'Whoever does not travel in summer is an idiot,' boy, 8, tells dad's boss

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An eight-year-old Chinese boy decided to take matters into his own hands and attempt to convince his father's boss to give his father time off so the family can travel during summer break.

Using the power of words, the boy wrote a letter to the boss earlier this week, which has since been read by scores of Internet users on the Chinese blogosphere, even though it has yet to reach the hands of the employer.

“Dear father’s boss, summer vacation is here. Xiaoming (who is suspected to be the boy's friend at school) and his mother and father are traveling, and I also want to have fun. But my dad says he's busy at work. Can you give him a few days off?" the letter read.

And as if this was not convincing enough, the boy innocently proceeded to relay the very wise words of Xiaoming.

"Xiaoming told me whoever does not go traveling in the summer is an idiot," the boy said.

The note written by the boy. /Photo via Weibo

The polite and sincere request made the boy’s father laugh, although that wasn't enough for him to hand it in to his employer. Instead, the man surnamed Yang posted it on China's Twitter-like Weibo, quipping that he is in a dilemma as to whether he should submit it to his boss.

Needless to say, the photo of the note went viral, with Xiaoming's sharpness gathering substantial followership of netizens.

Screenshot of Yang's post. /Photo via Weibo

Many laughed as hot summer days may not be optimal for traveling.

“My dear, you may never know this but those who go traveling in summer can be idiots,” said user @Chuguijun.

Other netizens urged Yang to hand in the note as his boss must have seen the note online.

“Tell me your boss’s account and tag him in the post. We would like to help you,” said @Zhaxue310.

Some social media users hoped the kid would get the family time he is asking for.

“I hope the father can get a holiday this summer and a chance to show his child around,” said @Tacitness.

Yang said he is an IT worker in Beijing, and his son, whose nickname is Lele, is in primary school. He had promised Lele a trip to southwest China’s Sichuan Province but the family could not make it.

“The note is not handed in yet. But after all this, I’m determined to take Lele on the trip,” said Yang.

Many netizens were inspired by the letter, initiating their own campaign to ask for leave from work quoting the little boy's friend.

“Tomorrow is our marriage anniversary. We want a holiday. Xiaoming said whoever does not go traveling in the summer is an idiot.”

“Tomorrow is our marriage anniversary. We want a holiday. Xiaoming said whoever does not go traveling in the summer is an idiot.” / Photo via Weibo

“I have been working overtime for a month. I want to travel with my girlfriend. Xiaoming said whoever does not go traveling in the summer is an idiot.” /Photo via Weibo

“I was told to change my design sample 20 times. I want a holiday to take a rest. Xiaoming said whoever does not go traveling in the summer is an idiot.” /Photo via Weibo