in front of her counter exclaims that her cakes were like camouflage uniforms, all shades of black and brown. Her cakes were spoiled. They had numerous burnt spots and looked like tiny terrapins. She apologised to the customer.

Tao Ying feels a deep sense of guilt. She is typically very diligent in her work, but over the past few days, she frequently finds herself unfocused. She needs to rectify the problem. After Xiao Ye has gone to bed, Tao Ying carefully straightens his little legs so that he lies completely flat like a piece of fabric that has just shrunk. She then measures from the soles of his feet to the top of his head with her tape—one meter nine centimetres. 

 

Passage:

She decides to write a letter to the administrators at the temple.

She picks up her brush but suddenly realises that this is harder than she thinks! Seeing her deep in thought with knitted brows, her husband says, ‘So what do you imagine might happen even if you wrote to them?’ 

He is right, she doesn’t know if anything would come of it. But in order to melt the ice in her son’s eyes, she must do something.

At last the letter is done. There is a man in the factory nicknamed ‘the Writer’. People say he has had some small articles published at the back of a news rag once. Tao Ying finds him and respectfully offers up her literary work. 

‘This sounds like an official communication. Not lively enough, not moving.’ The Writer traces the letter with his nicotine-stained fingers.

Word meanings:
nicotine-stained fingers: a type of skin discoloration caused by long-term exposure to tobacco smoke
traces: uncover
news rag: newspaper
melt the ice in her son’s eyes: to gradually ease someone’s discomfort or shock by gently introducing them to a new idea or situation

Explanation of the above passage—She decides to compose a letter to the temple administrators. She picks up her brush but suddenly realizes that this might be more challenging than she had thought. Observing her deep thought with furrowed brows, her husband asked what she thought might happen even if she sent them a letter. Her husband was correct, as she had no idea if it would lead to anything. However, to gain her son’s trust, she needed to take action. When her letter was completed, she contacted the man working in the same factory she used to work in, popularly known as ‘the Writer’. People say he has had a few minor articles printed in the back of a newspaper once. Tao Ying seeks him out and respectfully presents her written work. The writer told her, as he ran his nicotine-stained fingers over the letter, that her letter appeared to be an official correspondence type, too formal, lacking warmth and emotion. 

 

Passage:

Tao Ying doesn’t know what an official communication is but she detects a tone of dissatisfaction in the scholar’s voice. She looks at the lines he is pointing to, and nods in agreement.

‘What you need to do is this. You must open with a strong and righteous claim, fawned by a passage of stunning originality so that your work stands out and grabs the attention of the editor. This would make him pick it out of a large pile on his desk. It has to catch his eyes like a blinding light, an apple in a mound of potatoes. But most important of all, your letter must touch his heart. Have you heard of the saying, grieving soldiers always win?’

Tao Ying keeps nodding.

Word meanings:
an apple in a mound of potatoes: to be different in a group and thus, be easily spotted
touch his heart: something that has profound emotional impact
fawned someone: to praise someone too much and give them a lot of attention that is not sincere, in order to get a positive reaction
grieving soldiers always win: sorrow becomes a powerful motivator. 

Explanation of the above passage—Tao Ying is unfamiliar with official communication, but she senses a hint of frustration in the scholar’s tone. She glances at the passages he has highlighted and agrees with him.  The writer told her that she needed to begin with a compelling and just assertion, followed by a uniquely original excerpt that made her work stand out and capture the editor’s attention. This will ensure it is selected from a large stack on his desk. It must shine brightly in the editor’s eyes, like a brilliant light, like an apple can be spotted among a pile of potatoes. However, the most crucial aspect is that her letter must resonate emotionally with him. He asked her if she had heard about the saying that grieving soldiers always prevail. Tao Ying continues to nod in agreement.

 

Passage:

The Writer is encouraged to continue: ‘Let us look at the opening paragraph—it should go something like this: ‘‘The power of the Buddha is surely infinite! The foot of a five-year-old boy has scarcely touched the threshold of the temple and he has grown two centemetres; but alas, the power of the Buddha is finite after all—on his return home the boy shrinks back to his original size…’’ I know this is not yet perfect, but have a think about it along these lines…’ 

Tao Ying tries to memorise the words of the Writer, but she finds it hard to recall all of it. Back home she makes a few corrections as best she can, and sends out the letter.

Word meanings:
threshold: doorstep
shrinks: to become smaller

Explanation of the above passage—The writer continues his explanation by examining the opening paragraph of her letter which could be phrased like this: The power of the Buddha is undeniably limitless! A five-year-old boy has barely set foot in the temple, and he has already grown two centimeters; yet, regrettably, the power of the Buddha is limited after all—upon returning home, the boy reverts to his original height. He can understand that it isn’t perfect yet, but she could follow along these lines. Tao Ying attempts to keep in mind the Writer’s words, but she struggles to remember everything clearly. When she gets home, she makes some adjustments as best as she can and sends it. 

 

Passage:

The Writer comes by her stall at lunch-time. Tao Ying’s face is framed in a small window where she is collecting vouchers. She looks like a photograph, staring out at the camera with a sombre expression.

‘Please wait a moment,’ and she disappears behind the frame.

The Writer suspects the cakes are burnt again. Perhaps Tao Ying has gone to find a few which are less burnt than others, to thank him for pointing her in the right direction.

‘This is for you, with extra sugar and sesame,’ Tao Ying says shyly.

This is the greatest gift a baker could offer a friend as a token of gratitude.

Word meanings:
voucher: coupon
token: sign
sombre: dull

Explanation of the above passage—During lunchtime, the writer approaches her stall. Tao Ying’s face appears in a small opening as she collects vouchers, resembling a photograph with a serious look on her face. She told him to wait for a moment before disappearing from sight. The writer has a suspicion that the cakes are overcooked once more. Maybe Tao Ying has gone to search for a few that are less charred to express her gratitude for his guidance. Tao Ying gave him a cake with additional sugar and sesame. This is the most significant present a baker could give a friend as a sign of thanks.

 

Passage:

Then comes the long wait.

Tao Ying looks through the newspapers every day, reading everything from cover to cover including small classified advertisements for videos. In the meantime she would listen to the radio, imagining that one morning she will hear her own letter read out by one of those announcers with a beautiful voice. Afterwards she would go down to the post office, in case the administrative department of the temple had replied to her letter, apologising for their misdeed…

She has imagined a hundred different scenarios, but not what actually happens.

The days have been like the white flour she works with, one very much like another. Xiao Ye appears to have recovered from the ordeal but Tao Ying firmly believes that he has not really forgotten.

Word meanings:
misdeed: wrongdoings
classified advertisements: small ad in a newspaper 

Explanation of the above passage—Then begins the lengthy wait. Tao Ying continues to read the newspapers daily, checking every article from front to back, including the tiny classified ads for videos. During this time, she listens to the radio, imagining the day when she’ll hear her own letter being read out by one of those announcers with a lovely voice. Afterward, she would head to the post office, just in case the temple’s administrative office responded to her letter with an apology for their mistake. She had imagined countless different outcomes, yet she hadn’t imagined what actually happened. The days have been as uniform as the white flour she kneads, each one resembling the last. Xiao Ye seems to have recovered from that day’s trauma, but Tao Ying is convinced that he hasn’t really moved on. 

 

Passage:

Finally, one day, she hears a question, ‘Which way is it to comrade Tao’s home?’

‘I know, I’ll take you.’ Xiao Ye excitedly shows two elderly gentlemen in uniform through the front door. ‘Mama, we have visitors!’

Tao Ying is doing the laundry, immersed in soap up to her armpits.

‘We are from the administrative office at the temple. The local newspaper has forwarded your letter to us and we have come to ascertain the truth.’

Tao Ying is very nervous, and somewhat depressed. Chiefly because her house is very messy, and she has not had the time to tidy up. If they think that she is prone to laziness they might not believe her.

Word meanings:
depressed: sad
comrade: friend
immersed: soaked

Explanation of the above passage—At last, one day, she hears someone ask if they could tell them the way to comrade Tao’s place. Xiao Ye eagerly offers to guide two elderly men in uniform through the front entrance. He called out to his mother that they had guests. Tao Ying is busy with the laundry, her arms submerged in soap, when the representatives from the administrative office at the temple come to meet her. They told her that her letter had been sent to them by the local newspaper, and they had come to verify its contents. Tao Ying feels quite anxious and a bit downcast. Primarily because her home is quite disorganized, and she hasn’t had the opportunity to clean it up. If they perceive her as lazy, they may not trust her claims. 

 

Passage:

‘Xiao Ye, why don’t you go out to play?’ In Tao Ying’s fantasies, Xiao Ye would be in the room to witness the revelation of the truth. Now that the moment has finally arrived, she feels uncomfortable having him there. She cannot predict what will happen. These are after all the people who employed the youth in red, so how reasonable can they be?

The younger of the two speaks. ‘We have investigated the matter with the party concerned, and he insisted he was in the right. Don’t tell the boy to leave, we want to measure him.’

Xiao Ye obeys and stands next to the wall. The white of the wall looks like a virgin canvas and Xiao Ye a painting filling up the space. He leans tightly against the wall as if the act of measuring his height has once again stirred up some terrifying memory in the recesses of his mind. 

The men are very serious. First of all they draw a bold line across the wall from the top of Xiao Ye’s head. Then they take out a metallic tape and take the measurement from the line to the floor. The metal of the tape glistens like a flowing stream in sunlight.

Word meanings:
glistens: shines
recesses of his mind: thoughts or feelings they have which are hidden or difficult to describe.
fantasies: imagination
stirred up: to cause an emotion or event to happen

Explanation of the above passage—She told Xiao Ye to go outside to have some fun. In Tao Ying’s imagination, she imagined Xiao Ye being present in the room to witness the truth unfold. Now that the moment had finally come, she felt uneasy about his presence. She could not predict what would be the result. After all, these were the individuals who had hired the youth in red dress who had misbehaved with her; she wondered how reasonable they could be. The younger authority person said that they had looked into the situation with the young guard, and he said that he was right. He told her not to let the boy leave; they wanted to take his measurements. Xiao Ye complies and positions himself next to the wall. The wall’s white surface resembles a blank canvas, with Xiao Ye acting as a painting that occupies the space. He presses himself firmly against the wall as if the act of being measured for height has once again awakened some frightening memory buried in his mind. The men were quite serious. To start, they drew a bold line across the wall at the top of Xiao Ye’s head. Then they took out a metallic tape to measure the distance from the line to the floor. The metal tape gleams like a flowing stream under sunlight. 

 

Passage:

Tao Ying regains her calm.

‘What does it say?’

‘One metre ten, just so,’ the younger man answers.

‘This is not just so. There was a delay of one month and nine days before you came. A month ago he wasn’t this tall.’

The two officials look at each other. This is a statement they cannot refute.

They produce a five-dollar bill from a pocket. The note pokes out of an envelope. They have evidently come prepared. Before they left the temple, they must have checked the height of the earthworm, and realised it was not drawn accurately.

‘The other day you and your son were unable to enter. This is a small token to redress the situation.’ This time it is the elder of the two gentlemen who speaks. His demeanor is kind, so he must be the more senior of the two.

Word meanings:
demeanor: manner
Refute: disapprove
poke out: to extend outward or to cause something to appear from behind or through something else

Explanation of the above passage—Tao Ying regained her calmness. She asked them what that indicated. The younger man responded that he measured one meter ten precisely. To this, Tao Ying argued that it was not accurate, as a period of one month and nine days had passed since the incident had happened. A month ago, her son wasn’t that tall. The two officials exchanged glances. This was a claim they could not dispute. One of them pulled out a five-dollar bill from his pocket. The note was kept in an envelope, suggesting they came prepared. Before leaving the temple, they likely verified the earthworm’s height and recognized it was not depicted accurately. This time, it is the elder man who speaks. His attitude is gentle, indicating he holds a higher rank than the other. He told her that the other day, she and her son were unable to gain entry. This was a small gesture to correct the error.

 

Passage:

Tao Ying remains still. That day’s happiness can never be bought again.

‘If you don’t want the money, here are two tickets. You and your son are welcome to visit the temple any time.’ The younger man is even more polite.

This is a tempting proposition indeed, but Tao Ying shakes her head. To her, to her son, that place will always be associated with unhappy memories now.

‘So which would you prefer,’ both men ask in unison. 

In fact Tao Ying is asking herself the same question. She is gracious by nature—if the youth in red had come in person to apologise today, she would not have made him feel awkward.

Word meanings:
tempting: appealing
proposition: proposal
associated: linked
unison: together

Explanation of the above passage—Tao Ying stays motionless. The joy from that bad day can never be regained. The younger man says, even more courteously, if she doesn’t want the cash, she can have two tickets. She and her son are invited to visit the temple whenever she likes. This is indeed an attractive offer, but Tao Ying declines. For her and her son, that place will forever be linked with painful memories now. Both men inquire, at the same time, about what she would prefer. In truth, Tao Ying is confused. She is gracious by nature. If the same young man in red had come personally to apologize, she would have felt better. 

 

Passage:

So what is it that she wants?

She shoves Xiao Ye in front of the two elderly officials.

‘Say Grandpa,’ she tells him.

‘Grandpa.’ Xiao Ye sounds infinitely sweet.

‘Dear Leaders, please take back the money, and the tickets. Kindly do not punish the guard on duty, he was only doing his job…’

The two officials are puzzled.

Tao Ying nudges Xiao Ye closer: ‘Gentlemen, would you be so kind as to explain to my son exactly what happened on that day. Please tell him that his mother has not done anything wrong…’

Word meanings:
nudges: pushes with elbow
shoves: push

Explanation of the above passage—She pondered about what she desired. She pushes Xiao Ye in front of the two elderly officials and instructs him to call the elderly official Grandpa. Xiao Ye called out to him, Grandpa, in an incredibly sweet voice.  

She then asked the Honorable Leaders to return the money and the tickets. She kindly asked them not to penalize the guard on duty; he was merely fulfilling his responsibilities. The two officials look confused. Tao Ying urges Xiao Ye to move closer. She then asked them to clarify to her son about what had transpired that day. She requested them to let him know that his mother has done nothing wrong. So, setting a good example for her son was her priority.

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Conclusion

The story One Centimetre by Bi Shu-min gives a profound moral lesson about the complicated relationship between parents and their children. Students can take help from the post to understand the lesson and also learn the difficult word meanings to get a better grasp over the story. This lesson includes the summary of One Centimetre which will help students of class 12 to get a quick recap of the story.

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