Former Employees Support Intellectually Disabled 'Son' at Ho Chi Minh City Noodle Stall

In Ho Chi Minh City, within a small alleyway in the Xa Tay market area, 72-year-old Phung Ling and her long-time friend Ngoc Lien are running a noodle stall. They are supporting Ho Thang Chi, a 43-year-old man with intellectual disabilities, who is the son of their former employers. After losing his entire family, Chi was left alone, and these two former employees have taken it upon themselves to provide him with care and a livelihood. Ling and Lien began working at the noodle stall, then owned by Chi's parents, in 1977. Both unmarried and childless, they were treated like family by the employers and have built a deep bond over nearly 50 years. Chi's father passed away in 1998, followed by his two elder brothers in consecutive years due to traffic accidents. Their mother died of heart disease in 2021. After his mother's death, Chi lived alone. One afternoon, Ling saw Chi, who had been given lottery tickets to sell, standing dazed after they were snatched from him. This prompted Ling to return to the noodle stall and support Chi. Using a portion of the inheritance from Chi's parents and their own savings, the two women reopened the stall. Initially, Chi could only manage to carry tables and chairs and clean. However, Ling and Lien patiently taught him, step by step, how to tie rubber bands on takeaway noodle bags, crush ice, pour tea, and serve customers. Chi, though slow, follows instructions diligently. The Xa Tay market is no longer as bustling as it once was, and the stall now sells only 40-50 bowls per night. The revenue covers ingredient costs and Chi's living expenses, with any remaining profit divided among the three. On slow nights, they might earn nothing. Ling and Lien, now elderly, are uncertain how long they can continue working. They are determined to pass on all aspects of the business, from ingredient preparation to customer service, to Chi so he can support himself in the future. Neighbors speak highly of the women's dedication. However, they also express concern about the women's age and Chi's future if they are no longer able to work. Ling, despite suffering from back pain after long hours standing, continues to come to the stall daily, unwilling to leave Chi to fend for himself. Source: VnExpress