The girl just brought a basket of fruits to her boyfriend’s house to make her debut, who would have thought that his mother had just seen it and hurriedly put away the hearty tray of rice, laid out a tray of rice full of boiled vegetables, she stood up and said a sentence that made his whole family stunned…

Ha was born in a poor countryside along the river. His father died early, and his mother died early in the day to raise the two sisters to study. Difficult life teaches Ha how to live frugally, be independent and appreciate the little things.

Going to university in the city, Ha worked part-time jobs: running a coffee shop, tutoring, online sales… As a result, she not only covers living expenses but also sends part of it to her mother. It was during a part-time job at the library that Ha met Nam – a final-year student, tall, gentle, with a well-off family.

Loving each other for more than a year, Nam proposed to bring Ha back to her parents. Ha was both happy and worried. She knew that the situation of the two sides was far away, but believed in Nam’s sincere feelings.

That morning, Ha got up early to go to the market, choosing the freshest fruits: red apples, purple grapes, yellow oranges… She carefully wrapped it in a pretty rattan basket and tied a ribbon. Although the gift was simple, it was the best thing she could buy with her own money.

Arriving at Nam’s house, Ha politely greeted. Nam’s father happily replied, and his mother – Mrs. Hanh – only glanced at the fruit basket, her eyes were a little indifferent.

“What is she wearing, Nam?” – she asked.

“Yes, dessert fruits, mom.” – Nam replied, smiling.

Mrs. Hanh nodded slightly, then went back to the kitchen and whispered something to the maid. Ha didn’t notice, still thought everything was normal.

After a while, the dining table was laid out. In front of Ha is a plate of boiled morning glory, a bowl of thin pumpkin soup, and a plate of cold fried tofu. Everything is simple, while the aroma from the stove still flies out of the nose. Through the gap in the door, Ha caught a glimpse of a hearty tray of rice: golden boiled chicken, steamed fish, shrimp rim, braised meat… are being stored by calves.

Nam frowned: “Mom, I thought you cooked a lot of dishes this morning?”

Mrs. Hanh smiled wryly: “Ah, those dishes are for guests this afternoon. It’s also good to eat vegetables for frugality.”

Ha smiled slightly, took the chopsticks and ate a few pieces, but her heart recognized the story. The atmosphere at the dining table was heavy.

After eating for a while, Ha put down her chopsticks and stood up gently. The whole table turned their eyes to her. Ha’s voice was calm but clear:

“Auntie, I know that your house has much better conditions than mine. I was born in the countryside, eating boiled vegetables and pumpkin soup is normal, there are days when I don’t even have it. But today I came here not to test my endurance, but to meet and chat with my family. A tray of rice is not just food – it is also a welcoming heart. I brought this basket of fruits, not because I didn’t know what to buy, but because it was the best thing I could choose for myself. I believe, affection and sincerity are more precious than any gift.”

The air was quiet. Nam’s father coughed slightly, his eyes looking at Mrs. Hanh full of meaning. Nam lowered his head, obviously he was very embarrassed.

Ha continued: “I love Mr. Nam, and think that if I am lucky, I will have another family to love. But I also understand that a family only exists when there is mutual respect. If it’s just because you come from a poor background and you’re looked down upon, I think, we should stop here.”

After speaking, Ha bowed and was about to leave. Nam stood up: “Ha, wait for me!” He turned to his mother, his voice was rarely harsh: “Mom! I love Ha not because she is rich or poor. If I’m still going to judge like that, I’ll leave the house with Ha.”

Mrs. Hanh was confused. The eyes of everyone in the house made her feel hot. Father Nam said slowly: “You did it wrong. What needs to be kept is a kind person, not a full tray.”

Mrs. Hanh was silent for a few seconds and then sighed: “You… I’m sorry. She was too judgmental. Those dishes… Let’s just tell them to come out, everyone eats together.”

Ha smiled: “I thank you, but I think I should go home today. If there is a destiny, I will come again – but hopefully then, we will be more sincere.”

She walked to the gate, Nam ran after her. Mrs. Hanh stood looking at the shadow of the small girl’s back, and suddenly felt disappointed in her heart. She realized, just a few words, Ha made the whole family reflect on her behavior.

And from that day, the hearty tray of rice was still served, but Mrs. Hanh no longer found it as delicious as before.