A Chinese employee calls his boss and says, \u201cI can\u2019t work today, I\u2019m sick.\u201d
\nThe boss replies, \u201cWhen I\u2019m sick, I spend time with my wife. You should try that!\u201d<\/p>\n
Two hours later, the employee calls back and says, \u201cI feel better now. By the way, you have a lovely home.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was an ordinary Tuesday morning in a bustling office in Shanghai, where employees were already hard at work on their tasks for the day. Among them was Li Wei, a diligent employee who had been feeling a bit under the weather lately.<\/p>\n
Despite his dedication to his job, today was one of those rare days when he simply couldn\u2019t muster the energy to go in.
\nHis head was pounding, and he had a sore throat. So, after a brief internal debate, he decided to do something he seldom did\u2014call in sick.<\/p>\n
Li Wei hesitated for a moment, knowing that his boss, Mr. Zhang, was a no-nonsense type of manager, someone who rarely took days off himself.
\nBut, having no other option, he picked up the phone and dialed his boss\u2019s number. After a few rings, Mr. Zhang answered with his usual brisk tone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Li Wei. What\u2019s the matter?\u201d
\n\u201cGood morning, boss,\u201d Li Wei said, his voice sounding weak and raspy. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry, but I won\u2019t be able to make it to work today. I\u2019m feeling pretty sick.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Mr. Zhang replied, \u201cSick, huh? Well, that happens. But you know, when I\u2019m feeling sick, I don\u2019t just lie around doing nothing. I spend time with my wife instead, and somehow it always makes me feel better. You should try that!\u201d<\/p>\n
Li Wei was taken aback by the advice. He wasn\u2019t sure how spending time with his boss\u2019s wife would help his current situation, but Mr. Zhang\u2019s suggestion lingered in his mind. Not wanting to disappoint, he thanked his boss and hung up, still pondering the strange piece of wisdom.<\/p>\n
A couple of hours passed, and Li Wei couldn\u2019t stop thinking about the conversation. He felt no better physically, but the idea of taking action, as his boss had suggested, began to stir in his mind. Perhaps Mr. Zhang was onto something. Maybe stepping outside for some fresh air and engaging with others would improve his mood.<\/p>\n
And so, in a somewhat foggy state of mind, Li Wei did the unthinkable. He remembered that his boss\u2019s house wasn\u2019t too far from his own apartment. It seemed logical\u2014if spending time with one\u2019s wife helped Mr. Zhang recover from illness, why wouldn\u2019t visiting his boss\u2019s home have the same effect on him? Without much further thought, he grabbed his coat and headed out the door.<\/p>\n
Upon arriving at his boss\u2019s home, Li Wei rang the doorbell. Mrs. Zhang, surprised to see one of her husband\u2019s employees at the doorstep, greeted him warmly. Unsure of what to say but recalling his boss\u2019s advice, Li Wei explained that Mr. Zhang had suggested he come by to feel better. Amused and slightly confused, Mrs. Zhang welcomed him in, offering tea and some soup to help him recover.<\/p>\n
Two hours later, feeling rejuvenated after some food and conversation, Li Wei realized his symptoms had improved considerably. Perhaps his boss had been right all along! After all, sometimes a change of environment and good company were all it took to feel better.<\/p>\n
With a newfound sense of energy, Li Wei decided to call his boss again.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, boss,\u201d he said, sounding much livelier. \u201cJust wanted to let you know that I\u2019m feeling much better now. I really appreciate your advice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Zhang, somewhat surprised by the rapid recovery, responded, \u201cThat\u2019s great to hear! See, I told you spending time with my wife would make you feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Li Wei smiled, then added casually, \u201cOh, by the way, you have a lovely home.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a sudden pause on the other end of the line as Mr. Zhang processed what had just been said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy\u2026 home?\u201d his voice faltered.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Li Wei replied innocently. \u201cI spent some time with your wife, just like you suggested. Thank you again!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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