But they weren’t immediately inseparable. “When we were younger, we were both very busy and didn’t really spend much time together,” Tan said. “It was only in the past 10 years or so that we gradually became closer.”
One thing that helped? Mahjong. Tay said Tan’s home became a private space where their group of friends could relax away from their very public careers. “You can really see a person’s character through playing mahjong,” Tay said, adding that Tan was gracious and easy-going, regardless of whether she won or lost.
Tan jokingly protested that her friend was revealing too much. “Don’t spill so many secrets!” she said. “Talking about mahjong might seem like we’re encouraging people to gamble.”
The friendship extended to their families as well. Tay described Tan as thoughtful and respectful towards elders, recalling how she would visit Tay’s mother and bring her food. Tan is also close to Tay’s children and has travelled overseas with the family. “Through these small gestures, I felt her sincerity,” Tay said.
Read Full Article At Source
