Fiction: Group 4
We parted ways, I make mine back to the hotel. Instead of taking the normal route back to the hotel, I
opted for the longer route. It is more scenic, you get to walk along a flowing lake, with a lot of trees and
nature surrounding it. I walk under the cover as I feel a trickle of rain on my head. There are also exquisitely
decorated pavilions lining the path. The rain gets stronger so I seek shelter in one of the pavilions. There is a
newspaper on the marble bench. As I could see no other way to pass the time, I pick up and begin reading
it. I skim through an article about a new infrastructure project linking Hong Kong to Zhuhai when I see the
title of another article. “Family-friendly policies are still rare in corporate cities, new survey finds” As I go
through this article, the only thought formed in my mind is “go figure”. The sky did not seem like it would
clear anytime soon, so I decide to just bolt to the hotel and try not to get my best Ermenegildo Zegna dress
too wet.
Back in my room, I take out my laptop, some time for myself now, I think, let’s put away the work. I log
on to Facebook and scroll down the newsfeed. A new chat pops up, I click it open. Peculiarly, it’s my
former classmate from high school, Andrew, or Andy as I used to call him. He tells me he is contacting me
about real estate, since he heard from a friend that I am in the business.
“Yes of course, Andy! We have a few on the high-end side in Huizhou too if you are looking for that” I
respond quickly, and somewhat desperately.
“Yes that’s exactly what I need, I’m looking for a bigger space. I go back and forth from Hong Kong to the
mainland for my work so the location is perfect.” Wow, a wife and kids? I sure haven’t been in contact with
Andy for a while.
“Perfect, I can show you the houses in a few days!” With that I exhale a sigh of relief and begin packing my
things to prepare for the trip to Macau.
As a child, everything about Macau was the Portuguese egg tarts, Formula 1 grand prix and historical
monuments. Coming out from the ferry, you’d soon see the racing track. If you’re lucky to be in the right
place and the right time, a racecar would whizz past you with all its vigor and its smell of diesel and speed,
leaving you dazed and longing for more. Now, it’s all about the casinos and the spending. Can’t complain I
guess, since this is what got me where I am. I unlock my screen and dial Richard’s number.
I sit at the famous Restaurante Porto Interior, eyeing the plates of African chicken and Bacalao the waiters
serve as I wait for Richard. The restaurant is a microcosm of Macau, a seamless blend of Portuguese and
Macanese, affordable yet satisfying.
“Polly , I do apologize for being late!” said Richard as he gives me a greeting on my cheek.
“That’s perfectly fine Richard, you know I love my own company - no pun intended!”
“Same old, same old,” he replied with a laugh
“Let me get straight to it, I have a great house in Huizhou, newly-built, 2 stories, centrally located,
riverfront, everything you need.”
“Well, that seems like a big house, not really suitable for me,” Richard says while uneasily smoothing his
bare ring finger with his left hand.
He catches my eye, “All that glitters is not gold” he replies wearily. This is when I notice the dark circles
that encompass his kind eyes. Richard was the first of my friends to settle down. He was always charming
and adventurous – a guy who seemed like he was a master of all trades, that’s why we were all taken aback
when he decided to get married. Did I mention he was also a tireless worker? He put his job over
everything; it was his pride and joy. Unfortunately it seemed, this made his family life difficult.
“But tell you what, I have a colleague that may just be interested, wife with 2 kids, they need all that”
We talked all through the night, through dipping the freshly- baked bread into our piping hot curries and
between breaths after eating the spicy clams.
The next morning I call the number Richard gave to me and clinch a deal. I sift through my folders in my
briefcase until I find the one titled “Huizhou.” I put a tick on one of the pictures - just 2 more to sell! I
glanced at my watch, 1 pm. Perfect I think. I can catch the 2 o’clock ferry straight to HuiZhou.
I arrive at the port in Huizhou and I feel immediately at ease. It’s just over 3 o’clock and the sun still lingers,
the rays warm my face and the winds breeze through my hair. As I wait for a taxi, I spy a poster on one of
the tour group coaches parked on the right. A couple stand together hand-in hand with their luggage,
young and anxious for the wonderful journey that awaits them. A taxi arrives and I give him the address to
‘‘La Mia Casa”.
