Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019

----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- Dear Wang, It had been a long time since I last saw you. I have been trying very hard to make my dreams into reality. As you can see, I have done exactly that, though I am not satisfied. I wanted to sail the world with you, not alone. So it is my greatest wish that you come along this journey with me and explore the seas. If you accept my offer, meet me at the pier at midnight. Yours, Zheng He ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- Ok, this took me surprised. I remembered who this guy was. How could I forget? But the thing was, he wanted me to go on another journey with him. I thought long and hard for about a few seconds, then gave up because thinking was not one of my good points. I imagined the things that might happen on the journey, such as our boat sinking or who knows what else. But instead of making me doubt, it had the opposite effect on me. I wanted adventure. My hands were itching to hold a ship’s steering wheel, my bare feet on the floorboard, my nose smelling the scent of see, my eyes seeing the beauty of the ocean. It was decided. I would go. I went out at midnight, carrying a bag with the necessary items. When I arrived, I saw my friend not on the pier, but below it. Zheng He was on a small rowboat. He gave me a friendly wave, whilst I nearly burst into tears over this emotional reunion. I remembered that he was a person of high rank, and I quickly did a curtsey. He just laughed and said, ”Ai, Long time no see, my friend. No need to bow, get up. But less talk now. We must return to the ships. Our journey begins tomorrow at dawn.” Zheng signalled to the two men on the pier, who I did not notice until now. Once we got on the ship, I tried to process the beauty of the ship. Everything was brand new, all the metal polished and huge white mast raised. Once we boarded, Zheng He ordered for all ships to set sail for Brunei, which was his first target. He told me the get some sleep. “I have a lot to talk with you about. Come to my quarters at luncheon and we will discuss matters.” With that, he bid me goodnight.

Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 141