“I always take my bike”

Illustration by Ruth Silbermayr-Song

Right across the street from our building is a guy in his 50s who repairs all different kinds of things. One day in the summer of 2013, I take my bike to him to repair a puncture. While he’s mending the wheel, he starts chatting with me.

He: “Where are you from?”
I: “I’m from Austria, and you?”
He: “I’m from Sichuan. Of course, I’m from China.”
I: “I already thought you were Chinese. Is life better in Sichuan or in Shenzhen?”
He: “It’s better in Shenzhen. The economy is good here. The air quality, on the other hand, is better in Sichuan.”
I: “Is your whole family here?”
He: “I live here with my wife. My little kids live in Sichuan.”
I (surprised that he has little kids): “How old are your kids?”
He: “They are older than you. How old are you? You look quite young.”
I: “26.”
He: “My kids are 28 and 30. Are you married?”
I: “I am. I married only recently.”
He: “What’s your husband doing?”
I: “He’s working as a designer.”
He: “That’s a great job! What is your job?”
I: “I have the same job. We met at work.”
He: “Where are you living?”
I: “Just across the street.”
He: “Have you bought an apartment here?”
I: “No. We can’t afford to buy an apartment in Shenzhen.”
He: “Renting an apartment here is expensive too.”
I: “You’re right, but it’s still cheaper than buying, at least for now. Where do you live?”
He: “I live two stops by bus from here, right next to the subway stop.”
I: “That’s convenient.”
He (pointing at his bike): “I always take my bike.”
I: “Your bike looks quite old.”
He: “It’s already more than 20 years old. The brand is called Dongfeng (东风, East Wind).”
I: “The quality of old bikes is much better than that of new ones. Look at mine, I bought it a year ago and this is what it looks like.”
He: “You’re right.”

He is finished with repairing the puncture. I also give him a belt that needs two more holes. When he is done, I ask:

“How much is it?”
He: “4 Yuan.”
I (hearing him say 4 Yuan, but being unable to believe it’s that cheap and since he has a heavy Sichuan accent I’m not sure I heard correctly): “10 Yuan?”
He: “No, 4.”

I give him 4 Yuan, get on my newly mended bike and say goodbye.

Have you ever let someone mend your bike or modify clothes on the street in China?

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