《拉薩情書》

第二十三章、夢影的復仇計劃
01
唐家人回到日月潭邊的豪宅門口，夢影逕自開門下車，低著頭一路快步進門，上到二樓。
趙雅雲和唐雲飛兩夫妻，望著夢影的背影，心裡都很難受。兩人板著臉進到客廳。
「這丫頭就這麼死心眼？湯懷民根本不是塊做生意的料子，就算兩人在一起，還不是得對他奉茶奉飯，當成土地公來服侍？」
雅雲怒斥說：「唐先生！你講那些都是屁話，丫頭和懷民從小在一起，妳叫ㄚ頭怎麼放得下？」
「放不下又能怎樣？那女人根本不退讓啊！ㄚ頭得徹底清醒來，不要再浪費無謂的精神體力，那小子不值得她這樣死心塌地！」
「你有辦法，自己去跟ㄚ頭勸說啊！」雅雲沒好氣說：「不要每回都推我去當擋箭牌！」
雲飛提議說：「不如這樣吧？等ㄚ頭氣消一些，就安排她去相親，我商界裡的朋友，不乏青年才俊，隨意挑條件都比姓湯的小子強。」
「再說吧！ㄚ頭要是放得下看得開，你再去安排，不然你一頭熱，只會討挨罵。」雅雲接著說：「這幾天，讓她冷靜一下。」

02
人在狄士尼總部的蘇莉敏，收到唐夢影的電子信，為夢影的遭遇和受辱感到忿忿不平：「這個湯懷民，真是狼心狗肺，枉廢我夢影妹妹對他一往情深，竟然說變心就翻臉走人，完全不念舊情，我一定得把他搞得雞毛鴨血、身敗名裂，替夢影出這一口怨氣。」心思既定，蘇莉敏立即回信，和夢影討論後續策略。
夢影妹妹：
沒想到妳受到如此大的委屈！那狼心狗肺的東西，一定要把他搞得雞毛鴨血、身敗名裂！他的命運捏在我的手裡，我一定會幫妳出這一口怨氣的。上班期間長話短說，等我下班回到家，妳開視訊，我們姐妹詳談對策。 姐莉敏
在日月潭唐家豪宅的唐夢影，收到莉敏回信，她不想莉敏傷害懷民，在莉敏下班返家後，開啟視訊，兩人在線上通話：
「姐姐，我不想妳傷害到懷民，罪魁禍首是安妮那女巫，她巧言令色迷惑懷民。妳幫我對付那女巫，要她識趣，主動離開懷民。」
「妳的心腸太軟了，妹妹。好吧！妳希望我怎麼幫妳？」
「姐，我的計畫是慢慢凌遲那女巫，讓她精神肉體一次又一次遭受打擊，最後自行離開懷民。」
「我尊重妳的辦法，妹，那麼妳具體的策略呢？」
「妳是懷民的上司，可以在業務上找機會一再挑剔他，給他難堪，但是別一下子出重手，讓他失去信心掛冠求去。」
「嗯！我懂妳的意思，就是不捏死他，把他吊起來凌遲，一片片剮他的肉，要他鮮血淋漓。」
「就是這樣，接著妳同情他、接近他然後色誘他，把你們的親熱照片寄給那女巫，威脅她主動離開懷民，否則就把照片寄給媒體和公司，讓懷民身敗名裂，在公司待不下去。」
「可是，先前如果我挑剔他、給他難堪，一定會引起他的戒心，恐怕很難再接近他，而且同事間鬧緋聞，這樣連帶我也會被公司處分啊？」
「妳不妨假借第三人之手挑剔他打擊他，你就可以趁機安慰他接近他，卸下他的心防。等妳色誘成功拍下親密照片，妳就假裝成受害人，使用第三人名義，來威脅那女巫，如果對方不肯就範，就把照片寄給媒體和公司，這樣妳就不會被牽連進去。我要那女巫面對懷民身敗名裂的處境，身心煎熬，搞得她精神崩潰！」
「哈哈！妹妹，沒想到妳的手段如此狠辣，還好姐姐不是妳的敵人。」
「姐，我也是被逼出來的，怎能讓他們兩個逍遙快活呢？」
「說得也事！那我就照妳的方法去做。我們隨時保持聯絡囉。」
兩個同父異母姐妹，隔海串連起「復仇計劃」，即將展開一波波的進擊行動。

03
小倆口回到柏克萊家門前，安妮看到草莓田裡的草莓陸續開花，已結出一些青綠小果實，蘋果樹和櫻桃樹形成一整排花海，吸引成群的蜜蜂和蝴蝶。
懷民讚賞說：「都開花了，真的很美耶！」
兩人走進院子，安妮問：「以前你沒看過蘋果和櫻桃樹開花嗎？」
懷民憨笑著問：「只看過櫻花開花，不算數嗎？」
安妮微笑說：「品種不同，當然不能算數囉！先前你給它們鬆土施肥，花朵果然開得比往年茂盛，可見樹跟人類似，只要你肯用心對待，它們就會熱烈回報。」
「安妮，妳的話裡有話喔！」懷民說：「我聽得出來的。」
安妮笑著說：「是啊！可見你並不是天然呆嘛！」
兩人把行李擱在門房邊，牽手走到那排果樹下。
懷民問：「花開得那麼茂盛，果實結太多，會不會影響顆粒大小啊！」
「不錯嘛！你很有概念。等花朵謝了，就要開始疏枝剪果，疏枝剪果你懂吧？」
「懂一些啊！就是保留主枝和發育情況較佳的果實，去除旁枝和發育較差的果實，讓養份供應集中，使果實顆粒碩大。」
「疏枝剪果的同時套上紙袋，減少被果蠅或寄生蜂叮咬，然後就是等收成了。」
「安妮，這七株果樹一年可收成多少果實啊？」
「去年我母親過世，沒時間照料，產量減少四成，多數被鳥吃蟲蛀，蘋果樹前後收了三百公斤，櫻桃樹兩百五、六十公斤，今年有你鬆土施肥，加上疏枝剪果，很可能突破上千公斤。」安妮約略估計了一下。
懷民驚訝得瞠目結舌：「哇！這哪吃得完啊！」
「以往我都是把大顆粒和賣相好的採收後，賣給鄰近的超市；小顆粒和和賣相差的留著做果醬，自己慢慢吃。今年我想全部都拿來做果醬，架設網路商店自己來行銷。」
懷民點頭說：「這辦法可行喔！」
安妮微笑說：「反正我在家寫論文待產，論文寫累了就去做些果醬，勞動一下筋骨，增加一些生活收入。」
懷民開心地笑說：「哈，這叫一兼二顧，摸蛤蜊兼洗褲。」
安妮不解問：「這句話是什麼意思？」
懷民得意說：「就是一舉兩得的意思，台灣話我懂得不多，但這句我會說。」

04
午後兩點，湯懷民進到公司，經過蘇莉敏座位時，主動說：「主任，我回來了。」
蘇莉敏對他點頭微笑，心想：「老娘我正在等你回來，你這薄情郎、負心漢，看我怎麼凌遲你…」
懷民來到自己座位，把一只小手提袋裡擱在桌底下：「等下班時，經過蘇主任座位，就把這袋伴手禮擱她桌子底下。」
蘇莉敏起身，從資料櫃裡抽出一只檔案夾，眼角閃過一抹冷酷的笑，來到湯懷民桌邊：「湯，你電腦的螢幕桌面上，有套修圖程式和Flash程式，你點開來，按照使用說明，先約略瞭解這兩套軟體的功能和使用方法。我這資料夾裡是目前正在製作的動畫故事腳本，裡面附夾的光碟片裡，存著角色人物圖像初稿，我覺得初稿裡的人物造型太呆板。我要你把腳本讀熟，根據你對腳本的理解，加一些你自己的想像，重新提出一份你覺得適合的人物造型出來。我剛才的說明，你聽懂了嗎？」
懷民樂觀地想：「蘇主任這回出題，應該是想摸清楚我的本事吧？」
想法單純的懷民不疑有他，搔頭傻笑說：「主任，我試試看！」
蘇莉敏立馬說：「不，你應該說：主考官，我會全力以赴。」
懷民改口說：「是，主考官，我會全力以赴。」
蘇莉敏滿意說：「很好，你這根蠟燭，一點就亮！難怪老霍爾賞識你，你能在這週末完成人物設計稿給我嗎？」
「雖然有些急促，但我會全力以赴。」
蘇莉敏微笑說：「那麼你完成後，下週一來上班時，擱我桌面上。」
蘇莉敏轉身離開，心想：「我要看你，能有多大能耐！」

05
在文學系梁文青教授的研究室裡，梁把博論大綱遞還給安妮：「妳的博論大綱架構基本上沒有大問題，不過既然主題是修辭美，就必須將修辭格和美學的各種原理巧妙地進行聯結，形成論證上的相互參照。這篇論文雖然文本僅限於情僧的詩作，可妳同時使用了美學和修辭學這兩門方法論，完全符合小題目大寫的論文體例，還是能展現這篇論文的份量。」
安妮恭敬地說：「謝謝老師提示，學生會用心把它給寫出來的。」
「等妳順利通過博論口考，取得學位，我打算推荐妳到我們文學系裡，開設文創美學和文創修辭學這兩門課。」
安妮受寵若驚說：「感謝老師的厚愛和提攜。」
文青開心地笑著說：「妳應該要貢獻出寶貴的創作經驗，引導學生們往創作的道路發展，這是妳的強項啊！」

06
晚間，安妮沐浴後出來，經過書房，看見檯燈燈影下，懷民正在做畫的身影。安妮悄悄走過去，站在他身後觀賞，懷民專心畫漫畫人物，絲毫沒發現身後的安妮，安妮也沒吵他。過了一會兒，安妮離開，回自己書房寫博士論文。
半夜，安妮起床喝水，經過書房，發現懷民還沒休息。安妮走過來，雙手搭著懷民肩膀：「還在做啊？什麼案子？」
懷民轉過身來：「主考官給的案子，要我更改一個案子的人物設計圖。」
「你的長官給你多少時間完成？」
懷民苦笑說：「就這週末囉！」
安妮一臉不捨說：「難怪你要熬夜，去休息吧！別硬撐著。」
「好，我這張圖處理好，就去休息。」懷民轉身，繼續埋首繪圖。
望著懷民的背影，安妮知道自己幫不上忙。

07
週一上午，蘇莉敏進到辦公室，才坐下來就發現那只手提袋，她打開來看，是一盒茶葉和一盒咖啡，上面附一張小卡片：「茶葉和咖啡都是自家產品，一點心意。」
「這小子，應對禮數倒是還懂得！」莉敏心想：「可是，我還是不會讓你好過的！」
蘇莉敏取出那冊培訓計劃資料夾，抽出其中的一份：「動畫分鏡表」，接著找出《風中奇緣》（Pocahontas）動畫劇本：「先讓你吃些苦頭，臭小子！」
蘇莉敏寫張便條紙，拿起一只資料夾，來到湯懷民座位，把資料夾擱在桌面，回到座位上，繼續忙她的工作。
下午兩點，湯懷民進到辦公室，經過蘇莉敏座位時，把一包牛皮紙包擱在桌面上，紙袋裡是已完成的角色人物漫畫設計新稿。
湯懷民來到座位，看見桌面上那只資料夾，他坐下來，開啟電腦，接著翻開資料夾，注意到那張便條紙：
「這裡有一份動畫分鏡表和範例，《Pocahontas》的動畫劇本及光碟片，你的工作是：1、先熟讀劇本；2、看過光碟片；3、找出動畫裡你認為分鏡處理不妥當的段落，重做一份簡式分鏡表給我。簡式分鏡表是指以線條畫出人物和場景輪廓，不必著色，但要標示出人物走位。給你一週時間，做多少算多少。」
懷民翻開動畫劇本，靜靜地閱讀。

08
蘇莉敏開完會議回來，看到那袋牛皮紙，抽出來一張張仔細看，心裡暗暗讚嘆：「這個湯懷民果真是個兼具想像力和創意鬼才，要不是你辜負夢影妹妹，以你的天份，將來很有機會成為頂尖的動畫師，可惜我不能如你所願…。」
莉敏看到裡頭附一張光碟片，標示：「初階動畫演示」，莉敏把它放進光碟巢，一個個點出來看：「真是不可思議！短短兩天半，他竟然可以寫出前十分鐘的動畫實體，無論人物圖案、線條配色和動作背景都活靈活現，老霍爾真的眼光很犀利！」
蘇莉敏靈光一閃，想到一個主意：「我何不讓湯懷民大出鋒頭？讓同事們對他心生反感嘞？這麼一來，他的人緣不好，我卻能從中博取他的好感？」
蘇莉敏拿著這包牛皮紙袋，直接去找史密斯部長。
莉敏故作神秘說：「部長，請你暫停手邊工作，看一下這裡面的東西。」
莉敏不尋常的態度引起史密斯好奇：「喔？什麼東西？」
「當然是好東西，你看完之後，我想跟你重新討論《海豚城堡》。」
史密斯抽出紙袋裡的設計稿和那張光碟，才看了幾張角色人物漫畫稿，史密斯很感興趣地問：「這是誰畫的？」
「等你一併看過這張光碟後，我會回答你的第一個問題。」莉敏微笑著，故意吊他的胃口。
史密斯把光碟放進光碟機，一個個點開來看：「如果我沒記錯，按你們表定的時程，現在應該還沒進到動畫實體階段吧？」
蘇莉敏神祕地笑著說：「部長，回答你的第一個問題，作者是跟著我的見習生湯。」
「真的嗎？」史密斯相當驚訝，卻有一臉不肯置信的表情。
「真的，回答第二個問題，湯只用了一個週末，兩天半的時間就做出前十分鐘實體。」
「這效率，真的太不可思議了！」史密斯接著說：「他的動畫線條筆觸完全沒有新手的生澀感，從動作和劇情的流暢度，絕對看不出是個見習生！」
蘇莉敏目露精光說：「部長，我們英雄所見略同，湯的動畫實力和天份，假以時日的訓練，兩三年後，就可能是繼 Glen Keane大師之後，最頂尖的新星！」
史密斯想了一下說：「湯的個人風格，我感覺介於日本宮崎駿和Glen Keane之間，兼有東方的神秘典雅和西方的青春熱情！可是，畢竟他才剛進公司，升遷不只憑實力也得照順序來…」
蘇莉敏不以為然說：「部長，難不成你要他跟Glen Keane一樣，熬到二、三十年，才擠身A級動畫師行列？這樣的制度對他顯然不公平喔！」
「可是如果我讓他一再跳級升上來，肯定會有很多同事心裡不服氣啊！」史密斯老練沉穩，他的顧慮並非沒有根據。
「部長，《海豚城堡》的人物造型，我決定變更原設計，就用湯畫的當成藍本。」
「這部份我沒意見，妳自己拿捏，不過，妳可能要考慮，配畫部門裡妳的夥伴們，有可能出現反彈的聲浪喔！」
「這部份我會妥善處理。」蘇莉敏眼珠轉了一下，想到一個值得一試的辦法：「這樣好嗎？部長，公司不是有個大中華A三計畫的構想？」
史密斯點頭說：「的確，老霍爾和我們幾個部門主管是有這個構想，怎麼？妳該不會想讓他搭上A三計畫這個順風車？」
蘇莉敏語氣堅定說：「有何不可？我相信他能勝任。」
史密斯想了一下說：「那麼，首先妳得對他實施密集的培訓，縮短見習時程；其次，大中華A三計畫的企畫書，妳得在半年內提交出來給我，這兩項，妳沒問題吧？」
蘇莉敏一副胸有成竹的模樣，卻故弄玄虛說：「當然沒問題！企劃書我只需四個月，就能提交給你，部長。」
史密斯微笑說：「妳又來了！小柴契爾夫人（The Rt Hon. Margaret Thatcher），妳總是有驚人之舉。」
「企劃書，我找湯一起寫啊！哪會讓他閒著沒事呢？」蘇莉敏笑得很燦爛。

09
角色人物配置室的同事，都收到蘇莉敏主任寄出來，新版的《海豚城堡》角色人物圖電子檔，隨即引起騷動。座位上的C級動畫師們，交頭接耳、竊竊私語。幾個資深的B級動畫師，聚在一起議論紛紛。
查爾斯問：「吉米，你曉得這份新的人物設計圖，是誰提出來的？」
吉米說：「我猜想可能是那個新來的見習生湯，聽說那傢伙跟蘇是同鄉，都來自台灣。」
威廉問：「蘇主任要我們討論原設計圖和這份新圖，是不是打算換成新圖啊？」
喬治說：「有可能喔！憑良心說，這份新圖的確有它過人的優點。」
威廉不服氣說：「再怎麼說，湯都還是新人，如果換成湯的新圖，那我們都算什麼？」
喬治反問：「不然嘞？你去找出它的缺點來，在會議上討論時，說服蘇主任啊！」
查爾斯苦笑說：「這個湯一出手，咱們這夥老傢伙，就被他給比下去。」
艾蜜莉不以為然說：「各位，敞開心胸吧！原圖的女主角和女配角，都是我畫的，可是新圖裡的女主角和女配角，真的比我的原圖，更能貼切表現劇情。」
威廉不悅說：「那麼，妳是認為我們都是蠢貨囉？艾蜜莉。」
艾蜜莉說：「我沒那樣說！可你們真的應該正視湯的優點。」
「我還聽說…」吉米想說卻又有所顧慮。
威廉催促問：「吉米，你聽到什麼？」
吉米壓低音量說：「這個湯是老霍爾在公園裡遇到的街頭畫師。」
威廉一臉不屑說：「原來，又是國王的人馬！」
這夥人眼珠子不時瞟著湯懷民，懷民專注地閱讀《Pocahontas》劇本，渾然不知整個配畫室的同事，都在議論他。

10
會議室裡，角色人物配畫組召開會議，由蘇莉敏主任親自主持。
「各位夥伴，這次的會議主題，要討論《海豚城堡》這案子裡，角色人物新稿和舊稿的造型，請各位提出你們的看法。」
威廉酸言酸語說：「主任，妳不是已經心裡有數了？還找我們討論什麼？」
「威廉，我還沒有定案，所以今天這場會議，給夥伴們充份討論。」
吉米說：「過去這一個月，大夥兒一起腦力激盪，才產出這份原稿。主任，妳有沒有想過我們的感受？」
「如果我沒考慮到各位的感受，我就定案，直接送去給史密斯部長了！吉米，你懂我意思吧？」
查爾斯語帶挑釁說：「主任，我們聽說這份新稿的作者，還是個見習生，而且，他跟妳是小同鄉。」
蘇莉敏拉高音量說：「這部份不在這次會議討論的範圍，查爾斯。」
艾蜜莉看不下說：「各位，請回到主題。你們對新稿有什麼意見，就具體說出來吧！」
見大夥兒都默不吭聲，艾蜜莉說：「《海豚城堡》以加勒比海為主要場景，於是一開始大夥兒心理上就劃地自限，都認為角色人物應該表現熱帶海洋風情，先前我也是這麼思考的，所以女主角的外型我設計成體態豐腴、咖啡膚色、陽光型的西班牙女郎，但是新稿改成具有夏威夷風格：東方人五官，身材勻稱的草裙女郎，表現出柔美嫵媚的東方女性特質，更貼近劇本裡公主這角色的樣貌。」
大夥兒靜默地聽著艾蜜莉分析，沒有人接話。艾蜜莉接著說：「新稿不只提醒我不要被先入為主的觀念框住，點出我思維上的盲點，同時讓我開始思考，自己是不是經常地只以西方人的美學觀點，來看待不同風格的故事。」
蘇莉敏說：「所以，艾蜜莉，請說出妳的結論和具體建議，好嗎？」
艾蜜莉說：「我沒有結論，但是我建議將故事場景改成夏威夷，對東方的觀眾來說，他們對夏威夷的接受度，可能比加勒比海來得高。」
「妳的建議相當棒！艾蜜莉。」蘇莉敏鼓掌，大夥兒見狀面面相覷，掌聲三三兩兩，蘇莉敏知道同事們多數心裡並不服氣。
「各位夥伴，還有哪位要發表一下意見？」蘇莉敏環視全場，眾人鴉雀無聲。
「那麼，我把艾蜜莉的意見提交史蜜斯部長，請創意部修改劇本場景並調整部份劇情，然後重新設計第三版的人物造型。今天的會議告一段落，散會！」
同事們動作慵懶地起身，三三兩兩離開會議室。威廉和查爾斯兩人瞪了艾蜜莉一眼，艾蜜莉回給兩人一張淘氣的鬼臉。威廉低聲暗罵：「紅毛妖精！」

Chapter 23: Mengying’s Revenge Plan
01
The Tang family returned to their lakeside mansion at Sun Moon Lake. Mengying got out, kept her head down, and rushed inside to the second floor.
Zhao Yayun and Tang Yunfei, watching her back, felt uneasy. They entered the living room with grim faces.
“That girl is so stubborn. Huaimin is not fit for business, and even if they’re together, she’ll be serving him like a god,” Yunfei said.
Yayun scolded, “Nonsense! The girl grew up with Huaimin. How can she let go?”
“What can she do? That woman won’t back down! She must wake up and not waste energy on him; he’s not worth it.”
“Then go persuade her yourself!” Yayun snapped. “Don’t push me as the shield every time!”
Yunfei suggested, “Wait until she calms down, then arrange a blind date. I have friends in business—young talents—any one of them is better than that Tang boy.”
“Let’s wait. If she can let go, then you arrange it. Don’t act impulsively; she’ll just get mad. Let her cool down for a few days.” Yayun replied.
________________________________________
02
Suli Min, at Disney headquarters, received Mengying’s email. Angry at Mengying’s grievances, she thought, That heartless Huaimin! He doesn’t deserve Mengying’s devotion. I’ll ruin him to avenge her. Suli Min immediately replied to discuss strategy.
Dear Sister,
I can’t believe what you’ve suffered! That heartless man must be ruined! I will avenge you. Talk to me on video after I finish work.
—Suli Min
At the Tang mansion, Mengying received the reply. She didn’t want Suli Min to harm Huaimin, so after Suli Min returned from work, they video-called:
“Sister, I don’t want you to hurt Huaimin. The real culprit is that witch Annie. She seduced him. I want you to handle her and make her leave Huaimin willingly.”
“You’re too soft-hearted, sister. How?”
“My plan is to torment the witch, damage her mentally and physically, so she leaves Huaimin herself.”
“I respect your method. But strategy?”
“You can criticize him at work, embarrass him subtly, but don’t overdo it. Then comfort him, seduce him, take intimate photos, and threaten the witch. If she refuses, send photos to the media and company to ruin her. She’ll crumble!”
“Ha! Sister, you’re ruthless. Luckily, I’m not your enemy.”
“I’m forced. I can’t let them live happily.”
“True! I’ll follow your plan. Stay in touch.”
The two half-sisters coordinated a “revenge plan” across the sea.
________________________________________
03
Back at their Berkeley home, Annie noticed strawberries flowering, small green fruits forming, and apple and cherry trees in full bloom, attracting bees and butterflies.
Huaimin admired, “They’re blooming beautifully!”
“Didn’t you see apple and cherry trees bloom before?” Annie asked.
“I only saw cherry blossoms—doesn’t count?” Huaimin laughed.
“Different species, of course not! Your soil and fertilizer work paid off; flowers bloom more than before. Trees, like humans, respond to care.”
“Annie, I can sense a deeper meaning in your words.”
“Yes! You’re not a natural fool,” Annie laughed.
They put down their luggage, holding hands under the fruit trees.
“Will too many fruits affect size?” Huaimin asked.
“Good question! After flowers fade, we prune branches and thin fruits. You know that, right?”
“Somewhat—keep main branches and good fruits, remove weak ones to concentrate nutrients.”
“Then bag the fruits to prevent pests, and wait for harvest.”
“How much fruit can these seven trees produce in a year?”
“Last year, my mother passed away, so production dropped 40%. Apples yielded 300 kg, cherries 250–260 kg. This year, with your help and pruning, likely over 1,000 kg,” Annie estimated.
Huaimin was amazed. “Wow! Who can eat all that?”
“Before, big, attractive fruits went to supermarkets; small or imperfect ones made jam. This year, I’ll make all into jam and sell online.”
“That works!” Huaimin nodded.
“I’ll write my thesis and make jam for exercise and extra income.”
Huaimin laughed. “That’s killing two birds with one stone!”
Annie asked, puzzled, “What does that mean?”
“It means achieving two goals at once. My Taiwanese is limited, but I know that phrase.”
04
At 2 p.m., Tang Huaimin entered the office. Passing by Su Limin’s desk, he greeted her proactively: “Director, I’m back.”
Su Limin nodded and smiled, thinking to herself: “I’ve been waiting for you, you heartless man, this unfaithful rogue… let’s see how I make you pay…”
Huaimin went to his own desk and placed a small handbag under the table. “When leaving work later, pass by Director Su’s desk and leave this gift bag under her table.”
Su Limin stood up, pulled a folder from the cabinet, and a cold smile flickered at the corner of her eyes. She walked to Huaimin’s desk:
“Tang, on your computer desktop, there’s a photo-editing program and Flash software. Open them and, according to the instructions, familiarize yourself with their functions and usage. This folder contains the current animated story scripts, and inside is a CD with preliminary character designs. I think the drafts are too stiff. I want you to read the scripts thoroughly and, based on your understanding, add some of your imagination to propose a set of character designs that you think are suitable. Did you understand what I just explained?”
Huaimin optimistically thought: “This time Director Su’s test must be to gauge my abilities.”
Naively, he scratched his head and smiled foolishly: “Director, I’ll give it a try!”
Su Limin immediately corrected him: “No, you should say: Examiner, I will give it my all.”
Huaimin corrected himself: “Yes, Examiner, I will give it my all.”
Su Limin nodded with satisfaction: “Good, you’re like a candle—light it and it shines! No wonder Old Hall appreciates you. Can you finish the character design draft for me by this weekend?”
“Though it’s a bit rushed, I’ll give it my all,” he replied.
Su Limin smiled: “Then when you finish, leave it on my desk when you come to work on Monday.”
She turned and left, thinking: “Let’s see how much you’re capable of!”
________________________________________
05
In Professor Liang Wenqing’s office at the Literature Department, Liang returned the doctoral thesis outline to Annie:
“Your outline is fundamentally sound. But since the topic is rhetoric and aesthetics, you must cleverly link rhetorical devices and aesthetic principles, forming mutual references in your argument. Although your paper only focuses on the works of Qing Si, using both aesthetics and rhetoric as methodologies fully aligns with the ‘small topic, big writing’ thesis approach, and it still demonstrates the weight of this work.”
Annie respectfully said: “Thank you, Professor. I’ll put my heart into writing it.”
“Once you pass your doctoral defense and earn your degree, I plan to recommend you to our Literature Department to teach ‘Cultural Creativity and Aesthetics’ and ‘Cultural Creativity and Rhetoric.’”
Annie, overwhelmed, said: “Thank you for your generous support, Professor.”
Liang smiled happily: “You should contribute your valuable creative experience and guide students toward creative paths; this is your strong suit!”
________________________________________
06
In the evening, after bathing, Annie passed the study and saw Huaimin under the lamp, drawing. She quietly approached and stood behind him, watching. Huaimin was focused on drawing comic characters, completely unaware of Annie’s presence. She didn’t disturb him. After a while, Annie left for her own study to work on her thesis.
At midnight, Annie got up for water, passing by the study and noticing Huaimin still awake. She approached, placing her hands on his shoulders:
“Still working? What project is this?”
Huaimin turned: “The examiner gave me a task to revise a character design.”
“How much time did your supervisor give you?”
Huaimin smiled wryly: “Just this weekend.”
Annie looked concerned: “No wonder you’re staying up. Go rest, don’t overexert yourself.”
“Okay, I’ll rest after finishing this drawing,” he replied, turning back to continue working.
Watching his back, Annie realized there was nothing she could do to help.
________________________________________
07
On Monday morning, Su Limin entered the office. Sitting down, she noticed the gift bag. Opening it, she saw a box of tea and a box of coffee, with a small card attached: “Both tea and coffee are our products. Just a token of my appreciation.”
“This kid, at least he understands courtesy!” Su Limin thought, “But I still won’t let him off easy!”
She took out the training plan folder and pulled out a copy of the “animation storyboard,” then found the Pocahontas animation script. “Let him suffer a little first, this brat!”
She wrote a note, took a folder to Huaimin’s desk, left it on his desktop, and returned to her own desk to continue working.
At 2 p.m., Huaimin came into the office. Passing Su Limin’s desk, he placed a brown paper package on her desk. Inside were the completed new character designs.
Huaimin went to his desk, saw the folder, sat down, opened his computer, and then the folder, noticing the note:
"Here is an animation storyboard and examples, the Pocahontas script and CD. Your tasks are: 1. Read the script carefully; 2. Watch the CD; 3. Identify parts of the animation where the storyboard is handled poorly and create a simplified storyboard. The simplified storyboard should outline characters and scenes without coloring, but indicate character movements. You have one week; do as much as you can."
Huaimin quietly read the animation script.
________________________________________
08
After returning from a meeting, Su Limin saw the brown paper package. Pulling it out, she examined it carefully, secretly impressed: “Tang Huaimin really is a genius with imagination and creativity. If he hadn’t disappointed Meng Ying, with his talent, he could become a top animator in the future. Too bad I can’t let it happen as he wishes…”
She saw a CD labeled “Beginner Animation Demo” inside, put it in the drive, and clicked through: “Unbelievable! In just two and a half days, he produced the first ten minutes of animation. Character design, line color, and backgrounds all vivid. Old Hall’s judgment was spot-on!”
A sudden idea struck Su Limin: “Why not let Huaimin shine and let colleagues resent him? That way, I can win his favor while his popularity suffers.”
Holding the package, she went to Minister Smith. Acting mysteriously, she said: “Minister, please pause your work and take a look at this.”
Smith, curious, asked: “Oh? What is it?”
“Of course, something good. After you see it, I want to discuss Dolphin Castle again.”
Smith pulled out the designs and CD, glancing through a few character sketches. Interested, he asked: “Who drew this?”
Su Limin smiled, teasing: “I’ll answer that after you watch the CD.”
Smith played the CD: “If I’m not mistaken, according to your schedule, animation production shouldn’t have started yet.”
Su Limin smiled mysteriously: “Minister, the author is my apprentice, Tang.”
“Really?” Smith was astonished, disbelief on his face.
“Yes. Answering your second question: Tang completed the first ten minutes in just a weekend—two and a half days.”
“That efficiency is incredible! His line work shows no novice awkwardness; even the action and story flow don’t seem like an apprentice’s work!”
Su Limin’s eyes gleamed: “Minister, we both see the same hero. With time and training, in two or three years, Tang could become the top new talent after Glen Keane!”
Smith considered: “Tang’s style seems between Hayao Miyazaki and Glen Keane, combining Eastern elegance and Western vitality. But as a new employee, promotions should follow sequence…”
Su Limin scoffed: “Minister, do you want him to wait twenty or thirty years to reach top animator status? That’s clearly unfair!”
“But if I let him skip ranks, many colleagues will resent it,” Smith replied cautiously.
“Minister, I’ll use Tang’s designs as the new character models for Dolphin Castle.”
“I have no objection, but you may face backlash from your team in the design department.”
“I’ll handle that properly,” Su Limin said, eyes calculating, thinking of a method to try: “How about this? The company has the Greater China A3 Plan, right?”
Smith nodded: “Yes, some of us, including Old Hall, have discussed it. Are you trying to let him ride that project?”
Su Limin firmly: “Why not? I believe he’s capable.”
Smith thought a moment: “Then, first, you need intensive training for him, shortening his apprenticeship. Second, submit the A3 Plan proposal in six months. Can you manage both?”
Su Limin feigned mystery: “Of course! I can submit the proposal in just four months, Minister.”
Smith smiled: “You’re at it again, Mrs. Thatcher—always astonishing!”
“I’ll work on the proposal with Tang, so he won’t be idle,” Su Limin said brightly.
________________________________________
09
Colleagues in the character design department received Su Limin’s new Dolphin Castle character files, causing a stir. C-level animators whispered among themselves. B-level senior animators gathered, debating.
Charles asked: “Jimmy, do you know who proposed this new design?”
Jimmy guessed: “Probably the new apprentice Tang. He and Su are from the same town in Taiwan.”
William asked: “Does Su want us to compare old and new designs, intending to replace the old one?”
George: “Possibly! Honestly, the new design has clear advantages.”
William scoffed: “He’s still a newbie. If we use his design, what does that make us?”
George: “Then find its flaws and convince Director Su in the meeting!”
Charles smiled bitterly: “This Tang just swoops in, and we old-timers get outshined.”
Emily said: “Open your minds! I drew the original female characters, but Tang’s designs better suit the story.”
William frowned: “So you think we’re all fools, Emily?”
Emily: “I didn’t say that! But you really should acknowledge Tang’s strengths.”
Jimmy hesitated: “I also heard…”
William prompted: “Heard what?”
Jimmy lowered his voice: “Tang is the street artist Old Hall found in the park.”
William sneered: “Ah, another of the King’s men!”
They all glanced at Huaimin, who, absorbed in reading the Pocahontas script, remained completely unaware of their chatter.
________________________________________
10
In the meeting room, Su Limin chaired the character design team:
“Partners, today’s topic is to discuss new versus old character designs for Dolphin Castle. Please share your opinions.”
William sarcastically: “Director, you already know your mind, why ask us?”
“William, I haven’t decided yet. This meeting is for full discussion.”
Jimmy: “Last month, we brainstormed to produce the original draft. Director, did you consider our feelings?”
“If I ignored you, I’d have sent the new draft directly to Minister Smith! You understand me, Jimmy?”
Charles, provocatively: “Director, we heard the new draft is by an apprentice, and he’s your fellow townsman.”
Su Limin raised her voice: “That’s not part of today’s discussion, Charles.”
Emily intervened: “Everyone, focus. Speak specifically about the new draft.”
She continued: “Dolphin Castle is set in the Caribbean, so initially we all thought characters should reflect a tropical style. I designed the female lead as a sun-kissed, curvy Spanish woman. The new draft changes her to a Hawaiian-style, evenly proportioned, grass-skirted woman with Eastern facial features, matching the princess character better.”
Everyone listened silently. Emily added: “The new draft not only exposed my mental blind spots but also made me reconsider evaluating different styles only through Western aesthetics.”
Su Limin: “So, Emily, please give your conclusion and specific suggestions.”
Emily: “No conclusion, but I suggest changing the story location to Hawaii. Eastern audiences may relate better to Hawaii than the Caribbean.”
“Excellent suggestion, Emily,” Su Limin applauded. The team exchanged glances, few clapped, revealing underlying dissatisfaction.
“Any other opinions?” Silence.
“Then we’ll submit Emily’s suggestion to Minister Smith. The creative department will adjust the script and redesign the third version of the characters. Meeting adjourned.”
Colleagues got up lazily and left. William and Charles glared at Emily. Emily stuck out her tongue at them. William muttered: “Red-haired witch!”