Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 1-2 | Page 361

‘Take some rest, young man. I will answer all your questions,’ the old lady smiled. She told him how she
found him wounded on the back of horse at the river, carried him home and nursed him back to health. He
was unconscious for three days.
‘ Here,have some tea,’ the old lady said. The aromatic scents of the tea reminded him of the warmth of his
Mum. Tears welled up in his eyes as he sipped from the cup.
‘ I came all the way to look for a treasure under the Acer Rubrum tree in Payang. Do you know of it?’
quizzed Yongten.
The old lady broke out stiffled giggles and said, ‘You were bitten by a python. You should count your
blessings for coming out alive of that forest. Take some rest and head back home.’
Yongten was offended. ‘ I would appreciate it if you were honest with me,’ he retorted.
The old lady recalled seeing many trees at the river below the mountain. Legend has it that The tree was
situated there but only the fortunate would be able to find the real treasure.
Yongten thanked the old lady and continued his journey with Dorje the next day.When he reached the
river, he could not see any red tree in sight. Feeling disappointed, he surrendered to his ill fate and turned
back to leave. Suddenly, a red leaf landed on Dorje’s nose and slid onto the ground. Yongten picked the leaf
and was struck with a realisation. The old lady’s voice resonated in his head, ‘ Real treasure is where your
heart is. Always remember that.’
Yongten closed his eyes and finally understood. He looked at Dorje and said, ‘Let’s go back to our real
treasure.’