《拉薩情書》

第二十四章、蘇莉敏的溫柔陷井
01
「角色人物配置組」辦公室瀰漫著沉悶的低氣壓，除了艾蜜莉，每個人見到湯懷民時，都臭著一張臉。湯懷民開始感受到這股不友善的氛圍，他離開座位，到飲水機裝熱開水泡茶，有人在他背後低聲地嘲諷：「聽說這傢伙來頭不小，是老霍爾從街頭帶回來的流浪漢…。」
「他們該不會在說我吧？」懷民佯裝不知情，愣頭愣腦地回到座位上。
電腦桌面跳出小視窗，是艾蜜莉留言：「湯，辦公室同事都在談論你，也許你感受到這股氛圍，你設計的那份新稿，蘇主任寄給整個配置組同仁，剛才的會議裡，就是在討論你那份新稿，你的創意把他們都比下去，蘇主任要他們重做設計稿，當然就惹得他們不高興，簡單說：那些人見不得你表現得比他們好。不過，你不須擔心，小老闆挺你，我也站在你這邊。艾蜜莉。」
懷民抬起頭，看見艾蜜莉向他扮鬼臉，懷民直覺：「代誌大條了！」，心裡開始忐忑不安，煩悶起來，懊惱地想：「今馬是啥米情形啊！我只不過按照蘇主任交代，完成一項作業，怎麼就引起那麼大的風波嘞？我阿湯哥是招誰惹誰啊？」

02
傍晚下班前，蘇莉敏撥內線約湯懷民共進晚餐：「公司日式餐廳，請你吃日本料理，談公事，你可以來吧？」
湯懷民猶豫了一下說：「五分鐘後，給主任答覆，可以嗎？」
蘇莉敏嬌笑說：「原來，你是懼內協會的會員。」
「報備一下，相互尊重嘛！」
「好吧！等你回音。」
湯懷民隨即撥安妮手機，告訴她今晚和主管有公事飯局。
「懷民，不要喝酒喔！回程你還得開車一小時。」
「我知道啦！安妮，客廳記得幫我留盞燈。」
「我會的，你去忙公事吧。」
湯懷民收拾公事包，穿上西裝外套，關閉電腦，離開辦公室。
日式餐廳裡，湯懷民和蘇莉敏盤腿，圍著小方桌。服務生送來火鍋、一盤生魚片、一盤和牛薄片、一籃炸物和兩只小陶瓶清酒。
蘇莉敏拿起酒瓶，正要取杯幫懷民斟酒，懷民及時伸手攔下。
「待會要開車回去，不能喝酒，很抱歉！」
蘇莉敏臉上閃過一抹輕蔑的笑意說：「太座叮嚀你的？好吧！君子不強人所難。」
「今天，我的心情非常好！」莉敏問：「你知道什麼原因嗎？」
懷民搖頭傻笑。
蘇莉敏瞇起眼故作神秘說：「你帶給我的好運氣啊！來來來，動口吃美食。」
「主任是指我那份動畫稿吧？」懷民聯想到那份他忙了兩天的動畫稿，除此之外，他想不出其他可能。
「沒錯，老霍爾真沒看走眼，你一個人可抵得上半個團隊，相形之下，我底下那些B級和C級動畫師，簡直就是酒囊飯袋！」
「主任，感謝妳對我的抬愛。可是我擔心…」懷民被誇得有些不自在，他憂心往後會被那些資深同事排擠，處境越來越孤立。
莉敏問：「你擔心什麼？擔心資深同事排擠你？」
懷民點頭說：「嗯！」
「你應該正面思考：不遭人忌是庸才！而且，有我在，沒有人敢欺負你。」
「主任，我…」懷民欲言又止。
「這裡沒別人，私底下你就叫我莉敏姐，我長你兩歲。這稱呼感覺比較親近，沒階級味。」
懷民羞澀說：「好、好吧！莉敏姐。」
「我把你的畫稿和光碟片拿給史密斯部長看，部長對你的能力高度肯定喔。」
懷民感動說：「謝謝敏姐。」
「按照公司的人事晉用和升遷制度，培訓期間是三到六個月，部長同意我以最短期限完成對你的培訓，讓你成為C級動畫師，但是這裡面其實有更重要的原因
，……我們聯手，一起來爭取大中華A三案！」蘇莉敏把她和部長的約定詳細說了。
「大中華A三案？這是什麼案子？」
「就是繼《花木蘭》和《功夫貓熊》之後，以大華人地區為主要收視群的動畫電影。」
懷民點頭微笑說：「我懂了，可這案子聽起來相當巨大。」
「數億美元投資額，當然是大案子囉。」
「可我才剛進來公司，資歷還很淺，我擔心…」
「有什麼好擔心的？你擔心那些比你資深的動畫師對你不服氣？」
「嗯！」懷民點頭。
「哈！在歐美高度競爭的公司裡，最好的機會就是留給能力最強的人，何況你跟我都是極少數，由老霍爾親自發掘進來公司的。今年是我在公司第五年，已經爬到首席主考官的位置，而你的實力，坦白說還在我之上呢！」
「敏姐，妳這樣說，我很有壓力呢！」
「人活在這世上，面對各種情境的挑戰，要嘛忍，要嘛狠，不然就識相地滾囉！我的人生哲學就是這麼簡單！但你可别當我是個戴著鋼盔往前衝，有勇無謀的女強人，在職場上要剛柔相濟，善用各種謀略去應對各類情境，解決各種問題。」
懷民搔頭傻笑說：「敏姐，聽妳一席話，勝讀十年書啊！」
「好了！回到正題，剛說到大中華A三案，我們聯手打拼，就從這案子開始，現在你跟著我學習，往後我得仰仗你的提攜，這叫：姐弟齊心，共創雙贏。民弟，小姐姐敬你三杯，你也得回敬我一杯喔。」話說完，莉敏端起那瓶清酒，連喝三杯，懷民也禮貌性地回敬一杯。
「從今天起，你就是我蘇莉敏的小老弟，咱們有肉一起大口吃肉，有湯一起大口喝湯。」三杯清酒入喉，莉敏顯得豪氣干雲，臉頰上浮現兩朵紅暈，卻襯托出她的成熟嫵媚，令懷民不免有些意亂情迷。
「感謝敏姐厚愛！」這時，懷民已經分不清楚自己究竟是感動，還是靈魂被蘇莉敏給吸過去。
「下週三，你陪我去西雅圖出差，帶你去見咱們公司的Glen Keane大師，那天剛好也是我生日喔。」
懷民點頭，他知道這位剛從公司退休的動畫大師，有機會瞻仰大師本尊，當然得去。「那天剛好也是我生日喔。」懷民心想：「莉敏姐這句話，似乎暗示我應該要意思意思一下。那我該準備什麼禮物呢？」
懷民問：「敏姐，妳希望收到什麼樣的生日賀禮呢？」
「先前你送的阿里山茶和咖啡，就算是了。」莉敏接著說：「這餐廳的料理師，也是霍爾從大阪找來的名廚，刀工和手藝相當精熟。」
懷民點頭說：「嗯！食材新鮮，各類食材搭配得很好。」

03
懷民的房車回到家門口，已深夜十點。客廳和安妮書房的燈亮著，懷民知道安妮還在忙論文，也在等他回來。
進到客廳，安妮上前擁抱，幫他拿西裝外套和公事包。懷民坐在沙發上，脫下鞋襪，斜靠沙發一臉茫然，呆望著茶几上的花瓶。
安妮把西裝掛在衣架上，公事包擱在茶几上，在他身邊坐下：「你怎麼了？懷民。」「今天在公司遇到一些事…」懷民神情疲軟，說話無精打彩。
「那些事讓你感到不愉快？」
「就我上週末做的那份新稿，受到我上司蘇主任的肯定，卻引起許多資深同事對我不滿。」
「這樣就不滿你？你那些同事未免太小心眼吧？」
「因為蘇主任認為他們做得不好，要他們重做設計啊！」
「所以，你那些同事把這筆帳算在你頭上？」
「嗯！」懷民點頭苦笑，接著說：「蘇主任約我談公事，她說要跟我聯手，一起爭取大中華A三案，還要帶我去見動畫大師Glen Keane。」
「聽起來，這位蘇主任相當賞識你，很有心要栽培你。」安妮微笑說：「霍爾領你入門；蘇主任積極栽培你，他們兩位都是你生命中的貴人。至於公司裡那些不滿你的同事，往後你跟他們好好相處，態度謙和些，他們對你的觀感就會漸漸好起來。」
安妮的柔言撫慰，寬解了懷民的心情，懷民伸手摟抱安妮：「安妮，有妳真好！」
「這週末我們一起採收櫻桃，我想做一些果醬。你幫我把儲藏室裡的玻璃瓶罐拿出來清洗晾乾。」
「好的。下週三蘇主任帶我去西雅圖見動畫大師Glen Keane，可能會去三天。」
安妮提醒說：「那你記得跟語言中心那邊請假喔。」
懷民問：「我會的。下週三剛好是蘇主任生日，你看我該送什麼禮物？」
安妮說：「就送櫻桃果醬吧？高貴不貴。」

04
飛機客艙商務艙裡，懷民正在使用筆電做分鏡圖。
蘇莉敏湊過來瞧：「在忙什麼呀？民弟。」
「就妳交代的作業啊！」
「喔！那個不急，你兩週內完成即可。」
「可是先前妳說一週內，我擔心做不完。」
「現在是出差時間，不算進去。電腦收起來，聽音樂或者玩遊戲軟體，放鬆一下。」
「好吧！」懷民收起筆電。
蘇莉敏問：「陪我一起打妖怪，如何？」
「好！不過，我很少碰電玩遊戲，反應比較慢。」
蘇莉敏嫣然一笑說：「我也一樣，很少碰這些遊戲。」
蘇莉敏點開椅背螢幕視窗，身體偎過來，懷民的臉和手被莉敏的髮絲摩挲著，莉敏身上的體香，逐漸深化懷民的記憶，令懷民開始魂不守舍…。

05
出租車駛向海灣別墅區，經過一道有警衛檢查的大門，一幢幢高級別墅映入眼簾，分散在海岸高潮線後方的平緩坡地上，每一戶都有造景優美的庭院。
司機說：「這裡是有錢人的天堂，許多富豪名人都在這裡置產。」
懷民好奇問：「這些高級別墅，售價很貴吧？」
司機說：「那是當然，以我的收入，不吃不喝恐怕得超過一百年才買得起。就算買得起，也住不起，因為開銷很大。」
懷民追問：「怎麼說開銷很大？」
「這區有完整的保全系統，全天候武裝警衛，光是這項開銷，我聽朋友說一個月就要價一萬元。」
懷民點頭同意說：「那真的開銷很大。」
出租車來到一幢別墅前，蘇莉敏和湯懷民下車，管家在門口迎接：「主人在大廳等兩位，兩位請進。」
兩人隨管家進到挑高的大廳，北歐式裝潢，透著復古的典雅風格。
蘇莉敏伸出雙手，和Glen Keane相擁貼面，之後Glen和懷民握手。
Glen微笑問：「蘇，這位就是霍爾口中的魔法畫師湯吧？」
蘇莉敏說：「是啊！Uncle Glen，湯是狄士尼未來的金鑰匙。」
三人在沙發上對面而坐，女傭隨即送來咖啡。
「謝謝妳經常來探望我，蘇。這回找我，要問我大中華A三案吧？」
蘇莉敏捧起咖啡杯說：「是啊！Uncle料事如神。」
Glen拿出煙斗裝上煙絲，蘇莉敏掏出打火機，幫他點煙。
Glen呼出一口煙說：「老霍爾接到史密斯的書面報告後，打電話跟我徵詢過。」
蘇莉敏微笑問：「我想爭取這案子，請Uncle給些建議吧？」
「史密斯傳資料給我看過，我的建議是：你們放手去做。」Glen接著說：「湯，你陪我去釣魚，可以嗎？」
Glen的請求令懷民愣了一下，懷民立即會意過來：「這是我的榮幸啊！大師。」

06
Glen大師的別墅矗立在狹灣裡的一個小台地上，莉敏和懷民跟著Glen，走下一道石階，來到水崖邊。懷民跟著Glen整理釣具，取出釣竿，在魚鉤尖掛上蝦仁餌料，甩竿入水。
「釣魚是我主要的休閒，等魚上鉤的過程，是比拼智力和耐性的過程，這裡頭真有些樂趣啊！」
「大師，以前我生活在高山上，習慣在溪流裡撒魚網。」
Glen微笑說：「喔？那跟玩梭哈(ShowHand)類似啊！贏者全拿。」
懷民不解問：「玩梭哈？」
「就是全憑手氣，沒什麼技藝。」Glen接著問：「湯，你成家沒？」
「剛結婚，內人在柏克萊攻讀藝術博士。」
「你妻子肯定很優秀。」Glen壓低音量說：「你的主管蘇至今還單身，精明的女人像一根不懂軟化的魚刺，似乎都會被男人刻意忽略。哈哈！」
「像一根不懂軟化的魚刺」懷民心裡玩味著這句話，覺得Glen不只充滿智慧，還有著一顆坦然的童心。

07
背山面海的旅館落地窗陽台，蘇莉敏和湯懷民圍著小圓桌，面對面喝著紅酒，桌面上的幾道佳餚，「煙燻鮭魚」、「魚卵」、「紅酒小牛排」都是當地的時令美食。
蘇莉敏感慨說：「這幾年，我都是一個人過生日。」
「喔？妳的家人呢？敏姐。」
「跟我相依為命的母親，在我進狄士尼那年，癌症離世。」
湯懷民好奇問：「妳的男朋友都沒來陪妳？」
「男朋友？哈！」莉敏輕蔑地微笑說：「兩、三次約會，就想把我弄上床去，白人，都是這種貨色！」
懷民推論問：「所以，妳一直單身？」
莉敏搖著酒杯苦笑說：「是啊！我這種女人單身還是好的，我從來不放蕩，所以沒有成為人間公害。」
懷民語意深長說：「敏姐，緣份有時得靠些運氣。」
莉敏態度突然嚴肅問：「喔？是嗎？你坦白說，結婚前交過幾個女友？」
懷民被她一問怔住，過了幾秒鐘才說：「就一個！可我對不起她。」
莉敏板起臉追問：「對不起她？你把人家玩弄過，然後狠心拋棄？」
莉敏的窮追猛打，觸動懷民內心裡的那根魚刺：「沒，我沒玩弄她，她是個好女孩，跟妳一樣有事業心，她和我青梅竹馬一起成長，我跟她有時是情人有時是兄妹。」
莉敏繼續逼問：「是嗎？你沒把對方始亂終棄，怎麼會對她感到愧疚？」
懷民表情痛苦說：「我辜負了她的期待，毀棄了彼此的承諾。可是，我真的沒有玩弄她。在我和妻子相遇後，我主動跟前女友提出分手，但是她不肯接受，包括我的誠懇道歉。」
莉敏心想：「看情形，這小子說的是真心話，可是，他深深傷害了夢影妹妹！」
莉敏語調淒厲地追問：「你有想過對方心裡的痛苦嗎？如果易地而處，你被一個你深愛的女人深深傷害，然後絕情地拋棄，你怨恨不怨恨她？」
懷民搖頭，眼眶泛著淚光說：「我不知道，敏姐，我真的對她很抱歉…」
莉敏伸手撫拍懷民的肩膀，臉上的表情緩和下來。
「民弟，姐知道你不是無情之人，好了，我們換個輕鬆的話題。」
懷民情緒一時難以平復，莉敏取出手絹，為懷民擦拭臉上的淚痕。
「別哭了！羞羞臉，小男生就是這樣。」莉敏說：「拿起酒杯，陪我喝酒。」
懷民拿起酒杯。
「乾杯！我會永遠記得，今晚，在西雅圖的星空下，有個小男生為我慶生！」
兩人碰杯後，都一仰而盡。

08
一對喝得天旋地轉，茫酥酥的男女，在落地窗陽台的躺椅，女的趴臥在男的身上。
懷民醒來，宿醉未消退，他雙手揉著太陽穴，這才發現蘇莉敏趴臥在他身上，呼吸聲均勻似乎睡得很沉，更令懷民震驚的，卻是自己的襯衫敞開，長褲被褪到小腿，內褲掛在右大腿上，莉敏身上只穿件連身薄紗睡衣，而且，竟然沒穿底褲。
這一驚，令懷民酒意全消。
懷民心虛地雙手撐起莉敏身體，跨出躺椅抽身出來，再將莉敏身體扳正。莉敏其實已經甦醒，瞇著眼縫偷瞄懷民的舉動，強忍住不笑出聲來，心裡得意地想：「瞧這小子偷吃還想擦嘴，一定以為昨晚跟我發生一夜情，有這個把柄落我手上，我就不信你家那口子還敢不乖乖就範！你玩弄我夢影妹妹感情，我就搞得你們夫妻反目，要你妻離子散！ 」
懷民連忙穿上褲子，轉身進入屋裡，扣好襯衫，隨手從床上抓起一條被子，走到陽台給莉敏蓋上。然後回到屋裡，在梳妝台上留張字條，隨後進到浴室，匆促地洗臉刷牙，梳整頭髮，回到房間套上鞋襪，抓起西裝就離開房間，搭電梯下樓。
這一幕蘇莉敏都看見了，等房門關上，莉敏起身抱著被子回到屋裡，看了桌面上的字條：「敏姐：我出去散散心，不必等我吃早餐。」 莉敏轉身進浴室刷牙洗臉，接著拿浴巾盤起長髮，進浴間沖澡。
蓮蓬頭灑下溫熱水，淋著莉敏光滑細嫩的肌膚，莉敏開始回想剛才懷民起身時，心慌意亂那一幕：「其實，這傻小子真是正人君子，要是他居心不良，剛才他就有機會佔我便宜。這麼正派的男人，難怪夢影妹妹要緊咬住不放手。我處心積慮破壞他的婚姻和家庭，想來手段未免殘忍些，可是不這樣做，他怎會甘心情願回到夢影妹妹身邊呢？壞女人這角色不好演，真是傷腦筋啊！」

09
海崖邊上，湯懷民抽著煙，他只有在心情非常煩悶時，才會想到抽煙。他望著遠方海面上，一夥追逐漁群的鯨魚家族，努力回想昨晚喝醉酒後，到底發生過什麼事，可偏偏腦海裡平靜無波一片空白。他伸右手進西裝褲口袋，摸著「那話兒」，喃喃自語說：「小兄弟，你昨晚沒把人家怎樣吧？」
蘇莉敏朝他走來，左手掛著一件風衣：「民弟，穿上它，別著涼了。」
懷民沒接手，反而轉身往懸崖邊走去，莉敏趕緊追上去：「民弟，你可別…。」
懷民停下來，側身望著莉敏語調冷冷地說：「剛才，我的確突然有一股想要縱身跳下去的念頭。」
莉敏急著安撫說：「民弟，你別這樣，我們都成年人了，在昨晚那樣浪漫氛圍下，即使我們做了什麼、發生過什麼，彼此只是各取所需，沒有任何道德非難。」
懷民有些懊惱地說：「敏姐，可我的心裡有著罪惡感，就算妳能夠完全釋懷。」
莉敏這時感覺有些啼笑皆非說：「不然，你要我怎麼樣？好吧！我承認臨時起色心，情不自禁地把你給上了。」
懷民聽了，也覺得此時自己的情緒有些離譜，望著莉敏說：「敏姐，對不起，剛才我的腦筋秀逗了。」
「穿上吧！別玩扮家家酒了，回旅館去吃早餐。」莉敏把風衣遞給懷民穿上，兩人往回走。

Chapter 24: Su Limin’s Gentle Trap
01
The character design office was heavy with tension. Except for Emily, everyone frowned at Tang Huaimin. He sensed the unfriendly atmosphere and went to the water cooler to brew tea. Someone whispered behind him:
“I heard this guy is no ordinary person; Old Hall brought him from the streets…”
“Are they talking about me?” Huaimin feigned ignorance and returned to his desk.
A pop-up on his computer from Emily read:
"Tang, everyone is talking about you. The new draft you designed was sent to the whole department. The meeting just now discussed it. Your creativity outshined them all, so Director Su asked them to redo the designs, which made them unhappy. In short, they can’t stand seeing you perform better. Don’t worry; the boss supports you, and I’m on your side. –Emily"
Looking up, Huaimin saw Emily making a face at him. His intuition screamed: “This is serious!” He felt uneasy: “What the heck is going on? I just followed Director Su’s instructions, yet caused such a stir. Who did I offend?”
________________________________________
02
Before leaving work, Su Limin called Tang Huaimin to dinner:
“Company Japanese restaurant, let’s discuss business over Japanese cuisine. Can you come?”
Huaimin hesitated: “Can I give you my answer in five minutes?”
Su Limin smiled teasingly: “Ah, so you’re a member of the Fearful Husband Association.”
“Just reporting, mutual respect!”
“Alright, waiting for your reply.”
Huaimin called Annie, telling her about the dinner.
“Don’t drink! You still have an hour’s drive back.”
“I know! Leave a light on for me in the living room.”
“I will. Go handle business.”
Huaimin packed his briefcase, put on his suit, shut down his computer, and left.
At the restaurant, they sat cross-legged at a small square table. The waiter brought a hot pot, sashimi, thin Wagyu slices, a basket of fried food, and two small bottles of sake.
Su Limin picked up a bottle, about to pour Huaimin a cup. He stopped her:
“Driving back later, I can’t drink, sorry.”
A hint of disdain flashed on her face: “Your wife warned you? Fine, a gentleman is never forced.”
“Today, I’m in a very good mood!” Su Limin asked: “Do you know why?”
Huaimin shook his head, smiling.
Su Limin squinted mysteriously: “You brought me good luck! Come, eat!”
“You mean my animation draft?” Huaimin thought of the work he finished in two days.
“Yes! Old Hall wasn’t wrong. You alone equal half a team. Compared to my B- and C-level animators, they’re useless!”
“Thank you for your trust, Director. But I worry…” Huaimin felt uneasy, fearing ostracism from senior colleagues.
Su Limin: “Worried about seniors resenting you?”
Huaimin nodded.
“Think positively: not envied means mediocrity! And with me here, no one dares bully you.”
“Director, I…” Huaimin hesitated.
“There’s no one here; just call me Limin. I’m two years older, feels closer, no hierarchy.”
Huaimin shyly: “Okay, Limin.”
“I showed your draft and CD to Minister Smith; he highly praises your ability.”
Huaimin moved: “Thank you, Limin.”
“According to company promotion policy, training lasts 3–6 months. Smith agreed I can complete your training in the shortest time, making you a C-level animator. But more importantly… we’ll team up for the Greater China A3 project!” Su Limin detailed her agreement with Smith.
“Greater China A3? What’s that?” Huaimin asked.
“It’s the next major animated film after Mulan and Kung Fu Panda, targeting Greater China audiences.”
Huaimin nodded: “I understand, but the project sounds huge.”
“Hundreds of millions in investment—of course it’s big.”
“I just joined the company; I’m inexperienced, I worry…”
“Why? Worried senior animators won’t respect you?”
“Yeah.”
“Ha! In highly competitive companies, the best opportunities go to the most capable. Old Hall personally discovered us. This is my fifth year; I’m chief examiner. Honestly, your skill surpasses mine!”
“Limin, that’s pressure!”
“Life is simple: endure, strike, or get out. Don’t think I’m just a reckless female boss; in the workplace, use strategy and adaptability.”
Huaimin scratched his head: “Your words are worth ten years of study!”
“Back to the A3 project. We’ll work together from this project. Learn from me; I’ll rely on your support. Brothers and sisters, win-win! Cheers!” She raised the sake bottle, drank three cups; Huaimin politely returned one.
“From now on, you’re my little brother. We share meat and soup together.” Three cups down, Su Limin’s mature charm and flushed cheeks made Huaimin feel dizzy.
“Thank you, Limin!” He couldn’t tell if he was moved or enchanted.
“Next Wednesday, come with me to Seattle to meet our company’s master Glen Keane. That’s my birthday too.”
Huaimin nodded, excited to meet the retired animation master.
She hinted I should give a gift… what should I prepare?
“What birthday gift would you like, Limin?”
“The Alishan tea and coffee you sent earlier are enough.” She added: “The chef here is also from Osaka, handpicked by Old Hall. His skills are superb.”
Huaimin nodded: “Fresh ingredients, well paired.”
03
Huai-Min’s car arrived at his home around 10 p.m. The lights in the living room and Annie’s study were on. Huai-Min knew Annie was still busy with her thesis and was waiting for him.
Entering the living room, Annie came forward to hug him and helped him take off his suit jacket and briefcase. Huai-Min sat on the sofa, removed his shoes and socks, and leaned back, staring blankly at the vase on the coffee table.
Annie hung his suit on a hanger, placed the briefcase on the table, and sat beside him. “What’s wrong, Huai-Min?”
“Something happened at the office today…” Huai-Min said, his expression weary, speaking in a dull tone.
“Did it upset you?”
“It’s about the new draft I worked on last weekend. Director Su praised it, but many senior colleagues were displeased with me.”
“They’re upset over that? Aren’t they being a little petty?”
“Because Director Su thought their work was unsatisfactory and asked them to redo the design.”
“So they took it out on you?”
“Yeah,” Huai-Min nodded wryly, then continued, “Director Su invited me to discuss work. She said she wants to team up with me for the Greater China Project A3, and also take me to meet animation master Glen Keane.”
“That sounds like Director Su truly values you and is eager to mentor you,” Annie smiled. “Hall guided you in at the start; Director Su is actively nurturing you. Both are benefactors in your life. As for those colleagues who are dissatisfied, if you stay humble and get along with them, their impression of you will gradually improve.”
Annie’s gentle words eased Huai-Min’s mind. He reached out to hug her. “Annie, I’m so glad I have you.”
“This weekend we’ll pick cherries together. I want to make some jam. You can help by taking the jars from the storage room and cleaning them.”
“Sure. Next Wednesday, Director Su is taking me to Seattle to meet Glen Keane. I might be gone for three days.”
“Remember to request leave from the language center,” Annie reminded.
“I will. Next Wednesday happens to be Director Su’s birthday. What should I get her?”
“Just cherry jam. Elegant yet inexpensive.”
________________________________________
04
In the business class cabin, Huai-Min was working on storyboards on his laptop.
Suli-Min leaned over. “What are you working on, Min-Di?”
“The assignment you gave me.”
“Oh! That’s not urgent; you can finish it within two weeks.”
“But you said last week it should be done in one. I was worried I couldn’t finish.”
“Business trips don’t count. Put the laptop away, listen to music or play games, relax a bit.”
“All right.” Huai-Min closed his laptop.
Suli-Min asked, “Want to play Monster Battle together?”
“Sure, though I rarely play video games, so I might be slow.”
She smiled. “Me too; I rarely play them.”
She opened the screen on the back of her seat and leaned close. Huai-Min’s face and hands brushed against her hair, and her subtle scent deepened his memory, making him increasingly distracted…
________________________________________
05
The taxi drove toward the Bay Villa area, passing a gated entrance with guards. Luxurious villas appeared, scattered on gentle slopes behind the coastline, each with beautifully landscaped gardens.
The driver said, “This is a paradise for the wealthy. Many rich and famous people own property here.”
Huai-Min asked, “These villas must be expensive?”
“Of course. At my income, even if I didn’t eat or drink, it would take over a hundred years to afford one. Even if you could buy it, the living costs are enormous.”
“What do you mean by high living costs?”
“This area has a full security system, armed guards around the clock. Just that alone costs about $10,000 per month, according to my friend.”
Huai-Min nodded, “That’s indeed expensive.”
The taxi stopped at a villa. Suli-Min and Huai-Min got out, greeted by the butler. “The master is waiting in the hall. Please come in.”
Inside, the high-ceilinged hall had Nordic decor with a vintage elegance. Suli-Min extended her arms to hug Glen Keane cheek-to-cheek, then Glen shook Huai-Min’s hand.
Glen smiled, “So, Su, this is the magic artist Hall mentioned?”
“Yes! Uncle Glen, this is Tang, Disney’s future golden key.”
They sat on the sofa facing each other. The maid brought coffee.
“Thanks for visiting often, Su. You’re here about the Greater China Project A3, right?”
“Yes! Uncle, you always know things in advance,” Suli-Min said with a smile.
Glen took out his pipe and packed it with tobacco. Suli-Min lit it for him.
“After Hall received Smith’s written report, he called me for advice.”
“I want to bid for this project. Uncle, can you give some advice?” Suli-Min asked.
“I’ve reviewed Smith’s materials. My advice: go for it,” Glen said, then asked, “Tang, will you go fishing with me?”
Huai-Min froze, then immediately realized, “It’s my honor, Master.”
________________________________________
06
Glen’s villa stood on a small terrace along a narrow bay. Suli-Min and Huai-Min followed Glen down stone steps to the cliff by the water. Huai-Min helped set up fishing gear, baited hooks with shrimp, and cast into the water.
“Fishing is my main pastime. Waiting for the fish tests your patience and intellect—it’s really fun!”
“Master, I used to live in the mountains and was used to casting nets in streams.”
“Oh? That’s like ShowHand—winner takes all,” Glen smiled.
“ShowHand?”
“It’s pure luck, no skill needed.”
Glen asked, “Tang, are you married?”
“Just married. My wife is pursuing an art doctorate at Berkeley.”
“Your wife must be exceptional,” Glen said softly. “Your supervisor Su is still single. Smart women are like fishbones—hard to soften, often deliberately overlooked by men. Haha!”
Huai-Min chuckled inwardly at the metaphor, thinking Glen not only wise but also possessing a childlike heart.
________________________________________
07
At a seaside hotel balcony, Suli-Min and Huai-Min sat across a small round table, drinking red wine. The dishes—smoked salmon, fish roe, red wine veal steak—were local seasonal delicacies.
“I’ve spent my birthdays alone these past years,” Suli-Min sighed.
“Your family?” Huai-Min asked.
“My mother, who raised me alone, passed away from cancer the year I joined Disney.”
“Your boyfriends didn’t come?”
“Boyfriend? Ha! After two or three dates, they just wanted me in bed. Typical white guys.”
“So you’ve stayed single?”
“Yes! Being single suits me. I’ve never been promiscuous, so I’m not a social nuisance.”
Huai-Min said thoughtfully, “Sometimes fate requires a bit of luck.”
Suli-Min suddenly asked seriously, “Before marriage, how many girlfriends did you have?”
Huai-Min froze, then said, “Just one. But I wronged her.”
“You wronged her? You played with her and abandoned her?”
Huai-Min explained, “No. I never played with her. She’s a good girl, career-minded, grew up with me like childhood friends. Sometimes lovers, sometimes like siblings. I broke up with her sincerely when I met my wife, but she wouldn’t accept it.”
Suli-Min asked sharply, “Have you considered her pain? If the roles were reversed, would you resent the woman who hurt you deeply and left?”
Huai-Min shook his head, tears welling. “I don’t know. I really feel sorry for her.”
Suli-Min’s expression softened. “Min-Di, I know you’re not heartless. Let’s switch to a lighter topic.” She handed him a handkerchief to wipe his tears.
“Don’t cry, silly boy. Raise your glass and drink with me.”
They clinked glasses and drank.
________________________________________
08
A drunken couple lay entangled on the balcony lounge. Huai-Min woke with a hangover, rubbing his temples, realizing Suli-Min was draped over him, breathing evenly as if asleep. More shocking: his shirt was open, pants down to his calves, underwear on his right thigh. Suli-Min wore only a sheer nightdress, no panties.
The shock immediately sobered him. Guilt-ridden, Huai-Min carefully shifted her off him, adjusted her body, got dressed, grabbed a blanket for her, and left a note: “Min-Di: I went out for a walk. Don’t wait for me for breakfast.”
Suli-Min, now awake, smiled mischievously, thinking, This boy is such a gentleman. If he had ill intentions, he would have taken advantage of me. I need to manipulate his relationship with his wife—bad girl role is tricky!
________________________________________
09
By the cliff, Huai-Min smoked—a habit when he was extremely frustrated. He stared at a pod of whales chasing fish, trying to recall the events of the drunken night, but his mind was blank. He muttered to himself, touching himself: “Little buddy, last night… nothing happened, right?”
Suli-Min approached with a trench coat. “Min-Di, put this on, don’t catch a cold.”
Huai-Min didn’t take it, instead walking toward the cliff.
“Min-Di, don’t…” she hurried after him.
Stopping, he said coldly, “I did have the sudden urge to jump.”
Suli-Min quickly comforted him: “Even if something happened last night, we’re adults. It was mutual, no moral judgment.”
“I still feel guilty,” he admitted.
“Then what do you want me to do? Okay! I admit I was tempted and gave in.”
Huai-Min realized his emotions had gone overboard. “Sorry, Senshi. My mind went astray.”
“Put this on! No more playing house. Let’s go back for breakfast.”