Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 169

Don Joey, Winnie the Giraffe and Me
Munsang College, Lau, Yui - 15
I was on the deck of the ship staring at the blue, crystal clear sea when I heard Commander Hatong call me. “Come
here, that guy on the deck.” he said. I didn’t blame him for not knowing my name. Literally no one on board knew
who I am—I was nothing short of a servant. While I was wondering why he was calling me after I finished cleaning all
those tables, chairs, floors, windows and toilets, Hatong answered the question in my heart by saying, “You seem free,
don’t you? Take this crown band to Official Zheng. He is on the second floor.” He pointed at a box on the floor. “You
mean…Official Zheng He?” I was so nervous that my volume went straight down. “Yes, are you nervous? Never
talked with him before? He is kind, and he is definitely not going to kill you. I am busy right now, so go find him,
immediately.” Hatong ordered. I thought he wasn’t telling the truth, but I also knew I could get killed if I disobeyed
any orders, especially orders from someone with such a high position like Hatong.
I picked up the box and went down to the second floor, trying to search for Official Zheng. “If I am recalling my
memories correctly, Official Zheng is usually inside that room…” and that was when I bumped into a fierce-looking,
beardy man. “Oh sorry…” I apologized as he turned to me. “What are you doing here, you servant?” he said.
“Commander Hatong told me to deliver this....crown….band….” I muttered. “Okay, you do that, I don’t have time
for these insignificant stuffs anyway.” He turned, and stormed off. I knocked on the door, and heard a voice saying,
“Come in.” I pushed the door softly and entered the room.
I saw Official Zheng sitting on a chair, with Ma Huan, the translator on his left, and a strong man, which should be
his bodyguard, on his right. I bowed down immediately as I entered. “At your ease, young man.” Official Zheng said. I
stood up, head facing the ground, “Commander Hatong told me to deliver this….crown band….to you.” I held the
box up high. “Oh, does Hatong not even know how to do this himself?” Official Zheng said, looking at me, “Young
man, that’s your chance. I don’t usually bother doing these things, so if you can help me and do well, you may be the
next Hatong.” I was so tempted and was about to reply, but the bodyguard spoke first, “Official Zheng, that’s against
the rules!” Official Zheng stared at him, “My words ARE the rules, Hu Jun. Hatong can’t even fulfill his responsibility,
why can’t I find someone to replace him?” Hu Jun winked at Ma Huan, but he was never supportive, “Oh, hell yes,
Official Zheng. We all see how irresponsible Hatong is, there’s nothing wrong with finding a replacement....at least
temporarily.” Official Zheng nodded as I heard the door banged behind me. It was the beardy man. He seemed
surprised that I was still there, but soon ignored me and said, “Official Zheng, we have arrived Chiem Thanh!” “Okay,
Wang Heng, we are coming. Next time, don’t bang the door unless it is emergency.” Official Zheng stood up, then
said to me, “Young man, follow me.” Wang Heng seemed doubtful, “Official Zheng, he…” “He will present the
crown band.” Official Zheng said, “He replaced Hatong.” “Oh.” Wang Heng glared at me for a moment, but soon
turned and left me behind following.
I followed Official Zheng, Ma Huan and the Commanders to the bow of the ship. “Are we leaving the ship?” I asked
quietly. “Yes, you’ll be responsible to deliver the crown band to the Chiem Thanh emperor, so follow us down the
ship and meet with him.” Wang Heng replied. My heart started beating harder and harder, although he was not as
great as the Ming Emperor, but he’s still an emperor—enough for me to get nervous. We left the ship and reached the
land in Chiem Thanh, then after some walking, we reached the palace. “Emperor, the representative of the Ming
Kingdom has arrived.” the palace guard reported. “Oh really? Let them in.” The guard opened the door, and the five of
us went in. I was planning to curtsy to the king, but as I saw none of the others bow down, I remained standing with
the head slightly facing downwards to show respect. “We are coming to present a treasure of the Ming Kingdom, the
crown band…” Official Zheng said as he looked at me. I held the box up and stepped a few steps forward, not too close
but near enough for the king’s retinue to get the box. “Oh, what a beautiful crown band. Where is it from?” the king
stared at me. No one seemed to be answering, so nervous, I started to talk, “It was….a royal treasure….the Ming
emperor thinks it’ll suit you…” I saw the emperor smiling and some heads nodding, I thought I shouldn’t have said
anything wrong, so I was finally relieved. “Are you planning to stay for a night or two?” the emperor asked. “Official
Zheng, we still have to fight Sugan the fake king in Sumatera!” Hu Jun shouted. “A night won’t hurt much, Hu Jun.
It’s getting late soon.” Official Zheng said. “That’s settled then! I will prepare the rooms for you!” the emperor sounded
happy. We slept in Chiem Thanh for a night, then returned to the ship and left for Sumatera.
“Well done, young man.” Official Zheng said to me on the ship, “You had manners; you knew how to deal with
pressure…which made you enough to replace Hatong. What’s your name?” Just as I was going to reply, Hatong banged