Say the ‘Secret Words,’ Get a Free Meal ： Food That Brings Hope

Source: OT-Team(G)，打卡中国

  A Meal with No Price: Shanghai's Heartwarming Initiative for Those in Need

  In the bustling streets of Shanghai, where towering skyscrapers meet the ever-moving crowds, three humble eateries stand as beacons of kindness. Their signs read: "Free Meals—If you have no income and are facing hardships, simply ask for a 'Heartfelt Meal.' No payment needed, no questions asked. One day, when you are able, help someone else in need. Let love gather, let love spread."

• A Blogger's Curious Test

  A curious blogger, intrigued by the message, decided to test it.

  He first visited a Chongqing cold dish shop and asked, "Excuse me, may I have a Heartfelt Meal?"

  "Of course," the owner replied, handing him a meal shortly after.

  Before entering the second shop, the blogger reflected on how difficult it was to ask for a free meal. It took him a long time to summon the courage to step inside. However, he soon realized that he was not the only one in need. Two migrant women had been searching for work for a long time and had only eaten a few buns the previous day. The shop owner did not ask them about their situation; instead, she warmly invited them in and served them hot pancakes and soy milk. The pancakes were fragrant and substantial, filling their empty stomachs with warmth.

  After trying the second eatery, the blogger arrived at the third shop. He thought he would feel more confident by now, but the enthusiasm of the owner still made him feel slightly uneasy. The owner, a kind woman, welcomed him in even though the shop was busy.

  "I'm sorry, I'm going through a tough time," he said hesitantly.

  "It's no problem at all. Have some tea first," she replied with a smile. Her daughter also greeted him and, noticing a draft from the door, gently closed it. Like the other shop owners, she did not ask about his background or verify his story. A short while later, she brought him a generous portion of food along with soup. Feeling a little guilty, the blogger offered to pay, but the owner refused. "If you are facing difficulties, you don't need to pay," she insisted.

  Looking at the large portion, the blogger asked, "Isn't this too much food?"

  Her daughter answered, "For those truly struggling, no portion is too big. They will finish it because they are genuinely hungry."

  After finishing his meal, the blogger explained his true purpose to the shop owners. Their responses were strikingly similar. "Everyone faces hardship at some point," one said. "We don't ask questions because we don't want to burden anyone further. People deserve dignity."

  Another added, "One man even brought me proof of his difficulties, but we don't need that. We believe in helping without conditions."

• The Ripple Effect of Kindness

  Perhaps their compassion came from their own past struggles. Years ago, Bian, the owner of the pancake shop, faced financial hardship and had to sell a house to keep her business running. Song Fanxiang, the owner of the cold dish shop, once arrived in Shanghai with only 20 yuan after his foreign trade business failed. Through the kindness of a mentor, he learned how to make braised dishes and started his shop. Liu Aiping, the restaurant owner, arrived in Shanghai 31 years ago with nothing, selling wontons from a pushcart to survive.

  "People helped us when we were struggling," Liu said. "Now, we want to give back."

  That night, as the blogger walked home, he saw a man rummaging through a trash bin for leftover food. Remembering the cold dish he had received earlier, he handed it over. In that brief moment, he saw something unexpected—a spark of light in the man's eyes.

  The air was cold, but the warmth of human kindness lingered in the night.