There's a memory that, even now, brings tears to my eyes. It’s the reason I endured every hardship to earn money. Back then, my admission to university in the city filled my family with pride. But that joy couldn't overshadow the struggles of a large family with many children to feed. My mother, a resourceful businesswoman, would occasionally slip me some money. I remember one time, on my way to the bus station, she gave me 20 dong. That 20 dong represented my mother wading waist-deep in the pond, gathering 4 or 5 heavy loads of water hyacinth, and carrying them to Nui Market, several kilometers from home, to sell. Those 20 dong weren't just a number calculating how many days I could survive in the city; they represented my mother's sweat, hard work, and sacrifices.

Many people may not know how irritating water hyacinth is. Just collecting enough for one load makes your entire body itch. I've tried it, and even now, just thinking about it gives me chills. Yet, to give me 20 dong, my mother had to collect 4 or 5 such loads. Seeing her cheerful face as she handed me the money brought tears to my eyes. I was so grateful. And I believe she was also happy to provide me with some pocket money so I could focus on my studies in the bustling city. But whenever I think of that moment, I'm immediately reminded of the itching sensation from collecting water hyacinth as a child. From then on, I resolved never to take money from my family again.

That's when my trading journey restarted. I never told my family, especially my parents, about the hardships I faced while juggling studies and business. Talking about it wouldn't lessen the burden, nor would it make me feel better, while it would only worry my parents and siblings. Only recently, while filming the show “Happy Memories”, did I share a bit about my time as a self-reliant student trader. By then, my mother had passed away. My remaining relatives who watched the show didn't comment. They knew I always kept things to myself, not because I disliked sharing, but because I didn't want anyone to worry about me.

Artist Xuan Hinh at age 62. Photo: Provided by the artist

Artist Xuan Hinh at age 62. Photo: Provided by the artist

Actually, I'm also hesitant to share happy stories, like those about the sweet emotions of youth. Youth is incomplete without the flutter of first love. I remember having a crush on the daughter of a wealthy man in the highlands. But because her family was much better off than mine, I didn't dare confess. Perhaps my first love was so strong that I couldn't hide it well, and her family became aware of my feelings. Later, when we met again, they still talked about it, expressing regret that it didn't work out. But at the time, I was just a poor student; despite my passion and big dreams, my career hadn't taken off, and my family was struggling. How could I even think of pursuing a relationship with someone from such a different background? Still, the fondness I felt, even if one-sided, added beautiful colors to my youth.

I remember after selling a good amount of goods I'd brought from Hanoi, I would borrow Ha and Tan's bicycle and pedal back about 5 kilometers on the main road, then another 5 kilometers on a narrow, bumpy path, crossing a river, to reach villages deep in the forest. I did this because I knew I had to go where others wouldn't to make money. If it were easy, someone else would have done it already. Art is the same; it must skillfully touch the audience's deepest emotions to be considered successful.

(Excerpt from the book “The Rustic Joker”, published by THBooks)

Part 1, Part 2, To be continued

Xuan Hinh was born in 1963 but registered his birth year as 1966 to meet the age requirement for Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema. His name is associated with traditional cheo melodies, folk songs, xam singing, and chau van ritual singing. The artist is best remembered for works like “Thi Mau Goes to the Pagoda”, “The Fortune Teller Goes to the Market”, “The Man-Horse, Horse-Man”. He was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 1997. In March, the artist gained attention for singing and rapping in the song “Bac Bling”, collaborating with singer Hoa Minzy and musician Tuan Cry.