A good friend of mine introduced me to this author a few months ago. Controversy surrounds her because she has never appeared in the flesh; and yet her honest accounts and short stories resonate with many in Hong Kong, particularly those in the legal and banking industries. This author is an epitome of someone just being who she is – whether she is a real person or simply a fragment of someone’s imagination.
I find a particular affiliation with her, because she is from my same high school, possibly same university if she had studied law, (or if not, at least for the PCLL year even though I didn’t take it) and rumbles around a social circle which I’m pretty sure overlaps with mine in one way or another. More importantly, I find myself nodding my head consistently whilst reading her blurbs, sometimes I can’t help but laugh out loud when I can identify myself in the same situation.
Her recounts of working with bankers amuse me – I work(ed) with a lot of those people in the last 6-7 years albeit in different countries and never in Hong Kong. But how I can I not grin about her blackberrying constantly during a client meeting with other bankers in the room about random lame jokes? Have I done it before myself? Hmmm…. Maybe in a conference… 🙂
She calls herself a “Bohemian” – making big enough bucks to support her high-flying jet-setting lifestyle, buying a pair of Jimmy Choos here and there, staying in the best hotels while on business trips, the ability (and taste) to appreciate gourmet and fine wine, and living alone somewhere on a posh, chic road in Kowloon. She does what she wants, when she wants, and travels the world in her own style.
Cynical on life and people in Hong Kong, perhaps a little; vain, definitely; self-indulgent, without a doubt. Yet the refreshing factor is the fact that she is not afraid to admit it. She does not pretend to be someone she isn’t and if you can’t take it, well, tough luck. She has no time to put on a show for anyone. Life need not be taken too seriously indeed.
I think everyone should have that attitude. It is inspiring to find someone in the same generation speaking out. Therefore I have decided to dedicate a few posts to her, or rather a few of the following posts are definitely inspired by her. Pity that her books are only in Chinese so far because I recommend to everyone for a good light hearted read.
If she is not a real person, I will be very disappointed. But either way, I have a lot to learn from her.
To be me.
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