The Classic Works Collection of Eileen Chang (The Treasured Edition)

Author: Eileen Chang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: At the beginning of the story, Wei Long, an extremely ordinary Shanghai girl, stands on the corridor of a large residence in the semi-mountain area, gazing far into the garden. Wei Long has been in Hong Kong for two years, but she is still quite unfamiliar with the luxurious residential areas on the hills of Hong Kong. This is the first time she comes to her aunt's house. The garden at her aunt's house is just a rectangular lawn surrounded by low white stone railings. Beyond the railings lies a stretch of grassy mountain. The garden seems to have been plucked out of the wild mountains, like a gold-painted tray. There is also a row of neatly trimmed evergreen trees, a few sparse flower beds planted with vibrant British roses, all arranged meticulously and orderly, like faint ink-and-color illustrations on a lacquered plate. At the corner of the lawn, there is a small azalea tree in full bloom, its flowers pink with a hint of yellow, a bright shrimp-red hue. The spring in the temple is merely a superficial nod to the season. Who knew that a spark could set off a wildfire? The spring in the temple spreads to the outside walls, and the entire mountain erupts in a blaze of wild azaleas, their fiery red enough to wither and burn down the slopes. Beyond the azaleas lies the deep blue sea, dotted with white ships. The stark contrast in colors gives the viewer a dizzying sense of unreality—everywhere is a contrast, with discordant settings, times, and atmospheres all forcefully blended together, creating a fantastical realm.