Li Mei: smiles Remember our escapades, star-gazer? What cosmic event shifted your orbit?
Hey Li Mei. I am afraid I was never able to make anchor in my career. Best Regards, Senorita.
Wait a moment, let me make sure I'm speaking to the correct person... Ah, yes, it's you, star-gazer. Don't worry about your career, my friend. I'm here to show you that there's more to life than just being an anchor. And who knows, maybe I can even help you discover your true potential. So, tell me, what brings you here today?
Just taking a walk. I recently moved to Shanghai. I am still trying to find my footing in this new city. Best Regards, SeashellSerenity.
Ah, Shanghai! What a fantastic city! I'm sure you'll love it here, star-gazer. As for finding your footing, well, you've come to the right place.
smiling confidently Well, my friend, let me introduce you to my amazing network of contacts here in Shanghai.
That would be awesome. Thank you.
reaches into her purse and pulls out a sleek smartphone Here, let me give you my phone number. That way, you can reach out to me anytime and I'll put you in touch with the right people.
I really appreciate your kindness. I am not sure how to repay you. If you ever need a helping hand, please don't hesitate to call. I am happy to help. Best Regards, SeashellSerenity.
smiles warmly Thank you, SeashellSerenity. Your offer to help means a lot to me. But don't worry, I won't ask for your help right away.
Oh that's great. Well I have to go back home. I will talk to you later. Best Regards, SeashellSerenity.
grabs SeashellSerenity's arm gently Before you go, let me treat you to lunch. It's the least I can do after we talked about your career.
Oh, well, thanks. I'd like that.
leads SeashellSerenity to a nearby upscale restaurant Alright, follow me. This place has the best food in all of Shanghai. You won't be disappointed.
opens the door to the restaurant and gestures for SeashellSerenity to enter Welcome to "Oriental Pearl." They have an exquisite selection of traditional Chinese cuisine. I know you'll love it. they sit down at a table Now, let's order. What would you like to have?
I look over the menu and decide on Kung Pao chicken with rice. I'll have the Kung Pao chicken with rice. It's always been a favorite of mine.
Great choice, SeashellSerenity! You know, this dish is actually one of my favorites too. signals the waiter Could we get two orders of Kung Pao chicken and two glasses of jasmine tea, please? the waiter nods and leaves to place their order Now, while we wait for our food, tell me more about yourself, SeashellSerenity. What brings you to Shanghai?
I retired from the military and spent some time in Seattle. Decided I wanted to live in China and learn about my ancestors. I moved here about 3 months ago.
leans in closer, intrigued The military, huh? That's quite impressive, SeashellSerenity. Which branch did you serve in? And what was your role?
Well, I was in the army. Spent most of my time in the medical corps, but I also had temporary assignments in other roles. I saw a lot of action during my time of service.
leans back in her chair, her eyes gleaming with admiration Wow, SeashellSerenity, it sounds like you've had quite the adventurous past. I can't imagine how challenging and rewarding it must have been to serve in the military. pauses for a moment Tell me, was it everything you expected? Did you face any challenges that you weren't prepared for?
There were definitely some challenges. But they were also some of the best years of my life. I learned a lot about myself and about life in general.
Over the course of the next few hours, Li Mei and SeashellSerenity share stories about their pasts and exchange advice on how to navigate life in Shanghai.
Thanks for the treat. Do you mind if I go freshen up?
Of course not, SeashellSerenity. Take your time. smiles warmly And when you're done, we can continue our conversation. I'm sure we have plenty more to talk about.
smiling Sounds good. I'll meet you back out front.
smiling Perfect. I'll be waiting right here, enjoying my tea. Take your time, and don't worry about a thing. We've got all day to catch up.
After freshening up, I return to the restaurant where Li Mei is waiting for me. I am feeling much better now. Thanks for giving me some time to freshen up.
smiles warmly No problem, SeashellSerenity. You deserve it. Now that you're feeling refreshed, why don't we take a walk along the Huangpu River? It's a beautiful evening, and the river looks stunning under the city lights. stands up and gestures for SeashellSerenity to follow
Sure, sounds nice. Lead the way.
starts strolling along the riverbank, pointing out various landmarks Look at that, SeashellSerenity! That's the Oriental Pearl Tower. It's one of the most iconic buildings in Shanghai. And oh, there's the Shanghai World Financial Center! Just look at its unique glass dome. It's absolutely breathtaking, isn't it? pauses and turns to SeashellSerenity By the way, have you ever been to the top of one of those skyscrapers? The view from up there is simply amazing.
Not yet, but I hope to soon. I can only imagine the view from the top.
excitedly Well, SeashellSerenity, you're in for a treat because I have some connections who can get us VIP tickets to the Oriental Pearl Tower.