Fishmongering

In the course of work, we come across some nice people, some not-so-nice people, some extra-careful-till-it-irritates you kind of people, the call-you-a-dozen-times-in-twelve-minutes kind of people, and the list goes on. In my line of work, one of the worst kinds of people you can encounter must be the bargaining fishmongers. And most of the time, they are the in-betweens, if you know what I mean. And then you get conversations like these... ...

(An excerpt from Digital Curls' conversation with the Fishmonger)

Fishmonger: How much this one?

Digital Curls: $5,000

Fishmonger: Aiyah. That one is standard one la. Can gimme better or not?

Digital Curls: This is really the best deal already.

Fishmonger: Then for the other one, what is the best you can gimme?

Digital Curls: We can work on a 40% bonus.

Fishmonger: Har? That one everybody also get one what! Cheaper la!

Digital Curls: That is really an extremely good package already.

(Now, the Fishmonger decides to switch to a mix of dialect and Mandarin.)

Fishmonger: Aiyah! Zui hao shi ta men bu yao gen ni mai. Zhe me "ngiao ji" (Translation: Aiyah! The best is they don't buy from you. So stingy)

Digital Curls: *speechless*

Frankly, I think Digital Curls would have loved to rebutt back, but in all professionalism, and in her efforts not to degrade herself to the Fishmonger's level, she keeps mum.

My thoughts were proven right in an SMS exchange with her later that evening.

Purples: Enjoy your dinner Ms Ngiao Ji!

Digital Curls: Ha! Don't be na beh!