Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4567 | Page 17

Old Shanghai
Cheung Chuk Shan College, Li, Jerry - 14
I
stepped into a mysterious street with the name Shanghai Street. There was absolute silence in the street, with rubbish
and fallen leaves. The wind swirled up the leaves and made the street bleaker. With no sound and no sense of breath, I
carefully stumbled, avoiding making any sound that will break the peace.
A sound was getting louder while I was walking. Was it from the quarrel between a couple? Or was it a sound of an
antique musical instrument? Neither. As soon as I hobbled, the voice became clearer. It was the grin and laughter of a
group of people.
In front of me stood a grand and hold nightclub. There were two men wearing formal tidy suits that welcomed me
enthusiastically. I entered. There were: golden tables, golden chairs, golden tights, with lots of people gathering wearing
luxurious and extravagant clothes. Such a feast for the eyes. There were slot machines, which I liked the most. I
instinctively walked towards them and made my first attempt. The excited I experienced was amazing.
“Thank you for your support sir,” the waiter served me politely.
I ordered a bottle of water and a piece of cake.
“Here you go. Please enjoy and it costs $810,”
I put down a 1000 dollar note and left.
I went on my journey. This time I went to a factory. The noise of the machines was annoying. It was a totally different
picture comparing this to the nightclub. With people grumbling it seemed like Hell.
“Here comes your dinner!” A man exclaimed.
All the workers queued and got their precious supper, which was only a piece of bread. But expectantly there was no joy
shown on their faces. They quickly swallowed the food and continued their chores.
“What are you doing kid? It’s not a place for you. Get out! The man ordered
I was expelled from the factory and left this place with blood, sweat and
Tears. Shanghai a city of both heaven and hell.