Recorded on February 24, 2013, no adjustments made

It’s been a while since I returned from Taiwan. I’ve settled into a job and life has found its rhythm. So, I thought I’d jot down some memories from my time in Taiwan, preserving those moments forever.

First Encounter

Mr. Xue—though calling him “Mr.” might sound formal given our friendship—was in his 40s, while I had just turned 20. But from the very first moment I met him at the restaurant, I couldn’t help but see him as someone much younger—perhaps 28—so full of energy and life.

We met at a Japanese hot pot place in Taipei. The restaurant was tucked into a basement level, with an elegant and meticulous design. My friends and I didn’t choose it for the ambiance, though—it only seated 20 people at a time, which felt cozy and orderly, an atmosphere we found appealing. The menu items were priced around 200-250 NTD, a range I’d usually skip at larger restaurants. But here, with its thoughtful decor, the price felt worth it.

Mr. Xue happened to sit beside me that day. Being first-timers at the restaurant, we were a bit unsure of ourselves, especially when it came to navigating the hot pot setup. Noticing our hesitancy, he warmly stepped in to help, sparking a unique friendship. We chatted and got to know each other. I mentioned we were visiting from the mainland, and he eagerly shared tips about exploring Taipei. It was our first month in the city, and everything he said felt so fresh and exciting.

After dinner, we exchanged LINE accounts—LINE and Facebook being the most popular communication platforms in Taiwan at the time.

Yingge’s Ceramics

The second time I met Mr. Xue was in Yingge, a famous spot in Taipei for jewelry, antiques, and ceramics. Its old ceramic street is a haven for tourists who want to try their hand at pottery. We arranged to meet there, and he acted as our guide, showcasing the area with his characteristic warmth and the hospitality typical of people from Kaohsiung.

In one of the shops, I spotted a green bracelet made from Taiwan’s jade-like stone. I loved it but hesitated over the price, glancing at it a few more times before deciding to put it back. Before I could say anything, Mr. Xue was already bargaining with the shopkeeper on my behalf. Honestly, even with the discount, I wasn’t sure I wanted to buy it. But before I could respond, he had paid for it, handed it to me, and insisted it was a gift.

That was the moment I realized how much Mr. Xue treated me like family. His generosity and the hospitality of the Taiwanese people left a deep impression on me.

Brother’s Wedding

The third time we met was near the end of my stay in Taiwan, at his brother’s wedding. I had volunteered to help photograph the event, which took place in a church. During the wedding, I asked him why he hadn’t married yet. He laughed and said, “My brother just got married; there’s no rush for me.” He seemed so young at heart, with progressive views on work, life, and relationships.

After the ceremony, he invited me to the wedding banquet, where he introduced me to his older sister—a vibrant and humorous woman from Kaohsiung—as well as his parents and other family members. Sitting there as an outsider, I felt none of the awkwardness one might expect. Instead, I felt entirely at home, especially with his sister chatting with me as though we’d known each other for years. In that moment, I truly felt like one of them, as if I too were from Kaohsiung.

At the end of the banquet, I took a family photo for them and we made plans for them to visit me in the mainland. I promised to welcome them as warmly as they had welcomed me.

Farewell

Our fourth and final meeting was in Ximending, the day before I left Taiwan. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Xue came to see me off, bringing traditional Taiwanese pineapple cakes and mung bean pastries as farewell gifts.

Over dinner, we talked for hours. There was a bittersweet feeling in the air—I didn’t want to leave. In my heart, I kept repeating, I’ll come back to Taiwan. I’ll see Mr. Xue again. After dinner, he walked me to the bus stop. As the bus pulled away, I watched him standing there, his figure fading in the distance through the rear window. Only when I could no longer see him did I turn my head, overcome with emotion. This friendship made my days in Taiwan feel like I had a home, a family.

Even now, back on the mainland, we stay in touch, both looking forward to our next reunion.