in the 1980 s, all shops were state-owned with marked prices. you couldnt buy what you wanted with even one cent short, so one cent could indeed embarrass a hero. a popular song at that time started “i picked up one cent at the roadside, and i handed it over to the policeman…” but now no one cares to pick it up even if it were ten cents.
peoples reverence for money is expressed in varied ways. the names of companies or stores are often “beer of wealth and honor”，“restaurant of wealth and rank” “store of the aristocrats” “hotel of fame and prestige” etc. （even some peoples names have the meanings of “full of gold” or “great fortune”）。 at new years time, the god of wealth is worshiped and the picture of the god is covered with signs of money. when a millionaire is walking in the street, people will show their profound respect even though they know very well that they can not get a cent from him. the english film “the million-pound note” makes a most vivid revelation of this situation. with the million pound note in hand, the hero has the privilege to buy on credit, or on loan and is even presented money from others. its an idealized end of the story that the hero is still loved by his girl friend even after he lost his million-pound note. however, without the million-pound note, they couldnt have known each other. its very difficult for people to make friends directly with beggars.
