Fiction: Group 3
The tall gentleman took a little time to recover from the shock of meeting another ‘gentleman’ in
this town.
“Well, Mr. Deng, welcome to my humble home. I am Felix Wason. May I introduce my wife,
Isadora, and my son, Xiaoyu (means ‘small fish’ or ‘
小魚
’ in Chinese), also a Mr. Deng!” chuckled Wason.
Dayu noticed a frail-looking boy about the age of five, emerging from the lavish carriage. Dayu
peered deeply into those dark, wistful eyes, and he saw a pale face staring back at him. He could feel an
uncanny connection between them…
***
The next day, Wason brought his guest and newly adopted son to his factory. Wason’s factory
produced accessories using pearl-colored shells from Pearl River Delta. At noon, Wason and his foreman
had a meeting. Before Wason entered the meeting room, he enjoined Dayu to look after Xiaoyu. Dayu
agreed. However, as Dayu looked around the factory, he realised that Xiaoyu had disappeared! Dayu
scrambled for Xiaoyu, he finally discovered Xiaoyu struggling in the Pearl River - as he slipped into the
river when was playing on the banks of the river.
Cursing his fragile legs, Dayu sped towards the river which was right next to the factory. He dived
into the fierce waves that whipped the docks. Into the water he went, his eyes as sensitive as a flashlight. Out
of the corner of his eyes, he saw a tiny figure trying to keep his head up, slashing around, reaching for air.
He activated his legs and sliced through the water like a motor, drawing nearer to the fading child. He
arrived just in time when the child started sinking. Dayu emerged from the water, damp and cold, cradling
the motionless Xiaoyu in his arms.
After the meeting, Wason realized that both Dayu and Xiaoyu were gone. He conducted a
thorough search in the factory but was in vain. Disappointed, he returned to his mansion. His butler
informed him that Dayu and an unconscious Xiaoyu returned home damp and weak. Wason limited himself
to his room for the rest of the day.
After having dinner in his room, he got ready for bed and did a little reading. Isadora knew her
husband was trying to cover up his thinking for his eyes were stuck on the same line for ages.
“Do tell me what’s on your mind,” cooed Isadora.
“Today, I believe Dayu tried to smuggle Xiaoyu away. I suspect that they are plotting against us.
We must send both away for our safety!”
Isadora, knowing her husband’s suspicious nature, waved her hand carelessly and curled in her bed,
“As you wish.”
***
That night, Dayu lay flat on his bed, unable to sleep. He thought about another man similar to the
boy. He just didn’t understand. The turn of events seemed so eerily familiar.
The night melted into dawn, Dayu got dressed and went down for breakfast. Beside Xiaoyu sat
Isadora who appeared to be depressed.
Wason got up and greeted Dayu, “Mr. Deng, this might be my last ‘good morning’ to you. You
see, we decided to send our son, Xiaoyu, away to seek a better education. Mr. Deng, you had been a
respectable figure for me and my wife to look up to. There is no one except you whom we can trust. Please
do us a favor and leave Xiaoyu to a suitable teacher faraway. Take this bag of gold and go on to live freely.”
