Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 432

The New Tales of Old Shanghai - Li Zhen's Journey
St. Paul's Convent School, Wong, Ingrid Zoe - 12
“L
i Zhen!” Father said. “Come down, I have something to announce.” As obedient as I am, I quickly jumped down the
stairs and listened to what my father had to say. “Son, our family is in a poor situation struggling with our expenses….
My old friend’s son as you know, Daniel is working at a retail company ran by some French people in the Chinese city.
The salary is enough to give your siblings an education and to pay for our family’s expenses. This job can lead our family
to a better future!!!!! It's up to you Li Zhen, you're the only one we can depend on.”
At that moment I felt a huge responsibility, I was afraid but I knew I had to do it for the sake of my family. In no time, I
responded certainly, “Yes father, let me work at the Chinese city.”
“That’s my big boy!” My mother uttered as tears streamed down her face. Everyone rushed towards me and gave me a big hug as
I put on my fuzzy coat, held my bags and headed out the door with a heart-throbbing expression on my face. Minutes later I
arrived at a rusty pier at my village. DINGG!!! The boat has arrived!
Through the misty fog, eye-catching lamp poles glowed along the moat of the defensive wall, they are hinting me that the
passengers on the boat and I are close. I was very pumped. For my whole life, I have never been to the Chinese city, the urban
core of Shanghai. When we have arrived, the atmosphere was flattering, it was filled with people, buildings, never-before-seen
transportations, and aureate lights. I acted like a trapped frog being set free. I quickly took out my scrappy map and looked for
the retail company. Hundreds of street names, company names, restaurant names, question marks did not stop appearing in my
mind. Fortunately, a retail company finally appeared after a few walks. I immediately wiped off the dust on my changshan, made
sure I looked presentable, and rang the doorbell. Suddenly, a well-dressed man came out with perfect hair, a velvet jacket, a pair
of beige trousers, and all along with his pair of brown knee-high boots.“ Welcome!” he said in a heavy French accent.
“You must be Daniel’s friend?
……….Oh right Li Zhen! I’m Pierre, the boss of the company.”
“Hello Mr. Pierre, it's an honour to meet you. I came here to...” “To look for a job, child I exactly know why you came,” he
interrupted. “Come on in.”
“Michael!” Mr. Pierre called.
“This is my assistant, who will be guiding you next week, he’ll teach you everything you need to know . I’m in a hurry, so I’d
better leave.” After he left, Michael then toured me around this breath-taking company.
After an endless night of instructions, Michael led me to a little hostel reserved only for workers. I quickly went to my bunk and
settled down.
The strong sunlight shone through and woke me up straight away. I got dressed in my new uniform as a retailer and helped other
workers prepare the goods for the opening of the store. TOCK! “It’s 9 o’clock, time to open the main doors,” Michael said.
Customers and visitors started coming in, and we all welcomed every customer like they were.