《拉薩情書》

第十八章、一封電子信引起的風波

01
安妮拿著大學語言中心寄來的入學通知函，進到書房裡。書桌上的筆電視窗沒拉下，安妮把信件擱在桌面，意外看見懷民收件夾裡，一封署名「夢影」的電子信，安妮好奇點開信件：
懷民，你人在哪裡？你妹電話裡說你帶著新女友回到台灣，然後跟她去了美國加州。說變心就變心，你這人真的很可怕！我唐夢影隻身在巴黎讀書，身邊雖然有男士主動邀約我，但我從來沒心動過，沒跟任何一個男士約會，你呢？去西藏一年就移情別戀！別跟我說那些「輪迴轉世」、「姻緣命定」似是而非的理由，夢影一直潔身自愛，從來沒做過任何對不起你的事，此心蒼天可鑒！
你回來台灣吧？約個時間，我們兩家人坐下來懇談，你對我有什麼不滿或要求，我會深切反省，儘可能達到你的期望，但我絕不接受你先前說的，那些荒繆的理由。 身心具疲，你的未婚妻唐夢影於巴黎塞納河邊2016／03／20／
PS: 0401不只是愚人節，也是我的生日，那天我希望你會出現在日月潭，我面前。

讀完這封電子信，安妮原本喜悅的心情，瞬間結成冰球跌到谷底，她得找個地方，沉澱紛亂的思緒，讓自己的心情暖和起來。
安妮留了張字條和超音波列印圖在桌上，穿上大衣，離開家門。
走在大街旁的人行道上，冷涼的晚風迎面襲來，街燈下落葉紛飛，感受到濃濃的秋意。
「去哪裡散心呢？」安妮喃喃自問：「咖啡廳坐著發呆？又不是我造的孽，幹嘛苦我自己嘞？不如去逛大賣場吧？採買食物和日用品。」

02
湯懷民的房車剛回到家門口，透過車窗懷民發現屋裡沒開燈，心裡直納悶；「安妮沒跟我說，臨時要出門啊？」
懷民連忙空手下車，隨手抽起門口花圃裡的一根長木棍，右手持長棍來到大門口，他拉了一下門把，又望了一眼門窗，都沒有被破壞、侵入的痕跡。
懷民掏出鑰匙開門，手持長棍推門進到客廳，按開電源，確認沒有被歹徒侵入。
懷民先進寢室，沒發現安妮人影；接著走進書房，在書桌上看見安妮留的字條，和被點開來唐夢影的那封電子信，然後是那張超音波列印圖。懷民拿起那張圖，看了一下圖上方的說明。
「妊娠週數：6週；
胎兒性別：未知；
胎兒發育情形：正常
潛在遺傳疾病：待檢查」
懷民雙手顫抖著，拾起安妮留的字條：
「懷民：我心緒非常煩亂，出門找個地方散心。不必擔心我，我不會做傻事。
愛你的安妮 」
懷民哪能不擔心呢？他立馬掏出手機，撥給安妮，安妮手機關了。
懷民深呼吸，極力保持鎮定，他看著筆電螢幕上，夢影寫來的那封回信，雙手逐漸握緊，心裡懊惱到極點。

03
李建華接到湯懷民電話，掏出一張5元紙鈔擺餐桌上，顧不得一盤水餃才吃兩粒，立馬起身走人。
兩個大男人在柏克萊大學校門口碰面，湯懷民神色慌張：「教授，安妮這會兒可能會去哪裡？」
「讓我想想，我想想啊…」李建華左手橫胸右手支著下巴，來回踱步繞圈子：「附近咖啡廳？校園裡的圖書館、池塘？這樣吧！咱們分頭找人，我進校園，你騎自行車在附近幾條街繞一繞，特別是咖啡廳和速食店。一個鐘頭後回來這裡，誰先找著就打手機聯絡。」
「好的，教授！」懷民隨即跨上自行車，展開逐街清查。
湯懷民繞了大學城外的街道兩圈，逐間搜索了十幾家咖啡廳、小餐館和兩家速食店，還是沒見到人影。
李建華在校園裡，地毯似地搜尋，同樣沒找到人。
一小時後，兩人各自回到校門口。
湯懷民憂心問：「要不要報警啊？教授。」
「再等等吧！你老婆真要離家出走，報警也沒用！」李建華接著問：「你們小兩口到底怎麼啦？」
湯懷民搔著額頭尷尬說：「我筆電忘記關機，安妮意外發現我前女友寫來的電子信。」
「就這麼巧啊？」李建華苦笑說：「你怎麼就那麼大意？女人最難搞的就是，當她發現你可能出軌或走私。你跟你前女友還有聯絡啊？」
「嗯！偶爾寫電子信。」
「那就是藕斷絲連囉？這肯定是兵家大忌啊！」
懷民連忙解釋說：「教授，沒有藕斷絲連啦！去年初我離開台灣去西藏後，就沒再跟她碰面。」
「若是這樣，安妮這回鬧情緒，的確Over些！」李建華接著說：「安妮這孩子對人防衛心很強，在系所裡不太主動跟人打交道，其實我清楚她，她是外冷內熱，對於交友人際，她很死心眼的，她一旦認定你是朋友，就會真心對你好。」
「這我知道，我跟安妮相處一整年。」
李建華說：「這樣吧！你先回去家裡等安妮，如果她徹夜未歸，明早我陪你一起上警局報案協尋。」

04
湯懷民騎自行車，大老遠就看見家裡客廳燈亮著，一顆懸著的心總算放下來。
懷民把自行車牽進庭院，開門進去，看見餐桌上擺著晚餐，浴室裡傳來嘩啦啦的沖水聲。
湯懷民坐在餐桌前，雙手抱胸，臭著臉跟自己生悶氣。
過一會兒，穿著浴袍、頭裹浴巾，安妮走到客廳。
「你還沒吃飯吧？等你回來開飯呢！」
懷民站起來，垮著臉說；「差點被妳嚇出心臟病！」
安妮一派淡定說：「我去逛大賣場散散心，買些食物和日用品。」
懷民說；「我跟教授在大學城裡外，找妳一個小時。」
「幹嘛那麼緊張？我又不是不經事的小女生。」安妮接著說：「我上網訂購機票，30號那天飛台北。」
「飛台北？怎不跟我事先商量？」
「我這不就在跟你商量？你遲早得面對唐夢影，這三角習題得儘快落幕。」
「我說過我有誠意面對唐啊！可是我不想妳攪和進來，那只會讓事情複雜化。」
「懷民，我不也說過，要和你一起面對你的前女友？我跟你一起回去，如果你三心兩意，或者你反悔了，好歹我有個答案。」
懷民聽得不悅，拉高音量反問：「有個答案？什麼意思？」
安妮冷靜說：「我肚子裡的孩子，可以沒有爸爸！」
「妳當我什麼？安妮！」懷民明顯被安妮的冷靜給激怒了。
「在我的成長過程裡，有好長一段時間，我沒有父親。」安妮轉過身去拭淚：「所以，我做好心理準備，給你重新做出選擇…」
懷民壓抑住怒氣，冷笑說：「哈哈哈！怎麼？我突然變成台灣八點檔肥皂劇裡，冷血的負心漢了？」
「先開飯，我們肚子都餓了，小baby應該也很餓了。」安妮轉過身來，拉開椅子坐下來：「你自己添飯喔！青稞小米飯，我們自己種的。」
懷民卻還要橫眉豎眼，雙手抱胸，紋風不動站著。
「我大學同學說，老霍爾賞識你，你應該把握機會，進去狄士尼歷練。」安妮說著，自己動手添飯。
懷民仍然木頭人似地杵著，無動於衷。
安妮故意扮鬼臉，以命令的口吻說：「小男生，坐下來吃飯啦！難不成要大姐姐一口口餵你吃？」
懷民被安妮逗笑了，鐵公雞演不下去，只好坐下來，自己拾起碗筷添飯。
「我想要先進修。」懷民餘怒未消，臉孔又板起來。
「我幫你設想過了，進修和工作沒什麼衝突啊！只不過你得每天開車來回，比較辛苦。」安妮夾了一根羊小排給到懷民碗裡說：「等我完成論文口考，我得專心待產。」
懷民語調冰冷說：「我感覺自己是頭髦牛，被妳拴著牛鼻繩給牽著走。」
「嘿！小男生，咱們打開天窗把話給說清楚。我之所以接受Uncle建議，留在柏克萊教書，主要是方便你這些年進修取得學位喔！否則我們一起回西藏，以我的條件，可以找得到高階的研究工作，或者在當地大學任教。可是你呢？你只會是文化局約聘的助理研究員。我不想往後的婚姻生活裡，你心理上有自卑感，我要你儘快迎頭趕上我，我的用心，你懂嗎？」
懷民沒回答，抬起頭望著安妮的臉，他其實態度已經軟化了。
「你有繪畫上的天份，是一匹千里馬，上帝幫你找到老霍爾這個伯樂，你應該要珍惜，機會不會一直等待你。我說過沒要求你有雄才偉略，闖出一翻大事業，可也不想你的才華，被你浪漫的靈魂給覆蓋掉，一輩子庸庸碌碌。」
懷民接受了妻子的善意，他知道安妮「望夫成龍」的心情。
「好吧！」懷民平靜說：「明天我就跟霍爾先生約時間。」
安妮滿意地嫣然一笑：「我會陪你一道去，從沒去過狄士尼總部，跟去開開眼界。」

05
小倆口來到柏本克（Burbank）市的狄士尼總部：The Walt Disney Company，通傳後不到五分鐘，老霍爾和動畫部門主管強森就來到會客室。
霍爾笑臉迎人，主動上前握住湯懷民的雙手說：「我有預感你會來見我，我的預感向來很準的。」
「我內人安妮。」湯懷民介紹安妮，霍爾跟安妮握手說：「妳的丈夫是個人才啊！」
霍爾介紹說：「我們的動畫部門主任強森，他同時也在柏克萊和長堤分校開課。」
強森主任說：「湯先生，我們公司向來鼓勵員工積極進修，和鄰近幾所大學長期合作培訓人材，在初步瞭解你的情況後，我們可以共同找出合宜方式，讓你能夠在工作中持續進修。」
「謝謝執行長和主任，你們費心的安排。」湯懷民跟強森握手。
霍爾說：「我們公司採行專業分工，往後你在動畫部門跟著製作團隊見習，公司會有一系列的培訓課程，通過培訓，你就成為正式的動畫師。接下來，我讓強森帶著兩位參觀公司。」
小倆口跟著強森，循序參觀各部門，首先來到史料館。
導覽人員為小倆口詳細解說，狄士尼創始和各時期發展情形…。

Chapter 18: The Email That Caused a Stir
01
Annie held the admission letter from the university language center and entered the study. The laptop screen was still on. She placed the letter on the desk and noticed an email in Huai-min’s inbox from “Meng Ying.” Curious, she opened it:
Huai-min, where are you? Your sister said you brought a new girlfriend back to Taiwan and then went to California with her. Changing your heart so easily, you’re truly frightening! I, Tang Mengying, am studying alone in Paris. Although some men have invited me out, I’ve never been interested or dated anyone. And you? A year in Tibet and you fall for someone else! Don’t give me those vague “reincarnation” or “destined fate” excuses. I’ve always been virtuous and never wronged you. Heaven can witness my heart!
Come back to Taiwan. Let’s arrange a time for our families to talk. Whatever grievances or requests you have, I’ll reflect on them and try to meet your expectations. But I absolutely cannot accept the absurd reasons you previously gave.
Exhausted in body and mind, your fiancée Tang Mengying in Paris by the Seine 2016/03/20
PS: April 1 isn’t just April Fool’s—it’s my birthday. I hoped you’d appear at Sun Moon Lake that day, in front of me.
After reading the email, Annie’s joy instantly froze. She needed a place to calm her mind. She left a note and an ultrasound printout on the desk, put on her coat, and left the house.
Walking on the sidewalk, a chilly evening breeze greeted her. Leaves swirled under the streetlights; autumn was in full bloom.
“Where should I go to clear my mind?” Annie murmured. “Sit in a café and daze? I didn’t do anything wrong—why punish myself? Maybe I should go to the supermarket, buy food and daily necessities.”
________________________________________
02
Huai-min’s RV had just returned home. Through the window, he noticed the lights were off and felt puzzled. “Annie didn’t tell me she went out?”
He hurriedly got out empty-handed, grabbed a long stick from the flowerbed, and approached the door. He tried the handle and checked the doors and windows—no signs of forced entry.
He unlocked the door, holding the stick, entered the living room, and turned on the lights. Nothing had been disturbed.
He first checked the bedroom—Annie was gone. Then he entered the study and saw her note, the opened email from Mengying, and the ultrasound printout. He picked up the printout and read the top:
Gestational age: 6 weeks
Fetal sex: unknown
Fetal development: normal
Potential genetic issues: pending examination
Huai-min’s hands trembled as he picked up Annie’s note:
Huai-min: I’m very upset. I went out to clear my mind. Don’t worry—I won’t do anything rash.
Love, Annie
How could he not worry? He immediately tried calling Annie—her phone was off. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, staring at the laptop screen at Mengying’s email, clenching his fists in frustration.
________________________________________
03
Li Jianhua received Huai-min’s call. He placed a 5-dollar bill on the dining table, barely touched the dumplings he had started eating, and immediately left.
The two men met at Berkeley’s campus entrance. Huai-min looked anxious: “Professor, where might Annie have gone?”
“Let me think… nearby café? Campus library or pond? Here’s the plan: we split up. I’ll search the campus; you bike around nearby streets, especially cafés and fast-food places. Return here in an hour. Whoever finds her first, call the other.”
“Okay, Professor!” Huai-min mounted his bike and began the search.
Huai-min circled the university town streets twice, checking over ten cafés, small restaurants, and two fast-food outlets—no sign of her.
Li Jianhua combed the campus like a carpet—also no luck.
An hour later, they returned to the campus gate.
Huai-min worried: “Should we call the police, Professor?”
“Wait a bit. Even if your wife ran off, police wouldn’t help right away.” Li Jianhua asked, “What happened between you two?”
Huai-min scratched his forehead awkwardly: “I left my laptop on. Annie saw an email from my ex-girlfriend by accident.”
“Really?” Li Jianhua grimaced. “How careless! Women are most difficult when they suspect you might be cheating. Are you still in touch with your ex?”
“Yes, occasionally by email.”
“So there’s still a tie? That’s a major taboo!”
Huai-min hurriedly explained: “Professor, there’s no lingering tie! Since I left Taiwan for Tibet last year, I haven’t met her.”
“Then Annie’s upset reaction is understandable.” Li Jianhua continued: “She’s very guarded. In the department, she doesn’t socialize much. I know her well—cold on the outside, warm inside. When she trusts someone as a friend, she’s truly sincere.”
“I know that. I’ve been with Annie for a year.”
Li Jianhua said, “Here’s the plan: go home and wait for Annie. If she doesn’t return tonight, tomorrow we’ll go to the police station together to report and search.”

04
Tang Huaimin rode his bicycle and from afar saw the living room lights on at home, and a heavy weight finally lifted from his chest.
He led the bike into the courtyard, opened the door, and stepped inside, noticing dinner set on the table and the sound of water flushing from the bathroom.
Tang Huaimin sat at the dining table, arms crossed, sulking silently.
After a while, Annie, wearing a bathrobe and with her hair wrapped in a towel, entered the living room.
“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? I was waiting for you to come back to start dinner!”
Huaimin stood up, frowning, “You nearly gave me a heart attack!”
Annie remained calm: “I went to the supermarket to clear my mind and bought some groceries and daily necessities.”
“I and the professor searched around the university city for an hour looking for you,” Huaimin said.
“Why be so nervous? I’m not an inexperienced little girl,” Annie replied. “I booked a flight online—flying to Taipei on the 30th.”
“Flying to Taipei? Why didn’t you discuss it with me first?”
“I’m discussing it with you now. Sooner or later, you’ll have to face Tang Mengying. This love triangle has to end quickly.”
“I told you I’m willing to face Tang, but I don’t want you involved—it’ll only complicate things.”
“Huai-min, didn’t I also say I’d face your ex with you? I’m going back with you. If you hesitate or change your mind, at least I’ll have an answer.”
Huaimin, displeased, raised his voice: “An answer? What do you mean?”
Calmly, Annie said: “The child in my womb can live without a father.”
“What do you take me for, Annie?!” Huaimin was clearly provoked by Annie’s composure.
“In my growing up, there was a long period without a father,” Annie turned away, wiping tears. “So I’m mentally prepared to let you make a choice again…”
Suppressing his anger, Huaimin sneered: “Ha! What, suddenly I’m a cold-hearted villain in a Taiwanese soap opera?”
“Let’s eat first. We’re both hungry; the little baby must be hungry too.” Annie turned and pulled out a chair. “Serve yourself—this is barley and millet rice we grew ourselves.”
Huaimin still scowled, arms crossed, standing motionless.
“My university classmates said since Old Hall appreciates you, you should seize the opportunity to gain experience at Disney,” Annie said, serving herself some rice.
Huaimin remained stiff as a board, unmoved.
Annie made a funny face and said in a commanding tone: “Young man, sit down and eat! Or do I have to feed you bite by bite?”
Huaimin laughed, unable to maintain his stern act, and sat down, picking up his own bowl and chopsticks.
“I want to pursue further studies first,” Huaimin said, still simmering, face stern again.
“I thought it through for you. Studying and working aren’t mutually exclusive—you’ll just need to drive back and forth daily, which is a bit tiring.” Annie placed a lamb chop on his plate: “Once I finish my thesis defense, I need to focus on pregnancy.”
Huaimin replied coldly: “I feel like a fashionable ox being led by a nose rope.”
“Hey! Young man, let’s be straightforward. I accepted Uncle’s suggestion to stay teaching at Berkeley mainly so you could study and earn your degree. Otherwise, we could return to Tibet, and I could easily find a high-level research job or teach at a local university. But you? You’d only be a contract research assistant at the cultural bureau. I don’t want you to feel inferior in our future married life—I want you to catch up. Do you understand my intentions?”
Huaimin didn’t answer, looking at Annie’s face. His attitude had already softened.
“You have a talent for painting, a steed that can travel a thousand miles. God sent you Old Hall as a mentor—you should cherish this. Opportunities won’t wait forever. I never demanded grand achievements, but I don’t want your talent to be buried under your romantic soul, living a mediocre life.”
Huaimin accepted his wife’s goodwill, understanding her wish for him to succeed.
“Alright!” Huaimin said calmly. “I’ll set up a meeting with Mr. Hall tomorrow.”
Annie smiled contentedly: “I’ll go with you. I’ve never been to Disney headquarters; I want to see it too.”
________________________________________
05
The couple arrived at Disney Headquarters in Burbank: The Walt Disney Company. Within five minutes of being announced, Old Hall and animation department director Johnson arrived at the reception room.
Hall, smiling, extended his hand: “I had a feeling you’d come. My intuition is always right.”
“This is my wife, Annie,” Huaimin introduced. Hall shook Annie’s hand: “Your husband is very talented!”
Hall introduced Johnson: “He’s the head of our animation department and also teaches at Berkeley and Long Beach campuses.”
Director Johnson said: “Mr. Tang, we encourage employees to pursue further studies. We collaborate long-term with nearby universities to train talent. After understanding your situation, we can find suitable ways for you to continue your studies while working.”
“Thank you both for your careful arrangements,” Huaimin said, shaking hands with Johnson.
Hall said: “Our company uses professional division of labor. You will shadow the production team in the animation department. We have a series of training courses. Upon completion, you’ll become a formal animator. Now, Johnson will take you both on a tour of the company.”
The couple followed Johnson, visiting departments sequentially, first the historical archives. A guide explained in detail the founding of Disney and its developments over time.