New Tales of Old Shanghai
Creative Primary School , Yeung , Wut Ka Woody - 7
“ H
ey , Ash ! I ’ ve brought HSBC notes to go on our excursion ,” giggled Clemont . “ I know there was HSBC a hundred years ago in Shanghai , we can buy some souvenirs .”
“ Silly boys ,” Professor smiled , “ You can ’ t use the current money in the old days . More importantly , don ’ t forget your mission this time .”
The time machine was ready . Ash and Clemont were ready to go back to Shanghai , dated 22 nd February , 1922 along with a meteorite extinguisher invented by Professor . Yes , their mission was to extinguish a meteorite which would destroy the whole Shanghai city .
Shook , spun around , darkness . They broke into space …. Dazed they felt . It felt as if they rode 10 times on the Space Mountain .
They peeked out the window and could not wait to tour around the Chinese city . They walked excitedly along the Huangpu River . There were grand western-styled buildings along the Bund , such as Shanghai Club and the HSBC building . Traffic was busy with modern and old vehicles . They liked the traditional buildings , the layout on the old streets and were impressed by the bustling market .
“ Awesome ! What a beautiful city ,” Ash exclaimed . “ No wonder it was named the Paris of the East .” “ Oh , Clemont ! See , this is Lianhuanhua , a comic !” screamed out Ash . “ I should buy one ….”
“ Silly , we don ’ t have money !” Clemont stopped suddenly , he couldn ’ t believe his eyes . The money in his pocket became the 1920 ’ s notes .
“ Wow ! We are rich !” Ash and Clemont cheered and felt they were millionaires with just 10 dollars in their hands . Suddenly , they sensed something awkward , like someone was staring at them .
It was a skinny lady carrying a baby upon her back . Around her were 4 more children . All of them were wearing ripped and raggedy clothes , with a look of sadness and desperation .
“ Sorry for bothering you ,” whispered the lady embarrassedly . “ I don ’ t have shelter nor money to buy food . My husband died many months ago in the war .” Suddenly she knelt and children followed . “ I beg you to give me some food for these miserable children . Please , please .” The children started to cry , beg and bow .
Ash and Clemont were shocked by this situation . But they got clear headed and replied with a prompt reaction . They reassured the lady and the children and dispensed the money they had in their hands . They understood the history at that moment . Although Shanghai looked very prosperous and wealthy , there were plenty of poor people struggling for their lives . The lady and children appreciated their generosity .
Suddenly , a meteorite flashed across the sky reminding the boys about their mission . “ Oh no ! We have to go right now ,” said Ash . They hopped into their time machine and flew up 4000 meters into the sky .
Ash was very good at catching . Clemont was excellent at machine operating . They made a good team . They took out with the meteorite extinguisher and focused , shot and bingo .
“ Hooray !” they cheered . “ See you beautiful Shanghai in 2022 !” Their mission had been accomplished .