Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 338

interested in Chinese culture”, while the voice spoke, I saw an imaginary line draw itself in the middle of
Shanghai. I saw in macro view both the halves of the city.
They were extremely different in looks. My vision zoomed into both the halves one by one. For the
western half, I saw happening streets and hubs with the bustling of busy people, some westerners and some
Chinese. In the other traditional half, I saw priests, monks and many more people walking silently through the
streets. Many temples were built around the area. It seemed like two chunks, one of China and one of Britain
had been pushed together.
“Now listen Mark. Soon came the big day, January 28 th , 1932. The day which brought close the end
of Old Shanghai and all the concessions.” My heart battered against my ribcage, I was already so hooked on the
history.
“The Japanese Navy bombed Shanghai that day to finish some student protests. The Chinese fought
back hard, and that brought in place the Second Sino –Japanese War.”
My vision once more displayed a very bloody battle scene but now from the Second Sino – Japanese
war. This scene far more violent and pitiful than the previous battle scene.
“However, this is not the ultimate reason of Old Shanghai’s end. As more countries joined China
and Japan, the Sino – Japanese War developed into the Pacific War.” Whilst the voice talked, the battle scene
from the Sino – Japanese war grew bigger, bloodier, and further vicious. I was grossed out, seeing so much
blood everywhere.
“Nevertheless, the Pacific War is not the end. China and Japan, 2 very strong countries, kept battling.
And in a couple of years, the Pacific War CONVERTED INTO THE HISTORICAL WORLD WAR 2,” the
voice roared. If I had been awake, I would have covered my ears, but that was not possible, as I could not feel
my body. I was just dreaming.
“From the years 1939 – 1945, occurred the World War 2. Once it ended, all the concessions in
Shanghai had ended due to the westerners returning to their countries.”
I was awestruck, I saw World War 2, every second, 10 000 people died, it was madness. My thoughts
were hindered as I heard a loud noise. “AND THAT WAS THE END OF OLD SHANGHAI!” My vision
suddenly vanished, I saw darkness. Panic swept through me as I started feeling my body.
And then I opened my eyes. My ribcage hurt from the hard hammering of my heart. Ryan stared at
me from above “TIME FOR SCHOOL BROTHER!” he yelled at me like an annoying git. I couldn’t believe
what I just experienced, a magical dream!
The next day in school, and I had handed in my Old Shanghai assignment, with confidence that I
aced it. That wonderful dream had told me all my answers, and I hope I get another magical dream on some
night to listen to some more “New Tales of Old Shanghai!”.