<span>I think Old Chong helps Jing Mei because his approval is unconditional, even though (or because) his perception of what she is doing is limited by his poor hearing and sight. For Jing Mei, this is a welcome change from the constant criticism and nagging of her controlling mother, and allows her to determine her own destiny in this one small matter on her own. When she discovers that she can "be lazy and get away with it </span>
