Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 132

The New Tales of Old Shanghai
Diocesan Preparatory School, Cheung, Chun Yee – 9
T
here was a girl named Abigail, who loved Chinese history and culture. She spent hours after hours reading
Chinese books during her free time. She ate Chinese food, read Chinese books, sang old Chinese songs,
and even wore the old-fashioned cheongsams, too.
Late one night, Abigail suddenly woke up from a deep sleep. She found herself in old Shanghai. She stood
there and couldn't speak a word until a girl came forward and said, "Would you like to come in to dress in
cheongsams?"
Abigail nodded. Then she invited Abigail into a room filled with the largest collection of cheongsams she had
ever seen. Abigail was wide-eyed and speechless. Then the girl said, "Pick an outfit and you can sing a
Chinese song later".
Abigail nodded and said yes.
good at singing at all."
After the girl had left the room, Abigail thought, "Why did I say yes?
She chose a red cheongsam and later she sang, "Ye Shanghai" (that means night in Shanghai).
crystal clear.
I am not
Her voice was
She suddenly appeared in a food court. In front of her were some dumplings and a cup of soya milk.
delighted with her childhood treats. She quickly finished them and was whisked away again.
She was
She was taken to the Jade Buddha Temple, which was divided into three halls and two courtyards. Abigail
visited some other places and then --- Ring!! Abigail's alarm clock chimed. Abigail thought, "I hope to visit
old Shanghai again!"
Sometimes we need to experience history itself, not just read about it in books!