Zhou Hongfa said: "When I was in my teens, my elder brother and I learned the craft from our father. My elder brother studied for more than three years, then went to work elsewhere, leaving only me to follow my father. Although my father didn't say much, I knew he hoped his children would inherit his craft."
Every parent wishes for their children to have a skill and live well.
Zhou Hongfa said: "My father told me from a young age, 'Giving a child a fortune is not as good as teaching them a skill.' Perhaps influenced by my father's teachings, for me, earning a living through skills is not a bad thing."
No matter how much wealth one has, there will come a day when it runs out. Having a skill is equivalent to possessing 'a fortune.' Zhou Hongfa's father raised nine children by repairing watches, while he himself raised three children through his craft.
Zhou Hongfa's shop is small and inconspicuous, catering to regular customers.
Except for public holidays, he opens the shop every day. He said: "Having been in this business for so many years, I have become accustomed to it; not working would feel strange."
Zhou Hongfa's children have all achieved success in their own careers, and while he feels proud, he cannot help but feel a bit regretful.
Zhou Hongfa said: "It is regrettable that no one inherits the craft, but young people have their own ideas; as long as they are happy, that is enough. Perhaps in my generation, it is impossible to keep the shop; that cannot be helped, as times have changed."
Although it is a small shop, it highlights a father's love for his children. Even if the shop is no longer there in the future, the father's teachings to his children can still be passed down.