It was early morning in China. The engines were just waking up when San Qui rolled into the yard. "Good morning, everyone."
"Shan Qui," said Thomas, "it's good to see you out and about again."
"It's just as you said," replied the diesel. "The Workshop Manager telephoned your Controller, and he gave some helpful advice to the engineers. Now, I feel better than ever."
The Shed Master arrived. "Ah, Shan Qui, I am glad you are back. There is some rock to be collected from the Great Wall Quarry and I want you to collect it."
"Yes, Sir." But Shan Qui looked worried.
"Thomas, there is some bamboo for you to collect from the Forest. Then, you are to help Yong Bao and Shan Qui at the Quarry."
"Right away, Sir."
Thomas raced to the Bamboo Forest and collected his load. "This bamboo is for the Nature Reserve," said the Foreman. "Be quick now."
On his why, Thomas wondered what the bamboo would be used for. After arriving in China, he had seen lots of things made from bamboo: scaffolding for construction and building repairs, flutes, furniture, bicycles, a water wheel and even a water station for the railway. Thomas was told that bamboo was very strong and light, and he thought it was Really Useful indeed.
When Thomas arrived at the Nature Reserve, the bamboo was unloaded. "What's all this bamboo for?" he asked.
"It's for the giant pandas," said a workman.
"What are you building for them?"
"It's not for building," laughed the Curator. "It's for the pandas to eat."
Thomas was surprised. "But…why? Bamboo is so useful. I've seen it used for so many things."
"It is very special," said the Curator, "and it's the only thing giant pandas eat. They are very rare animals, so it's very important. Besides, new bamboo always grows in the Forest, just like regular trees, so we always have plenty."
Thomas couldn't argue with that, and he felt Really Useful himself by helping the giant pandas. "I see. Say 'hullo' to the pandas for me." And with a 'peep' of his whistle, he raced off to help Yong Bao.
Thomas arrived at the Quarry and saw Shan Qui shunting. "How are you feeling, Shan Qui?" he asked.
"Well, I'm fine for now, but I hope everything will be alright."
"What do you mean?"
"My engine troubles are the worst when I have heavy loads to pull," Shan Qui explained. "I've been trying to work slowly and carefully in case something goes wrong."
Thomas was confused. "I thought the engineers were able to fix you properly this time."
"It seems that way, but I don't want to cause any more delays."
Yong Bao rolled up. "And I understand completely," he said. "You've still been getting your work done on time and that is what's most important."
Thomas followed Yong Bao to another part of the Quarry. Then, he saw the Great Wall. Thomas had seen it before, but always from far away. He had never been this close. "The Great Wall looks even more impressive from here," he puffed.
"It's one of the most famous structures in the world," said Yong Bao. "The wall and its towers were built to keep out invaders a long, long time ago; back when kings, queens and emperors ruled many countries around the world."
Suddenly, there was a loud rumbling sound and the ground started to shake. "What's that?" Thomas asked.
Yong Bao looked around quickly. "Thomas! look out!"
Thomas looked up and gasped; rocks starting to fall. He raced away as quickly as he could and so did Yong Bao. "Rockslide!" they shouted, and the quarry workers ran for safety.
"Where's Sha Qui?!" Thomas called.
"I don't know, but I hope he's alright!
Then, there was more trouble.
Some flying rocks dropped into Yong Bao's funnel making loud banging noises. Yong Bao coughed and wheezed. Then, he stopped.
"Yong Bao!" Thomas quickly backed up and his coupling was fastened.
"Thomas, what are you doing?!"
"I'm not leaving you!"
Thomas puffed and panted as hard as he could, but Yong Bao was heavy and then…there was a loud crumbling sound from above.
"LOOK OUT!" It was Shan Qui. He biffed into Yong Bao and pushed as hard as he could. The engines raced forward just in time. A large boulder fell from the rock wall and smashed a water tower.
The engines didn't stop until they were out of the Quarry. Luckily, everyone was safe.
"Are you two alright?" Shan Qui asked.
"I think so," Thomas panted. He was very relieved.
Yong Bao was grateful too. "Thank you, Shan Qui," he coughed. "You're a hero."
"Not only that," the diesel's Driver called. "That heavy pushing and racing about didn't damage his engine this time."
"You hear that?" said Thomas happily. "You're cured for good."
Shan Qui could hardly believe his luck. As everyone cheered for his bravery and fast action, he felt happier than he had ever been.