【SHARED】Cook | Cooking for protesters at CityU and PolyU: “I’ll stay, as long as someone here needs me.”
39 year old cook lives alone peacefully. Now working at an affordable Western-style restaurant, he contributes to the movement with his culinary art.
“Do you know what the world’s best seasoning is? It’s hunger —because as long as you are hungry, anything will taste delicious!”
Article: Citizen News 眾新聞
Photographer: CitizenNews 眾新聞
Illustrator: Tendarken
I was born to a grassroot Hok-lo family in Hong Kong, dropped out of school in Form 4, had been in jail, and has worked as a chef for twelve years. I am adept at making both Chinese and Western cuisines. As a chef, I only cook, I don't beat people up. My job is to cook food dexterously.
I have two idols: philosopher Lee Tien Ming and politician Wong Yuk Man. I was never a bibliophile, but I loved Lee Tien Ming's books. I have read every one of his books from cover to cover. He had an immense influence on me; he shaped my thoughts and beliefs. As for Yuk Man—I treat him as my political mentor. My understanding of Hong Kong's politics and my resentment towards the Chinese Communist Party were all thanks to his TV shows and his writing. Otherwise, I'd just be another "Hong Kong pig." One of Yuk Man's weaknesses, however, is that he has a family. He has more to worry about, and he cannot do everything he wants. I'm different. I don't have a family, so I have nothing to lose. And I thought that maybe when it comes to politics, perhaps I'd be more successful than him. This movement may be my time to shine. "Adhering to the sages, burning the fire of the revolution," it's time to let everyone know that I am not afraid of the CCP!
Since I have a job, for the five months of protests thus far, I can only protest during my spare time. I've never been to the frontlines, I could only offer them food, acting as their last line of defence. Seeing the number of youngsters risking their lives on the frontlines this time, however, there's no way I can stay at the back; I have the duty and obligation to do whatever I can to protect these kids.
On 11 November, I participated in the citywide strike. At first, I thought I had to work the next day. However, the next day, riot police besieged the Chinese University, seemingly wanting to kettle them. Worried that the kids might not have anything to eat, I scrambled over to CUHK immediately after work to cook for them. I also brought my 'Yam Kim Fai'—my iron soup spoon, which is my closest partner, with me.* During my two weeks at two universities, 'Yam Kim Fai' helped me prepare a whole host of dishes and filled the stomachs of thousands of people—so don't underestimate his power! Not everyone can handle 'Yam Kim Fai'. Haha!
The two days I spent at CUHK were extremely memorable and vivid to this day still. At CUHK, I saw many young protestors fighting, some holding Molotovs in their hands. I was really ashamed of myself—not only for myself, but also on behalf of Hong Kong. These twelve, thirteen years old are wearing bulletproof vests, and you think they find it fun? Do you think they like breathing in tear gas every day? Be it middle-school or university students, they're all children to me, and they don't deserve this. Have people ever thought that they have to stand up and fight because our generation didn't stand up against the CCP? If the CCP labels these youngsters as “rioters,” I'll go be a rioter with them. I won’t let them fight alone.
After the battle of CUHK was over, Polytechnic University was the new warzone. So I travelled to Hung Hom along with some other protestors.
Photo taken from Citizen News’ original article
I have only a pair of hands, so I might not be able to do everything well; further, there weren’t many helping out in the kitchen. But the protestors did their best to keep everything clean because once the food gets contaminated or spoiled, the result could be disastrous. I thank the protestors who've assisted me in the kitchen, not only because they helped reduce my workload, but also because they gave me valuable feedback about my cooking. Some deemed my sauce refreshingly tart and asked for my recipe. Do you know what the world's best seasoning is? It's hunger —because as long as you are hungry, anything will taste delicious!
When Polytechnic University's president and vice-president came, I asked them what they were here for. The University already resembled a warzone, with trash everywhere. Hygiene in the kitchen had begun to deteriorate, emitting a foul smell. Bugs had started to breed, and many sinks and basins were clogged. Why did they even come? Since they were here, I invited them to help clean the kitchen.
Although protestors had begun to depart in dribs and drabs, I am not disheartened. Everyone had their own take on the situation, and as long as there is still someone there who had to eat, I will not leave. No matter how many times the government reiterated that every adult at Polytechnic University would be arrested, so what? I've been in prison anyways—that's the price for a revolution. Frankly, I've been mentally prepared to face arrest before I came anyway, so I am not worried at all. Nonetheless, I'll stay until the last kid leaves; otherwise, I'll live here. So long as they need me, I'll sojourn.
I carry an American flag around. To me, America symbolises freedom, and I have to remind myself regularly to pursue freedom and uphold this faith, so we can continue resisting. I understand that the slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, the Revolution of our Times" is not only a slogan, but also a mission and vision. As Hong Kongers, we should never forget our original intention, and we must remember what we have walked through these past five months, so that we can continue fighting.
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*Yam Kim Fai was a renowned Cantonese opera actress who passed away in 1989. She usually performed male roles.
Original article: 中大煮完過理大 39歲廚房佬用「任劍揮」醫肚：我會留到最後一個細路離開
(This story is supported by Citizen News, and modified to a first-person narrative.)