In films, spies(间谍) are lucky people. They are smart and adventurous. But a real spy's life is not that exciting. They must live a life of lies. Their work is dangerous and they may have to pay for it with their lives. American spy Nathan Hale (1755-1776) was one of these people.

    Why does someone want to be a spy? Some do it for their country. Some for money. Some just love it. Nathan Hale became a spy for the first reason. He lived during the American Revolution (革命). He and his people fought the British army.

    In 1774, Hale joined the American army. Before that, he was a school teacher. Two years later, he chose to be a spy. He had to get information from the British army. He went to the city where the British army was staying. He told them that he was a school teacher and wanted to find a new job. As a young spy, Hale didn't have enough experience. He had told his secret to somebody else. But that person sold him out to the British army. He tried to get information for the American army. Hale finally got something important and decided to go back. He hid some papers in his boots. He went to the river bank and waited for a boat to pick him up. However, British soldiers caught Hale at the river bank and found the papers in his boots.

    Hale died on Sept 22, 1776. His final words were: "I only regret(后悔) I have but one life to lose for my country." He died at the age of 21.

     Pan Changjiang is short and a little heavy. He has short straight hair. He is an actor and he is really funny. He also sings well.

     Liu Qian is a little thin and he is of medium height. He is good at magic. Many young people like him. He is very popular.

     Fei Xiang is tall and of medium build. He has long black hair. He is a famous singer and maybe our parents like his songs. He is handsome.

     Jackie Chan is a little heavy. He has a big nose. He is an actor and he is often in kung fu movies. He can sing well too.

    Lao She wrote Teahouse in 1957. The play shows audience life in China between1898 and 1945. It takes place in a teahouse in old Beijing and it tells us the story of Wang Lifa and his customers. It asks us to see the teahouse as the centre of the neighborhood. Finally, it says farewell to old Beijing and its people

    The story starts in 1898 during the Qing Dynasty. It continues in 1916, and finally, it brings the audience to the end of the Anti-Japanese War, in 1945. After the war, Wang loses the teahouse and dies.

    Lao She was born in Beijing in 1899. His parents sent him to the Teacher's School in Beijing and he became a teacher. From 1924 to 1929 he taught Chinese to the English in London. He wrote many plays, novels and short stories. He was named a "People's Artist" and a "Great Master of Language". He was one of the greatest Chinese writers of the 20th century.

    In Lao She's Teahouse today, waiters bring tea to the customers and sell them delicious Chinese food. If you are fond of Beijing Opera, folk music, acrobatics or magic shows, you can enjoy them in the teahouse. Lao She's Teahouse gives a wonderful welcome to everyone from China and from all over the world