Thomas the Tank Engine was traveling once more. He had said 'goodbye' to his friends in Australia and now, he was on his way to China. He was hoping one particular engine would be there to greet him.

"Here we are, Thomas," said his Driver at last, "Shanghai Harbour."

Thomas was amazed. Everywhere he looked, there was hustle and bustle. When he was finally being unloaded, he saw a big red engine on the other line. "Yong Bao!"

"Nǐ hǎo, Thomas!" the red engine called back.

"Does that mean 'hullo?'

"It does. You catch on fast."

Thomas smiled. "Well, it's not the first time I've said 'hullo' in a different way. In Spain, they say 'hola'. They say that in Mexico too, but in Brazil, they also say 'oi'.

"My, my," chuckled Yong Bao, "it seems you've been having quite the time traveling the world."

"Yes, but it's great to see you again," said Thomas. "I was hoping I would see you. Are you here to show me around?"

"I am, indeed. As soon as you are ready, we will be off."

When Thomas' Driver and Fireman had finished their inspection, Yong Bao helped Thomas to the refueling station. As he waited, Thomas looked around again. "Everyone's so busy around here."

It usually is," explained Yong Bao. "The Chinese Railway is the most popular way to travel around here. Lots of passengers and goods come and go every day."

Suddenly, there was a cough and a splutter, and a dark green diesel rolled up alongside them. Dark smoke flew from its radiator.

Yong Bao was concerned. "Shan Qui, are you alright?"

"Oh, yes," said the diesel. "It's just the usual trouble. Nothing serious." The Diesel looked at Thomas. "Hello, are you new around here?"

"This is Thomas, the engine that's been traveling around the world. Thomas, this is Shan Qui, a friend of mine."

"Nice to meet you," said Thomas politely. "Does your engine always sound like that?"

"Well, usually," Shan Qui replied, "but it's nothing for you to worry about. I'm fine."

When Shan Qui's fuel tank was full, his engine spluttered again as he rolled away. Thomas was worried. "Is he alright, Yong Bao?"

The big engine sighed. "Shan Qui is one of the first diesels we've ever had in China, but no matter what anyone does, his engine won't work right."

Thomas and Yong Bao collected their coaches and set off for the station. There were lots of people waiting for them and they cheered when they saw Thomas. Thomas was happy, but he was still worried about Shan Qui.

That afternoon, they stopped at another station when the Stationmaster ran up. "Shan Qui has broken down with his coal delivery. Can you clear the line for us, Yong Bao?"

"Certainly, Sir. Wait here, Thomas. I'll be right back."

Thomas waited in the sidings, and it wasn't long before Yong Bao returned, puffing and panting with Shan Qui and his long line of coal trucks behind him. Thomas was impressed. "Wow, Yong Bao, you really are strong. Are you okay, Shan Qui?"

"Don't worry, Thomas. Another engine will take me to the workshop soon." But Thomas could tell that Shan Qui looked sad.

When work was over, Thomas and Yong Bao went to visit Shan Qui at the workshops. "How are you feeling, old friend," Yong Bao asked.

"I'll be ready to go tomorrow," Shan Qui sighed, "but I don't know why I try anymore."

"What do you mean?" asked Thomas.

"It's my engine. It's always had problems ever since I came. I keep breaking down and they fix me over and over, but it's done no good."

"You still work your hardest," said a workman. "That's what matters."

"But I'll never be as reliable as Yong Bao and the other steam engines."

Thomas wanted to help. "I think you can be," he said. "Back on the Island of Sodor, some of my friends are diesels whose engines never worked right. Derek had teething troubles and his cooling system let his engine overheat all the time, and Norman never seemed to be fixed properly, but he was still a very hard worker. It took a while, but my Controller, Sir Topham Hatt, managed to help them. He gave them new engines, fixed their problems and now, they're Really Useful Engines."

"I think you might be on to something, Thomas," said Workshop Manager. "I'll contact your Controller at once."

Shan Qui was surprised. "You mean…"

"Yes, with any luck, we may be able to put a stop to your engine troubles once and for all."

"Well, Shan Qui, it seems things are starting to look up for you," said Yong Bao proudly.

"Do you really think Sir Topham Hatt can help me, Thomas?" Shan Qui asked.

"I do," grinned Thomas. "If he can help Derek and Norman, or even an engine as broken down as Hiro once was, then he can help you too."

Shan Qui was still uncertain. "I really hope so. I would be wonderful to be…Really Useful at last." And everyone felt the same way.