2023 Tomb Sweeping Holiday, 怀念我真人Chatgpt 助理
About 20 years ago, there was no ChatGPT or smartphones. Only computers and the most popular instant messaging tool at the time, MSN Messenger, were used by Chinese white-collar workers. I had a friend on MSN Messenger who contacted me via email after reading my personal blog.
I liked writing blogs but didn’t like editing them. When I learned that she was the executive assistant of Siemens, a Beijing native, and a high-achieving graduate of a 985 university, I joked that she could help me with my writing. Every time she finished editing, she would send me the first draft via MSN Messenger, and the next morning, she would send me the edited version, making significant changes to the tone and wording. After her editing, the writing became smooth, and the readability increased significantly. Also, many of my straightforward and direct expressions were modified to be more elegant and refined, and there were no spelling mistakes.
We maintained this pen pal relationship for several years. Finally, one day, I asked her out for dinner and arranged to meet at a restaurant near the Siemens Building where she worked. I remember she was tall, about 180cm, had no makeup on, wore flat shoes, and was very easy-going. I noticed that she didn’t talk much and preferred to listen. During the dinner, I talked non-stop, and she just listened quietly.
That was the only time we met, and after that day, we returned to our respective lives. I continued to write, and she continued to edit, sending me the edited version the next day. I had become accustomed to having such a helpful assistant.
Several years later, one day, her MSN Messenger signature changed to “Resting for a while, unable to reply, please forgive me.” Also, she did not respond to my inquiries.
Months later, she left a message on MSN Messenger saying, “I am XXX’s mother. XXX passed away due to an incurable illness on XXX year, month, and day. Her farewell ceremony will be held at Babaoshan on XXX year, month, and day. As her friend, please attend.”
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. After thinking for a long time and hesitating for several days, I finally mustered the courage to reply on MSN Messenger: “I am Tu Nan, XXX’s pen pal. She helped me edit many blog articles in the past, and I am grateful. Please accept my condolences. I will attend the farewell ceremony on time.”
Soon, she replied: “XXX mentioned you many times. She passed away quickly without much pain.”
On the day of the farewell ceremony, I wore a black suit, arrived at Babaoshan on time, and her funeral hall was packed with her friends, colleagues, and relatives, with more than 200 people attending. I presented the flowers I had prepared, bowed in silence, and she lay there quietly, young and with no makeup, just like when I had met her. She looked peaceful in her sleep.
I found her mother and said, “I am Tu Nan, your daughter’s pen pal.” Her mother was very friendly and didn’t show much emotion, just quietly saying, “Nice to meet you.”
Time passed, and I left Beijing to develop in Shenzhen. MSN Messenger was replaced by new mobile communication methods, and I lost contact with her family completely.
She quietly helped me edit my writing, and had a significant impact on me. Many times, I have wondered, why were there so many people attending her farewell ceremony? What is the meaning of life?