〈A Love Letter from Lhasa〉12

by Chen Ching-Yang

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!”

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.”