Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 126

Mei was very kind to me. She tendered to my every need as I recovered and helped me improve my Chinese. We
had fun sharing secrets and acting like long-lost friends. An afternoon could pass by in a flash when we just sat
there in the tailor shop, watching passers-by, taking turns imitating their walking pace, position and style, giggling at
each other's imitation. We became great friends, the closest companion I had ever had, really.
One night, I suddenly remembered the real purpose of me being in Shanghai - to spy for my father. How could I
have possibly forgotten about that? I felt guilty, but come to think of it, I had been gone for about weeks, and if he
really worried about me, he would have sent one of his minions to come get me, so I doubted my father had been
concerned about my safety, seeing the fact that all he actually cared about was his fame and reputation. As these
thoughts went through me, my guilt lessened, and I gradually fell asleep.
When I was well enough to walk again, Mei asked,' Do you want me to guide you on a tour around the city to see
what it is like inside the Wall? It's pretty amazing.' I delightfully agreed as this was the only part of my journey that
was related to my task, and taking in some fresh air would be great too.
As we went for a stroll, Mei took me to a nearby graveyard. 'Kazuki, my cousin Xiu and her family lost all their
possessions and were killed when the Japanese pirates raided their home few years earlier.' As Mei was retelling this
dark part of their family history, tears filled her eyes. I tried my best to comfort her but in actual fact, I felt horrible
that I sort of hurt Mei and I was too ashamed to tell her my genuine role.
We proceeded and went to a small traditional Shanghai tea house. I was speechless when Mei opened the door to
the restaurant. It was old Shanghai at its best with mesmerising chandeliers and classy aprons. We had a nice cup of
tea to soothe both of our feelings. When the waitress served our tea, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing a
conspicuously rough scar on her right arm. Out of curiosity, I blurted out,' What happened?' pointing to the
waitress's scar. She sighed and explained 'Few years ago, I was caught by a Japanese pirate, and by that time the City
was in ruins and they had started killing everyone they saw. I was frightened and I knew death was near. I was still a
child back then, and I shrieked so loud that it annoyed them, so they just cut my arm deep, told me to shut up and
let me go.'
I bit my lips, and nodded gravely, and my stomach turned upside down.
It was twilight, and it was about time I left. Mei asked like an anxious mother, worried about her child, 'Are you
sure you know the way back? Be careful, it’s dark out there!' I assured her that there would be no problem.
We hugged, and as we drifted apart, she reminded me of the Japanese pirates down west and banned me from going
there. I grimaced and nodded, hating myself for not having the courage to confess, yet grateful that she truly cared
for me, unlike my horrible father.
No matter how hard I tried to keep all this emotional struggle inside me, Mei smelled something fishy. She saw my
uneasy face, and asked unsteadily, 'Are you ... alright?' I felt horribly ashamed but managed to force out a strained yes.
Tears started to stream down my face uncontrollably, I just didn't know what to do. Telling Mei the truth would
leave her heartbroken, but would keeping it from her make it any better? I doubted that. She was the only person
who really cared for me, and she deserved better, did she not? How could I betray the only friend that I ever had?
How could I? I heaved a sigh, wishing all this drama would just disappear. I took a deep breath, opened my mouth
but not a single word came out. Mei was puzzled, but understanding, seeing that it wasn't something I was eager to
explain, she didn't push it any further.
I wrapped my arms around Mei, looked at her for the last time, and hastened my pace, away from her, away from
Shanghai, away from the Chinese City.