From Internet Sensation to Humble Routine: The Enduring Legacy of Ms. Han's 10-Yuan Coffee

As Mother's Day approaches, Ms. Han prepares to carry on with her business as usual, declining her 53-year-old daughter's offer to help. This independence stems from her deep love for her children, wishing for them to live better lives without the burden of her workload. Having supported her family as a procurement officer in her youth, Ms. Han has always adhered to the principle of "drink first, pay later," exemplifying her commitment to integrity over the past 30 years. When asked about the secret to her success, her response was unexpectedly straightforward: "I put it on the counter and brew it for you; being open and honest is the key to trust."

A year after becoming an overnight sensation, the small sugarcane juice shop in Nanjing has returned to its humble roots. The once-thriving crowds of tourists and livestreamers have dissipated, replaced by the familiar faces of locals, such as elderly men walking their birds and housewives buying groceries. Despite the decrease in foot traffic, Ms. Han remains committed to her daily routine, selling over 200 cups of sugarcane juice and dozens of cups of coffee. Her coffee, famously made with three instant coffee packets, still retains its original price of 10 yuan.

Ms. Han reflected on her unexpected rise to fame, saying, "I still can't believe it. I've been doing this for years, and suddenly, I'm all over the internet." When asked about the current state of her business, she replied, "It's back to normal, but better than before. I sell around 200 cups of sugarcane juice and a few dozen cups of coffee every day. The price remains the same: 7 yuan for a medium-sized sugarcane juice, 10 yuan for a large one, and 10 yuan for a cup of coffee." She also revealed that she has rejected over 10 business collaborations, preferring to maintain her simple and humble approach to entrepreneurship.

Ms. Han's determination to preserve her independence is rooted in her desire to not burden her children. She has always been self-sufficient, even in her younger years when she worked as a procurement officer to support her family. When asked about her plans for the future, she said, "I'll keep running the shop as long as my body allows me. If I'm no longer able to, then I'll stop. I've been doing this for over 30 years, and I've always prioritized honesty and integrity in my business dealings." Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one's values, even in the face of unexpected fame and fortune.

Ms. Han's life philosophy is centered around hard work, selflessness, and a deep, abiding love for her family. She embodies a humble and unassuming attitude, preferring to shoulder burdens herself rather than inconvenience others, exemplifying a profound and simple yet powerful approach to life. Through her steadfast approach to life, Ms. Han demonstrates that true fulfillment can be found in the simple, everyday acts of kindness and hard work, rather than in the pursuit of fame or wealth. Her commitment to not increasing prices, even in the face of fame, underscores her dedication to her community and her values, making her a paragon of integrity and a reminder that true success lies in living a simple, genuine life.