Regularly when she was growing up, Galina, like all Soviet children, toured factories to witness firsthand the power and might of Soviet industry, but Morrow & Son was the first privately owned factory she had ever seen. It was so clean, both the building and the machines; even the workers looked clean. Different areas were designated for different functions, including an entire section for welding. As they walked through the factory, Winston revealed his familiarity with the workers by asking one man about his wife, another about a forthcoming baby, and a third — Asian, like Winston, but maybe one of the new Vietnamese she was yet to meet — whether his family had joined him yet.

‘It’s a big enterprise,’ Winston said, indicating the scene before them. ‘Ten times larger than when Leonard took it over.’

‘And the son?’ Galina asked.

Winston laughed. ‘A mythical beast. Australians like family-run companies. Grandfathers, fathers and sons all working harmoniously together.’ He paused a moment. ‘Although, for many of us, this company does feel like family. Most employees, both in the office and on the factory floor, have worked for Morrow’s for years. I’m one of the new boys.’ And again that sweet smile. ‘I’ve only been here a decade.’

Galina was interested in his background; all newcomers to Australia interested her, particularly those like Winston, who appeared to have adjusted well. She learned that both he and his brother had been sent overseas for their university studies, the brother to America and Winston to Australia. ‘It was insurance for the future,’ he said, and explained about the return of Hong Kong to China. ‘At that time no date had been set, and while many Hong Kongers hoped it would never happen, my parents thought it best to be prepared.’ His expression was serious and suddenly he looked a good deal older. ’And they were right. We now know Hong Kong will be returning to the Chinese in less than ten years. That we don’t want to be part of mainland China doesn’t matter one jot, it’s been taken out of our hands.’ He shrugged. ‘Actually, it was never in our hands.’

Since the announcement of the handover date, there had been a massive exodus of businesspeople, as well as lawyers, doctors and other professionals. ‘It’s been a significant loss,’ Winston said.

‘And your parents?’

‘They’re still in Hong Kong, and that’s where they’ll remain. They’re too old to move now. But they visit here, and they visit my brother in Chicago, and of course we go home regularly.’

‘Australia is full of exiles,’ Galina said quietly.

‘No. No.’ Winston shook his head. ‘I don’t see myself as an exile. I go back to Hong Kong whenever I want. I could go back and live there if I chose. But the life here suits me better.’