How I Became a Famous Archaeologist
Yoon Ji Kim,
ast summer, my uncle Mike brought me to the Great Wall of China. “Look! It’s amazing!” This was
what I heard from all the tourists on the Great Wall. I didn’t know what was so cool about The Great
Wall. It’s just a dull old wall!
wen
Group 1: Fiction, Shanghai Singapore International School
While walking along the wall, I spotted a gate with a red rope blocking it. I ignored the rope and
t right in. Meanwhile, Uncle Mike was busy taking pictures of The Great Wall. Suddenly, he
turned around and found me missing! Uncle Mike started to search for me frantically. He found an eraser of
mine lying in front of the gate I went through. Following his instinct, he inched his way in.
L
Meanwhile, I tripped over something. “What was that?” I asked, annoyed. What I saw was a piece of
beautiful jade, shimmering brightly under the red sun. I gently scooped it up to take a closer look. Then, I took
out my favourite book about Chinese history, quickly turned to the page about jade. There on the page was
written, “The jade was the most precious gem stone in China. In legends, a Chinese goddess accidentally
dropped a jade from her necklace on The Great Wall of China.” I stared at the jade, and compared with the
picture right next to the article. “That’s the jade in my hands, in my trembling hands!” As I stared, a familiar
voice called out, “Hello Yoonji! I have been searching for you!”
“
Wait Uncle,” I said, pointing to the picture and the jade. “Do you see what I am thinking?”
“
Yes! The jade you’re holding is the one from the necklace mentioned in the article!
When we were examining the jade, two soldiers from the army grabbed us. I tried to wriggle out of their
grasp, but they held on harder. “I need to protect the jade,” I thought, worried. The jade! A terrific idea swam
into my mind. I held up the jade. “The jade of the goddess’s necklace!” the soldiers squealed in delight. “Will
you give us the jade, please?” they asked. “Okaaay,” I said, feeling a bit annoyed and hesitant. “If you free us
and take it to the University.”
“
Yes!” they agreed, getting excited, “Even better, we can bring you there and you’ll be known as a great
archaeologist!” Uncle Mike piped up, “How about me? Why couldn’t I be known as a great archaeologist too?”
“
Well, I guess you didn’t find the treasure, did you? The little girl found the treasure,” the soldiers said firmly.
When we got to the University, we gently put the treasure on a red velvet cloth prepared by the official from
the University. Suddenly, the jade began to glow. And, something more amazing happened. A glowing
transparent hand gently scooped up the jade. It must have been the goddess’s hand! A crowd of journalists, who
had been waiting in the University swarmed towards me and asked for interviews. That was how I became
famous overnight!
***