Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 497

The Ghost of the Jade Heirloom
Victoria Shanghai Academy, Choi, Ethan – 10
D
ad, but I want to go to the amusement park”, complained 10-year-old Jim as the taxi brought the Turner
family to a stop in front of the antique shop in Shanghai.
“Mum, antique shops are so boring! Don’t tell me we travelled twelve hours on a plane just to go to a
dusty old antique shop”, 11-year-old Nicholas cried out in dismay.
Mum explained, “Dad needs to find some Chinese antique pieces for his customer’s office. We can do
something else tomorrow.”
Jim sighed. “This is so boring. The shop is giving me the creeps. Hey, Nicholas, let’s play tag!” Nicholas
and Jim played tag in the shop and accidentally knocked a vase over. “Oops! It’s probably worthless
anyways. Let’s just kick it under that chair.”
Smoke bellowed from the broken vase and an angry ghost emerged from the vase. The ghost was tall and
slim. His hair was long and he had intimidating eyes. “You disrespectful foreigners! The vase you broke belonged
to the Chen family and it was a family heirloom. I’m going to teach you a lesson.” Jim and Nicholas were sucked
into the remains of the broken vase.
When the smoke cleared, the boys were amazed. Not only were they not in the antique shop, but they were
also not in the same timeline.
Jim whispered to Nicholas “Hey, look at that! This building looks familiar! It looks like the antique shop
but a lot more stylish.
Nicholas replied “What do we do now? How can we get back to our parents?”
The ghost whispered in the boys’ ears “Your attitude towards Chinese history and culture were very
rude. You are now in Old Shanghai in the year 1939. I am bringing you to the Chen family’s house, where the
jade vase you broke was made. Find a way to work for this family and redeem yourselves. If your attitude changes
towards Chinese history and culture, I will bring you back to the present..” When Jim and Nicholas arrived at the
Chen family’s home, the ghost disappeared.
At the front door, Jim and Nicholas heard Mr and Mrs Chen talking.
“Hey! Lets create something symbolic that represents our family!” Mr Chen said to his wife.
Mrs Chen answered “That surely is a great idea! Remember that I am good at making vases? Let’s make a
jade vase worthy of a family heirloom.”
“That sounds like an opportunity to help.” Jim said excitedly.
“Let’s knock on the door to offer our help!” NIcholas agreed.
Jim and Nicholas knocked on the door. Mr Chen opened the door. “May I help you kids?” He asked.
“Sir, we are new in town. We heard that you want to make a vase that represents your family. Can we work for
you for free room and board?” Mrs Chen appeared at the door and said “Do you have any experience in making
vases?” Nicholas answered “No, but we are fast learners. And, we have no place to stay. Please help us.” Mr Chen
agreed and showed them to their room.