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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Culture & Society

Actress He Ru-yun moved to tears by shop owner's kindness amid mother's illness

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Actress He Ru-yun has been focusing on her mother's declining health, leading to a hiatus from social media.
  • A kind gesture from a rice ball shop owner, who offered her juice for her mother and refused payment, deeply moved her.
  • He Ru-yun reflected on finding value in her work by bringing happiness or social meaning to audiences, even during difficult times.

Taiwanese actress He Ru-yun has been navigating a difficult period, largely due to her mother's deteriorating health. This personal struggle has led her to step away from her social media updates for an extended period.

How have you not come for so long? I'm so happy to see you!

โ€” Rice ball shop ownerThe owner's warm greeting to He Ru-yun upon her visit to the shop.

Recently, while visiting a dermatologist in Taipei, He Ru-yun stopped by a favorite rice ball shop. The owner, recognizing her, expressed joy at seeing her but also inquired about her long absence. When He Ru-yun shared that her mother had been unwell, the owner, while preparing her order, asked her son to pack two cups of juice, suggesting they might be suitable if her mother had difficulty eating. This act of kindness deeply affected He Ru-yun.

If your mother can't eat much, maybe she can drink this...

โ€” Rice ball shop ownerThe owner offering juice to He Ru-yun for her ailing mother.

Overwhelmed, He Ru-yun began searching for her wallet to pay, but the owner refused to accept any money. As she fumbled through her bag, tears began to fall. She confessed that she hadn't cried in a long time, having previously experienced a period of such profound pain that she felt incapable of shedding tears. Her assistant had recently asked if she planned to update her social media, concerned that her fans might drift away.

I haven't cried in a long time. I once felt so much pain that I didn't even have tears. Sometimes, it's hard even to want to cry.

โ€” He Ru-yunHe Ru-yun reflecting on her emotional state and past suffering.

He Ru-yun reflected on the purpose of being an entertainer, believing that if artists cannot bring joy, they should at least retain social significance. She questioned what value she currently held, finding solace in quiet work and silent companionship, striving to find happiness each day as if it were a hard-won gift. The unexpected warmth from someone she didn't know well, witnessed on a busy roadside, brought her to tears for a prolonged period. However, those who know her recognize her strength as a mother and her resilience through a difficult divorce, believing she will overcome this low point.

If an artist cannot bring happiness to the audience, they should at least retain social meaning to have value.

โ€” He Ru-yunHe Ru-yun contemplating the purpose and value of her work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.