Whoosh whoosh dance away

Author: Zhaoling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The atmosphere of Beijing always bewilders me—it has an elegant and luxurious charm, but also vulgar and unbecoming incidents. Like the term "Old Beijing person," it can refer to someone warm, simple, and generous, or someone stubbornly proud, suffering in vain, lazy, and lacking progress. Whether it carries a positive or negative connotation entirely depends on the context of the speaker. I remember someone once said that a butterfly flapping its wings gently could cause a storm. Perhaps, the world is mysterious to such an extent. Strangers passing by might just intertwine their destinies with yours. An accidental glance back, and their trajectories cross instantly. The butterfly's scales begin to dance wildly in the wind.
In autumn, I opened a very interesting bar by Shichahai. When this small shop, blending the vibes of a café, a book bar, and a bar, was finally ready, its opening day coincided with the peak of autumn's crimson leaves. Dressed in a Chinese cheongsam, I pulled up the curtains, lit orchid incense, brewed clear tea, and waited for guests. Time slipped away slowly but irrevocably through my fingers like sand.
I often sat by the window, gazing at the lake views and tree shadows outside, like a scroll of urban life. Travelers came and went, each carrying their own stories. On sunny afternoons, I’d sit on the terrace, basking in the sun while roasting fire, and even baked small potatoes and sweet potatoes in the charcoal ash for snacks. When there weren’t many guests, I’d cycle around Beijing with friends. From Liulichang, we’d (slip into) the hutongs and then to Dashilar. Passing through Taigufang, we’d walk down Wangfujing Street to the Art Museum. The bicycles swam freely through the narrow hutongs and streets like fish. From the Art Museum, we’d cross Shantang, then climb to the Forbidden City’s Jingshan Park, and along the Beihai and Nanhai seas, riding through the scenery of history. We’d laugh unrestrainedly, snapping photos of every beautiful corner, clasping our hands in prayer for new wonders tomorrow.