In this chapter, we are introduced to a new character named "shan lan" . He is a young man who has just returned from a trip to China. He has come to buy a wooden wish-plaque and write his wishes on it. He wishes that his cousin's name be inscribed on one of the plaques. He also wishes that he could have his own car dealership in China. This wish, however, does not come true. He wonders if the wishes he has made are actually true, and wishes that they were more practical in nature.