Chapter 3

The man was really a tyrant, inhuman even! He was treating Diana as if she were some woman he had bought for his harem and not a doctor worthy of all respect and consideration. That was the way to talk! She turned her back to hide the fury she felt and, before she left, the door opened and the supervisor entered.

"Oh, there she is!" So it's Dr. Diana?!... Welcome to Kinsale ! She studied her sympathetically through narrowed eyes, then turned to the surgeon. "Have you been bullying the girl?"

- I? Never bully anyone! I was just giving instructions for her own good,” said Jonathan.

"Exactly what I thought," replied the supervisor in a tone of irony. Then he gave Diana an eloquent look. “Oh, those men! ’ Then he smiled. "Come with me, you must be exhausted!" I'll take you to your room. I believe that Dr. Kinsale told him about the regulations here at the hospital regarding necessary rest after a long flight and he is right, I completely agree with him. So forget about everything and try to rest until you feel well again.

"But I'm not feeling bad," Diana protested weakly, watching Jonathan through the door, deep in his work, not paying the slightest attention to her.

“Don't worry about Dr. Jonathan,” the supervisor said, closing the door. — The position of superintendent makes him a little irritable. In fact, he should dedicate himself only to surgery, that's his real place. He's a great surgeon!

And Diana believed that it was, because to be a good surgeon a man needed to be cold and have nerves of steel. She even admired those qualities professionally, but when he wasn't working, couldn't he be a little more humane? So many doctors, surgeons or not, acted normally on a personal level, why not him? While doing an internship at the hospital, I was able to notice this well.

At least the supervisor had received her kindly! And Diana took an immediate liking to her good-natured, motherly manner and good-natured smile. It was very different from most supervisors who are usually sullen and full of conceit, as they really have a lot of power within a hospital. Even doctors are often afraid of them. Their word is always law with regard to the organization and operation of the hospital. Of course, they do not interfere in the field of clinics and surgery, but everything else is under their control. They are like queen bees in a hive.

— If you're not familiar with the Orient, doctor, you'll probably be a bit taken aback at first, maybe you'll even feel really homesick, so I want you to know that you can count on me. Promise me you'll ask me for help if you need anything, okay? I have been here at Kinsale for twenty years and have seen many doctors and nurses come and go. Few stay forever. Hong Kong is known as the gateway to the East, for those coming from the West, of course, and vice versa, which is why everything here seems very transitory, people are always passing through. This is the meeting point between West and East, which makes the city different from all the others in the world. It is cosmopolitan in the broadest sense of the word. But at the beginning it can be a little daunting, so, as I said, don't forget that I'm at your service if you need to talk to someone.

The supervisor looked tenderly at the newly arrived young doctor. Poor thing, she didn't even realize it, but she was so down! Could she handle the pace of work at that hospital?

"I think you understand, don't you, that Kinsale is going to be very different from the hospital where you interned…" she began tactfully. — I know that St. Mark provides good training, but he still can't have prepared you for what you're going to face here. At Kinsale everything is very different and there is no fixed routine. We all do a little bit of everything when needed. I used to work as a nurse in the general ward myself, and while we were without a doctor, Chris practiced at the same time as he worked in surgery, so don't be surprised if there's an emergency and you're called to help in the operating room.

"As much as I'd like!"

- Excellent. That way you would have the opportunity to observe Dr. Kinsale in action. she said as if it were the highest honor a mortal could receive.

"I'm sure it would be very interesting," Diana replied.

"You took a dislike to him, didn't you?"

"He is indifferent to me." I neither like nor dislike it. I'm just here to do my job, the rest doesn't matter.

“Good,” she said again. “We're here. This is your bedroom. From here you can see the entire bay.

She opened the door, walked in front of Diana and went straight to the opposite window. Diana followed, stopped beside her, and when she looked out, her mouth dropped open at what she saw. The sky was blue, without a cloud and the silhouette of the Hong Kong hill was clearly visible. Just beyond was the bay, though all of that was in the distance because closer, just below the window, was a huddle of buildings. But even from a distance you could see the intense activity in the cove; Chinese barges, ferries and sampans that are houseboats where a large part of the population of Hong Kong lives, not to mention the long-haul ocean liners entering and leaving the port. Ferries made the crossing between the island and Kowloon , coming and going non-stop.

"That Ia is called a walla-walla ," said the supervisor, pointing to the rafts. — It's the sea taxis. Isn't the view beautiful? I think it's very beautiful! Even after living here for so many years I still think Hong Kong Bay is the most amazing thing in the world. It is very busy and full of life! — At that moment there was a knock on the door and she went to answer it. "Ah... there's your dinner!" Now let's leave the landscape and all that aside. Try to eat and then sleep.

A Chinese girl placed the tray on the table and bowed her head respectfully.

“Thanks, Ah,” said the supervisor. The girl smiled and left without making a sound.

— What did you call the girl?! Diana asked, intrigued.

— "Ah". Most servant girls or maids are called "'Ah". It's kind of a title. In Cantonese there is no word for this, the closest term is " Gung-yan " but they find it offensive. "Ah" is a kinder way of referring to them. The supervisor smiled and patted Diana on the arm. - With time you get used to it and you won't find it so strange anymore. I know you'll do well here, I can feel it. Forget Dr. Jonathan. I know him well. This is just a facade.

"But why does he need it?" To protect yourself?!

"You don't believe me, do you?" Well, I can't blame you. As soon as I entered his office I realized that the reception had not been warm. But you shouldn't have expected it to be.

"I've come to that conclusion already."

The supervisor opened her mouth as if to say something, then changed her mind. He walked to the door and turned back.

— On the third Friday of every month, I usually have an aperitif at the house at six o'clock, so it's already this week. Everyone is going: nurses, orderlies, doctors, surgeons... I hope you go too, but before that we'll see each other on duty. And if you have any problems or questions, my office is at the end of the hall between the doctors' lounge and the surgeons' lounge and I'm always there from eight to ten in the morning, before the inspection of the wards begins. She smiled motherly. “Good luck, my dear.

Diana thanked her with a smile. It really would take a lot of luck. When the door closed and she found herself alone, she felt abandoned and lost as if she had plunged into an unknown sea and didn't know where to swim. Besides, I was exhausted. She sat down in front of the tray and made an effort to eat something, then quickly undressed and got into bed naked, feeling the pleasant coolness of the clean sheets on her skin, and soon she fell asleep, lulled by the soft hum of the refrigerated air. The last thing on his mind before falling asleep was that the obnoxious Jonathan had won the first round.

She really was tired, sleepy…she wanted to sleep forever… And for the first time in weeks she didn't think about Clive, didn't even dream about him.

On the first Friday after her arrival, Diana went to the supervisor's apartment, which was on the top floor, and knocked timidly on the door. Only two other hospital staff had accommodations like hers. The superintendent had a house next door, on the same lot, which kept him isolated from everyone. The others had accommodations in the barracks, like Diana, the female wing being entirely separate from the male wing.

Diana was in awe of the splendid apartment. Even crowded as it was, you could tell it was spacious. The main room had sliding glass doors leading out onto a large terrace, well appointed with garden furniture and lots of potted plants and flowers.

A kind maid led her to the terrace where the supervisor, very elegant without her uniform, received her guests. She was dressed in a magnificent gray chiffon gown , adorned with a discreet sapphire brooch, and a matching ring and earrings. Diana would later learn that Hong Kong is one of the biggest trading centers for jewellery, in addition to numerous other articles.

"Hello, doctor, how nice of you to come!" So, are you already used to the service? — The supervisor received her cheerfully and led her to a group chatting near the terrace railing.

- I think so...

"Now, don't be modest, Doctor! I didn't hear any complaints, either from nurses or patients or colleagues.

- Fortunately. But I would like you to call me by name.

- It is true. And I also think you've done a good job! Well, it's not here to be judged after all. Let's forget about work now. Come, I'll introduce you to the others... This is Mrs. Collard , wife of the secretary at the British consulate. As you know, Hong Kong is still a colony of the British Empire...

"And I hope it stays that way for a long time," said a male voice. “Even if China claims the new territories after the lease expires, I think both East and West need the freedom of trade that Hong Kong represents in the current situation.

— You, a Chinese, saying that, Dr. Chang?

“I and many other Chinese think so.

Diana looked at the man who now held out his hand. The supervisor made the presentation.

— This is Dr. Chang... his daughter is a nurse here. You have undoubtedly already seen it.

'That pretty girl who works in the infirmary?' Oh, I've seen it. Diana remembered the kind face of the girl who had brought her tea the day she had arrived. "I heard the head nurse just the other day praising her and saying that she was going to make a fine career."

"Yeah, but I think she's getting married before then," a female voice commented. — My daughter never intended to make a career and dedicate her whole life to the hospital, she's like me.

“This is my wife, Barbara,” introduced Dr. Chang with visible pride, quite justifiable in fact. Barbara was a woman in her fifties, still very pretty, with bright, intelligent eyes and a jovial expression.

“And this is Dr. Kinsale ,” introduced the supervisor. “He was looking forward to meeting you.

A man with pure white hair and a kind smile held out his hand to her.

"I've been looking forward to seeing you again," he corrected. “We traveled together from London to here, sitting side by side, but it wasn't until the end of the journey that we exchanged a few words.

Diana was surprised to recognize her traveling companion and was even more amazed to hear his name.

— Kinsale ? she repeated. "But then it's connected to the hospital!... Why didn't you tell me?"

'There wasn't time. He led her to a corner of the awning terrace. The view from there was beautiful. Someone placed a glass in Diana's hand and she took a few absent-minded sips. She was delighted to have met this kind old man again, though he was perhaps related to the detestable Jonathan. — I no longer have a connection with the hospital's medical staff, as I am already retired, but I continue as chairman of the board. Ah, here comes my son. Of course you already know him.

Diana masked her astonishment with difficulty. How could Jonathan, so harsh and aggressive, be the son of such a kind and considerate man? He greeted her coldly, exchanged a few words with his father and walked away, leaving him looking thoughtful. After a few moments, Dr. Kinsale turned to Diana again and continued the conversation.

"I don't think you've had time to go on walks yet, have you?" I'll tell you about the places I find interesting.

"That's very kind of you, sir."

— First of all, let's abolish this formalism. No Dr. Kinsale and sir. My name is Hammond. E. so all friends call me and hope to become your friend too. I think that ceremonious treatment alienates people a lot and in a small community like ours, that's not good.

Diana thought he should say this to his son who was cold and distant to the point of being unsympathetic.

“Tell me about Hong Kong,” she asked, “I know so little about the city! Just know, that it is divided into two parts, the island and the Kowloon peninsula ...

— In addition to the new territories, whose lease is for ninety-nine years and expires in 1997. These territories have had a great deal of development in this period, so no doubt when the lease expires they will be claimed by China, to her considerable advantage, it is clear. You must know this region while you are here.

— And what about this wonderful view?! I never imagined in my life that one day I could be on a terrace contemplating the South Seas in China!

- It's beautiful, is not it? - He smiled. — Of course, being born here, for me this beauty is very special. Too bad there were so many changes and so quickly! What you are looking at is the island of Hong Kong... where those skyscrapers are located is the district of Vitória, capital of the colony, better known as the Central District. Folks here always refer to the peninsula as the Kowloon side and the island as the Hong Kong side. That name derived from " Heung Gong ", which means " Fragrant Bay " and which was the Chinese name of an anchorage in the floating city of Aberdeen, where ships could supply themselves with fresh water from a spring.

"And the name Kowloon ... where did it come from?"

“This one is even more interesting. The name means “Nine Dragons". " Kow " means nine and " Loon " means dragons. Eight hundred years ago, when Emperor Ping was a child, he once counted eight hills at the site and remarked that there must therefore be eight dragons, due to to the belief that mountains are inhabited by dragons.The Prime Minister then told him that there were nine and not eight dragons, because of another ancient belief that emperors are also dragons.

— I know that the shopping center in Kowloon is called Tsin Sha Tsui, isn't it?

“Ah… you pronounced it very well. You would be fascinated if you took the time to study Chinese names and their origins... you would find it essential to study the calendar, just so you could understand why so many celebrations and festivals. You will see during the year the commemoration of the Buddha's birthday, the Dragon Boat Day... this is worth seeing... the Rabbit Festival, the Virgin Festival, the Day of the Hungry Spirits and the Chung Festival Yeung and so on until Chinese New Year, then it starts all over again. At that time, they usually give "lucky" money to relatives and friends, which they put in red envelopes where it is written in gold with Chinese letters "Kung Hei Fat Choy", which corresponds to "Happy New Year", but which translated more literally means " make a lot of money". Look, the island lights are coming on. Isn't it a beautiful spectacle?

Diana agreed ecstatically. It was as if thousands of stars were rising in the evening mist.

Twilight quickly gave way to night, as it does in this part of the world, and for a moment the two watched in silence. Soon thousands of neon signs became visible at one point.

Wanchai District ," explained Hammond, pointing, "better known as 'Suzy Wong's World.' Several films and novels immortalized this city and not only through Suzy. If you remembered the scenes from the beginning of the movie "Pull of a Saudade" you wouldn't have been scared when the plane passed between the mountains of Kowloon and landed in the middle of the cove at Kai Tak airport. Why ... but I'm hogging you. I can see that Chris is staring at you from afar, and my son will get impatient if I keep him waiting... he has little time for a quick dinner before he goes back to work. Didn't I tell you?, here he comes... I bet he's going to complain...

Soon after Chris also approached, but Diana took a while to notice his presence. I was distracted watching Jonathan and his father walk away.

"Have you ever been in love with the guy?" Chris joked. "It even looks like it's in fashion." There isn't a single woman among the hospital staff who isn't madly in love with him. Not to mention the patients.

"What I admire so much!" She really didn't understand how a woman could fall in love with a man as dry and weird as Jonathan. “And what surprises me even more is that those two men are father and son.

"Yeah, Hammond's a nice guy, isn't he?" But don't be so impressed with Jonathan's manner. .. is that some men need a kind of mask.

- You have?

“Not yet,” he said, smiling, “but if I get to the position he occupies, I might end up needing one. For the time being, I'm a lowlife who doesn't attract the attention of any gold-digging woman or mothers looking for good matches for their daughters.

"And I bet they don't get anything with Jonathan, do they?"

“From what they say, it seems that some women managed to sway Jonathan's heart, but that's his business, I have nothing to do with it. My only concern now is asking her out to dinner. What do you think of the idea? We both go on duty at nine-thirty, so if we move quickly we can take advantage of those "recess" hours.

He took her lightly by the arm and led her to where the supervisor was while he spoke in a low voice close to her ear.

— Now be good and play your role properly... "thanks for inviting me... etc..." and other nonsense... Then we'll go straight to Jade Garden and have some delicious shark fin soup. Good evening, dear hostess! he said to the supervisor, kissing her hand in an exaggerated bow. “We are saying goodbye. As always, your hospitality has softened two poor doctors' hearts... What would become of us poor Kinsale slaves if it weren't for you.

"Oh, Chris, you've been drinking too much as always," she laughed indulgently. "Make him eat enough to sober up soon, Diana." Good night... there's nothing to thank. Too bad you stayed so long with Hammond, he monopolized you... it's just that dr. Wong wanted to be introduced to you... Ah, there he is! Excuse me Chris, I'm sorry, but you're going to have to wait a while.

Chris stood to one side while the supervisor took Diana away.

—Dr. Lee Wong and his wife Mae. He's the hospital's legal adviser.

Diana's face lit up.

— Oh! Pearl's brother! Well, she said that sooner or later we would end up meeting...

“It would have been sooner,” Mae said, “if my husband hadn't been busy with a lengthy court case. This courthouse here is as busy as Kinsale Hospital ! - she laughed.

Mae was a lovely creature, small and slender and elegant, like a doll. Like many Oriental wives, she looked too young to already be the mother of six small children, as Diana had heard.

There was the usual exchange of compliments, pleasantries and conventional questions, and Mae wanted to know when Diana was going to be dropping by their house for a visit. Then Lee added in a lower voice:

"Oh, we would be very grateful if you would be so kind as to tell us about Pearl, what she does, how she behaves... my family is quite large, like most Chinese families, and everyone would be very happy to hear that." You know, Pearl is from another generation, she's modern and doesn't care about old traditions anymore...

"But there's nothing wrong with Pearl's behavior!" Diana protested. “She's an excellent girl. He takes his work very seriously and has a lot of pride. I couldn't wish for a better companion than her to live with me.

Lee looked satisfied but his face was inscrutable. Diana was beginning to realize that it was hard to read anything on the reserved, restrained faces of the Chinese. They didn't show anything, not even their age and sometimes, in a way, they even seemed to wear masks.

“Your words are reassuring, Doctor, I hope they are also true.

"But of course they are!" she declared in bewilderment.

'Then tell me something… how does she behave when she's not with you?'

“My dear husband,” interrupted Mae, “what a silly question! How does dr. Could Diana know how Pearl behaves when she's not around her? Mae turned to Diana. "I think I owe you an explanation." Rumors had reached my husband that the mischievous little sister had been seen several times in London in the company of an eccentric and queer man. We traditional Chinese don't like eccentric behavior or weird manners. I believe that Pearl, being the youngest in the Wong family, was very spoiled. She was even educated in the United States! And when he returned from there, he came with ideas of independence. This shocked the elders who find it difficult to accept this attitude in a woman.

“In Pearl's case I think it's self-reliance rather than independence. That's why you're cut off from the family,” said Diana. “Her job demands it. So I think you have nothing to worry about.

The conversation stopped there and only then did Chris manage to take Diana away.

"Wow, you should get a medal for waiting so long!" I'm starving! - he said. — I think I'll eat everything that comes now, I'm glad we have plenty of time. You know, at this restaurant I'm taking you to, the service is fast and the food is great. Also, the most important thing is that it is, very cheap. They serve everything. They bring platters of crabs, sho'mai , spring rolls... and lots of delicious things. We eat what we want and how much we want and pay a fixed fee. That's why it's cheap! We arrived. This is the Jade Garden. Hope you have as much of an appetite as I do!

And to her surprise Diana discovered that she actually had an appetite.

Meanwhile, Hammond was talking to his son, already in the car towards his house. "It would have been a nice gesture to invite Diana to join us for dinner."

“Yes, but it would be unnecessary. Chris had this idea before.

"So you noticed that?" Soon you?! Hammond looked at his son slyly and thought that was a good sign. Ever since Jonathan's affair with Gloria had ended badly, his son hadn't paid any attention to women.

“I seem to have heard you tell the supervisor that you'd already found Dr. Diana, did I hear you right? Jonathan asked as he entered the newly constructed underwater tunnel that connected Kowloon to the island. - When was that?

'When I was returning here from London to visit your Aunt Katherine. We sat side by side on the plane, but she barely paid any attention to me, it wasn't until the end of the trip that she gave me a chance to exchange a few words.

"So you didn't travel first class?" I cannot understand why you deprive yourself of essential comforts when you can afford to have them!

— I already have too much comfort at home. In my home, I don't deprive myself of anything! Besides, I'd rather travel with tourists and ordinary people than with the prim first-class tycoons who annoy me terribly. Why, Jonathan, let me live my life my way!

"As if I could stop it!" He glanced at his father and smiled.

At that moment, they left the tunnel in Wanchai , by the sea, then entered the mountainous region where the houses and apartments had a privileged view, in addition to the traffic there being calm, with the advantage of the neighborhood being close to the center.

"We might as well go to the Mandarin Grill for dinner," Jonathan suggested, but his father shook his head.

— One should not eat in a hurry. You don't have a lot of time and you know the service takes time there, so let's eat at my place. Before leaving I ordered dinner to be made and everything should be ready by now. That way you can dine more calmly.

Hammond had been widowed when Jonathan was very young and had not married since. He had dedicated his life to the hospital and his son's career. The upscale neighborhood was called Luginsland and he lived in a penthouse apartment with a beautiful garden that he was proud to cultivate. There were rubber trees, various ornamental plants and a large number of flowers that perfumed the environment. After an excellent dinner served by Hammond's waiter, father and son sat outside to relax for a while while they smoked. It was like a garden in the sky and there was nothing more restful than being at ease there. In the distance, on the left, the roof of the hospital could be seen.

"Tell me something about Diana," said Hammond.

- Say what?

“All you know. You don't have to tell me she's very attractive and pretty, I can see that myself.

- Attractive? I hadn't noticed.

"But that's even a crime!" You are in the best time of your life. How long are you going to ignore women just because Gloria left you? I know it was a huge disappointment , but you can't judge everyone else based on the behavior of an untrustworthy woman. This attitude is ridiculous, as well as cowardly!

- Coward?!

- It is clear. You are protecting yourself, you don't want to take risks, and in doing so you are wasting your youth, your best years, the vigor of your manhood!

"I'm not wasting anything!" I fully dedicate my life to the hospital!

"I'm sorry, son, I spoke without thinking... I didn't mean to offend you ... but I just hate to see waste." You're thirty-eight now and because of a disappointment you deprive yourself of the possibility of finding happiness with a woman, of getting married and having a real home! You don't even have girlfriends anymore! It used to not be like that...

“I'm past the age of amorous adventures, that's for boys like Chris.

"Who, by the way, was quite interested tonight in winning over Diana."

- And why not? It's his problem, as long as he stays conscientious in his work... let him have some fun with the girl.

— That's what's not lacking here in Hong Kong...

— For those who can spend money. Night places for men cost a fortune!

"Do you speak from experience?"

- It is clear. I've been to these places a lot and I know that there are very pretty girls... you can choose as you please.

— But that doesn't replace an affective relationship, a deeper relationship.

“Of course, but for those looking for it, which I'm not.

— There are other things in the world besides work, my son...

"Which I gladly leave for others to enjoy." You've made the hospital your life, Daddy, so why can't I do the same? As you said, let me live my life my way!

"Okay, I'll hand over the points." He chuckled and dropped the conversation.

Hammond knew very well that lecturing about his son's private life was a complete waste of time, except that he couldn't resist the temptation that night, because he was pleased to know that his son noticed that Chris paid special attention to Diana. He thought it was a good sign, that maybe the ice was starting to melt, but he was smart and figured it was better to keep quiet.

However, before saying goodbye, he couldn't resist one last comment.

"Do you know I think Diana isn't happy?" She seems to have a certain sadness hidden in her eyes...

“I don't know where you got that idea. She seemed very cheerful tonight.

“Oh, of course! At a social gathering, with champagne, what did you want? But don't be fooled by false appearances. Joy is a disguise. Look into her eyes, my son. If you pay attention, you'll see that it's a hurt look, deep down. I feel sorry for her... and so would you if you analyzed her properly, without prejudice.

Jonathan didn't say anything, just sighed and gave his father a look that made it clear he had no intention of doing what he said.