The annual Dragon Boat festival was happening again. This year, besides tasting the delicious sticky rice, Ten Ping also decided to try the grand tradition, of entering the annual Dragon Boat race. Usually, the Dragon Boat race is physically challenging; as it demands groups of well-trained rowers, typically men, to paddle through the current. This year, the school managed to secure some fishing boats lent by a generous fisherman, so the school decided to host a mini dragon-boat race on a section of the Huangpu River where the current was still, and the distance across was narrow. There were 5 teams competing, and Ten Ping registered to one of the teams with her friend Gigi. The goal was to paddle only 500 feet from the north bank to the south.
Upon hearing the news of his sister’s registration, Shan demanded to join as well. Shan was always fascinated by the colorful carvings of the dragon boat and had always wanted to ride on one. Even when Ten Ping explained to her little brother that their “dragon boat” race was only using old fishing boats instead of the glamorous dragon boats used for experienced adult races, Shan still insisted he wanted to ride on one.
Ten Ping knew that Shan was too young to participate in the dragon boat racing, and despite Shan’s constant tantrum, Ten Ping shrugged off Shan’s request and decided to let him cry alone.
That night, Ten Ping and Gigi discussed Shan’s wishes, and Gigi said, “I understand that Shan cannot participate in rowing the boat, but it doesn’t mean he cannot board the boat for a few minutes, that is what he wants anyway. Why don’t we ask him to be one of the cheering crowds at the south bank, and then let him get on the boat when you arrive on the south bank.” Ten Ping agreed.
The next day, Ten Ping made a cap that resembled a dragon and gave it to Shan. “Shan, I am sorry about yesterday, I think I would love it if you also participate in the dragon boat race. But you need to be my cheerleader and if you cheer hard enough, we will win! This is a very important job, so you will need this hat, and with it, you need to cheer as hard as a dragon will. Promise you will do that?” Shan nodded excitedly. Ten Ping added, “If we win, you can also come aboard the dragon boat for a while alright? That’s a promise.” Shan nodded again.
On the day of the dragon boat race, Shan was standing on the south bank with Yu Ping and Grandma, cheering and jumping excitedly up and down. Ten Ping and Gigi arrived first amid five boats and hugged each other to celebrate the victory. Little Shan also got his wish to go onto the dragon boat, albeit only tried to paddle on dry land. His little arms could not lift the oar, but he looked nonetheless satisfied.
