Beijingers have an unique way referring intimate friends and family members. They affix an er in a flat tone to the first name. Some names end up with a short er. Some can have a long, singing er ebbing at its tail. My first name Qing belongs to the latter. Beginning with Xiao (meaning little) out of tradition, here goes my pet name Xiao3 Qingeeeeeeeeer in a flat, humming tone.