《拉薩情書》

第二十七章、夫妻相隔兩地
01
廚房裡，安妮和愛玉，忙得不亦樂乎。愛玉在安妮指導下，以流動的活水把草莓清洗、瀝乾後，把小粒草莓對半切，大草莓分切成三至四片；接著草莓和糖以二比一比例，淋上些許的檸檬汁，在鍋子裡攪拌均勻。
「擱旁邊靜置半小時後，先用小火熬煮，等到草莓出水後再轉中火熬煮，鍋裡的草莓開始冒泡而且草莓果肉都往上浮起，就轉成小火。」安妮接著說：「這時候你如果使力攪拌，它就會變成爛泥，但如果不認真攪拌，就會有草莓黏鍋，然後煮出一鍋有焦臭味的草莓果醬。」
愛玉讚嘆說：「大嫂，沒想到這其中還有大學問呢！」
「還有後續呢！」安妮說：「妳可以依照妳的需求來決定起鍋時間：如果是要塗麵包、吐司，可以把湯汁收得乾一些，味道會非常的濃郁。如果是泡水果茶，請留一點湯汁，這樣才會好喝 。如果是要當淋醬，淋在冰淇淋、奶酪、布丁…等上頭，請再多留一些湯汁，這樣才會好使用。」
愛玉說：「大嫂，照妳這樣分析，比方我喜歡吃風味濃郁的果肉，那就必須把湯汁收得乾一些囉？」
安妮點頭說：「沒錯，這樣保存期限可以比較長一點。我們送出去的草莓醬，都會按照客戶的用途，在製做過程裡進行調整，儘可能滿足客戶的須求。」
愛玉說：「唉！可惜我爸媽不肯撥塊地給我種草莓，要不然我還真想大顯身手，狠狠賺些外快呢！」
安妮想了一下說：「妳可以跟部落裡的親友租田啊！聽妳哥說你們山上，冬季有人種植高冷蔬菜，如果妳租金給得合理，應該就租得到吧？」
愛玉擊掌傻笑說：「對齁！我怎麼沒想到這辦法嘞！」
「阿里山上冬季平均氣溫低，妳找人架網防蟲鳥，以廚餘做有機肥，加上雞糞肥，就會是有機栽陪了，可以省下農藥開銷，提高產品在市場上的售價。」
愛玉微笑說：「大嫂的主意非常棒！這趟來陪妳，我真的收穫很多。」
「下午，我接著教妳做櫻桃果醬，方法和草梅果醬類似。」
愛玉開心說：「好啊好啊！大嫂的手藝，我一樣一樣學起來。」

02
雖然氣溫還在零下，好不容易放晴，蘇莉敏他們三人仍抓緊時間勘景，按照早上的分工，由懷民扛錄像機掌鏡取景，張揚客串跟班助理，莉敏以數位相機拍照片做記錄。
三人來到名山縣的蒙山，這裡風景秀麗，為著名遊覽勝地，有佛、道交替在此建寺觀。特產仙茶，有「揚子江中水，蒙頂山上茶」美譽。他們拍攝過當地美景，在茶坊稍作休息
張揚好奇問：「為什麼你們不挑四月融雪後才來呢？」
「這時候來，就能深刻體會並記錄這裡冬季，大雪封山的情景；七、八月我們還會再來一趟，記錄這裡的牲口放牧和草場作物情形。」莉敏接著說：「有這兩份記錄相互參照，就可以給公司創意部門去構思腳本裡的各種場景。」
張揚似乎聽懂些，微笑說：「沒想到製作一部動畫，得耗費這麼大的心思，你們狄士尼製作態度這麼嚴謹，難怪每一部作品推出後，都能在世界各地締造出亮麗的票房。」
懷民有感而發說：「敏姐，這趟跟著妳出差，我學到許多辦公室裡學不到，卻很重要的東西。」
「這些就叫實務經驗啊！公司裡的每個動畫師，在升等訓練課程中，都會加入一些實務課程。原本你在見習生階段，還沒機會出差來接受實務課程，可你當我的搭擋，一起跟我挑大樑，別無選擇我得濃縮你的訓練過程，硬是把你加快催熟才行！」蘇莉敏說出自己的計畫。
懷民感激說：「其實，在遇見霍爾先生之前，我從來沒想過有朝一日，自己會成為一名動畫師，總以為這輩子就是隨心所欲地作畫，感謝敏姐如此費心栽培我，讓我有機會脫胎換骨，走上動畫師這條充滿挑戰性的道路。」

03
廚房裡，安妮教湯愛玉洗切櫻桃：「喜歡顆粒口感的，櫻桃剖半去籽即可；如果是塗麵包的，可以再把櫻桃切碎些，顆粒小點熬煮時間較短。糖的比例是水果淨重的一半，可用蜂蜜或楓糖代替，甜度越高保存期限越久。」
愛玉問：「大嫂，這些櫻桃有部分被蟲蛀鳥啄食過，為什麼不能像蘋果那樣套袋起來呢？」
安妮微笑說：「櫻桃套袋很花時間，我沒讓你大哥忙這些，因為有機栽培，就留一小部分給蟲鳥享用吧？」
「我看到這裡許多人家庭院裡都種植果樹，平時可以遮蔭乘涼，收穫季節又能享受採果樂趣，美國人真的很懂得生活休閒。」
安妮點頭說：「是啊！妳想想看，我們每天的生活，花在讀書和工作上面大約三分之一，三分之二的時間都待在家裡，所以，有個幽雅的居家環境，就可以舒緩每天的工作壓力。」
「大嫂，以前我在阿里山家裡，每天一張開眼就覺得疲累，因為接下來要面對一整天的農作和家務，可在妳這裡，農事變成休閒園藝，感覺很輕鬆愉悅，說真的，我還真想在這裡長住下來呢！」湯愛玉說出內心的嚮往。
安妮解釋說：「我家裡主要經濟來源是薪水收入，種果樹或草莓只是附帶的；阿里山家裡則是茶業和咖啡，兩者生活型態上本來就不一樣。我們這附近郊區，有許多專業果農，他們的生活型態其實跟在阿里山是相似的。」
「原來如此，我還以為這裡的居民，都過這種神仙般的生活。」
「像妳大哥去狄士尼工作，他一個人的薪水就足夠支持全家開銷。在美國，越有能力的人，收入就越高。」
「這樣很合理啊！不像在台灣，剛出社會的年輕人普遍面臨低薪，想養活自己都有困難。」
「美國社會失業率經常都是兩位數，要不是有社會福利措施，這些底層的人們連維持基本生活條件都成問題。愛玉，美國社會並不是妳想像的那樣，工作上的競爭壓力相當大。」安妮接著說：「這也是為什麼，我鼓勵妳哥留在狄士尼好好發展，主要就是經濟收入上的考量。」
愛玉微笑說：「大嫂處處為我哥設想，我哥能跟妳在一起，真的是他的福氣！」
安妮回憶說：「那天在妳家咖啡園裡，唐夢影最後想用金錢來打發我，當時我沒答應她，我知道妳哥如果回到她身邊，以她們唐家的經濟實力，的確妳哥這駙馬爺往後可以過著錦衣玉食的生活，但是以他藝術家的浪漫個性，可能就只是唐夢影的跟班，他不太有機會能有自己的事業，或著去實現自己的繪畫夢想。」
愛玉理解地說：「大嫂，我知道妳的想法和良苦用心，我哥跟妳在一起後，不再是先前言行浪漫的公子哥兒，妳幫他規劃未來的生活，是真的在教他如何釣魚，而夢影姐則是準備給他一大簍魚，把他供奉起來。」
安妮微笑說：「沒錯！妳看到我和唐夢影主要的不同處。」

04
張揚的房車經過瀘定，傍晚來到康定，這座位於兩江匯流處河階台地上的古城，漢藏貿易物資集散中心。三人在康定街上餐館享用晚餐。
張揚推薦幾道當地美食，犛牛肉、蕨菜、雪域人蔘果燉雞湯和涼粉。
張揚給兩人勺了兩碗雞湯說：「喝幾碗熱乎乎的雪域人蔘果燉雞湯，包管立馬妳元氣充沛，從手指腳尖暖和上來。」
「中國地大物博，各地都有特色物產。」懷民接著說：「我聽說這裡街上有賣高原人蔘，可潤肺散熱，減輕高山不適症狀，待會兒讓張揚帶路，買幾瓶人蔘液帶在路上。」
莉敏喝著湯說：「不要緊，這兩天我的身體逐漸適應高原氣候了。」
懷民體貼地說：「有備無患嘛！後頭我們要走的路還很長。」
莉敏問：「上回我給你排定的作業，你完成了多少？」
「剛過半，進度稍慢些，車上顛簸，無法使用電腦，只能到旅館後才繼續動工。」
「瞭解，我就不再催你，你自己拿捏進度。」
張揚微笑說：「我說嘞！怎麼大半個晚上，格桑都在使用電腦，原來是蘇小姐交代了作業。」
莉敏解釋說：「公司規定培訓制度，懷民是新進的動畫師，按制度必須走完整個培訓流程。」
張揚說：「看來想端這飯碗，真的不容易。不像我只會開車，帶著客人四處遊山玩水品嚐各地美食。」
懷民笑著說：「這樣的生活很愜意啊！我連做夢都夢不到呢！」
張揚搔著額頭傻笑說：「聽你這麼說，我活像散仙似地，應該知足的。」

05
張揚領著兩人去逛街，街上有許多小吃攤，張揚買了三人份金鉤玉米麵蒸饃，邊吃邊逛。街上商店有些販賣西藏文物、服飾和紀念品，有些是漢人的衣物、藥材、金銀飾品。
蘇莉敏逛進一家文物店，對天珠和手把型小經輪感興趣，正想向店員詢價，身旁的張揚低聲說：「這些紀念品，留到拉薩買，價錢比較公道，品質和成色也比較地道。」
莉敏打消念頭說：「可我想買一兩套藏族衣服，來穿穿看。」
「服飾也是在拉薩買比較划算，那裡我熟門熟路，不必多花冤枉錢。」
莉敏被張揚說服，三人轉了一下，來到賣高原人蔘藥材店門口。
「我帶你們進去挑貨，你們跟在我後頭，看中意那幾款，在我手心按一下，我來出價。」張揚信心滿滿，領著兩人進去藥材店，三人看了幾款盒裝高原人蔘和人蔘液，懷民看中意其中一款盒裝人蔘和一款人蔘液，前後各按一下張揚手心。
「老闆，這款木盒裝人蔘怎麼賣？」張揚手指著玻璃展示架裡的一款，以帶著藏族腔的普通話問。
五十開外的老闆說：「這款五斤裝，標價一千五百塊錢，客人你打哪來的？」
「拉薩，老家在八角井商店街附近。」
老闆立馬改用藏語說：「真巧，我老家也在拉薩市區，既然是老鄉，就給你八折吧？」
張揚故意面露難色，以藏語說：「可我預算有限，這人蔘要帶回去給老人家補養的。」
老闆問：「那老鄉你打算用多少預算來買？這盒可是店裡頂級的貨。」
張揚探問：「你看一千買得到嗎？」
老闆說：「你再挑一樣，這盒我算你一千。」
「好的，老鄉果然爽快。那款口服液怎賣？」張揚指著老闆身後陳列架上的一款口服液。
「你內行哪！這是用老酒浸泡一年的六年人蔘，藥性溫補，一手三百。」
張揚伸一隻手進口袋，預先數好鈔票說：「可我手上只一千二百」張揚掏出一疊鈔票說：「都挖出來給你囉。」
老闆想了一下說：「好啦，就一千二百，便宜給你。」
老闆收下鈔票，取出牛皮紙袋，包給張揚。
三人走出藥材店，懷民誇獎他：「你殺價功夫，真是一流。」
張揚得意說：「這家店，我沒來買過，所以先摸底套關係，讓老闆先打折扣，接著裝窮，再殺一回價。我知道賣這類名貴藥材，利潤可觀，肯定有議價空間。」
莉敏故意吃味說：「買給妳夫人的花一千，給我喝的才兩百元，真有你的。」
懷民搔額笑說：「我老婆有孕在身啊！買回去給她補身子。」
莉敏聽了故意眨眨眼，糗他說：「要是我懷孕，你會不會也對我這麼體貼啊？」
懷民被莉敏這句話瞬間點中死穴，頓時愣了一下，尷尬地擠出幾聲乾笑說：「敏姐，怎會無緣無故就，就懷孕呢？」
張揚同樣從莉敏的話裡聽出蹊翹，望著張揚臉紅的表情，心裡不免生出疑問，卻不便開口探問。

06
深夜，旅管客房裡，床上的張揚鼾聲均勻，檯燈下湯懷民還在使用筆電做「作業」。
蘇莉敏醒來，拿了件懷民的外套，走過來給他披上。兩手搭在懷民肩上，臉貼著懷民的臉頰，看著電腦螢幕一會兒。莉敏的髮香，又勾起懷民在西雅圖的那一夜記憶，懷民感到不安，身子稍往前傾。
莉敏低聲說：「作業慢慢寫，不要搞壞身子。」
「嗯！敏姐，妳先休息。」懷民含糊應聲。
「我回想起來囉！」莉敏湊近懷民耳邊說：「西雅圖那晚，你渾身充滿男性魅力！」
充滿挑逗的耳語，立馬令懷民耳根發熱起來，懷民不敢應聲。莉敏故意舔了一下懷民耳垂，懷民感覺全身觸電，更加坐立難安。
「哈哈！不鬧你了，我回去睡。」莉敏嬌笑著轉身離開，回床躺下。

07
湯愛玉購物回程經過大學校門旁的看版牆，看到一張中英文海報：「語言中心招收短期進修生」，她停下來瀏覽一會兒，心想：「我何不趁這趟陪產長假，報名進修，將來再求大哥大嫂向兩佬說情，讓我留下來讀這所大學？」
湯愛玉徐徐走在人行道上，望著擦身而過的大學生，心裡生起羨慕的心情。
回到安妮住處，把魚肉乳品和生活用品歸定位，來到廚房幫忙安妮削蘋果皮。
愛玉小心地探問：「大嫂，這段期間，我能不能去語言中心進修？」
「妳想去進修？」安妮微笑說：「進修是好事，等家裡這些果實處理完，其實也沒什麼工作要妳幫忙，想唸書就去報名啊！」
愛玉興奮說：「謝謝大嫂。」
「妳哥寄電子信來，說他人在康定，正要前往拉薩途中。」
「喔！大嫂，妳放心哥跟他那個女上司長時間廝混在一起？」
安妮輕嘆說：「唉！我要是不放心，就只能把他拴在身邊，可這樣他不會有出息。」
愛玉說：「我哥個性我清楚，大嫂如果要他留在身邊，他會聽你的。」
「這樣反而不好，男兒志在四方，就該出門闖蕩事業。」安妮接著說：「出遠門出差，是我鼓勵他去的，就不會對他疑神疑鬼，讓他心裡有牽掛。」
愛玉微笑說：「大嫂，妳真的御夫有方啊！」

08
幾天後，房車抵達林芝，這時草場上覆蓋著厚厚一層積雪，近景和遠山一片雪白，牧民隊的牛羊和帳篷點綴在廣漠的雪原上。
蘇莉敏說：「民弟，我想在這裡住上一晚，吃烤全羊，體驗住藏包的感覺。」
懷民提醒說：「可入夜後會很冷喔！」
莉敏淡定說：「這幾天我對冷的感覺逐漸適應了。」
懷民微笑說：「藏民的帳篷裡有牛羊的羶味，妳可別鬧到失眠…」
「不要緊，我有帶口罩和香精液。」莉敏又說：「我想品嚐羊血腸和羊眼睛，我看網路上說，這兩樣是西藏最神奇的美食。」
「好吧！」懷民說：「妳難得來西藏。」
懷民湊上前跟駕駛座的張揚吩咐：「咱們找個地方停車，蘇主任說她今晚想吃烤全羊、睡藏包。」

09
房車停在草場上，離一支牧民隊僅百米遠。張揚下車去跟牧民接洽，主人答應接待。三人帶著簡單行李，進到帳蓬。女主人親切招待三人喝酥油茶去寒。
蘇莉敏看著張揚、湯懷民以藏語和男女主人交談，她鴨子聽雷，只能從雙方的肢體語言去猜測。
莉敏拉了一下懷民袖子問：「你們剛才談些什麼？」
懷民語帶神秘說：「主人好奇地問，我們兩人是什麼關係。」
「那你怎麼說？」
「我說妳是我姐姐，但主人搖頭說，我們長得不像，因為他看出來妳是漢人。」
莉敏不信問：「喔？我是漢人這話題，有什麼好聊的？」
「主人的確是這麼說的，主人還問我們，大雪天為什麼不進拉薩城去，要來這裡投宿，我也把妳的意思給說了。」
「你就跟他說我們來這裡探堪外景，準備製作動畫電影。」
「我只說我們從台灣來這裡旅行，主人說他聽過台灣。」
過了一小時，主人從外面進來，說他已經把羊宰殺分切好，再過一小時，烤全羊就會端進來。

10
兩個月後，西藏的首度踏查和勘景工作進入尾聲，在札希提供大部分資料和湯懷民的協助下，蘇莉敏搜集資料逐漸完備。湯懷民完成並考核通過培訓課程，收到公司的升等電子公文。這時，蘇莉敏接到霍爾的衛星電話，要求兩人先構思出一份故事大綱草案，寄回公司給創意部，去發展成故事腳本。
莉敏忍不住跟懷民抱怨起來：「這是什麼狀況啊？我們動畫師幾時還得兼作編劇工作？以往都是創意部生產出故事腳本，我們才根據劇情，去構思角色人物造型的。我們是畫師，畫師耶，這還有專業分工嗎？！」
懷民勸著說：「敏姐，我想霍爾執行長這樣要求，一定有他的用意，與其天高皇帝遠地抱怨，不如我們就努力做做看。」
莉敏強調說：「問題是，你我都不會寫故事啊！這不是我們動畫師的專業領域喔！」
懷民換個角度思考說：「不會，就學著寫寫看吧！盡力就好，霍爾信裡只說要我們就手邊的資料去構思故事，並沒有要求要寫出怎樣的故事。」
「真有你的，天底下似乎沒有難得倒你的事！」莉敏雙手叉腰，無可奈何說：「你打算怎麼做？說說看！」
懷民靈機一動說：「我老婆文筆不錯，可以找她來寫。」
「你老婆？她不是大著肚子？你要她專程從加州來拉薩寫故事大綱？」蘇莉敏一副不可置信的表情。
「我老婆安妮是倉央的後人，由她來寫先祖的故事，應該是不二人選。」
莉敏說：「好吧！算你說得有理，可萬一她發現我們之間有過一夜情，她不會撕了你嗎？」
「也該是我主動跟她認錯的時候了！就算她不肯原諒我。」湯懷民一臉認真，他似乎下定決心了。
莉敏連忙說：「不成！這不成！讓她知道這件事，會壞了正事。」
懷民心意已決說：「可這件事再隱瞞下去，我良心過意不去啊！敏姐。」
莉敏按奈說：「你讓我想想，讓我想清楚，這節骨眼上，你先別魯莽喔！」
莉敏腦子裡快轉著：「事到如今，我該不該跟懷民說實話，西雅圖那晚上，我們兩個根本沒發生肉體關係，所以他不必去不打自招？可是，我一旦亮出手裡這張鬼牌，就沒有辦法挾持湯懷民，脅迫他老婆離開…，該怎麼辦呢？不如，我先跟懷民說實話，要他老婆來拉薩，幫忙把故事大綱寫出來，我到台灣去搜集孫立人將軍的資料，讓懷民自己去面對霍爾…」
計謀既定，蘇莉敏決定先打出手中這張鬼牌。
「懷民，我跟你說一件事，可你得先答應我別生氣喔！」莉敏故作神秘，對懷民施打預防針。
「什麼事？敏姐。」
莉敏態度嬌蠻說：「你答應不生氣，我才能說。」
「好吧！我不生氣。」懷民被莉敏的突然舉動，弄得啼笑皆非。
「西雅圖那天晚上，我們…我們其實。」莉敏臉上浮現紅暈，講話吞吞吐吐。
「其實什麼？」懷民已經起疑心，以一副酷酷的表情瞪著莉敏。
「我們其實沒有發生肉體關係，當時我撩起你的衣褲，你已經醉得不省人事，那部份根本沒反應，後來我也醉趴了。」
懷民聽完先是傻眼說：「妳，真的很…」，接著怒火瞬間被點燃，正想發飆，轉念一想，既然沒發生什麼事，這時他生氣也無濟於事：「算了！這事就算了！」
莉敏陪笑臉說：「對不起啦！因為我醒來後發現沒落紅，下體也沒有異樣感，但是又不敢對你說實話，怕傷了你的自尊心…」
懷民揮手，感到啼笑皆非說：「別說了！那晚我的確不該飲酒過量。」
莉敏提議說：「民弟，接下來我們分頭進行，你把你老婆找來拉薩，兩人一起寫，寫完後寄電子信給我，我回寄給公司；我先去台灣搜集孫立人將軍資料。」
懷民點頭同意說：「這辦法可行！我們就分頭去做。」

Chapter 27: Husband and Wife Separated by Distance
01
In the kitchen, Annie and Ai-Yu were busy and cheerful. Under Annie’s guidance, Ai-Yu washed the strawberries with running water, drained them, then halved the small strawberries and cut the large ones into three or four pieces. Next, they mixed the strawberries with sugar at a 2:1 ratio, added a little lemon juice, and stirred everything evenly in a pot.
“Let it sit aside for half an hour, then start simmering over low heat. Once the strawberries release their juices, turn the heat to medium. When the strawberry mixture starts bubbling and the fruit rises to the top, turn it back to low heat,” Annie instructed. “If you stir too hard at this stage, it will turn into mush. But if you don’t stir enough, the strawberries will stick to the pot and burn, leaving a bitter smell in the jam.”
Ai-Yu exclaimed, “Sister-in-law, I didn’t realize there was so much to this!”
“There’s more!” Annie continued. “You can decide when to finish cooking based on your needs. If you want it for spreading on bread or toast, cook it until the liquid is reduced; the flavor will be richer. If it’s for fruit tea, leave a bit of syrup—it’ll taste better. If it’s for a topping, to drizzle over ice cream, panna cotta, or pudding, leave even more syrup; it’ll be easier to use.”
Ai-Yu asked, “So if I like the rich, chunky texture, I should reduce the liquid more?”
Annie nodded. “Exactly. That also extends the shelf life. The strawberry jam we make for customers is adjusted during production based on its intended use, to meet their needs as best as possible.”
Ai-Yu sighed, “Too bad my parents won’t give me a piece of land to grow strawberries. Otherwise, I’d love to show off my skills and earn some extra money!”
Annie thought for a moment. “You could rent a field from relatives in the village. Your brother said people grow cool-season vegetables up in the mountains in winter. If you offer a reasonable rent, you should be able to rent some land.”
Ai-Yu clapped her hands and laughed foolishly. “Right! Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Up in Alishan, the winter temperatures are low. You can set up nets to prevent insects and birds, use kitchen scraps for organic fertilizer, and add chicken manure. That way, you’ll have organic crops, saving on pesticides and increasing market value.”
Ai-Yu smiled. “Sister-in-law, that’s a brilliant idea! Coming here to help you, I’ve really learned a lot.”
“In the afternoon, I’ll teach you how to make cherry jam. The method is similar to strawberry jam.”
Ai-Yu replied happily, “Great! I’ll learn everything, step by step, from you, Sister-in-law.”
________________________________________
02
Although the temperature was still below freezing, the sun had finally come out. Su Limin and her two companions seized the chance to scout locations. According to the morning’s division of labor, Huai-Min carried the camera and took shots, Zhang Yang assisted as a temporary assistant, and Limin used a digital camera to record photos.
They arrived at Mengshan in Mingshan County. The scenery here was beautiful, a well-known tourist spot with Buddhist and Taoist temples. The region was famous for its Xian tea, praised as “Yangtze River water, Mengding Mountain tea.” After filming the local scenery, they rested briefly at a tea house.
Curious, Zhang Yang asked, “Why don’t you come after the April snow melts?”
“Coming now lets us experience and record the winter scenery when heavy snow seals the mountains. In July or August, we’ll come again to record livestock grazing and grassland crops,” Limin explained. “Having both records allows the company’s creative team to reference them when designing various scenes for scripts.”
Zhang Yang seemed to understand a bit and smiled. “I didn’t realize making an animated film required so much thought. Disney is so meticulous in production—it’s no wonder their films consistently achieve high box office results worldwide.”
Huai-Min felt moved. “Sister Min, traveling with you on this assignment, I’ve learned so many important things that you can’t learn in the office.”
“These are practical experiences! Every animator in the company undergoes practical courses as part of promotion training. As a trainee, you wouldn’t have had a chance to go on a business trip to gain these experiences. But as my partner, working closely with me, I have no choice but to accelerate your learning, condensing your training into this trip!” Su Limin explained her plan.
Huai-Min gratefully said, “Honestly, before meeting Mr. Hall, I never imagined I would become an animator. I always thought I’d just paint freely. Thank you, Sister Min, for nurturing me and giving me the chance to transform and take on this challenging path as an animator.”
________________________________________
03
In the kitchen, Annie taught Ai-Yu to wash and pit cherries. “If you like chunks, just halve them. For spreading on bread, chop them smaller—the smaller the pieces, the shorter the cooking time. The sugar ratio is half the fruit’s net weight, and you can substitute honey or maple syrup. The sweeter it is, the longer it lasts.”
Ai-Yu asked, “Sister-in-law, some cherries have been eaten by insects or birds. Why not bag them like apples?”
Annie smiled. “Bagging cherries takes too much time. I didn’t want your brother busy with that. For organic cultivation, it’s okay to leave a few for the insects and birds.”
“I notice many families plant fruit trees in their yards. They provide shade, enjoyment, and fun harvesting during the season. Americans really know how to enjoy leisure life,” Ai-Yu observed.
Annie nodded. “Yes. Consider this: one-third of our daily life is spent on study and work; the other two-thirds at home. A pleasant home environment helps relieve daily stress.”
Ai-Yu said, “At home in Alishan, I felt tired the moment I opened my eyes every day, facing chores and farm work. Here, gardening feels like leisure. Honestly, I’d love to live here permanently!”
Annie explained, “Our main income is from salaries; fruit or strawberry cultivation is just supplementary. In Alishan, tea and coffee are primary. Our suburban lifestyle is different, but local professional fruit farmers live similarly to Alishan farmers.”
“Oh, I thought everyone here lived like immortals!” Ai-Yu laughed.
“Your brother works at Disney, and his salary alone supports the whole family. In the U.S., the more capable you are, the higher your income.”
“That’s reasonable! In Taiwan, young people face low wages and can barely support themselves,” Ai-Yu said.
“Unemployment in the U.S. can be double digits. Without social welfare, people at the bottom struggle to survive. Ai-Yu, American society isn’t as easy as it looks; work competition is intense,” Annie said. “That’s why I encourage your brother to stay at Disney—mainly for economic reasons.”
Ai-Yu smiled. “Sister-in-law, you think of my brother in every way. He’s lucky to be with you.”
Annie recalled, “At your coffee farm, Tang Meng-Ying tried to buy me off with money. I refused because I knew if your brother went back to her, with her family’s wealth, he’d live in luxury but just as her follower. He wouldn’t have his own career or painting dreams.”
Ai-Yu understood. “I get it. You’re teaching him to fish, while Meng-Ying would just give him a basket of fish.”
Annie smiled. “Exactly! That’s the main difference between me and Meng-Ying.”
________________________________________
04
Zhang Yang’s RV passed Luding and arrived in Kangding in the evening, an ancient city at the confluence of two rivers and a Han-Tibetan trade hub. They had dinner at a local restaurant.
Zhang Yang recommended local dishes: yak meat, fern dishes, snow-region ginseng fruit chicken soup, and cold jelly.
He ladled two bowls of chicken soup for them. “Drink some hot snow-region ginseng fruit chicken soup; it’ll warm you from head to toe.”
Huai-Min said, “China has abundant resources; every region has specialties. I heard highland ginseng is sold here—it helps the lungs and relieves altitude sickness. Let’s buy a few bottles for the road.”
Limin sipped her soup. “No worries, I’m getting used to the high-altitude climate.”
Huai-Min smiled. “Better to be prepared. We still have a long journey ahead.”
Limin asked, “How much of the assignment I gave you last time have you completed?”
“Just over half. Progress is slow; the bumpy road made working on the computer impossible. I’ll continue at the hotel,” Huai-Min replied.
“I understand. Don’t rush. You control the pace,” Limin said.
Zhang Yang smiled. “No wonder Gesang spent half the evening on the computer—it’s your assignment, Miss Su!”
Limin explained, “Training regulations require new animators to complete the full training process.”
Zhang Yang laughed. “Holding this job is tough. Unlike me, driving tourists around and tasting local foods.”
Huai-Min grinned. “That life is comfortable! I never imagined it.”
Zhang Yang scratched his head. “Sounds like I’m a carefree wanderer. I should be satisfied.”
________________________________________
05
Zhang Yang led them shopping. Street vendors sold snacks. He bought three steamed corn buns for them. Shops sold Tibetan artifacts, clothes, souvenirs, and Han Chinese items.
Limin entered a store, interested in prayer beads and handheld mini prayer wheels. Zhang Yang whispered, “Better buy souvenirs in Lhasa; prices are fairer and quality more authentic.”
Limin considered, “I want to try a couple of Tibetan outfits.”
“Also cheaper in Lhasa. I know the place well,” Zhang Yang said.
Convinced, they walked to a herbal medicine shop selling highland ginseng. Zhang Yang confidently led them inside. Huai-Min pointed to a box of ginseng and a ginseng liquid; Zhang Yang pressed his hand twice as a signal.
The shop owner, around fifty, said, “This 5-jin box is 1,500 yuan. Where are you from?”
“Lhasa, near Bajiao Well Street.”
The owner switched to Tibetan. “What a coincidence! I’m from Lhasa too. Since we’re countrymen, I’ll give you a 20% discount.”
Zhang Yang pretended to hesitate. “I have a limited budget. This is for my elders.”
“Then how much do you plan to spend?”
“Would 1,000 work?”
“Choose one more item, and I’ll make it 1,000,” the owner agreed.
Zhang Yang asked the price of the liquid. “A year-soaked six-year ginseng in old wine, 300 each.”
He pulled out 1,200 yuan. The owner thought a moment, then said, “Okay, 1,200 it is.”
Huai-Min praised him, “You’re a master bargainer.”
Zhang Yang grinned. “I sized up the store first, got a discount, then acted poor to bargain again. There’s room to negotiate with valuable herbs.”
Limin teased, “You spend 1,000 for your wife’s gift but only 200 for me!”
Huai-Min scratched his head. “My wife is pregnant! Buying for her health.”
Limin winked. “If I were pregnant, would you be so thoughtful to me?”
Huai-Min froze, awkwardly laughing. “Miss Limin, why would you…?”
Zhang Yang noticed Limin’s teasing but didn’t ask further.
________________________________________
06
Late at night, in the hotel room, Zhang Yang snored lightly. Huai-Min worked on his laptop.
Su Limin woke and draped Huai-Min’s jacket over him, resting her hands on his shoulders and her face near his cheek, watching the screen. The scent of her hair reminded Huai-Min of that night in Seattle, making him uneasy.
Limin whispered, “Take it slow on the assignment, don’t strain yourself.”
“Okay, Sister Min. You rest first,” Huai-Min mumbled.
“I remember!” Limin leaned close to his ear. “That night in Seattle, you were full of masculine charm!”
Her teasing whispers made Huai-Min’s ears burn. Limin licked his earlobe, sending shivers through him.
“Ha! I’m not teasing anymore, I’ll go sleep,” Limin said, laughing, and turned back to bed.
________________________________________
07
On her way back from shopping, Ai-Yu passed the university gate and saw a bilingual poster: “Language Center Recruiting Short-term Students.” She paused, thinking, Why not take this parental leave to study, and later ask my brother and sister-in-law to help me stay at this university?
Walking slowly on the sidewalk, she watched students pass by, feeling envious.
Back at Annie’s, she put away groceries and helped peel apples in the kitchen.
Ai-Yu carefully asked, “Sister-in-law, can I attend the Language Center while I’m here?”
Annie smiled. “You want to study? That’s fine. Once the fruits are processed, there’s not much work left. If you want to study, just enroll!”
Ai-Yu was excited. “Thank you, Sister-in-law!”
“Your brother emailed. He’s in Kangding, on his way to Lhasa.”
“Will he be safe spending time with his female boss?” Ai-Yu asked.
Annie sighed. “If I didn’t trust him, I’d have to keep him by my side, but then he wouldn’t achieve much.”
“I know my brother’s personality. If you want him close, he’d listen.”
“That’s not good either. A man should explore the world. I encouraged him to travel, so I wouldn’t be suspicious, letting him go freely.”
Ai-Yu smiled. “Sister-in-law, you really know how to manage your husband!”
________________________________________
08
A few days later, their RV reached Linzhi. The meadows were covered in thick snow; the near and distant mountains were white. Herds of livestock and tents dotted the vast snowfield.
Su Limin said, “Min-Di, I want to stay here one night, have roasted whole lamb, and experience living in a Tibetan tent.”
Huai-Min warned, “It’ll be cold at night!”
“I’m adapting,” Limin said calmly.
Huai-Min smiled, “The smell of livestock might keep you awake…”
“No worries, I have a mask and fragrance.” Limin added, “I want to try blood sausage and sheep eyes—they’re unique Tibetan delicacies.”
“Alright,” Huai-Min said. “Since you’re here, let’s make it happen.”
He instructed driver Zhang Yang: “Find a place to park. Su wants roasted whole lamb and to stay in a tent tonight.”
________________________________________
09
The RV parked about 100 meters from a herder’s camp. Zhang Yang negotiated with the owner, who agreed to host them. They brought simple luggage into the tent. The hostess offered butter tea to warm them.
Su Limin watched Zhang Yang and Huai-Min speak Tibetan with the hosts, unable to understand, relying on body language.
She tugged Huai-Min’s sleeve: “What did you say?”
He replied mysteriously, “The owner asked what our relationship is.”
“And?”
“I said you’re my sister, but the owner shook his head, saying we don’t look alike—you’re Han.”
Limin asked, “What’s special about being Han?”
“That’s what he said. He also asked why we didn’t stay in Lhasa in heavy snow. I explained your intention.”
“You should have said we’re scouting for an animation film,” Limin said.
“I only said we’re tourists from Taiwan. The owner said he’s heard of Taiwan.”
An hour later, the owner came in, saying the sheep were slaughtered and cut. In an hour, the roasted whole lamb would be ready.
________________________________________
10
Two months later, the initial survey and location scouting in Tibet were drawing to a close. With most of the materials provided by Zaxi and the assistance of Tang Huaimin, Su Limin’s collection of information gradually became complete. Tang Huaimin had finished and passed the training course assessment and received an electronic promotion notice from the company. At this time, Su Limin received a satellite phone call from Hall, requesting that the two of them first draft a story outline and send it back to the company’s creative department to develop into a script.
Limin couldn’t help but complain to Huaimin: “What’s going on here? Since when do we animators have to double as scriptwriters? In the past, it was always the creative department that produced the story script, and we would design the characters based on the plot. We’re artists—artists! Isn’t there supposed to be professional division of labor?!”
Huaimin tried to reason: “Sister Min, I think CEO Hall must have his reasons for asking this. Rather than complain from afar, why don’t we just give it a try?”
Limin emphasized: “The problem is, neither of us knows how to write a story! This is not our professional field as animators!”
Huaimin looked at it from another angle: “We don’t know how? Then let’s just try writing! Do our best. Hall only said in his letter that we should use the materials we have to conceptualize a story; he didn’t specify what kind of story it should be.”
“You really… there seems to be nothing in this world that can stump you!” Limin put her hands on her hips, exasperated. “What’s your plan? Tell me!”
Huaimin had a sudden idea: “My wife writes well. We could have her do it.”
“Your wife? Isn’t she heavily pregnant? Are you going to have her fly all the way from California to Lhasa just to write a story outline?” Limin’s face showed disbelief.
“My wife Annie is a descendant of Tsangyang Gyatso. Having her write her ancestor’s story should be the best choice.”
Limin said, “Alright, fine, that makes sense. But what if she finds out about that one-night stand between us? Won’t she tear you apart?”
“It’s time I confess to her anyway! Even if she refuses to forgive me,” Huaimin said seriously, seeming determined.
Limin quickly said: “No! That won’t do! Letting her know would ruin the whole plan.”
Huaimin was resolute: “But if I keep hiding it, my conscience won’t let me rest, Sister Min.”
Limin tried to calm him: “Let me think it through. At this critical moment, don’t be reckless!”
Her mind raced: At this point, should I tell Huaimin the truth? That night in Seattle, nothing physical actually happened between us, so he doesn’t need to confess? But if I reveal this card, I lose leverage over him, can’t coerce his wife to leave… What should I do? Perhaps I should tell Huaimin the truth and get his wife to come to Lhasa to help write the story outline, while I go to Taiwan to collect materials on General Sun Li-jen, letting Huaimin face Hall on his own…
With her plan set, Su Limin decided to play her card.
“Huaimin, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise not to get angry!” Limin pretended to be mysterious, giving him a preemptive warning.
“What is it, Sister Min?”
Limin, with a coquettish tone, said: “You have to promise not to get angry before I tell you.”
“Alright, I won’t get angry.” Huaimin was caught between laughter and disbelief by Limin’s sudden behavior.
“That night in Seattle… we actually…” Limin blushed, hesitating as she spoke.
“Actually what?” Huaimin was already suspicious, staring at Limin with a cool expression.
“We didn’t have any physical relations. That night, when I lifted your clothes, you were so drunk you were unconscious. You didn’t react at all, and later I passed out too.”
Huaimin was first dumbfounded: “You… really are…” His anger flared briefly, then he thought, since nothing happened, getting mad now would be pointless: “Forget it! Let’s just forget it!”
Limin smiled apologetically: “Sorry! When I woke up and realized nothing happened, there was no sign of anything, but I didn’t dare tell you the truth for fear of hurting your pride…”
Huaimin waved his hand, laughing at the absurdity: “Enough! I shouldn’t have drunk so much that night anyway.”
Limin suggested: “Min-di, let’s split up for the next steps. You bring your wife to Lhasa, and the two of you write together. Once finished, email it to me, and I’ll forward it to the company. I’ll go to Taiwan to collect General Sun Li-jen’s materials.”
Huaimin nodded: “That works! Let’s proceed separately.”