I was blind-sided the other day by two girls requesting help.  They just came up to me outside the Window of the World (Shi Jie Zhi Chuang) subway station and started talking.  Not being used to this, I stopped and answered in Chinese.  The conversation went something like this:

“Oh, you can speak Chinese?”
“Yes, a bit.”
“Can you please help us, we’ve just arrived from Anhui and don’t have any money. We’re hungry.”
<Getting suspicious, I start to fumble around with questions> “Oh, why did you come to Shenzhen?”
“We’re looking for work, can you help us buy some food, we’re really hungry.”
<I notice they don’t look particularly destitute>”Why did you come to Shenzhen without any money?”

At this point I don’t remember the exact answer but it sure did feel like classic Chinese obfuscation.  Some complex narrative about train schedules, family members,  and factories that didn’t make much sense, or I didn’t really understand.  I’m sure it was designed that way.

“So, can you please help us buy some food.”
<Thinking that maybe I can learn something, I make a counter-offer>”OK, let’s go somewhere together and get something to eat.”
<A bit of a confused look>  ”We don’t know any area to eat around here.”
“Oh, why did you come to this area then?”

I get more obfuscating answers.  The conversation is starting to remind me of the book, Mr. China.

“Can you help us; we’re very hungry.”
“What do you want to eat?”
<Eyes darting back to her partner> “Some bread would be fine.”
“Well, there are some places over here.  Let’s go.”

They reluctantly follow and mutter quickly to each other.

“What about this restaurant?”
“Too expensive.”
“OK, what about a convenience store?  There’s one over here.”
“OK.”

At the 7-11 (yes, they are quite common here)…

“Here is some bread.  Get something to drink.”

I end up buying some break, fish balls, and drinks for them (and some Menthos for myself).  Outside, I don’t recall getting a thank-you right away, but as I was about to walk off, the conversation continued:

“Can you help us out again please, we don’t have a place to stay tonight.”
“You don’t have a place to stay?”
“No, we don’t have a place to stay and we’re afraid to stay outside.”
“Why did you come here without a place to stay?”
<I don’t understand the answer entirely> “Our family will be here tomorrow and they can pay you back.  Give me your phone number.  Can you help us out tonight?”
“Where do you want to stay?”
“There’s a hotel over there.” <Vague pointing>
“How much is it?”
“Twenty-five RMB.” (less than $4)

Awkward pause while I think some more.

“Can you help us?  We’re afraid to stay outside.”
“No.  You should have asked me before.  You only asked for food and I gave it to you.  I don’t want to pay for a hotel now.”
<Contrite looks> “Sorry.  It’s no problem.”

They saunter off.

A couple of days later, another pair of girls approach me.  This time they grab my shirt and say, “We’re hungry.”  One of them looks familiar, not sure though.  I just pull my shirt away and keep walking.

So far, telling this story to various Chinese people yields a 100% opinion rating that this is grift.  Not surprising.  Too bad for the people who are legitimately in need.  Still though, why come to Shenzhen the day before your family shows up with no money and no place to stay.  Obviously, it doesn’t add up.  What do you think?