This World Always Leaves One's Heart Heavy

@全勇先: A little over a year ago, Boss Li replaced all the aluminum alloy doors and windows at my house.

Before that, I had contacted several construction crews. Either their quotes were too high, or they emphasized the difficulty of installing the large second-floor glass. Only Boss Li's quote was below my budget, and he even used all imported metal fittings.

He is around forty, always dresses neatly, has big eyes, and a slight Sichuan accent. He looks gentle and pleasant—the kind of person who instantly puts you at ease.

I didn't hesitate and signed the construction contract with him. On the day construction began, the floor-to-ceiling glass for the first floor arrived, only to find that the workers had taken the wrong measurements. The thousand-pound vacuum glass was a size too small. Everyone was stunned.

Boss Li was very remorseful and said, "Don't worry, brother, the responsibility is ours. I'll custom-order a new one for you right away, and I'll bear all the losses."

I knew that with this, he wouldn't make a penny on this job.

After thinking for a long time, I said, "How about this: just pad and thicken the upper and lower window frames, and install it as is. I don't want the hassle of starting over."

Boss Li was deeply moved. He had the workers install the glass as I suggested, and unexpectedly, the result was quite good. With the large window and the white aluminum alloy frame, the floor-to-ceiling window took on the effect of a movie screen, making it look quite stylish instead.

I was very satisfied, Boss Li was extremely happy, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Later, when it was time to settle the bill, he completely waived the cost of the glass door leading to the garden. During the Spring Festival, he even brought me four bottles of Lang liquor.

This is how we formed a friendship. When he was working in the neighborhood, he would drop by to check on me, adjust the windows and doors, replace the weatherstripping on the main door, and help with minor repairs around the house. Seeing the Buddhist shrine in my home, he even offered a stick of incense, saying he was learning about Buddhism himself, and gave me a lighter with the character "Buddha" on it.

This year, he suddenly stopped keeping in touch. I messaged him on WeChat a few days ago, but he never replied. I figured he might be busy with a lot of work in the spring, so I didn't think much of it.

Yesterday, I received a message from his wife sent from his phone. She said Boss Li had mentioned me to her, so she knew who I was. She told me that on December 31st last year, Boss Li accidentally fell from a height at a construction site and passed away...

I was heartbroken all day. I woke up early this morning, tossing and turning, unable to sleep, so I wrote this down. May Boss Li's soul rest in peace, may he be guided by the Buddha's light, escape the sea of suffering, and be reborn in the Pure Land.