I thought ‘return it when you can' was clear enough. - Ming

Ming's business was thriving. Life was good.

When he saw his sister juggling postgraduate education and part-time work to pay her tuition, he offered to help with her school fees. "You can return the money when you have a job," he said.

She was grateful and relieved.

When she experienced harassment while on public transport, Ming offered to help with the downpayment for a car. "You need to be safe," he told her.

Ming also helped his wife's family when his in-laws lost the roof over their heads. He provided the downpayment for an apartment. They had nowhere else to go, and he had the means to help.

Years passed. Ming's business became volatile. The steady profits dried up. Cash flow became tight. He needed to pull back on expenses and shore up his reserves.

Ming reached out to his sister, who had progressed well in her career, and his in-laws, who were now in good financial positions. "I need to ask for the money back," he said. "Things are tough right now."

They were surprised. "We thought you gave us the money," they said. "You never said these were loans."

Ming protested. "I said you could return it when you were able. That implies a loan."

They shook their heads. "It wasn't clear that the money transferred were loans."

They pointed out that they had shown gratitude and appreciation over the years. Gifts, snacks, birthday presents. Hadn't that been enough?

Besides, they argued, Ming was not in sufficiently dire straits. Unlike his in-laws' situation back then, Ming had not lost his apartment. Additionally, Ming's wife was a working professional and should be able to support his basic living costs.

"We have other essential expenditure," they explained. "Family trips. Dining at restaurants. The children's enrichment classes. We don't have spare cash right now."

Ming sat in stunned silence.