Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 2020complete | Page 623

“Ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you will find us in the “No Name's Land!” As Lee shouted, a shooting
star hurled from nowhere in front of W.
It was a grenade.
1 st January, 2054, the official establishment of the “No Name’s Land”
“Wakey, wakey,” Priscilla Chan’s timekeeper blared at 2 p.m. Her secretary, Mia approached her from
behind in the office.
A month had passed since a plethora of people have moved their residences in the “No Name’s Land”,
including Ms Chan’s headquarter company. Nonetheless, the unflaggingly successful operation of the
Mysterious Refreshments has once again proved themselves not to disappoint the intensifying number of
consumers. She even loved the way her company has become now in the “No Name’s Land”, prosperous
and appealing to all.
“Boss, reporters will be coming in a minute. Is there anything urgent?” Mia said.
“Mia, please close the back gates, leaving only the front entrance for me to greet them.” Despite Ms Chan’s
grim order, she still feared the company operation was encumbered by crowds of reporters.
“Roger that.” Mia faded in the dark. It was just her hologram.
At length, Ms Chan spotted a crowd of cameramen and journalists darting ahead at the main entrance. She
took a deep breath, keeping a constant pace towards the crowd.
“Okay, okay, one question at a time.” Already she had butterflies in her stomach as she was facing
microphones while TV cameras shot close-ups.
“Congratulations, Ms Chan, The Mysterious Refreshments has been declared the most prevalent beverage
company internationally.” A young man popped up among the crowd.
“Well Put!”
“What is considered your secret recipe which can even outrun The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo?”
“I would say innovation and indefatigability.”
It was then the question of another journalist caught her. “You were once a professor in the University of
Hong Kong, how can you give up your students?”
“Rumours have it. Is it true that you commit bribery for the success of your company?” Another lady asked.
“Let’s cut to the chase. What is your unfavourable experience as a professor?” Then, cameras were flashing
up and down.
“I'm, uh... I'm sorry… I need to go. Thanks so much everyone, for coming…” As she started to leave, she
gulped and swallowed as she tried to calm herself.
31st December, 2056, in “No Name’s Land”.
Neo knew, back in his house, the trackers of his whitewashed fences will incessantly blare until he was
“well-groomed” under the hands of the officers in Territory 10. Even at the moment, he still couldn’t get
rid of stealing, probably still haunted by his own past. He was always agitated when he failed to surmount his
troubled past.