Bonjour Shanghai

by Isabelle Laflèche

  “I don’t mind. It feels like being back in school, talking about men and clothes — I love it! Speaking of men, what happened to that young man, Henry? Was he the person you referred to in your blog post?”

  I look away as I take a sip of tea. I’m still embarrassed to talk about it. “Yes, he was,” I mutter. “He turned out to be like those giant teddy bears they sell on the street. Cute and cuddly on the outside, but lacking substance. He was secretly insecure, and he let himself be used. I feel sorry for him now.” I heard through some classmates that Henry hasn’t set foot in school since we spoke. Not that I wish him any harm, but a little time out reflecting on his actions can only be beneficial to him.

  She smiles warmly. “I’m happy to see you’re taking this so well.”

  “I’m learning about trusting people and following my intuition.”

  “Those are valuable lessons, Clementine.”

  “I guess. I’m just grateful Jonathan hasn’t given up on us.”

  “That means he really cares about you.”

  “Yes, he does. Although I’m not sure I deserve him, after what I put him through.”

  “All relationships go through ups and downs.”

  “But I feel terrible for flirting with someone else. I did to him the very thing that I accused him of doing last fall. It was unfair, and he didn’t deserve it. I can’t wait to see him so we can talk face to face.”

  “You were seduced by the novelty of another person. We all go through that lesson at one point in our lives. Lesson learned.”

  “Yes, indeed.”

  “We’re all here to learn. That’s what life is about. And then we can teach these lessons to others,” she says wisely. “And that’s what you’re doing with your blog.”

  “Some lessons are more painful than others.” I take a sip of tea.

  “Yes, they are,” Sandra says pensively. “There’s something I need to tell you, Clementine. I haven’t been completely honest with you.”

  “Oh?” My mind spins.

  “I know how much your mother’s infidelities affected you. So if our relationship is to continue to blossom, I have to come clean about what I’ve been keeping from you …”

  I sit up in my chair, taken aback.

  “That story I told you on the plane about my great love, Mathias …”

  “Yes?”

  “His name wasn’t really Mathias … It was Christopher. Christopher Liu … your father.”

  I burst out laughing, but quickly stop, realizing that she’s serious. My jaw drops. How can this be?

  “Your father was my first and my only significant love. We’ve remained friends,” she says. “It wasn’t by chance that we met on the plane. That was orchestrated by your dad,” she admits. “He wanted someone to look out for you in Shanghai.”

  Wow, this feels surreal! An image of my dapper father at a younger age floats through my mind. It’s all very strange, but I have to admit that I feel kind of grateful for that.

  “As I told you, we met in college and fell madly in love. But we didn’t end up together …” she says with regret in her voice. I remember what Sandra said, about me being like the daughter she wished she had. How different would my life have been if Sandra had been my mom? Would my life have been more stable? Maybe not, considering Sandra’s finance career. More harmonious? Hard to tell. It sounds like their relationship was a passionate love affair, which doesn’t always bode well for stability. As colourful? Probably not …

  I decide to drop the what-ifs and just accept things as they are. I’m pleased to know that my dad once loved a woman as amazing and loving as Sandra, and his love life wasn’t always so bleak after all.

  “We spoke yesterday and agreed that we should tell you,” she says.

  My mind is still spinning from the news. “This is surprising, but pretty cool. I’m happy my father had you in his life.”

  She just beams as a tear runs down her cheek.

  “Thank you.”

  “Wait, so … that phone call that came in the car the other day … was that my dad?”

  “No, that was someone else …”

  “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “That’s all right.” She reaches for a tissue, then changes the subject. “Did you get your WeChat account back yet?”

  “Not yet. It can take a really long time, it seems.”

  “I saw something that might cheer you up.” She reaches into her handbag and takes out her tablet to show me a webpage. It’s the article I wrote for Wei’s class, now published on her fashion website! It’s right there, in black and white, next to some stunning photographs of Chinese fashion.

  “It’s up!”

  “This will be great for you and for your profile in China. Lots of people in Shanghai read this website.”

  “I’m so grateful to Wei for the opportunity to feature my writing.” It’s a good feeling to have the support of one of the teachers, especially considering the difficulties that surely lie ahead with Jean-Charles.

  “And now I have a surprise for you,” Sandra says.

  “Another one?” What could possibly match finding out about your father’s secret love and being published on one of China’s leading web platforms?

  “This one is bigger!” She signals to someone behind me.

  I turn around to look, and it takes me a moment to register who is standing there.

  It’s Jonathan.

  “Oh my god!” I spring to my feet.

  “Hello, babe!” Jonathan walks toward me, his arms open wide.

  I run to him and let his embrace envelop me completely. It feels so good, like being wrapped in my favourite silk shawl.

  He lifts me off the ground and kisses me tenderly. Tears roll down my cheeks.

  “Fancy meeting you here!” he says, laughing.

  “How did this happen?” I ask, although I’ve already guessed the answer.

  “Jonathan was invited to participate in that photography exhibit I’ve been working on. He was the one calling me in the car that day …”

  This is unreal. Sandra is a philanthropist and a matchmaker. No wonder my father loved her. And I love her, too.

  “I also got an unexpected email from one of your teachers, asking me to shoot some pictures for one of her magazines,” Jonathan says. “All orchestrated by Sandra, of course.”

  How amazing. I have not one, but three fairy godmothers: Sandra, Maddie, and Wei.

  Jonathan takes a seat at the table. I reach for his hand and hold on tightly. This time, I don’t want to let it go. I can’t stop grinning. Sandra pours him some tea.

  “I told Jonathan I’d fly him to Shanghai on one condition.”

  “Which was?”

  “To take good care of you, Clementine, now that he’s settled his affairs. You need some TLC.”

  “And you’re in luck, because that’s my specialty,” he says, squeezing my hand.

  “When did you get here?” I ask Jonathan. “You look so clean and refreshed.”

  “Sandra booked me a room here last night.” I can’t believe my ears; her generosity knows no bounds. “But tonight I’m staying with you,” he whispers in my ear. He presses his fingers against mine, sending a frisson throughout my body. I smile inwardly. At this moment, I’m wearing that sexy lingerie set I bought before leaving for China. I’d been saving it for the perfect occasion, and strangely enough, I pulled it out of my armoire today.

  I guess my intuition is still very much on point.

  “I invited Jake, too,” Sandra says, “but he said you’d inspired him to settle some things at home.”

  “Oh, Sandra, that’s so kind of you. It’s too bad he couldn’t make it.”

  “But we’ve got him on WeChat video, at least,” she says, holding up her tablet.

  “Sandyyyy!” Jake’s voice screeches from the tablet. “My generous auntie!” He sounds like he’s known her for years. “Hello, lovers! I’m so happy you two are reunited.” He shimmies on his ch
air in excitement.

  “Yes, it’s great to be here,” Jonathan says, looking into the screen.

  “Sorry I can’t be there for the big reunion, but I have business to take care of, thanks to Sandy!”

  “Business?”

  “I told Sandra about some of my issues and she generously offered to pay for my fabrics and supplies so I can keep doing my thing. And she hit up some of her contacts to help me get pre-orders for the capsule collection,” Jake says, all smiles. Clearly, he and Sandy have already had a few heart-to-heart conversations. This makes my heart swell.

  “You’re amazing, Sandra. You really are. And I’m fully committed to the path,” Jake says. “Thank you for your big heart and generosity.”

  “Like I said, I’m thrilled to invest in talented young people like you. And I’m waiting for my skirt,” Sandra says.

  “It’s on its way! Should be there any day now.”

  “I’ll wear it out on the town with Clementine and Jonathan. We have things to celebrate.”

  I smile back gratefully. Yes, we do. We’ve only just begun to sample the sublime beauty of this city.

  Chapter Forty-One

  “I’M SO HAPPY TO BE HERE, Clem. You have no idea how much I missed you. I’m sorry about everything that happened,” Jonathan says, holding my hand as we sit side by side on my bed. After our tea with Sandra, Jonathan checked out of the hotel, and we got a taxi back here.

  The fact that he apologizes first makes me feel horrible. I should be the one apologizing. It’s time to be truthful and tell him what happened with Henry, but I’m worried how he’ll react. What if he ends it right here and now? I guess it’s a chance I’ll have to take.

  He senses my hesitation.

  “What’s the matter, Clementine? Is it something I said?”

  “No, of course not. It’s … something I did.”

  “Does it … have to do with Henry?”

  I nod, not looking up.

  “Oh no … did you sleep together?” He jumps off the bed as though it’s the scene of a crime.

  “No, definitely not!”

  “Okay.” He sits back down, looking relieved.

  “Okay, but we went out to a karaoke bar one night, a group of us, and afterward … he kissed me. And I kissed him back. And I regret it so much.” I burst into tears. The guilt has been weighing me down so much. “It meant nothing … I mean, I was attracted to him at first, but it was stupid. I should never have risked what you and I have for some fleeting attraction.”

  Jonathan looks at me, inhaling slowly, measuring his words before he speaks. “Especially to a guy who went on to betray you, huh?”

  “Yes,” I say, the tears still streaming down my cheeks.

  “Listen, Clementine, I want you to know that I forgive you, okay? You kissed some guy while you were out partying. It happens, unfortunately. That’s just part of life. But I think you still have some work to do on your trust issues.” He caresses my hair softly and wipes away my tears with his thumb. “You need to learn not to sabotage a good thing, to let yourself be loved … by me.” He holds my face in his hands. His words stir something deep within me, probably some old childhood wound related to my parents’ complicated marriage and the emotional ordeal with my ex-boyfriend in France. Me sabotaging our relationship out of fear of being hurt again … that sounds about right.

  “Thank you for forgiving me. It won’t happen again. And yes, I will work on things. I don’t want to lose you. You mean the world to me.”

  He kisses me, and then we just sit together, holding each other. Eventually, we lie down and fall into a deep sleep.

  In the early hours of the morning, Jonathan discovers my pretty underthings. He runs his fingers down my spine and along the lacy edge of my bra strap, kissing my back tenderly. It feels divine to be held by him, right here in my Shanghai bedroom.

  “I love you, Clementine Liu. That twit didn’t deserve a kiss from you. From now on, they’re all mine, okay?”

  My heart nearly explodes. “I love you, too. No more stray kisses, that’s a promise!” I kiss him as though we’ve been apart for decades.

  He pulls me in closer and we make love. It’s raw and passionate, yet deeply tender. And with each kiss and caress, I feel another layer of the prison I’ve built around my heart dissolve.

  “This is a great idea,” Jonathan says. We’re sitting and holding hands the Yifu Theatre, the one Michelle Wong suggested visiting. We’re here to see a Beijing opera performance of The Butterfly Lovers with my Aunt Jiao and my cousins Becky and Emily. I’m wearing the gorgeous skirt Jake made me — this is the perfect venue for it.

  According to the program, the theatre was established in 1925. It has featured Beijing opera performances ever since and is favoured by many famous Beijing opera singers. Apparently, in its early days, it was dubbed “the first grand theatre in the Far East.” Neither Jonathan nor I know anything about Beijing opera, but he was willing to try something different, and for that I’m grateful.

  “Thanks for agreeing to meet my family. My aunt is thrilled,” I whisper into his ear. Then I kiss him. I’m on top of the world, especially after our discussion last night. I’ve realized what a real gem Jonathan is and how immensely lucky I am to have him in my life.

  He’ll be in Shanghai for ten more days. It’ll give us a chance to reconnect and explore some of this magical city together. I’ve also realized that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to love and to my relationships with others.

  On the other side of me, my Aunt Jiao taps my arm. “Here, this is for you.” She hands me a note and nods for me to open it. “It’s from my husband,” she whispers. I nearly fall out of my seat. The last thing I was expecting tonight was a handwritten note from the dragon man.

  It’s in Mandarin.

  Dear Clementine,

  Congratulations on the publication of your article on one of China’s most important websites. Becky showed it to me. That is very impressive — your uncle is proud of you! I want you to know that after reading the article, my son, Vince, told me he no longer wishes to study business. Instead, he wants to study interior design. I told him to be like his cousin Clementine, and just do what makes him happy!

  He was the most excited I have ever seen him! Thanks to you, he is happy now. And therefore, so am I.

  Uncle Jaw-Long

  I wipe away a tear of joy. If I can be a positive influence on just one single person, it’s enough.

  “Clementine, I’m sorry for what I said about your mother,” my aunt whispers, patting my arm. “That was rude of me. I take it all back.”

  “That’s okay, Aunt Jiao, I know you were just thinking of your brother. My mom really hasn’t been the best wife to him. And that girlfriend from college you mentioned?”

  “Yes?”

  “You were right about her. She is an amazing woman …”

  She winks and reaches for my hand. “My brother raised you well. You’re turning into a lovely young woman, Clementine,” she says.

  I smile back gratefully.

  I’m willing to experiment and grow, like my teachers want me to, but the most important thing I’ve learned so far in Shanghai is to be true to myself, no matter what. I can’t please everyone, and I don’t need to. That’s been the best lesson of all.

  The curtain finally rises, and I reflect once again on the sublime butterfly, symbol of transformation, growth, and freedom.

  Acknowledgements

  JUST LIKE CLEMENTINE, who pushed herself beyond her comfort zone to travel and study in Shanghai, in writing this book, so did I. Traveling to faraway places, whether in person or in your imagination, requires a sense of adventure, courage, and a willingness to expand your horizons. Thanks to this series, I am embracing it all.

  A big thank you to my manager, Daniaile Jarry, an extraordinary woman who continues to encourage me to reach for the stars. Thank you to Debbie Stasson and Quan Phung for joining along for the magical ride.

  Thank yo
u to Scott Fraser, Kathryn Lane, Jenny McWha, Catharine Chen, Elham Ali, and the entire Dundurn team for your dedication, positivity, and amazing spirit. Working with you all is such a treat.

  Thanks to my editor Jess Shulman, for the terrific feedback and her continued enthusiasm.

  Thank you to Marie-Geneviève Cyr, Nadia Gosselin, Frankie Springer, Sophie Lymburner, Isabelle Rayle-Doiron, Camille Auger, Anna Uvarova, and all those creative souls and friends who inspire me daily.

  A massive thank to all my dear friends and family for the support. You are as delicious to me as the delights of Shanghai.