Fiction: Group 4
“Look at that, Xuanzang,” Liqin said, pointing at a small restaurant called Galo. “It has not changed a
bit since the first time we met!”
The village did not seem too crowded when compared to the unequivocally hectic area surrounding
the hotel, but Xuanzang still felt entranced by the Macau atmosphere. With the smell of exotic cuisine
escaping from several restaurants mixed with the aromatic scent from local pastry shops, Xuanzang was in a
trance.
“Sorry!” a lady said as she bumped into him. When she looked at him, her eyes widened in surprise.
“It’s you!” the young lady exclaimed with a grin.
“I’ve never really had a chance to say thank you,” Xuanzang replied.
“It was just a map, so there’s no need for thanks. Would you like some lunch? I know a good place
to eat.”
The both of them headed towards a small Portuguese restaurant called Galo. The food there was a
symphony of Portuguese and Chinese dishes, and Xuanzang could not help admitting that the food there
was like no other!
After their quick lunch, they decided to check out several pastry shops for desserts. The shops were
lined up neatly along the cobblestone pavements like military platoons, and the noise slowly died down,
leaving a peaceful atmosphere to wander around. He could not believe that a village so picturesque could
even exist!
The sun has settled down, and Xuanzang and the lady were about to part ways.
“Thank you for guiding me around the village,” Xuanzang said.
“It was my pleasure,” she replied. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Mr.-“
“Xuanzang,” he said. They both completely forgot to introduce themselves due to their captivating
surroundings.
“Mr. Xuanzang, my name is Chuntao. I hope to see you again one day.”
“Perhaps we could meet again tomorrow?”
Her eyebrows rose in slight surprise, but it was quickly replaced with a gentle smile.
“That would be splendid.”
“Happy New Year Grandpa, Grandma!” Xiaoming exclaimed as both of his grandparents exited the
house. “See you again soon!”
The both of them first headed to A-Ma Temple to pay their respects before they returned to their
home in Zhuhai.
“I remember coming here with you and our daughter, Chunhua, when she was just a little girl,”
Chuntao said breezily.
“Yes.” was all Xuanzang could manage. How he missed those days when it was just the three of
them, but of course, he knew that one day his daughter had to grow up.
“A long time ago, it used to be a very ordinary temple,” Chuntao continued. “But times are
changing; now it’s a place accessible to everyone, since it’s a heritage site.”
Chuntao gestured
Xuanzang to follow her as she headed towards the Prayer Room.
The room was filled with a strong scent of incense. Xuanzang could feel it travelling into his lungs
with his every breath.
“Let’s pray,” Chuntao told him, and Xuanzang nodded.
“I pray for the family to stay together.” Chuntao began. “No matter if time quickly passes by and if
everything keeps changing, I pray that the only thing that will be kept from changing is our family.”
As Chuntao continued to pray, Xuanzang could not help but smile as he silently listened by her
side.
Opportunity
Simon looked out his office’s window. Today was the day he would finally retire, and pass on his
position as manager of his garment company, Good Fortune.
“Mr. Chan,” his assistant said as she entered his office. “Your son is here to see you.”
His son Robert Chan walked in, giving his father a polite nod and sat down on the seat opposite to
the desk.
