That Christmas Day in Hong Kong br the sun gleamed on the plastic Christmas trees br the rippling flags, the signs br like vines hanging from the upper floors br in Nathan Road. br Below, we moved through the congregation br of shoppers, looking for the holy grail - br the best price, the perfect negotiation br that you believed was waiting to be won. br br We walked from shop to shop in the December sun. br “Best price? ” But there was always doubt: br you could not fathom out br where the bidding for the watch br ought to stop - br always another shop br might offer more, ask for less br and you could not second-guess br those wily men, abacus in hand, br waiting and engaging br in the one-man price war you were waging. br br Now I think I see the reason br you would spend the festive season br in obsessive bargaining. br You have the timepiece still br and the power of your will br is reflected in its face - br though I no longer wear your wedding ring.