Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 304

Wang Lin, Lin Ye, Li, Yuan and I were invited to the opening ceremony. Along with the Huangdi, of course. There was a
rosy- red satin ribbon to cut. I was given a pair of scissors and on the count of three, I snipped away at the ribbon. The Jade
Pagoda was open. I was the first to go in the new building, admiring all the embossed items and woodwork. There was an
extravagant foyer, complete with chandelier, fountain and miniature potted plants. It was a work of art!
I went into the lounge. It took up half of the first floor. It had floor-to-ceiling windows, showing the view of the
Huangpu, and large, plump sofas. A large 60-inch television was on the wall, showing the CCTV China News. There was
a tea table, complete with teapot and teacups. There was another table filled with traditional Chinese snacks like fortune
cookies; steamed rice rolls and various buns including custard buns, sesame buns, steamed buns with Yuzu jam and red
bean paste buns. The spread looked delicious!
I moved on to the museum area of the pagoda. Inside, cabinets and cases showed off replicas of some of the finest jades and
minerals in China. There was an exhibit about chops made of stone and wood. It was beautiful. “We have this plaque over
here - in memory of you and your idea to build this pagoda,” the Huangdi pointed to the stone carving complete with
my name and the date the Jade Pagoda was opened. I smiled. “Xie Xie,” I said in my vague Chinese.
Turns out I went to the Emperor’s Palace for a good thing after all!