Baguazhang's Sharp-Tongued Wang Tianfeng

Shanghai Bund truly was a city of dreams by day—prosperous, beautiful, and accommodating of ambitious men's dreams. It carried the wild ambitions of invaders and gave even beggar children a chance to dream. Though dreams could run wild, it was hard to imagine what one had never seen, much like the old farmer who thought an emperor must farm with a golden hoe. The dreams offered here were somewhat more tangible.

Even in the sweltering heat, the streets remained packed with people and bustling beyond measure. There were laborers at work, vagrants and beggars hiding in the shade, women meeting up for tea and shopping, and men sitting together to scheme and discuss business.

Cars on the street frequently honked to urge pedestrians ahead to move aside. Cars were expensive, and those who rode in them were people of status; they cared nothing for how those disturbed by their horns might feel. Trams passed by one after another, and at every stop, crowds surged on and off in a frenzy.

At the stop where Father Jin Road met Avenue Joffre, Yu Manli, who had spent the morning teaching Chinese language to primary school children, stepped gracefully off the tram. She wore a dark red, fitted qipao, black leather women's shoes with small block heels, and carried an exquisite brown leather handbag.

Ignoring the less-than-pleasant looks from some men, she turned and walked down the street, occasionally looking over the shops on either side. She continued until she stopped before a storefront bearing the sign "He Tailor Shop," then entered with complete ease.

As the shop assistant greeted her, Yu Manli swept her eyes over the fabrics and ready-made clothes hanging around the room. Casually picking up several garments to feel their material, she asked, "Do you have any newly arrived