In a dark corner, there lay a wrinkled old coat. Its exterior was covered in mud, appearing worn and dirty. Not far from it, on the same table, lay a piece of pristine linen fabric. The fabric boasted beautiful patterns and exquisite craftsmanship. “Soon,” thought the linen, “I will be transformed into a splendid coat.”
The old coat overheard the linen’s excitement and asked, “Why are you laughing, Linen?” The linen glanced at the worn coat and replied, “I’m laughing because I don’t care about you. Look at yourself—stuck in that trash bin. I find you repulsive.”
Before the old coat could retort, their owner picked it up. The linen, now a new coat, was also chosen. As the owner put on the new coat, they layered it over the old one. The linen noticed something familiar—the old coat, discarded in a corner. It couldn’t resist and asked, “When did you escape from the trash bin?”
“I didn’t end up in the trash bin,” the old coat said slowly. “Initially, I thought my owner had discarded me there, but it turned out they took me to the dry cleaner’s. They used a stick to beat me vigorously, knocking off all the dirt and mud. ‘Did it hurt?’” Linen, despite not liking this companion, still asked with concern.
“Of course, it hurt,” replied the old coat. “But afterward, when I felt clean, it was worth it. Look at me now—I’m much cleaner than before.” Linen examined the old coat closely and admitted, “Indeed, you’re much cleaner now, and even more beautiful. Sometimes enduring a little hardship pays off.”
