In front of Mei , stood a grand 3-storey building . It made her feel like she was a princess in a royal court . High-arched windows reflected the rising sun . Morning dew on the brown brick wall dripped like melting chocolate .
“ Come in .” said Peter . Mei was calm on the outside , yet she almost had her pounding heart in her mouth . They walked and were welcomed by a long red carpet and a guard you would see outside Buckingham Palace in London . This was a totally new experience for a poor girl like Mei . Famous paintings of the Bund lined the elaborately painted walls . Mei felt like a tiny ant in an immense grand room suddenly .
Soon , a tall western man with a beard walked in and was shocked , “ Who is that , Peter ?” “ This is my friend Mei , dad .” The word “ friend ” made Mei feel special , as if she had drunk nectar .
“ I told you not to bring any strangers in here , RIGHT !??” His dad roared and made Peter stagger back . Mei was shocked and embarrassed . She quickly lowered her head and said to Peter , “ I ’ m sorry . I ’ ll go right now .” “ No , it ’ s okay . I ’ ll explain to him .” Turning his head back to his dad , Peter calmly explained , “ Dad , this girl helped to polish your leather shoes that shone like stars . Can we play in my room ?” Mr . Palmer realized he overacted and scarred the little girl . “ Fine , just don ’ t bother me .” Mr . Palmer replied .
Delightedly , Mei stayed in the Palmer ’ s home for a month . She worked in the day and helped with house chores at night . The Palmers appreciated her help and allowed her to stay . She was given her favourite beige western dress . This was a 180 ° change in her life .
After one year of peace , Shanghai was disrupted by the Japanese invasion . It was a nightmare for all the people , including the Palmers . The Japanese bombs hit Shanghai and they took control of the whole place . The Bund was changed from heaven , to a land of misery and devastation .”
One day , Mr . and Mrs . Palmer were whispering in each other ’ s ears . Workers came in and out of their house , carrying furniture . Guards and maids were packing up .
Deep at night , Mr . Palmer suddenly came into Peter ’ s room and stopped their game of hide-and-seek . He quietly said , “ Come down to the front door quickly .” Peter and Mei didn ’ t have time to react and were panicking . “ What happened ? Why ?” They panted as they ran down to the front door . There , the whole family was waiting with anxious looks .
“ Let ’ s go .” Mr . Palmer said . “ Where are we going , dad ?” “ Shhh ... we are leaving Shanghai to a safe place .” “ Where ?” “ Hong Kong .” Peter and Mei didn ’ t know what was happening , but quietly followed .
The sky was ghost-black and the houses around stood in the ruin like wounded soldiers . It became a ghost port . All of the Palmers boarded the ship and started their journey to Hong Kong .”
The journey was harsh with fierce storms and inadequate food . The story didn ’ t end after they managed to arrive at Hong Kong after a week . When Mei was 18 , she was married to Peter and they had sons , daughters , grandsons , granddaughters and on and on .
“ This true story didn ’ t happen to me . Mei and Peter were my great-grandparents .” “ You , my dear , are her great-great-great granddaughter .”