In a world that often promotes kindness and generosity, there are instances when good intentions can lead to unexpected outcomes.
Mr Li, an elderly man who found himself in two separate encounters with foreign women who requested for him to buy them meals, with one of the group even asking him for money for their “living expenses”, according to Shin Min Daily News.
What started as an act of goodwill ended up making him feel duped.
Li’s First Encounter: Beef Noodles and Compassion
Three months ago, Li’s first encounter took place at a local stall. He met two women who claimed to be from Xi’an, China, who told him that they had no money to eat, which tugged at Li’s heartstrings.
In an act of compassion, he spent $28 on beef noodles and side dishes for the two women. Their request seemed genuine, and Li didn’t mind helping them.
However, as they were dining, one of the women expressed a desire for an additional serving of noodles for her sister. Li complied, thinking he was extending his goodwill. It was a simple act of kindness that, unbeknownst to him, set the stage for future encounters.
Li’s Second Encounter: The Request for “Living Expenses”
Fast forward to the present, Li found himself in a similar situation outside Bukit Gombak MRT station. This time, he encountered two women in their 30s who claimed to be tourists.
They informed Li that they were supposed to fly home the next day and, just like in his previous encounter, said they had no money for a meal.
Li’s intentions remained pure as he offered to take them to a nearby stall for chicken rice. However, things took an unexpected turn when the women spotted a fast-food restaurant and expressed their preference for it. Li, once again, agreed to their choice.
But the women’s requests didn’t stop at a meal; after the meal, they asked Li for “living expenses.” This request crossed a line for Li, and he felt it was inappropriate.
He decided to leave, suspecting that he might have been the target of a scam. The women eventually approached another person for a free meal.
The Broader Issue
Li’s encounters shed light on a larger issue of people asking for money in public places. The hawker stalls outside Bukit Gombak MRT station have witnessed numerous instances where individuals ask for money, sometimes demanding at least $10. Passers-by who refuse to comply may face harassment or intimidation.
Hannah, an employee at one of the stalls, recounted an incident where someone threatened to call the police when faced with an aggressive beggar.
Despite efforts to address the situation, not much has changed, leaving both residents and business owners concerned about the safety and well-being of the community.