The Wind Horse Heads West

Cheng Zhiye met Zhong Yu on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, on the way to Lhasa.

His car broke down, and altitude sickness left him dizzy. In a daze, Cheng Zhiye felt someone pounding on his car window.

Cheng Zhiye, who had little money and planned to travel on a shoestring: ...I wonder how much the repairs will cost.

The window shattered and the car door opened. A tall, broad-shouldered man with striking features lifted him out of the driver's seat, seemingly calling out to him.

Somehow finding the strength, Cheng Zhiye grabbed the man's collar before passing out and weakly said, "My will is in the car. Please burn it for me."

-

As soon as Cheng Zhiye woke up, he thanked the man, packed his things, and prepared to get back on the road.

Zhong Yu held his hand and smiled brightly. "You still haven't paid me in full."

Cheng Zhiye narrowed his eyes. "I already paid you for the medical expenses."

Zhong Yu said, "No, no. There's also the car fee, compensation for the emotional distress you caused when I saw you pass out, and a fee for keeping you company during the three days you were unconscious."

...He'd run into a rogue.

-

Cheng Zhiye had planned to travel around Tibet alone to clear his head, but was forced to become Zhong Yu's travel companion and photography subject.

In Shigatse, Cheng Zhiye looked up. He had never seen a sky so beautiful. The white clouds overhead were as snowy as snow and as deep as the sea. He reached out, hoping to touch them from the place closest to the horizon.

Standing beside him, Zhong Yu saw the gesture and looked up too. He understood. "Are you craving cotton candy? Great, then stop writing that lousy will of yours. When we get back, I'll buy you some every day. Whatever flavor you want, I'll get it."

Cheng Zhiye: .

Weren't photographers supposed to be artistic?

-

The first time Zhong Yu saw Cheng Zhiye was in a dim but spacious specimen room.

In the shadows, a man held a cigarette between his lips and lowered his eyes as he said coolly, "My condolences."

At that moment, Zhong Yu heard his own heart pounding like a drum.

Later, while traveling in Tibet, he came across a car that had broken down on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Hoping to help, he got out to ask if the driver needed assistance, only to see the face that had haunted his dreams.

-

Love at first sight, and a heartbeat at their second meeting.

Taxidermist (bottom) x photographer (top)

Reader's guide: 1. In Tibetan culture, the wind horse means "lungta," referring to small five-colored flags printed with scriptures and patterns. Prayer flags symbolize good luck, health, and auspiciousness.

2. This is an indulgent personal project, with a faithful one-on-one romance and a happy ending. It includes amnesia, mental illness, and a range of other things I wanted to write about. The amnesia happened in the past, followed by a reunion after a long separation, and isn't described in much detail. If these topics bother you, please steer clear.

3. All cultural information about Tibet in this novel comes from the internet and my own experiences.

4. This is a self-indulgent story. If you don't like it, please close it right away instead of forcing yourself to read it. (Emphasis!)

Theme: Love can overcome every obstacle.