A small incident involving a QR code reservation highlighted the simple kindness between people.
Yesterday, I went to the public service hall for some errands. Initially, it seemed like just another routine task.
Before leaving, my partner said we should arrive early. I thought he had already arranged everything online. However, upon arrival, there was a prominent QR code scanning prompt at the entrance.
I asked him, 'Did you make any reservations?' He calmly replied, 'No.' At that moment, I felt a bit anxious because many services now require prior online booking and queuing based on time slots. Without a reservation, it's likely to be a wasted trip.
Quickly, I pulled out my phone to scan the QR code and entered the reservation page. Fortunately, there was still an available slot for our business. I filled in the information and submitted the reservation, finally stabilizing the situation.
While I was operating, two people nearby were watching intently. After a while, one of them, a middle-aged woman, asked me shyly, 'How did you make that reservation?'
I explained while watching her open her phone. It was easier to talk about it, but when she actually started operating, she still found it confusing where to click. The man next to her had the same issue; he opened the page but didn't know what to do next.
Seeing their anxiety, I took over and helped them fill in the information, select a time slot, and submit the reservation successfully.
It wasn’t much effort, taking only a few minutes. But they kept thanking me, saying it was troublesome. Their genuine gratitude softened my heart.
Later, we waited for our number in the hall. We chatted about what had just happened, making the wait seem less tedious.
On the way back, I thought: Services are indeed becoming more convenient with many processes moved online, reducing long queues and unnecessary trips. However, convenience comes at a cost; you need to know how to use these systems.
For younger people, scanning codes, registering, selecting services, and filling out information might be second nature. But for older individuals or those who rarely interact with such online processes, each step can be challenging.
They don’t want to learn; they’re not trying to cause trouble. They are genuinely left behind by these changes.
This realization made me reflect. Today, we can easily open our phones and complete reservations. But who can guarantee that when we grow old, we will still be able to handle new systems, rules, and technologies with ease?
Perhaps then, we too might stand at a window, holding a phone in confusion; perhaps we would hope someone nearby would stop and patiently say, 'Let me help you.'
The kindness between people doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just helping someone tap their phone a few times, pointing out directions, or explaining a process.
Technology can make life more efficient, but what makes life warm is always the human touch.
May we extend this patience when we can still help others, and may we one day find similarly kind people when we need assistance.
