Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 140

The New Tales of Old Shanghai
Discovery Bay International School, Arons, Cynthia – 13
Mei Lin Shu walked home with her twin sister, Wei Yong Shu. At home, they went up to their room to start studying.
Wei sat down and opened her books. Mei dropped her bag down and sat down. There was a sealed letter on her desk.
Mei picked it up and turned it over. The front was blank.
“Wei, did you get a letter?” Mei asked
“What kind?” Wei asked. Mei shook her head.
“Never mind.” The letter was sealed shut with a red, delicately patterned seal. Carefully, Wei undid the seal and pulled
out the paper from inside. Unfolding it, she admired the elegant writing. She started to read, her eyes widening.
July 12, 1937
Dear,
The Whangpoo River is being frequented more by warboats. It must be an indication of what is to come. You know,
today, I caught a really big fish. I made a lot of profit. Earlier, these soldiers came by and told me that I had to give up
my job here to fight in the army as they didn’t have enough people. They said that it was an order from General Chiang
Kai-Shek. They expect me t