Ly Ngoc Quyen, born in 1958, experienced a difficult childhood in rural Guangzhou. Orphaned at a young age, she relied on relatives and left school early to work as a seamstress.
After facing several layoffs, a former colleague suggested she try housekeeping in 2003 when she was 45.
Quyen's honesty and diligence earned her the trust of various employers, but the low wages barely covered her living expenses. Her life changed when she met Hoang Thuy Linh, a director in Guangzhou province. Linh was impressed by Quyen's thoroughness and organizational skills.
One day in 2004, while cleaning, Quyen discovered a diamond ring lodged in a sofa crevice. Despite knowing its value and the absence of security cameras, she waited to return the ring to Linh.
Linh was overjoyed to recover her cherished possession. She explained that the ring was a reward for her first career success, a priceless memento she had lost several years earlier, before Quyen started working for her, and had given up on finding.
Grateful for Quyen's integrity, Linh asked why she hadn't kept the ring. Quyen simply replied, "My parents taught me never to covet what isn't mine,".
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Housekeeper Ly Ngoc Quyen (left) and her friend Hoang Thuy Linh (right) in a photo from the early 2000s. Photo: 163.com |
Housekeeper Ly Ngoc Quyen (left) and her friend Hoang Thuy Linh (right) in a photo from the early 2000s. Photo: 163.com
Quyen's straightforward answer stunned Linh. She offered Quyen 10,000 CNY, but Quyen firmly refused, insisting she had only done what was right.
From that day forward, Linh treated Quyen like a younger sister, determined to help her improve her life. She offered to cover Quyen's tuition for accounting classes in her free time. "I consider you family, and I don't want you to be a housekeeper forever," Linh explained.
With Linh's encouragement and support, Quyen earned her accounting certification and secured a job at a company.
Just as her career stabilized, Quyen was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her chemotherapy treatments, when she experienced hair loss and debilitating weakness, Linh provided unwavering support and care, like a true family member.
As Quyen's health improved, Linh lent her 100,000 CNY to purchase an affordable home.
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Housekeeper Ly Ngoc Quyen (polka dot shirt) and her friend Hoang Thuy Linh during a television appearance in China, sharing the story of their unique bond. Photo: 163.com |
Housekeeper Ly Ngoc Quyen (polka dot shirt) and her friend Hoang Thuy Linh during a television appearance in China, sharing the story of their unique bond. Photo: 163.com
Quyen transitioned from living in temporary housing as a housekeeper to owning her own home and working as an accountant.
Their relationship evolved from employer-employee to a genuine sisterhood. Whenever they reunite, Quyen expresses her deep gratitude. Linh simply smiles and replies, "You should thank yourself. Without your honesty, none of this would have happened,".
Minh Phuong (Sohu, 163.com)
