That means ‘yes’, Chanyu thought.
He reached into the cauldron and pulled out another goblet.
I wish Gobi will have trees to give travelers shelter and dates.
He drank the potion. This time it tasted like dates.
Trees sprang out of the sand in an instant. Chanyu’s idea of Gobi became the famous desert nowadays.
He jumped into the sand and started to explore the new Gobi. He found difficulties when
coming back to Khara Khoto. It was impossible to walk in the sand without lifting up his legs. He
marched back to the palace.
“May I have a final wish, Your Majesty?”
The princess did not reply again.
That ALSO means ‘yes’.
He pulled out a goblet for the last time.
I wish for an animal that is designed for travelling through the deserts, and it can survive the
harshest condition of the deserts.
He drank the potion. Strangely, it tasted like poop and meat. He gagged. This animal must
love to poop all over the place.
Something popped out of the cauldron. It was an animal with a big hump on the back, long
eyelashes and strong, sturdy legs.
I call it a camel, the ship of the desert.
Her Majesty Princess Modun looked impressed.
“Chanyu, most men would rather wish for riches. You are not greedy, so I won’t turn you into
a beetle. Your wishes will benefit mankind for many generations. You are the quintessential model
of how the perfect man is to be.”
“Thank you for your compliment, Your Majesty,” said Chanyu modestly. “Actually, why did
you give me the choice to wish?”
“You have a good heart. The other reason… you’ll find out in a moment. Can you do me a
favor?” asked Princess Modun.
“As Your Majesty wishes.” replied Chanyu.
“The next time I ask you a question, say yes.”
Such a strange request, thought Chanyu.
Hey Chanyu!
A voice echoed in his head. It must be Her Majesty.
As I said, you are the quintessential model of how the perfect man is to be. I have NEVER
SEEN a man this perfect. This is a question. Please answer yes. So, WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?
