Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 422

The New Tales of Old Shanghai
Singapore International School (Hong Kong), Tam, Katy Zheng Xin – 11
W
hy would they disapprove?” questioned Seth in his impossibly thick American accent. Even at the young
age of 17, his accent was as prominent as his father’s. Lee was the richest kid in Shanghai, and had
everything from girls to brains.
“Seth, I’m…different. I don’t come from a rich family. I’m just another beggar, as desperate as an aging belle
seeking attention.” Noy replied as he took out straw basket and parked himself on the curb, “I’m a nobody: your
parents want you to be hanging out with important figures. Go talk with Lee or Priscilla, I’m not worth it. I may
be funny, but your reputation is more important.” Noy finished and slumped against a pillar, engraved with
political remarks by the protesters that roamed the street occasionally.
“Noy, you’re different than the rest. You’re doing this for your family, and you have done nothing but
suffer throughout this war. I admire you Noy, you have held on through this war while still remaining optimistic.”
Seth commented as Noy turned away and held out his basket, slouching as the basket remained empty. Seth
simply sighed and headed back home, immediately greeted by his servants and overly dressed parents.
“Seth, where have you been?” Seth’s father, Michael, asked as Seth simply shrugged and placed his hands on
the gold infused handrail, then turned when his mother, Olivia, asked him something outrageous.
“Have you been seeing that tramp again? That smelly one who somehow knows information?” she asked
again as Seth’s eyes filled with fury. Yet he did nothing but clench his fists and slam the door that barricaded him
from his parents. What did his parents have against Noy? Noy was just another refugee in their eyes, but to Seth
he was the funniest, most intelligent person he had ever met. Seth’s fists met the walls when he thought of the war
and the discrimination that came with it. However, it was the war that brought him to Noy. Seth connected his
fists with the walls again then slumped down.
“You want to meet Olivia Minter? You? My word you’re silly. Back off, you strange man!” the voice of
Seth’s dad echoed throughout the mansion and flowed through the ears of Seth, who braced himself for what was
to happen and he brought down his backpack. He then panicked down the stairs to see Noy, holding the birthday
card he and Noy made together for his mother. Seth, infuriated by his dad’s words, pushed him away and just
hugged Noy, who hugged back. It was Seth who broke away from the hug, to scold his dad.
“How dare you speak to Noy like that? I can’t believe you! Can’t you tell that not all beggars silly and cruel.
If anything, you have been nothing but silly in believing this kind of behaviour, Michael.” Seth shrieked, to his
parent’s shock and horror. And with that, he slammed the door to the once glamorous mansion and let the metal
gates in front of his house clang shut, dragging Noy and his backpack towards Noy’s usual spot in Shanghai as the
locals on the street held their noses at the pair in disgust.
“Have you tried going away from ‘The Bund’? Seth asked, breaking the tension that enveloped the two.
Noy simply shook his head.
“Japanese officials roam the area, I don’t go there anymore because of them.” Noy replied as he reluctantly
followed Seth down the road that led to the infamous Bund. He helped me set up my sign and sat down next to
me, clutching a basket to his chest as well.