Editorial note: This is an original fictional/composite interview written as a publication sample.
Every Tuesday, Wu Jianhua, 73, makes noodles for lunch. There is no family tradition attached to Tuesday. It is simply the day he chose after retiring.
Why Tuesday?
At first, no reason. My wife asked what we should eat, and I said noodles. The next Tuesday I did it again. After a few months it became a rule.
Did you cook much when you were working?
Not much. I worked in a warehouse office. I left early and came home tired. My wife cooked more often. After I retired, she said I should learn.
What kind of noodles?
Usually simple. Tomato and egg, sometimes pork and greens. I am not a chef. If the bowl is empty at the end, I consider it successful.
What was your office job?
Inventory records, delivery forms, checking what came in and what went out. There were many stamps and many boxes.
What do you enjoy about retirement?
Not rushing breakfast. I used to check the time while eating. Now I can finish tea before leaving the table.
Wu’s wife said his noodles have improved, though she added that he uses too many dishes. Wu did not disagree. “Cooking is easy,” he said. “Cleaning after cooking is the difficult part.”
By L. Chen
