《拉薩情書》

第二十九章、霍爾對湯懷民委以重任
01
阿里山達邦部落湯家，書房裡男主人羅桑接到兒子懷民的電子信。
羅桑喊說：「老婆，懷民來信了。」
湯美蘭聽到叫喊聲，放下手邊工作走進書房。
「懷民說他和安妮人在拉薩，要留在那裡寫完公司交代的電影腳本。」
湯美蘭不解地問：「怎麼安妮，人沒在加州跑去拉薩？」
「妳自己看信囉！」羅桑讓出座位給美蘭。
美蘭讀完來信說：「安妮都去到那兒一個多月，現在才通知我們，那愛玉待在加州做什麼？」
羅桑推想說：「應該是安妮要愛玉留下來，幫忙看家吧？」
美蘭抱怨說：「愛玉這孩子，也不事先說一聲。」
羅桑微笑說：「愛玉是怕被我們叫回來吧？」
美蘭輕嘆說：「放出去的女兒，像飛出去的鳥，唉！」
美蘭又說：「有懷民照料，安妮在那裡生產做月子，我就放心了。」

02
快遞員送來一箱書籍，安妮簽收付款，拆開來都是原文書。
懷民好奇問：「這箱原文書都是些什麼？」
「都是電影劇本和教授編劇的書籍，從網路上購買的。」
「我懂了！妳想摸清楚電影腳本怎麼寫。」
安妮微笑說：「是啊！工欲善其事，必先利其器，我們一起研讀，儘快摸清楚電影腳本的寫法。」
小倆口排定時程表和閱讀順序後，逐冊閱讀這批原文書，以筆記整理重點，遇到艱深的詞彙，就查閱專業術語辭典。
張揚和美多打理他們的飲食，張揚每兩天就去趟菜市場，照著美多開列的清單採買，交給美多烹調。懷孕後期的安妮，口味吃得清淡。
「美多，犛牛肉、小羔羊肉、羊小排和鮮魚買回來了。」張揚兩手提著兩大袋食材。
「肉類擱冰箱冷藏室，蔬果交給我。」美多忙著洗滌中藥材：「晚餐有小鍋人蔘清燉牛肉，清蒸小羔羊肉，都給安妮吃的；你和格桑就吃紅燒牛肉和烤羊小排，別跟孕婦搶著吃。」
「知道啦！」張揚問：「小倆口還在書房？」
美多叮嚀著：「是啊！他們在讀書，沒事別去打擾人家。」

03
午餐後，懷民陪安妮去附近的公園散步。
「這陣子，感覺每天都過得很充實。」
「完成腳本，我們就回去加州，你要回學校進修，有豐富學識和專業技術，在工作職場上，你就能立於不敗之地。」
「安妮，我懂啦！」懷民微笑說：「妳想要我將來有出息些，也是為我設想。」
安妮摸著肚皮說：「這小傢伙在拉薩出生，似乎也是天意。」
「還沒想到給他取個名字呢！」
「留著給爸取名吧！」安妮微笑說：「我爸心心念念，就是這小傢伙，延續倉央家族的香火。」
懷民說：「好吧！他本來就是藏族，要讓他知道自己的根源。」

04
安妮開始著手撰寫動畫腳本，湯懷民這個軍師似乎有些不濟事，對劇情的鋪排推展使不上力。
懷民歉然說：「安妮，對不起，構思劇情這部份，我的腦筋就是不靈光。」
安妮理解地說：「那也沒辦法啊！每個人各有天份，以往你沒受過這方面的文筆訓練，何況編劇這領域有它的專業門檻。」
「為了我的工作，耽誤了妳的博論撰寫進度。」
「還好啊！題材都相同，而且當我逐漸掌握到寫電影劇本的要領後，對我的博士論文撰寫，反而有意想不到的助益呢！」
懷民笑問：「是喔？妳該不會把博論也當劇本寫吧？」
「當然不會就當成劇本寫，但是劇本每一場戲都是用鏡頭帶動，這種視角讓我重新思考，把先祖倉央的情詩作品和他的生平事跡，進行某些必要的結合。」
懷民不解地問：「必要的結合？妳指的是…」
安妮解釋說：「我打算把博論架構做些調整，以電影劇本手法呈現倉央的生平事跡，在劇情段落裡，適時穿插進他的情詩作品，這樣寫的好處是很有畫面，不再只是作品的修辭解析。」
「喔？這樣的處理方式，有些像百老匯（Broadway）的歌劇。」
「的確有歌劇的味道，狄士尼的動畫《花木蘭》、《風中奇緣》都穿插著歌劇的橋段。」安妮分析說：「這部先祖倉央的動畫劇本，我本來就計劃要穿插幾首他的情詩進去，來表現情僧浪漫的感情生活和內心世界。他雖然是當時的活佛，可也是一具活生生的肉身，有他自身的愛憎慾念，不過，如此一來，我的博論可能有需要再換個貼切的題目，得跟我的指導教授說明原因…」

05
安妮執筆的動畫電影腳本，漸入佳境，越來越順手。懷民雖然幫不上大忙，卻也沒閒著，他根據故事大綱，參考手邊資料，著手繪製動畫裡的角色人物造型，和腳本裡幾個主要的故事場景，包括布達拉宮、納木措湖。
兩個月後，腳本初稿和角色人物造型幾乎同時完成。湯懷民將這兩項成果以電子信寄給霍爾，腳本作者署名：倉央‧安妮。
安妮足月臨盆，順利產下一名小男嬰，札希決定提前從大學退休，回到拉薩。
札希雙手抱著孫子，一臉的滿足。他給男嬰取名：倉央．嘉措．拉薩。
美多悉心照料安妮母子，幫安妮做月子。
札希決定拿出退休金，原址重建倉央家，安妮拿出一筆私房錢支助父親。湯懷民協助設計建物圖樣，陪著丈人上街去選購建材，張揚幫忙招募建築工人。
安妮做完月子，建物開始動工，札希親自監工，一、二樓預定當作咖啡廳兼賣阿里山茶飲，招徠觀光客和文人雅士，開幕後和張揚一起經營。

06
霍爾收到湯懷民的電子郵件，閱讀後把它們交給劇本部和動畫部，進行後續處理。
蘇莉敏帶著她搜集到的孫立人將軍資料回到狄士尼公司，資料交給創意部後，隨即被霍爾約談。
霍爾平靜地問：「妳知道我為什麼找妳來嗎？蘇主任。」
蘇莉敏以為霍爾要獎勵她，完成倉央的故事大綱和孫立人的資料搜集功勞，於是掩不住得意，沾沾自喜地說：「長官，我提前完成公司交代的任務，這是我該做的。」
感覺到蘇莉敏似乎還不知內情，霍爾說：「蘇，妳跟湯都是我發掘的人才，對你們兩個我都有期待。」
蘇莉敏微笑說：「謝謝長官厚愛和提攜。」
霍爾突然表情嚴厲問：「可妳卻做錯了一件事，妳知道嗎？」
蘇莉敏被霍爾突然變臉給嚇住，一時慌了，心虛地說：「長官，你指的是哪、哪件事？」
霍爾手指著蘇莉敏的粉臉厲聲責備說：「妳把湯懷民和他妻子的心血據為己有，這樣的行為非常不可取！」
蘇莉敏驚覺東窗事發，不敢做任何辯解，低下頭低聲說：「長官，我的確犯錯，
我不該起貪念，我深刻深反省並向你致上歉意。」蘇莉敏眼眶泛起淚光。
「嗯！妳願意向我認錯，我接受妳的道歉。從今天起，妳回歸原建制，靜待公司處分，大中華A三的案子，我將交給湯懷民和他的妻子來執行。」

07
蘇莉敏鐵青著臉，回到動畫部。除了史密斯部長，許多同事並不知內情，反而主動圍上來跟她表達恭喜，這情景讓讓蘇莉敏感覺更加難堪，蘇莉敏百感交集說：
「各位夥伴，感謝各位的關心…。」
同事們明顯感覺到蘇莉敏的反應異常，有人小心探問，但更多人私下竊論著。
蘇莉敏神情沮喪地回到座位，趴在桌面上低聲哭泣，她相當傷心難過，因為失去了霍爾對她的信賴，可她卻把這筆帳記到湯懷民和安妮頭上：「就是你們夫妻壞我好事！湯懷民，既然你對我不仁，就莫怪我對你們夫妻不義，我要讓你們夫妻失和，你湯懷民身敗名裂！」
蘇莉敏擦去淚水，打開筆電，寫了一封電子信給妹妹唐夢影：
夢影妹妹：
回到加州了，在巴黎的生活過得好嗎？
湯懷民已失去利用價值，我會一步步凌遲他，幫妳完成復仇計畫。
等我給妳好消息吧！ 姐莉敏

08
小倆口帶著嬰兒回到加州家裡，湯愛玉鬆了一口氣，抱著小嬰兒逗笑著。
「大哥，這小帥哥五官輪廓，滿像大明星湯姆克魯斯的。」
湯懷民開懷笑著說：「哈哈！以前我在學校時，同學也這麼說，我的綽號就叫阿湯哥哩！」
安妮開玩笑說：「還好，妳不是說他像豬哥亮。」
愛玉訝然失笑說：「大嫂，妳也知道豬哥亮啊？」
「知道啊！在台灣看過他的綜藝節目，很會搞笑的諧星。 」
愛玉想邀功說：「大嫂，我在那塊農地上種了些小米和青稞喔。」
「剛才進門時，我就看到了。」安妮微笑問：「妳在語言中心的進修，情況如何？」
愛玉微笑說：「第一期的學分都通過了，第二期下個月初開始選課。」
懷民問：「妹，妳將來打算讀那個系？」
愛玉不假思索說：「就農業方面囉！」
懷民又問：「妳不是很討厭務農？」
愛玉解釋說：「我哪有！我只是不想被當成廉價女工。」
懷民微笑說：「也好，以後我們再次出遠門，爸媽有妳這得力助手幫忙著，我們比較放心些。」
愛玉急問：「你們，還要出遠門啊？」
安妮微笑說：「妳哥只說以後，又不是最近又要出門。」

09
湯懷民回到公司，同事們見到他，又是一陣竊竊私語，除了愛蜜莉。
懷民一屁股剛坐下來，內線電話就響起，秘書說霍爾執行長召見他。
懷民起身，正要離開辦公室，愛蜜莉伸出雙手攔住他：「嗨！帥哥湯，西藏好不好玩啊？」
懷民微笑地抬起艾蜜莉雙手說：「回頭跟妳說，大老闆要召見我。」
艾蜜莉望著湯懷民離去的背影，無聊地回到座位。
湯懷民進到執行長辦公室，霍爾起身相迎，主動伸出雙手握著懷民的雙手，讓懷民受寵若驚。
「湯，這半年辛苦你，你做得很好。」霍爾一臉慈靄，臉上掛著微笑。
懷民深深一鞠躬說：「長官，謝謝你給我這次磨練的機會。」
「你的確是個人才啊！還有你的內人，夫妻都很優秀。」霍爾從西裝口袋掏出一只信封：「公司想借重你們夫妻的才華和能力，出掌上海分公司業務，這信封裡是董事會給你的正式派令，下個月初你就去上海赴任，我會派業務部艾森豪主任，跟著你們一道，去打理分公司，協助你執行大中華A三案在中國市場的行銷工作。」
湯懷民接過那只信封，驚喜得說不出話來，半晌後才擠出兩句：「長官，我會全力以赴，不負所託！」
霍爾拍拍懷民肩膀說：「這幾天給你休假，你準備一下，帶著你夫人一起去上海。等你出發當天，派令會正式發佈。」

10
湯懷民走出辦公室，走在走廊上感覺身體輕飄飄的。
懷民隨即想到：「這事情要低調些，以免又被同事拿來當話題。」
湯懷民走進辦公室，回到座位上，開始收拾文具、裝箱。艾蜜莉和幾個C級菜鳥動畫師好奇圍過來。
艾蜜莉見狀，關心問：「嘿！湯，你被炒魷魚了？」
懷民搖頭說：「沒啊！公司給我特休假，所以我先打包一些文具。」
不遠處的蘇莉敏看到這一幕，她已了然於胸：「湯這小子，肯定搭上直升機了！老霍爾讓他去執行大中華A三案，應該是要派他去中國出差吧？ 」
蘇莉敏只猜對前半段，即使她非常機靈。
「我得等他出差後，再出招來修理他！」蘇莉敏計謀已定，只等待時機出招。
Chapter 29: Hall Entrusts a Great Responsibility to Tang Huaimin
01
At the Tang family home in the Dabang tribe of Alishan, the father, Rosang, received an email from his son Huaimin.
Rosang called out, “Honey, Huaimin has emailed us.”
Tang Meilan, hearing him, put down her work and entered the study.
“Huaimin says he and Annie are in Lhasa, staying there to finish the company-assigned movie script.”
Meilan, puzzled, asked, “How come Annie went to Lhasa instead of staying in California?”
“Read the email yourself,” Rosang said, making space for her to sit.
After reading, Meilan said, “Annie has already been there over a month and just now informs us. What’s Aiyu doing staying in California?”
Rosang guessed, “Probably Annie wants Aiyu to stay behind and help watch the house.”
Meilan complained, “That child should have told us in advance.”
Rosang smiled. “Aiyu probably feared being called back.”
Meilan sighed lightly, “Daughters, once released, are like birds flying away… sigh.”
She added, “As long as Huaimin is there to take care of her, I feel reassured that Annie can give birth and do her postpartum recovery there.”
________________________________________
02
A delivery man brought a box of books. Annie signed and paid, then opened it to find all original-language books.
Huaimin curiously asked, “What’s in this box?”
“Movie scripts and books on screenwriting, purchased online,” Annie explained.
“I see! You want to learn how to write movie scripts.”
Annie smiled. “Exactly! To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools. We’ll study together and quickly understand scriptwriting techniques.”
The couple scheduled reading and study order, going through each book, taking notes, and consulting professional dictionaries for difficult terms.
Zhang Yang and Meiduo handled their meals. Every two days, Zhang Yang went to the market according to Meiduo’s shopping list, and she cooked. Late-stage pregnant Annie preferred light flavors.
“Meiduo, yak, lamb, lamb chops, and fresh fish are here,” Zhang Yang said, holding two large bags of ingredients.
“Meat goes in the fridge; vegetables I’ll handle,” Meiduo replied while washing herbs. “Dinner will be ginseng stew and steamed lamb for Annie. You and Gesang have braised beef and roasted lamb chops—don’t compete with the pregnant lady.”
“Got it!” Zhang Yang asked, “Are the couple still in the study?”
Meiduo reminded, “Yes! They’re reading. Don’t disturb them.”
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03
After lunch, Huaimin accompanied Annie for a walk in the nearby park.
“Lately, every day feels very fulfilling.”
“Once the script is finished, we’ll return to California. You can continue your studies; with rich knowledge and professional skills, you’ll have a firm standing in your career.”
“Annie, I understand!” Huaimin smiled. “You want me to succeed in the future—you’re thinking for me.”
Annie touched her belly. “This little one is born in Lhasa—it seems fate.”
“We haven’t thought of a name yet!”
“Leave it to Dad,” Annie smiled. “He’s been looking forward to continuing the Tsangyang family line.”
Huaimin said, “Alright! He’s Tibetan; he should know his roots.”
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04
Annie began writing the animation script, but Huaimin, the “strategist,” struggled to contribute to story development.
“Annie, I’m sorry. I’m not good at plotting the story,” Huaimin admitted.
Annie understood. “That’s okay! Everyone has their talent. You’ve never trained in writing; plus, screenwriting has its own professional threshold.”
“I’ve delayed your doctoral research for my work.”
“It’s fine! The topics are related. As I gradually grasp the key points of movie scriptwriting, it unexpectedly helps my doctoral work.”
Huaimin laughed. “Really? You’re not writing your dissertation as a script, are you?”
“Of course not, but scripts use camera perspectives for each scene. This view helps me rethink Tsangyang Gyatso’s love poems and life events, merging them when necessary.”
“Necessary merging? You mean…”
“I plan to adjust my dissertation framework to present Tsangyang’s life with screenplay techniques, inserting his love poems in story sections. This gives a vivid picture, not just rhetorical analysis,” Annie explained.
“Oh? That’s a bit like Broadway musicals.”
“Indeed, like a musical. Disney’s Mulan and Pocahontas have musical segments,” Annie said. “I plan to insert a few of his love poems to show his romantic life and inner world. Although he was a living Buddha, he had human desires. However, my dissertation title may need adjustment, which I’ll explain to my advisor…”
________________________________________
05
Annie’s scriptwriting improved steadily. Huaimin, though not much help, drew character designs and key story scenes like the Potala Palace and Namtso Lake, referencing the story outline.
Two months later, the script draft and character designs were nearly finished. Huaimin emailed them to Hall, with the script credited to “Tsangyang Annie.”
Annie delivered a full-term baby boy. Zaxi retired early from the university and returned to Lhasa. Holding his grandson, Zaxi felt complete and named him Tsangyang Gyatso Lhasa.
Meiduo carefully cared for Annie and the baby during her postpartum recovery.
Zaxi used his retirement fund to rebuild the Tsangyang family home. Annie contributed private funds. Huaimin assisted in building design and accompanied his father-in-law to purchase materials. Zhang Yang helped recruit workers.
After Annie’s recovery, construction began. Zaxi supervised personally. The first and second floors were planned as a café serving Alishan tea, attracting tourists and scholars. Zaxi and Zhang Yang managed operations.
________________________________________
06
Hall received Huaimin’s email and forwarded it to the script and animation departments for follow-up.
Su Limin returned to Disney with her collected General Sun Liren materials and handed them to the creative department. Hall then summoned her.
Calmly, Hall asked, “Do you know why I called you here, Director Su?”
Su Limin, thinking she’d be rewarded for completing Tsangyang’s outline and General Sun research, proudly said, “Sir, I finished the company-assigned tasks ahead of schedule—it’s what I should do.”
Sensing she still didn’t know the truth, Hall said, “Su, both you and Tang are talents I discovered. I have expectations for you both.”
Su Limin smiled. “Thank you, sir, for your trust and guidance.”
Suddenly serious, Hall asked, “But you did one thing wrong. Do you know what it is?”
Startled, Su Limin stammered, “Sir… what do you mean?”
Pointing at her, Hall scolded, “You took the hard work of Tang Huaimin and his wife as your own. This behavior is utterly unacceptable!”
Realizing she had been found out, Su Limin lowered her head and whispered, “Sir, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been greedy. I sincerely reflect and apologize.” Tears welled in her eyes.
“Good. Since you admit your mistake, I accept your apology. From today, you return to your original post and await company disposition. The Greater China A3 project will be entrusted to Tang Huaimin and his wife.”
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07
Su Limin returned to the animation department, her face dark. Most colleagues, except Minister Smith, didn’t know the truth, yet many congratulated her, making her feel even more embarrassed. Su Limin, overwhelmed, said:
“Thank you all for your concern…”
Colleagues noticed her unusual reaction. Some cautiously asked questions; others gossiped privately.
Feeling dejected, Su Limin sat at her desk and cried quietly. She felt deeply hurt at losing Hall’s trust but blamed Tang Huaimin and Annie:
“You couple ruined my plan! Huaimin, since you’ve wronged me, I won’t spare you two. I’ll make you quarrel, and your reputation will be destroyed!”
Wiping her tears, she opened her laptop and emailed her sister Tang Mengying:
Dear Mengying,
Back in California. How’s life in Paris?
Huaimin has lost his usefulness. I’ll deal with him step by step to help you achieve revenge.
Good news will come soon!
Your sister, Su Limin
________________________________________
08
The couple returned home in California with the baby. Aiyu breathed a sigh of relief, holding and playing with the infant.
“Big brother, this little guy’s features look like movie star Tom Cruise.”
Huaimin laughed. “Haha! My classmates used to say the same; my nickname was ‘Ah Tom!’”
Annie joked, “Good thing you didn’t say he looked like Zhu Ge Liang.”
Aiyu laughed in surprise. “Sister-in-law, you know Zhu Ge Liang too?”
“Of course! Watched his variety shows in Taiwan—he’s hilarious.”
Aiyu boasted, “Sister-in-law, I planted some millet and barley on the farm.”
“I saw it when I entered,” Annie smiled. “How’s your language center course?”
Aiyu smiled, “Finished the first term. The second term starts next month.”
Huaimin asked, “Which department will you study next?”
Aiyu answered without hesitation, “Agriculture.”
Huaimin said, “I thought you disliked farming?”
“I don’t! I just don’t want to be treated like cheap labor,” she explained.
Huaimin smiled. “Good. If we travel again, having you as a capable helper makes us more at ease.”
Aiyu asked eagerly, “You two, traveling again?”
Annie smiled, “Your brother said ‘in the future,’ not immediately.”
09
When Tang Huaimin returned to the company, his colleagues whispered among themselves upon seeing him—everyone except Emily.
The moment Huaimin sat down, the internal phone rang. The secretary said that CEO Hall was calling him in.
Huaimin stood up, about to leave the office, but Emily reached out and blocked him: “Hi! Handsome Tang, how was Tibet?”
Huaimin smiled, raising Emily’s hands gently: “I’ll tell you later. The big boss wants to see me.”
Watching Huaimin walk away, Emily returned to her desk boredly.
Huaimin entered the CEO’s office. Hall stood up to greet him and reached out to hold Huaimin’s hands, leaving him pleasantly surprised.
“Tang, you’ve worked hard these past six months. You did very well,” Hall said warmly, smiling.
Huaimin bowed deeply: “Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity to be tested and trained.”
“You really are talented! And your wife—both of you are outstanding,” Hall said, pulling an envelope from his suit pocket. “The company wants to leverage your talents and abilities to head the Shanghai branch. Inside this envelope is the official appointment from the board. You’ll go to Shanghai at the beginning of next month. I’ll assign Director Eisenhower from the Business Department to accompany you, help manage the branch, and assist you in executing the Greater China A3 project marketing in the Chinese market.”
Huaimin took the envelope, so astonished he could barely speak. After a long pause, he managed: “Sir, I will do my utmost and live up to your trust!”
Hall patted him on the shoulder: “Take a few days off to prepare. Bring your wife along. On the day you depart, the official order will be released.”
________________________________________
10
Walking down the corridor after leaving the office, Huaimin felt light as air.
He thought to himself, “I should keep this low-key, or my colleagues will make it the talk of the office again.”
Back at his desk, he began packing his stationery and supplies. Emily and a few junior animators from the C-level team curiously gathered around.
Emily noticed and asked with concern: “Hey, Tang, did you get fired?”
Huaimin shook his head: “No! The company is giving me special leave, so I’m just packing some stationery.”
Nearby, Suliman observed and thought to herself, “This guy definitely hit the jackpot! Old Hall is sending him to execute the Greater China A3 project—he’s probably going on a business trip to China.”
Suliman had only guessed the first half correctly, even though she was sharp.
“I’ll wait until he’s on the trip, then I’ll make my move!” Suliman had her plan ready, only waiting for the right moment.