Humans of China: "I Am so Glad That I Wasn't Sold Because I Wouldn't Be the Lady I Am Today"

This article comes from Humans of China (WeChat ID: humans-of-china), which aims to document and tell the stories of the many varied people of this vast country, one individual at a time. This time, Hack interviews a young woman in Beijing.

I've always looked up to my grandma and to me she is very special. When I was young, I lived with her and my granddad but he has since passed away. I was always a little naughty with them and I used to secretly sell things I found around the house like scrap metal that my grandad needed. I sold it to make myself some money. I would then use the money to buy ice cream at the shop. I remember my grandad would be angry but not for too long as he said my face was too cute to stay angry at.

I was born in a small village and after I was born my parents wanted to sell me to a family from the city. People back then were not allowed to have more than two children. My mum really wanted a boy but she wasn't allowed to find out if I was a boy or girl. During pregnancy, she spent months hiding away to avoid being caught as she already had two children – both girls.

The family that I was going to be sold to was particularly rich. My parents had arranged for them to visit our village to see me, and they drove their car. Having a car back then in the 1990s was a big deal as hardly anyone had the money to buy a car. My grandfather was furious and he refused to let them buy me and so they left. I am so glad that I wasn't sold because I wouldn't be the lady I am today if I had been.

I loved growing up with my grandparents and my great grandmother. I have many fond memories of them all. Growing up we had lots of fun together and I could feel everyone loved me a huge amount.

I remember I was throwing rocks one day and one hit a man's motorbike and broke his mirror. The man was so angry and demanded that my granddad hit me with a bamboo cane and then give the man some money. My granddad did hit me and then gave the man five yuan. Back then five yuan was a lot of money. After the man left my grandfather felt very guilty and took me to the shop to buy some that food I loved to eat.

My mum has since told me that she regrets not keeping me to raise me herself but at that time life wasn't easy. I think I have forgiven her and I know she is proud and in some ways and surprised at how well I have so far done with my life. I am also proud of myself.

READ: "I Have No Regrets, but My Life Has Been Very, Very Tough"

Photos: Cameron Hack