The star of this series is 86 years old. Now, a little stooped, his skin is rosy, without wrinkles, as smooth as a baby's bottom

His home was built well over 100 years ago, in the Qing Dynasty. He has lived in it for 60 years, now alone, his wife having passed away last year. He let us roam through the building, he chatting with Cathy, and I taking photographs

We note that though the building is old, electricity and running water has been added at some time. Also, that he has a refrigerator, washing machine, and a microwave

I commented about an open accounting book on his desk. He told us that those were listings of his stocks and shares. He had a small business and had invested and lost all his savings by dabbling in the market, as have many other Chinese in recent years. I commented through Cathy that I didn't see a computer. He proudly showed us a powerful mobile using which he could tap into market data

I pointed out his gymnastic equipment to Cathy - primitive rings hanging from a beam in the kitchen. Our 86-year old friend promptly hauled himself up on them, demonstrating not much skill, but strength and determination

He showed up his garden out in the courtyard, where freshly planted seedlings in ancient stone troughs showed that he grew his stuff from seed

We finally left him. He invited us back when we next visited XinChang. A truly remarkable man for his age. I will be delighted to visit him again, and see what new things he has been up to in the meantime

After our visit, we had a break to try 'oolong' tea and discuss what we had just experienced