NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: First steps in Shanghai
The dawn in Shanghai was a show for Oliver's eyes, which still adapted to the change of schedule and the new reality he lived. Awakening in a city that had dreamed to know all his life filled him with inexhaustible energy. He hastened to leave his room, anxious to explore every corner of that vibrant metropolis. His first destination: the nearest subway station was Xuhui, marked by entry number 12. The magnitude of the station left him astonished, reminding him of Shanghai's complexity.
While heading towards the Pudong station, the meeting point for the start of the tour, Oliver mixed with a group of foreigners who, like him, expected Anxious the arrival of his guide. They did not have to wait long before Li Mao made their appearance, apologizing gracefully for their delay.
—Dise the wait, Shanghai traffic can be unpredictable. My name is Li Mao,
And I will be happy to show you the charms of this city. "His voice was sweet, with a very nice accent which gave her words a touch of authenticity."
The way in which Li Mao managed English, with his marked accent, gave a distinctive character to the experience. Oliver was fascinated not only for his ability to communicate but also for his deep knowledge of the history and culture of his country.
As the tour advanced, Li Mao took the group through emblematic places that Oliver had only seen in books and documentaries. The Bund, with its contrasting panorama of colonial and modern architecture; the old town of Shanghai, a labyrinth of alleys that housed secrets of past times; The Yuyangarden, an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the urban bustle; and the French concession, with its wooded streets and its European atmosphere, became the perfect setting for this adventure.
During the tour, Oliver found himself asking more questions than the rest, trying to capture the attention of Li Mao. And he got it. She responded with a smile, pleased for her genuine interest. She was of an average stature, stood out with a light in the immensity of Shanghai. His straight black hair fell in cascade, a natural contrast with the softness of his skin. He preferred to wear loose hair, allowing the occasional breeze in the morning to play among his strands, creating an almost poeticimage in motion.
Li Mao's makeup was of enviable utility; He opted for soft tones that enhanced his natural beauty without oversight. His eyes, adorned just with a fine line of eyeliner, seemed larger and more expressive, while a touch of brightness on his lips talked abouthis diligence and his appreciation for beauty in its purest form.
But, without a doubt, what most captured everyone's attention, including Oliver, was his smile. Warm, genuine, and endowed with unwavering sincerity, his smile had the power to soften the most hardened hearts. It was as if, every time he smiled, Li Mao shared a bit of his soul, inviting everyone to see the world through his eyes full of hope and joy.
Li Mao dressed in a straightforward way, but with elegance, preferring colors that complement their skin tone and figure. His clothes, although not luxurious, were good to see. Often, headorned with discrete accessories, such as a small pendant or a few delicate bracelets, who added a touch of personality to their set.
In his first encounter, Oliver noticed all these qualities almost immediately. The presence of Li Mao radiated a mixture of humility, trust and a deep goodness that left it, unexpectedly, breathless. It was evident that, beyond its outer beauty, Li Mao had an inner beauty that made it even more attractive. Oliver knew that there was something special in her, something that went beyond the superficial, and found himself eager to discover what that was, to meet the woman behind the captivating smile and the look full of dreams.
In her mind the nickname "Xiao Mao" something that would tell him later and she would accept it with her characteristic smile.
At the end of the day, when the sun began to hide behind the skyscrapers, the group said goodbye with words of gratitude to Lio. Oliver, however, took a little longer, being assembled to speak in private.
"Mao, I wondered if ... it would be possible to have your WeChat." I would like to learn more.
About Shanghai and, if it is not too much to ask, about you. His voice denoted a nervousness that he had not felt before.
With a smile that illuminated his face, Li Mao nodded, typing his code on Oliver's phone.
"It will be a pleasure to share more from my city with you, Oliver." And, I'm sure.
There will be a lot that I can learn from you too. Li Mao replied, his smile was warm and sincere.
That exchange of contacts marked the beginning of a special connection between them. What began as a simple mutual curiosity would be transformed, over time, into a deep and enriching friendship, woven between the streets of Shanghai and the threads of a shared culture. In Oliver's heart, a new feeling began to take shape, promising adventures and discoveries that he had never imagined.