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Lee Chong\'s grocery ,while not a model of neatness was a miracle of supply. It was small and crowded shop where you can find everything you need. The only thing you don't find in his shop is the thing you can buy across the lot at Dora's. The grocery opens at dawn and does not close until the last man has been served. Not that Lee Chong is greedy for money. He isn't, but if one wants to spend some money, he is available.
Moreover he is like a bank because everyone in Cannery Row owes him money. He never presses his clients, but when the bill became too large, Lee cut off credit. He is round faced and courteous. He speaks a stately English without ever using the letter R. What he does with his money, no one ever knows. Perhaps he doesn't get it.
Maybe his wealth is entirely in unpaid bills. But he lives well and he has the respect of all his neighbours. He tests his clients until further trust becomes ridiculous. Lee Chong\'s station in the grocery is behind the cigar counter. The cash register is then on his left and the abacus on his right. Some very practical minds has tried to divert his attention to another part of the store but they fails.
On the top of the glass is his desk. His fat delicate hands rest on the glass, the fingers moving like small restless sausages. A broad golden wedding ring on the middle finger of his left hand is his only jewellery. Lee\'s mouth is always benevolent and the flash of gold when he smiles is rich and warm. He wears half glasses and if he looks at everything through them, he has to tilt his head back to see in the distance. |
