Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 231

The New Tales of Old Shanghai
Heep Yunn Primary School, Lee, Shania – 11
I
n early 1940, there was a girl named Xiao Qing who went to find a job in Shanghai for her poor family. She
had no special skills so she could only be a showgirl in a big night club. The Paramount was a major
entertainment thoroughfare and a meeting place for the wealthy elite of Shanghai society. It was the largest
ballroom in Shanghai before 1949. Soon, Xiao Qing became the most popular dancer there and she was famous
for her beauty.
On a dull, grey-clouded morning, Xiao Qing dragged her tired body home. On her way back, she had a
car accident.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a handsome young man looking at her worriedly. He was called Hung
and apologized for his careless driving right away. Xiao Qing was deeply mesmerized by Hung’s charming face.
She stayed in hospital for one month and Hung came every day to visit her. Both of them were bewitched with
each other’s looks.
Xiao Qing started to work in the night club again after she had recovered. Hung did not know that she was
a nightclub showgirl. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Hung the truth, so she had decided to keep this secret until
one night Hung arrived at the night club. There was a charity party in Paramount when Hung came with his
father who worked for the Chamber of Commerce.
‘You know the mask of night is on my face; or you would see me blush for that which you have heard me
say. I would deny everything, but cannot. You must be troubled in your mind and think my behavior light,’ said
Xiao Qing. With a dishonourable calm, Hung left her behind without any words.
Two years later, they met with each other in a theatre. Xiao Qing had already quit her job at the night club
and Hung regretted his impulsive behaviour. They had missed each other profusely and they swore that they
would not keep secrets from each other ever again.
One night, Hung brought Xiao Qing home to have dinner and decided to introduce her to his father.
However, his father remembered that Xiao Qing was the showgirl at the Paramount night club and forbade Hung
in meeting Xiao Qing again.
One year later, Hung’s dad went bankrupt. At this moment, Xiao Qing offered a helping hand in offering
money to help Hung’s family. Hung’s father was really touched by Xiao Qing’s offer and sincerity so agreed to
Xiao Qing and Hung’s marriage. At last, they all lived happily ever after.