〈A Love Letter from Lhasa〉16
by Chen Ching-Yang
Chapter 31: Su Limin Fires the First Arrow
01
Su Limin finally made her move, firing the first cold arrow at Tang Huaimin. Limin obtained the email addresses of Tang Huaimin, his wife, and the senior executives of the Shanghai branch through her younger sister, Tang Mengying. Limin prepared a dossier containing a set of edited erotic photos.
Anne and several senior executives simultaneously received a set of “extremely provocative erotic photos” along with a titillating story titled: “The True Face of the Wolf Tang Huaimin.” The email had no sender signature.
Seeing the photos, Anne analyzed the signs—the slightly opened eyes, flushed face, and blank expression—and deduced that Tang Huaimin must have been drunk and secretly photographed at close range with a phone. Intelligent as she was, Anne instinctively suspected Su Limin, since only she had gone on business trips with Huaimin. Judging by the background in the photos, the shooting likely took place one night at a hotel. Anne carefully recalled that Su Limin had indeed accompanied Huaimin on a business trip to Seattle to meet an animation master.
Anne pondered repeatedly, murmuring to herself: “Who would leak these photos? Was it Su Limin orchestrating this herself, or someone else? If a third party, what’s their motive—extortion, or to pull Tang Huaimin down from his general manager position before he even settled in? If the sender is indeed Su Limin, it makes perfect sense. Huaimin blocked her promotion path, so she strikes while he’s still vulnerable to vent her resentment…”
Quickly, Anne devised a conclusion and response strategy: “Whether it’s Su Limin or someone else, their purpose is to stir a scandal, damaging Tang Huaimin’s reputation. Since the female in the photos isn’t identifiable, why not play along and turn the tables?”
Anne immediately drafted an English open letter and sent it to the senior executives:
"Dear colleagues,
I am Anne, your good friend. You may have just received an anonymous email with a set of provocative photos. I must confess that these photos were taken during my honeymoon with General Manager Tang last year, spontaneously as selfies. Recently, my laptop was hacked, which inadvertently led to their leakage. These are merely ordinary newlywed moments and should not surprise anyone. I apologize for any disruption this may have caused to your work. Please do not over-interpret or spread misinformation.
I have reported this matter to the local police, who will trace the sender via IP. Also, before pregnancy, my figure was fine, and I am now postpartum, working on losing weight.
Your loyal partner, Assistant to the General Manager, Cangyang Anne"
The senior executives quickly received the letter. Except for Emily, the male executives, though still half-doubtful, respected professional boundaries and chose to accept Anne’s explanation.
Emily, with her keen perception, immediately noticed a flaw: the woman in the photos had fair skin and painted nails, which did not match Anne’s naturally conservative style. Of course, Emily didn’t want to expose Anne’s well-intentioned lie, understanding that Anne’s swift action was to protect Huaimin’s reputation.
Anne then accessed both Tang Huaimin’s business and personal inboxes, deleted the malicious email, and blocked the sender’s IP. This incident was handled immediately without Huaimin ever knowing. From that moment, Anne was on high alert against Su Limin in California. Coupled with Tang Mengying, her husband’s ex-girlfriend, Anne instinctively felt she was “attacked from both sides” and needed to respond cautiously.
02
At Disney headquarters in California, the “Greater China Project A3” entered its intense execution phase. The screenwriting department was making minor adjustments to Anne’s script for the upcoming animation screenplay. The animation department was refining character designs based on Tang Huaimin’s model and referencing his location scouting materials to sketch the main scenes.
Meanwhile, CEO Hall received the anonymous email. After a moment’s thought, he called Anne directly, warning: “Watch your husband carefully. Don’t let anyone use this opportunity to stir a scandal and damage the company’s reputation.”
Anne explained everything sincerely and forwarded the earlier open letter to Hall. After reading it, Hall felt somewhat relieved, though he suspected there might be more behind the scenes. He also immediately suspected that Su Limin could be the mastermind, as only she had the motive to send such a “troublemaking erotic letter.”
Hall wrote in his personal notebook: “Su, a black rose with poisonous thorns.”
03
Through online communication with Tang Mengying, Su Limin monitored the Shanghai branch in real-time. She noticed that her “first strike” had little effect, like a bullet splashing into water. Still, she wasn’t discouraged.
“Little sister, I’m not discouraged, and you shouldn’t be either. No matter how fortified his defenses are, we will find a crack and strike!”
“Elder sister, can you just deal with Anne and not involve Huaimin?”
“To catch the big shark, some fish will inevitably get hurt. That’s the nature of it,” Limin replied.
Tang Mengying countered sharply: “If letting Anne go means destroying Huaimin, I’d rather let them be!”
“Don’t worry, little sister. I know how to handle the balance,” Limin reassured her, then instructed: “Act low-key in the company, don’t let Anne suspect anything. Once you have the chance, destroy the trust between them. Got it?”
“I understand. But promise me, don’t ruin Huaimin’s career. I don’t want him to give up on his future.”
“Alright, alright! I really don’t know how much emotional debt you owe this man from a past life!” Limin said impatiently.
04
A week later, Su Limin sent another anonymous email in Chinese to Anne, filled with provocation and threats:
"To Mrs. Anne, General Manager Tang’s Wife:
I assume you’ve already received the provocative photos. I admire your composure!
In the battlefield of love, a woman’s most dangerous opponent is another determined woman. If you don’t want your beloved husband to become a media scandal and be questioned by executives and society, I advise you to step aside and make way for me. I am more capable and can help your husband achieve great success in his career.
Think carefully. If you care for Tang Huaimin, hand him over. Otherwise, you know the consequences. You have ten days to respond. If you don’t, the destructive second strike will follow! I hold many cards you couldn’t imagine.
No need to guess my identity. You are in the light, I am in the shadows."
After reading this, Anne was certain the sender was Su Limin. She tried to clarify the source of any old grievances between herself and Su Limin: “Even if Su Limin liked my husband due to proximity at work, she must have known he was married. Why does she persist? Is it just about blocked promotions, or is there something else? She claims to hold many unexpected cards—does that imply Huaimin once made promises to her?”
Anne shivered at the thought, realizing how dangerous Su Limin was. She also wondered: “Could she have informants inside the company? Who could be her mole? One of the senior executives, or… Tang Mengying? Both women come from Taiwan. I need to investigate carefully. The first step is to ask Huaimin if he has any lingering entanglements with her beyond that one night…”
05
The young couple drove back with their baby to their rented two-story villa near the company.
Tang Huaimin showered while Anne settled the baby and opened her laptop in the bedroom, reviewing the anonymous threat email and the previous intimate photos. She then returned to her study to continue her PhD thesis.
Huaimin, wrapping a large scarf around his shoulders, entered the bedroom to change into pajamas. Unexpectedly, he saw the intimate photo of a woman riding on top of him on the laptop screen. He frowned, muttering: “Damn! I’m screwed!” (Taiwanese slang)
Huaimin nervously opened the file, his heart racing, blood pressure spiking, and face pale. Thunderous thoughts ran through his mind: “Su Limin, your methods are ruthless…”
After some time, he calmed down and made a plan: “I should confess honestly to Anne and ask for her forgiveness.”
He put on pajamas, wrote “I was wrong! Please forgive me, my wife” in red ink on a white tie, tied it to his forehead, and sat by the study desk.
Anne, seeing this apology, pinched his chest and teased: “What are you doing? Learning to perform Peking Opera?”
Huaimin shyly said: “Anne, I’m sorry about that night in Seattle…”
Anne, sternly: “Did anything happen between you and Su Limin?”
Huaimin looked dejected: “I was drunk and don’t remember. She confessed before leaving Lhasa, saying that night in Seattle…”
Anne pressed: “What exactly did she do to you that night? Be honest!”
Huaimin lowered his head bashfully: “She said the next morning she wasn’t on her period, and that I was drunk beyond control. But I don’t know why she changed her mind afterward… and why she secretly took those photos.”
Anne then softened: “I understand why she did it. But you must tell me: after that, did you have any further entanglements with Su Limin?”
Huaimin quickly shook his head: “No, that was it. She asked me to celebrate her birthday and drink that night, but nothing beyond that.”
Anne, skeptical, asked: “Can I trust you now?”
Huaimin knelt, raised his right hand, and swore earnestly: “Please believe me, Anne!”
Anne studied his eyes carefully, then said: “Alright, I believe you. Sit back and listen.”
She explained: “That night in Seattle, I believe Su Limin set you up. She took those photos to keep leverage over you. The funny thing is, she didn’t show her face in the photos to avoid risk.”
Huaimin nervously insisted: “Anne, please believe me, it was completely innocent!”
Anne replied: “Your innocence depends on her conscience. What I care about is whether you had any ongoing entanglements, especially during your Tibet trip.”
Huaimin affirmed: “None. Absolutely none.”
Anne calmed down: “Good. I’ll believe you for now. Su Limin is cunning and malicious. She claims to have many cards in her letter, but I boldly assume she has none left.”
Huaimin worried: “But those photos already circulated to senior executives, right?”
Anne said: “You just realized how ruthless she was? Luckily, I acted immediately to sanitize the situation. Otherwise, it would have spread company-wide.”
After reading Anne’s public letter, Huaimin relaxed and sighed: “Thank goodness you intervened in time, my wife.”
“Don’t get too happy yet,” Anne warned. “The senior executives may still suspect. You must be careful, especially with your first love, Tang Mengying.”
“Mm,” Huaimin nodded, already shaken by Su Limin’s ‘set-up’. He recalled his slip during Tang Mengying’s interview, which might have raised suspicion, but he didn’t dare tell Anne about it yet.
Chapter 32: Tang Mengying’s Understanding
01
The second arrow fired by Su Limin, ten days later, also met with “calm waters, no ripples.” Faced with the unusually quiet behavior of the couple, Tang Huaimin and Annie, and the ever-watchful Mr. Hall, Su Limin was not only puzzled but increasingly impatient. She decided to confront Annie directly, threatening her over the phone to force compliance. Unfortunately, Su Limin had no idea that Annie not only knew her identity but had also discovered that she no longer had any leverage.
In her assistant’s office, Annie was breastfeeding little Jiacuo when her phone rang. She placed the baby on her lap.
“Miss Annie? Ten days have passed, and you still haven’t answered me!”
Annie, recognizing the voice changer, played dumb: “Who is this? What am I supposed to answer you?”
“Leave Tang Huaimin, or I will destroy him!”
Annie’s tone remained calm: “If he truly betrayed you and abandoned you after using you, then by all means, destroy him—I will have no complaints.”
“Good for you! I’ll ruin his reputation so he won’t survive in the company. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Annie remained composed: “What would I regret? The consequences of his actions are his alone to face.”
“You’re ruthless! Annie, pay attention to the newspapers and news in Shanghai and California these past few days.”
“Of course I have. Some female hacker tried to blackmail me and, failing that, threatened to sell my husband and me honeymoon photos to the press and TV stations.”
“What?” The other party suddenly went silent. Annie quietly imagined Su Limin’s flustered expression at that moment.
“Your honeymoon photos with your husband? You really dare to identify yourself, you shameless woman!”
“It’s not me who dares—its you who hides your face, unwilling to show yourself. You’re the shameless one! If you dared to seduce my husband into a one-night affair, show your face!” The two women traded barbs across the line, but it was more farcical than fiery.
“We’ll see about that!” the other party said fiercely, then hung up.
Little Jiacuo, eyes half-closed, continued nursing peacefully.
02
Su Limin felt thoroughly frustrated. She gradually realized that as long as her targets remained unmoved, she was powerless—her game had run its course.
She wrote an email to Mengying to express her feelings:
Sister,
This time I’ve really hit a wall! It feels like Tang Huaimin and his wife, along with Mr. Hall, have united against me. I have no leverage left! From now on, you’ll have to deal with Annie yourself. Be cautious under her watchful eyes—she’s a cunning sorceress! If you’re not confident you can defeat Annie, it’s better to leave Shanghai now.
Feeling powerless,Limin Receiving the email, Mengying felt disheartened: “If even my sister can’t handle Annie, what can I do?” Sitting at her desk, she stared at the bright moon outside, feeling an unprecedented helplessness and sorrow. She whispered to herself:
“Huaimin, why did childhood friends like us end up in this situation? If past lives exist, what did I owe you in that life that requires me, Tang Mengying, to suffer like this in this life to repay your debt…”
Two tears slid down her cheeks. She did not wipe them away, letting them hang freely.
03
In the animation department training room, a group of newly recruited animators was undergoing a series of training courses.
“Today’s four lessons cover character modeling and design—these are foundational courses…” On the podium, Emily, their examiner and head of the animation department, lectured. Tang Mengying sat in the audience, attentive and taking notes, with a small recorder on the desk. Emily occasionally let her eyes linger briefly on Mengying.
“The character sheets provide guidelines for modeling the main and supporting characters. To accurately capture the look and personality, one must thoroughly study the script and the final screenplay. As far as I know, General Manager Tang and Assistant Annie are true masters in this area…”
Annie stood outside the back door, observing the trainees through the glass.
04
Emily walked down the animation office corridor, handing out folders to the trainees. The last folder was given to Tang Mengying.
Emily smiled and praised her: “Your work is excellent—expressions are lively and natural, the style is personal. Among the trainees, your performance is the best. The General Manager certainly has an eye for talent. Keep it up, Tang.”
Mengying stood and bowed: “Thank you for your encouragement, Director.”
“Tang, I’ll treat you to afternoon tea later! I’ll wait at the little café,” Emily winked and turned away.
“Manager really does have an eye for talent…” Mengying thought repeatedly about Emily’s words, recalling that on the interview day, Tang Huaimin had been expressionless, almost robotic. She whispered to herself: “Huaimin, I know you’re not heartless.”
05
At the small café, Emily and Tang Mengying sat across from each other on high stools, drinking coffee and eating pastries.
Emily asked: “Mengying, will you tell me what your relationship with the General Manager is?”
Mengying stirred her iced coffee with a small spoon, smiling but silent.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry into your privacy.”
Mengying calmly replied: “Director, even if there was a relationship, it’s in the past now.”
Emily asked curiously: “Oh? Did he betray you?”
Mengying nodded, a faint bitter smile on her face.
“You weren’t satisfied, so you followed him from Paris to Shanghai and even got into the company?”
“At first, yes, but later I gradually understood some things.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“Now, every day I see him striving and working hard, I feel calm and at peace.”
Emily sighed: “Ah! In China there’s a poem: what is this thing called love, that lovers must suffer between life and death…”
Mengying listened and understood: it was the line: ‘Ask the world what love is, it makes people pledge life and death.’ She smiled knowingly: “I understand you, Director.”
“Actually, I’ll tell you a little secret! When the General Manager first joined, I was immediately captivated by him,” Emily said, with a gentle, mature warmth. “No man had ever attracted me so quickly—Tang was the first.”
“Oh?” Mengying asked with interest. “What about Tang attracted you?”
“He exudes a unique artistic romantic aura—kind, pure, scholarly,” Emily recalled.
Mengying agreed: “Yes, that’s exactly how Tang is.”
“But I was clear-minded; he had a family. I admired him, even secretly loved him, but I knew he was timid, so we remained friends, never troubling him,” Emily added.
“If Tang were Greek, I might have tried to seduce him to become his mistress,” Emily joked.
Mengying chuckled: “I had a similar thought, but not as a mistress—more like a second wife. But I knew he lacked such courage, even if Annie is generous.”
Emily laughed: “Tang, our situations are surprisingly similar. Let me guess, Tang was your ex-boyfriend?”
Mengying softly: “Not ex-boyfriend—he was my fiancé.”
Emily was shocked: “Fiancé? You were engaged to Tang?”
“Yes! We grew up together, bathed together as children, shared the same blanket.”
“Ah, that explains why during the interview, he seemed guilty facing you. Did you sleep with Tang?”
Mengying laughed lightly: “Sleep? That never happened! We were from Catholic families.”
Emily: “Oh! If you can’t be lovers, you can still be good friends.”
Mengying smiled: “I know, I’m working on adjusting my feelings.”
“Let’s be Tang’s good friends, shall we? Tang, Mengying, is my Chinese pronunciation correct?”
“Yes!” Mengying replied.
The two women shared a knowing smile.
Emily asked: “Do you want to move in and live with me?”
“Sure!” Mengying agreed happily.
“I’ll tell you another little secret!” Emily said. “My bathroom faces Tang’s study.”
Mengying puzzled: “Oh? That is…”
Emily leaned in: “Whenever Tang is alone in the study, reading or on his computer, I purposely open the curtain and take a shower for him to see.”
Mengying laughed: “Is this sweet revenge, or playful seduction?”
Their laughter drew some glances; the two women quickly looked down, giggling quietly.
06
Tang Huaimin chaired a meeting with senior supervisors, presenting the “Greater China A4 Project.” He invited Sales Director Eisenhower and Animation Director Emily.
“Eisen, Emi, you are my most trusted partners. I want to discuss how we can root the branch office locally and gradually localize.”
Eisenhower asked: “Chairman, is Mr. Hall aware of this plan?”
“Not yet. Once we reach internal consensus, Annie and I will draft a proposal to take back to California HQ for Hall’s support. The Shanghai branch exists to serve as a base in China to expand the Greater Chinese animation market,” Huaimin explained.
“The market is vast. If we deliberately and strategically build the branch with Eastern characteristics, it’s enough for our ‘dragon’ to soar,” he added.
Eisenhower: “The idea is feasible, but we must overcome challenges: funding, local partnerships, staff training across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Southeast Asia, selecting commercially viable topics…”
Huaimin: “Excellent analysis, Eisen. Emi, what’s your take?”
Emily: “Eastern cultures, especially Chinese, differ greatly from Western norms. If we aim to root ourselves here, we must center on Eastern social values.”
Huaimin: “Be more specific.”
Emily: “The dragon symbolizes Chinese collective spirit. The Great Wall represents defense against northern invaders. Ghost and fox legends reflect imagination and creativity. Approaching topics from an Eastern perspective establishes a strong foothold.”
Huaimin praised: “Your insight is impressive. Your understanding of Eastern culture exceeds my expectations.”
Annie added: “Emily’s words inspired me. There’s a book called Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio—have you heard of it?”
Emily: “Yes! I read it in college. Stories between humans, ghosts, and fox spirits—very interesting and touching.”
Annie: “Exactly! This could be our signature project. We can collaborate with local investors and media companies.”
Emily immediately supported the idea: “Great! I believe it has strong market appeal.”
Huaimin: “Eisen, plan funding and market expansion; Emi, train Chinese animators; Annie and I handle business and media partnerships. We’ll also convene a management meeting to brainstorm concrete plans for funding, talent, and marketing.”
07
On a sunny holiday, Huaimin worked at his desk on the “Greater China A4 Project” draft. Across from him, the neighbor’s bathroom came into view. He noticed a girl looking at him—it was Tang Mengying. She waved, causing a ripple in his calm.
“When did Mengying move in with Emily?” he wondered, waving back before resuming work.
Emily came in and stood behind Mengying: “The GM is a workaholic. On holidays, he spends most of his time at the desk.”
Mengying recalled: “He wasn’t always a workaholic. He loved travel, photography, and sketching.”
Emily: “People change with their environment. A man passionate about work is very attractive.”
Mengying: “Emily, did you really open the curtain when showering?”
Emily smiled: “Just joking! Once I forgot, and Tang happened to be at his desk. He was working, not peeping.”
Mengying relaxed: “I thought Tang might…”
Emily: “He’s a gentleman, not lecherous. If he were, I would’ve seduced him already.”
Chapter 33: Personnel Arrangements Before Leaving Shanghai
01
In the pursuit of near perfection, unexpected flaws are almost inevitable, often bringing regret.
Just as Tang Huaimin’s career was about to take off, he was diagnosed with early-stage stage II lung adenocarcinoma.
Tang Huaimin hardly smoked. Only when his mood was extremely bad or he felt at a loss did he remember the pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket. Over time, the cigarettes had absorbed the sweat and body odor of his body.
Since leaving Lhasa in Tibet, he had often experienced chest tightness and a persistent cough that could last several to more than ten minutes before sleep. Not wanting to disturb Annie, he always tried to cover his mouth and nose with a quilt.
After arriving in Shanghai, his coughing worsened. Annie repeatedly urged him to go to the hospital, but he was haunted by fear, reluctant to know the truth.
Annie pleaded: "You can’t go on like this, Huaimin! Don’t delay any longer. Go to the hospital for a proper checkup."
"I’m fine. It’s just a lingering cold," Huaimin resisted in his heart, thinking, "If it really is a serious illness, life and death are fated. I can only accept whatever comes…"
Until the most recent management meeting, when he stood up and spoke just a few words before suddenly coughing violently. Annie handed him some tissues, Emily placed a cup of warm water on his desk, but before he could finish, fresh blood spurted from his mouth and nose, staining the tabletop. Eisenhower and several other men quickly stood and helped support him, while Annie called an ambulance.
02
A group of managers and Tang Mengying drove to the hospital emergency room. After emergency treatment and stopping the bleeding, a CT scan was performed. The preliminary diagnosis was lung adenocarcinoma. Subsequent biopsy confirmed it was early-stage stage II. The news was a thunderbolt, nearly breaking the hearts of the three women.
The doctor analyzed: "With the latest targeted therapy, he could survive another year. Without it, he may only have six months."
Annie refused to hide the truth from Tang Huaimin. She let him make his own choice. Treatment would confine him to the hospital, and she knew Huaimins temperament: even facing imminent death, he wanted to live with dignity.
In the hospital bed, after a bout of coughing, Huaimin weakly said: "Annie, I want you to come with me, back to Lhasa."
Annie asked in confusion: "Your condition requires staying here. This hospital has the most advanced medical equipment and facilities."
Huaimin asked: "Annie, do you remember three years ago at Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, when I took you to see the murals of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng?"
Annie nodded: "Yes! An old lama said you were the reincarnation of King Songtsen Gampo, and I was Princess Wencheng reincarnated. In this life, we were destined to be husband and wife."
"The lama, Sonam, also predicted that I would face this calamity. He told me to find him when it happens; he will help me through it."
Annie worried: "Even if the lama predicted it, how can he cure your cancer?"
"I will travel all the way back to Lhasa, and with you fulfill our union. Even if Sonam cannot cure my illness, I must return to Lhasa to meet him, just as he guided me at Sun Moon Lake back then."
Convinced by Huaimin, Annie said: "Alright. Once the targeted therapy finishes a stage, I’ll accompany you back to Lhasa."
"And the old family parchment of my ancestor Tsangyang Gyatso we keep in Alishan—I want to donate it to Xiaozhao Temple. After all, we will grow old and die, but this scroll deserves a better home."
Annie hesitated: "That scroll is a Tsangyang family heirloom. We should get my father Zaxi’s permission first."
"We’ll go back to Alishan, bring the scroll to Zaxi. If he insists against donation, we return it to him."
Annie was moved: "Huaimin, I understand your concern… you fear you may not survive this calamity…"
03
Old Hall received Eisenhower’s call and rushed to Shanghai to the hospital bedside.
Emily and Tang Mengying could feel the kind, silver-haired elder’s natural sorrow and regret as he looked at Huaimin.
"Sir, thank you for coming to see me," Huaimin said weakly.
"Tang, I’m giving you an extended leave. Take good care of yourself," Hall said, holding Huaimin’s left hand, tears glimmering in his eyes.
"Huaimin: I have three requests. Please agree."
"Go ahead."
"First, let Sulimin take over as general manager of the branch. She is the perfect candidate for expanding the Greater China market. Second, let Emily and Tang Mengying execute the Greater China Project A4 animation film A Chinese Ghost Story. Third, release Greater China Project A3 animation The Love Monk Tsangyang Gyatso as soon as possible while I’m still alive."
Hall said: "I will consider the first request seriously. I agree to the second. I will do my best on the third. Tang, rest assured and recuperate."
Huaimin continued to persuade: "Director Su is capable. I have worked with her long enough to know she can handle this responsibility."
Hall sighed: "How did Su treat you before? Can you really forgive her?"
Huaimin earnestly said: "For the future growth of the company, I should put aside personal grievances. Sir, please give Director Su a chance."
"When back at headquarters, I’ll call Su for a meeting and reconsider. Rarely do I see you put the company before old grudges," Hall said movedly.
Tang Mengying, overhearing, felt both touched and ashamed: "If Sister Min could forgive Huaimin, why can’t I forgive him?"
04
At Disney California Headquarters, in the CEO’s office, Hall stood by the floor-to-ceiling window smoking a cigar.
Sulimin entered: "Sir, I’m Su."
"There’s a folder on my desk for you. Open it."
"Yes, sir!" Sulimin, suspicious, worried Hall might demote her after discovering the negative letter. She opened the folder. The document read clearly: Sulimin assigned to Shanghai branch as Deputy General Manager. She was momentarily confused.
Hall turned back, fixing his piercing gaze on her: "Do you know who gave you this opportunity?"
Quick-witted Sulimin immediately thought of Tang Huaimin, and ashamedly nodded: "I know, it’s Tang."
"You know how you treated Tang. Yet for the branch’s future, he set aside old grudges to recommend you for his position."
Sulimin cautiously asked: "Tang… promoted?"
"Tang is in the hospital, stage II lung cancer, probably won’t live long," Hall said, muscles twitching slightly. "The company is about to lose a key talent."
Sulimin was shocked: "How? What happened to Tang?"
"Cancer. It has spread." Hall extinguished his cigar. "You owe him an apology."
"S-sir…," Sulimin realized her shame, tears forming.
"The GM position is now open. You will work next to his desk," Hall waved. "Go to Shanghai and take over Tang’s duties immediately."
"Yes, sir…" Sulimin left, tears streaming down her face.
05
Annie and her son accompanied Tang Huaimin, flying from Hongqiao Airport to Taoyuan. Tang Aiyu, who had pre-arranged her leave from school, drove Huaimin’s car to Alishan to pick them up.
Back in the Dabong Tribe, aside from feeding sessions Annie handled herself, the rest of the time Aiyu and Meilan shared caring for little Jiazo.
In the Tang family living room, Tang Meilan held the baby: "Poor child. He doesn’t even know how to call ‘Dad’ yet."
Aiyu comforted her: "Mom, it’s fate. We can only do our best."
Meilan said to Annie: "It’s hard for you to give up your work in Shanghai to come back and care for Huaimin."
Annie: "Mom, Huaimin wants me to take the family heirloom scroll back to Lhasa with him."
Meilan: "That’s risky. He still needs treatment. Lhasa can’t compare with California or Taipei."
Annie: "It’s Huaimin’s choice. He wants to see an old lama in Lhasa. The local hospital can handle short-term follow-up."
Meilan had nothing more to say.
Aiyu: "Sister-in-law, we’ll take care of little Jiazo here. After you return from Tibet, when big brother’s condition is more stable, you’ll all go back to Shanghai."
Meilan: "Yes. You take care of Huaimin, no need to worry about the child."
Annie, with tears in her eyes: "Mom, Aiyu, thank you."
Chapter 34: Gesang and Annie Return to Lhasa
01
The plane landed at Lhasa Airport and slowly approached the jet bridge. In the arrival hall, Zaxi, Meido, and Zhang Yang watched the customs exit.
Huaimin leaned on a cane, Annie pushed the luggage. The couple walked out slowly. Zaxi and the others immediately went forward. Zhang Yang helped with the luggage cart, Meido walked beside Huaimin, Zaxi and Annie followed, father and daughter chatting.
"A few days ago I planned with Zhang Yang. If you couldn’t return to Lhasa, we’d go to Alishan to see you."
"Daddy, returning is Gesang’s own decision. CEO Hall came all the way from California to Shanghai to tell him to rest and recuperate."
"The two matters you mentioned by email, I’ve already scheduled a meeting with Lama Sonam. Regarding the scroll donation to Xiaozhao Temple, once Sonam sees Huaimin and promises to heal him, I will agree."
"Daddy, you misunderstood. Gesang considered the Tsangyang family’s heirloom. The scroll deserves a proper home. Whether to donate it to Xiaozhao Temple, we respect your decision. Gesang never meant to make it a condition to pressure the temple."
"This isn’t pressuring the temple. Lama Sonam is skilled in Tibetan medicine. Since he foresaw Gesang’s calamity, he surely knows how to heal him. I use the scroll as leverage to ensure he does his best. Although reluctant to donate a long-sought family heirloom, compared to your family’s happiness, the scroll isn’t the most important," Annie said, looking at Gesang’s weak figure.
"But if Gesang knew this, he would surely disagree," Annie thought.
"I’ve already informed Lama Sonam. As long as you don’t tell him, Gesang won’t know. Let it be a benevolent concealment. In the past twenty-plus years, I’ve failed as a husband and father. Doing this for you and Huaimin is my atonement, Annie," Zaxi held Annie’s hand, and she felt the warmth and solidity, recalling childhood walks along the river with her parents.
02
The group returned to "Alishan Cloud Sea Café" on the small hill. Zhang Yang and Meido settled Gesang and Annie. Staff only hung the sign and opened after the boss returned.
The café was quiet despite being in a busy area, with a clear view, front and back patios for open-air seating, surrounded by greenery and artistic ambiance. Two pastry chefs, two servers, Zaxi and Zhang Yang brewed coffee, Meido handled cashier.
Gesang didn’t want to stay in the guestroom. Annie helped him to the grand chair and showed him the menu.
"All coffee and tea come from Alishan. Ours is unique in Lhasa. Dad says officials and VIPs often visit."
Gesang: "If we hadn’t gone to Shanghai, I would have opened such a shop after retirement."
Annie encouraged: "Then fight the illness and stay safe with me and little Jiazo."
Zhang Yang brought coffee and a tray of pastries, filling half the table: milk pudding cake, green tea cake, coffee jelly, coffee yokan, green tea jelly, green tea yokan.
Zhang Yang proudly said: "Gesang, taste them! Except milk pudding cake, Annie taught us through online tutorials."
Gesang laughed: "Seeing the café full of energy, I feel half better!"
Zhang Yang: "Try them. If not to your liking, say so—Annie is the head chef."
Gesang tried everything, nodding in satisfaction: "If we can get longan honey, add it to the coffee jelly and yokan to enhance flavor and reduce brown sugar."
Zhang Yang: "We have honey, but longan honey may be hard to find. Maybe Xishuangbanna has it; I’ll check online."
03
Zhang Yang’s van had been replaced by an imported Ford truck; Zaxi bought a domestic SUV.
Zaxi drove Gesang and Annie to Xiaozhao Temple to meet the supervising lama, Gongga Sonam Rinpoche.
Sonam led them to the Tibetan medicine institute, through two corridors, to the rear rooms.
Zaxi and Annie sat on cushions. A novice monk brought a small bucket of butter tea and attended to guests.
Gesang sat on a wooden chair, extending his wrist for Sonam to check his pulse.
Zaxi thought: "I knew Tibetan medicine was good for chronic illness, but Sonam also understands meridian theory. The reputation of the medicine lama is well-earned."
Sonam asked Gesang: "When did the chest tightness start?"
Gesang: "About two years ago."
"When did the nightly cough begin?"
Gesang: "A year and a half ago."
"You should have had a Western medical check then."
"I was busy at work."
Sonam, slightly reproachful: "You neglected your health. The lesion is deep in the lung meridian and has spread. Treatment will be tricky."
Zaxi asked: "Master, can he be cured?"
Sonam: "More than 50% chance, but he must stay disciplined and cooperate fully."
Annie: "Master, you mean…?"
Sonam: "Gesang will stay here for a month. If his condition improves, you can bring him back. Even after discharge, he must return weekly for treatment."
Zaxi and Annie exchanged glances. Annie: "Master, we will follow your instructions."
Zaxi: "Please assign two novices to help Annie carry Gesang’s luggage to my car."
Sonam waved to the novices. Then he stood, palms together, and bowed to Zaxi: "Professor, please come to the meditation room. I have something to discuss."
Annie helped Gesang up: "Little one, stay here and cooperate with treatment. I’ll come back in a month."
Gesang nodded and hugged Annie: "I’ll fight to stay alive with you, never leaving."
Two novices at the door smiled sweetly.
04
Zaxi followed Sonam to the meditation room, sitting cross-legged.
Zaxi: "Gesang wants the Tsangyang Gyatso poem scroll to have a long-term home. I initially disagreed; I spent over twenty years recovering it. But with his illness, I decided to make the scroll the condition for his full treatment."
Sonam: "Professor, Gesang and I share past karma. Since I met him at Sun Moon Lake, I foresaw he would marry your daughter, guiding him to come to Lhasa."
Zaxi understood: "Master, you mean…"
Sonam: "Three years ago, he stayed at the temple researching murals and bonded with me. I intended to take him as a student, but his karmic bond with your daughter remained."
Sonam continued: "When you tell him he can donate the scroll, in gratitude he will receive full treatment from me, without requiring ordination."
Zaxi respectfully: "Please save Gesang. The scroll is secondary; if he recovers, we will be forever grateful."
Sonam: "Amitabha. Saving a life surpasses building a seven-story stupa."
Zaxi: "Master, I also worry if news of the donation leaks, the cultural authorities might pressure the temple."
Sonam firmly: "The temple is national-level. Authorities respect its stewardship of Tibetan artifacts. The scroll, missing for over 300 years, now recovered, will be celebrated. No interference will occur."
Zaxi: "With your assurance, I am relieved."
05
Zaxi and Annie returned to Cloud Sea Café. Zhang Yang and Meido checked on Gesang’s condition.
Zhang Yang: "Gesang didn’t come back?"
Zaxi: "He stays at the Tibetan medicine institute for treatment."
Meido: "What did Lama Sonam say about his condition?"
Annie, somber: "He said there’s over a 50% chance."
Meido encouraged: "Annie, cheer up! Gesang is good-hearted; Buddha will protect him."
Zaxi: "Annie, after Gesang overcomes this, you may stay here with him or return to Alishan for a simple, peaceful life."
Annie: "Daddy, let’s wait until he recovers. I must email Alishan to report safety."
06
A month later, Zaxi and Annie went to Xiaozhao Temple to pick up Gesang. In the medicine institute room, Annie saw him looking much healthier and hugged him.
"Master Sonam, thank you for giving him a new lease on life," Zaxi bowed repeatedly, then presented a wooden box containing the scroll.
Sonam accepted: "Amitabha. I will properly preserve it, honoring Tsangyang Gyatso."
Zaxi: "Master, how is Gesang’s condition?"
Sonam: "He needs follow-up treatment; he shouldn’t travel far within a year."
Annie to Gesang: "Do you hear Master’s instructions, little one?"
Gesang nodded and smiled.
Annie: "We’ll stay in Lhasa until Master heals you."
(The End)
