Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4567 | Page 2

Shanghai’s Shrieking 20s
Carmel School Association Elsa High School, Idan-Cummins, Arya – 14
T
he smell of alcohol filled the smoky room. Ladies, in short, shimmering dresses moved to the soothing rhythm of jazz.
The club seemed to be split in two; at one end sat the English, all very smart looking in bowties with cigars in their
hands. On the other side, sat the Chinese. A throng of men covered from head to toe in tattoos. They lounged like lions,
confident and powerful. In the centre of the crowd sat a small man. He wore a silk robe with three embroidered small
monkey heads.
The man rose, stiffening the room. He was escorted to the bar by three men, his silver robe gliding behind him.
“One Gin Rickey.”
Except for the gentle jazz playing, the room fell silent. The bartender’s shaking hand placed the drink on the table
and he recoiled behind the drinks. The terror could almost be smelt in the room. The man sipped his drink, the chatting and
smoking had started again. The night continued, the jazz almost drowned out by the play of mahjong tiles, the smell of
alcohol strong in the air.
As the night grew older, more people came in to enjoy the club. One of them a handsome English man. As he
strode in, his slick brown hair stayed in place, his shoulders were squared and his smile was confident.
He headed towards the almost empty bar, sitting down next to the silver robed man.
“Du Yuesheng?”
The silver robed man turned towards him, sending whispers through the room. His three escorts stood, their
muscles tensing through their jackets.
“I am he,” Du Yuesheng replied. “What business do you have here?”
The Englishman opened his jacket revealing three bags of an earthy brown powder.
“Just as your men and I discussed: three bags imported from India for three hundred grand.”
Du Yuesheng raised his eyebrows. “Yes, three bags of opium.”
He flicked his hand at one of his men who left the room and came back with a black case about a foot long. Du
Yuesheng opened the case filled with 300 grand in cash. Around him everyone was silent. The Englishman's eyes glowed. He
cautiously put the bags on the counter. While his demeanour was confident his hands trembled when he picked up the case.
“A pleasure doing business with you.”
With that, the Englishman picked up the case and walked out.
~
The sun was out the next morning, shining and bright, just like the Englishman's mood. After a successful business
transaction, he was in a jubilant frenzy, eager to celebrate, to spend some of his money.
The liquor store was just down the street. The sign was made of wood and the words “Liquor and Cigars” were
written in both English and Chinese in a mustard yellow colour. The Englishman entered the shop, the smell of damp wood
filled his nose.
“Hello Richard, would you like the usual?” The sales clerk stood by the cigar cabinet, already opening it.
“Hello Mr Lee. Actually, today, the best you have. Something of best quality. I am celebrating today, you see. I
need something a bit fancier.”
“Well, we have some quality Cubans, but if you want to celebrate may I suggest the Cohibas; they are of the best
quality and beautifully aromatic, I would say.”
For the first time, Richard noticed how impeccable Mr Lee’s English was. He wondered if it was because of his
frequent English clients or if he studied the language. He dismissed the thought.