Tao Ying and the bus ticket

'One Centimetre' is by Bi Shu-min, a Chinese doctor and prize-winning writer. Its heroine, Tao Ying, is a cook in a factory canteen who bakes sesame cakes.

When she travels alone, Tao Ying is careful with every cent. If the bus conductor looks careless, she often skips buying a ticket.

With her son, Xiao Ye, she is a different person. She feels responsible for this delicate child, and wants to be a flawless, gracious mother in his eyes.

On the bus door there is a painted finger marking the height above which a child needs a ticket. Xiao Ye is one centimetre short of it, so he could ride free. But he begs for a ticket of his own: she once promised him one.

Twenty cents could buy a bunch of vegetables. Still, she buys two tickets. A child's pride is worth more, and she will not lose face in front of him.