Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 274

The New Tales of Old Shanghai
Kingston International School, Chan, Sofie - 8
I
can see the Bund! I can see Disneyland!” I whooped in the cabin.
“Sofie, stay calm and fasten your safety belt. We are going to land” mum said.
“Mum, I am so excited with this family trip.”
In Pudong International Airport, a man in his turquoise Zhongshan suit was waiting for us. He was a
tourist guide called Bo.
“Welcome to Shanghai!” he said in his deep voice.
His face was pale and senescent. He tilted his head and smiled at me mysteriously. I shuddered and stared
at him suspiciously.
“You guys must have an unforgettable trip with me! Follow me! I will escort you a wonderful place to
eat” said Bo.
Bo sent us to a Chinese garden. Crooked bridges, rounded gates, exquisite rockeries, red lanterns…were
all around.
“This is Yu Yuan.”, introduced Bo.
Yu Yuan Garden was stunning. The lake was green like a precious piece of jade. I heard frogs singing
their national croak song and turtles splashing down the lake for a swim. Orange and yellow goldfish swam
peacefully in the pond. The smell of the fresh plants filled the air. Golden sunlight shone in the pond, making
everything sparkle. Bo led us to a mid-lake pavilion and finally we reached an antique teahouse.
When we reached the teahouse, a smartly dressed waiter marched out and welcomed us. He led to an
agalwood table, covered in a lilac tablecloth.
“Xiaolongbao is the most famous dish here. You must try!”, suggested Bo.
In a minute, the steaming Xiaolongbao was ready in a bamboo container.
“Wow!! The buns smell fabulous! My tummy is rumbling now so dig in!” My brother, Aiden urged,
picking up his chopsticks.
We all fetched the buns and started munching. Suddenly, my sights started blurred. I squeezed my eyes shut
but still, saw stars and clouds spinning.
“What happened?” asked myself with fears.
I tried to take a deep breath but couldn’t control my body. I heard Bo’s deep voice, “Don’t you like
Shanghai? Don’t you like?”
In a bit of haze, I fell through a dark hurricane .
***
“Ouch!” I yelled. I opened my eyes and shuddered.