Sphere of Influence

"Why couldn't you locate me? I was just on the opposite side of the road!", the raging Grab driver grumbled.

The still air in the Grab hire vehicle was charged with annoyance and tension.

"Aiya... why do you want to go to this second hand flea market? There is nothing much to see and I have no decent passengers to pick-up after", she continued to blabber.

Anger, judgmental, insecurity.

Seated closest to the lady driver in the front passenger seat, Yi Han remained calm and spoke with patience and sincerity.

"远在天边", was all Yi Han had the opportunity to mutter.

The Grab driver uncontrollably responded:  "近在眼前".

(translation: Seemingly far away, actually close at hand - in relation to us being just on the opposite site of the road but still had no sight of her Grab vehicle)

In an instant, we observed that the initial outrage on her face slightly softened.

Yi Han added softly, "Thank you for your efforts to ferry us there."

"So what did you have for breakfast today", continued the unruffled Yi Han.

"I had oats for breakfast" was her reply.

We at the backseat started noticing that the tension began easing...

To keep the momentum going, Yi Han continued:

"That's very healthy! So what do you usually like to eat?"

"I'm a Hokkien, what do you think I enjoy eating?" was her arrogant response.

The three of us seated at the backseat looked at each other and with silent mutual agreement, shouted in each of our heads: Hokkien Mee! (a local dish of fried noodles)

Yi Han pondered for a moment and genuinely answered: "猪肉!" (translation: pork)

All us three burst into silent giggles and uncontrollable spasms...

The lady Grab driver's behaviour took a gentle turn and she smilingly replied, "No lah, I enjoy Hokkien Mee and other local delicacies like Penang Laksa and Cha Kuay Teow."

By the time we arrived at our destination, Yi Han's calmness had neutralized the lady's ranging sphere of influence.

He had unknowingly melted the angry, stony-hearted lady driver.

She was now filled with peace and was even jovial just before we alighted.

Her aura had been influenced and transformed by Yi Han's own calm sphere and it was a magical moment for the three silent audiences in the backseat, an unforgettable lesson on kindness and empathy.

Thank you, Yi Han.