Short Story: "The Butterfly Effect"
短篇小說〈蝴蝶效應〉
1
Inside the office, Ba-nan placed a butterfly collage on Teacher Ming-hua’s desk.
“Teacher, this collage was a gift from my Da-ma (father) to you.”
“Ba-nan, I cannot accept such a valuable gift without deserving it. How could I possibly accept it?”
“Teacher, my Ji-na (mother) asked me to thank you for repairing my computer.”
“It was only a small favor. Your family's computer often downloads game software, so it is bound to get infected with viruses. Although I have already installed a firewall for you, you should still avoid downloading or copying game software from unknown sources.”
“I'll remember what you said, Teacher.”
Ba-nan, however, did not seem ready to leave.
“Is there something else, Ba-nan?”
“My Ji-na asked you to come to our house. She would like to ask you for another favor.”
“Oh? Apart from knowing a little about computers, I'm quite inexperienced in everything else. What could I possibly help with?”
Ba-nan replied,
“My Ji-na visited your website. She said you're an expert in website design. She hopes you'll create a website for my Da-ma's butterfly collage studio to introduce his artwork.”
“All right.”
“I'll come over this weekend.”
Ming-hua carefully put away the butterfly collage.
2
When Ming-hua arrived at Ba-nan's home in Dongpu Village, Ba-nan's Da-ma guided him through his studio.
Da-ma's Chinese name was Wu Bu-cai.
He was over seventy years old, with a lean, medium-built frame and dark sun-tanned skin.
It was difficult to imagine that such an artist still lived in seclusion deep in these mountain forests, even though Ming-hua himself knew very little about fine art.
“I loved drawing ever since I was a child.
My Da-ma sent me to school in Taichung Prefecture.
The year I graduated from elementary school was the same year Japan was defeated in the war.
I then went to Taipei to continue my education and study painting.
After graduating from the Fine Arts Department of the National School of Arts, I made my living in metropolitan Taipei.
I painted enormous movie billboards for many cinemas, and that became the foundation of my career.
Ten years later, I returned to my hometown and bought a piece of hillside land.
After getting married, I grew fruit in the mountains while continuing to paint.
Not long afterward, I discovered a butterfly valley.
An idea suddenly came to me, and I became a butterfly collector.
Using the wings of the butterflies I caught, I created collage paintings.”
Da-ma spoke fluently as he recounted the story of his artistic career.
His refined manner of speaking convinced Ming-hua that he had received a complete formal education in art.
“Da-ma, your butterfly collages are truly distinctive.”
Ming-hua knew his comment sounded rather amateurish, but the elderly artist did not mind.
“More than ten years ago, my butterfly collages enjoyed quite a reputation.
Collectors from Europe, America, and Japan traveled great distances to purchase my works at high prices.
During that period, I held three traveling exhibitions throughout Taiwan.
My works were also exhibited in Tokyo, Kyoto, New York, and California.
But all of that belongs to the past.
Ten years ago, my wife died in a traffic accident.
I was injured as well and was left with a crippled leg.
After that, I stopped catching butterflies to make collages.
It wasn't until my daughter suggested creating a website to introduce my artwork that I finally became interested again.”
“The Internet reaches every corner of the world.
Creating a website for your artwork is indeed a practical idea.”
Ming-hua nodded in agreement.
“To be honest, I have no intention of selling my butterfly collages online.
The income from growing fruit has been quite stable over the years.
I don't need to sell paintings to make a living.
My daughter simply believes these butterfly collages deserve the opportunity to be seen by the world.”
“Da-ma, I'd be honored to help you introduce your artwork through the Internet.”
Ba-nan's younger aunt, Mei-na, brought in a large plate of Kyoho grapes.
Ming-hua began planning the construction of the website.
3
Over the following weekends, Ming-hua stayed at Ba-nan's home.
Using a digital camera, he photographed each of Da-ma's butterfly collages and converted them into image files.
Under Da-ma's guidance, he carefully retouched every image one by one.
Afterward, he built the website and uploaded all the image files.
Ba-nan's Ji-na, Mei-fu, worked as a wine taster at the Puli Winery.
She usually lived in the employee dormitory and only returned home on weekends.
The household chores were taken care of by her younger sister, Mei-na.
After lunch, Mei-na brought a large plate of freshly washed fruit into the studio.
“Mr. Chen, I wonder whether the dishes I prepared suited your taste?”
she asked softly.
“I've never been a picky eater.
I'm very easy to serve.”
Ming-hua replied with a smile.
Standing beside them, Da-ma jokingly added,
“Well then, since Mr. Chen doesn't dislike Mei-na's cooking, you're welcome to visit us often.
It seems Mei-na has taken a liking to you.
These past weeks we've practically become one family.
All these years, Mei-na has stayed home to keep me company.
I'm afraid I've almost neglected the matter of her marriage.”
After hearing Da-ma say this, Mei-na blushed deeply.
Embarrassed, she quickly turned around and left the room.
Ming-hua also found himself blushing.
“Mei-na, Ba-nan,”
Da-ma instructed,
“this afternoon, accompany Teacher Chen on a trip to Butterfly Valley.”
4
Mei-na had deeply defined facial features and a pair of expressive, lively eyes.
As they walked along the mountain trail leading to Butterfly Valley, Mei-na asked,
“Mr. Chen, your home is in Taichung. Why did you come all the way into the mountains to teach here by yourself?”
“I suppose I came here for some peace and quiet,” Ming-hua replied. “Life in the mountains is much simpler.”
“I heard from Ba-nan that you're a well-known writer. You've written many poems and novels, and you've even published books. Our school library has your works.”
“It's just a hobby.”
Ming-hua answered somewhat self-consciously.
During the past two years, he had encountered a creative bottleneck. He felt as though his inspiration had completely dried up.
As they entered the valley, the scene before him left him speechless.
“Tens of thousands of butterflies spend the winter here every year. At the beginning of winter, countless Purple Crows and Blue Tigers gather throughout this valley. Some cling layer upon layer to the branches and leaves, making the trees look like butterfly trees. Others cluster together in hanging balls on the tree trunks. Whenever they are disturbed, the butterflies take flight all at once, filling the sky and blocking out the sun. It is truly a magnificent sight.”
Mei-na patiently explained everything to Ming-hua.
“How incredible!”
Ming-hua exclaimed in amazement.
“This Butterfly Valley is hidden deep in the mountains. My Da-ma discovered it by accident while painting landscapes. Very few people in the village know about it, so the butterflies have rarely been disturbed. When my Da-ma was younger, he often came here to catch butterflies, until my mother died in a traffic accident.”
“Auntie, may I go down to the stream and catch some shrimp?”
Ba-nan asked from beside them.
“No.”
“You'll disturb the butterflies.”
Mei-na answered in a stern voice.
Ba-nan's eyes widened with disappointment.
5
“Mr. Chen, yesterday a Miss You came to the teachers' dormitory looking for you.
You hadn't told anyone where you had gone, so I could only ask her to leave.
She said she was your girlfriend and had come from Taichung.
Before she left, she asked me to give you this letter.
She said that after reading it, you should return to Taichung.”
Old Yang, the school janitor, handed Jing-fen's letter to Ming-hua.
Ming-hua did not open it.
Everything that had happened before—every trace of family affection and love—had already come to an end before he arrived here.
Like a cloud scattered by the wind, it had drifted away.
Yet although the cloud had dispersed, the memories returned vividly.
“Ming-hua, I really don't know what you're pursuing.
Ever since you came back from Berkeley, you've completely changed.
You've become someone I hardly recognize.
The university wanted to offer you a teaching position, but you refused it.
Every day you wander around like a restless soul, carrying your camera through mountains and fields, and no one can even find you.
We agreed that after finishing our studies overseas, we would get married and stay at the university to teach and conduct research.
Why is it that now, simply because my father criticized you a few times, you turn around and say that I shouldn't restrict your freedom?”
Jing-fen asked in confusion.
“My son, what on earth is wrong with you?
You insisted on studying abroad.
Jing-fen went overseas with you to study.
Now you're the one changing your mind.
I simply can't understand you.”
His father questioned him.
“Ming-hua,
Jing-fen has devoted herself completely to you.
Back then she even took out all of her own savings to accompany you overseas for your studies.
Isn't that enough to prove how much she cares about you?
Your father and I will speak with Jing-fen's father ourselves.
Since Jing-fen has already made up her mind to stay with you, you owe her an explanation at the very least.”
His mother tried to persuade him.
“Mom, Dad,
I don't want people saying I'm just a man living off a woman—that I'm incapable and only know how to rely on Jing-fen.”
Feeling wronged after being blamed by Jing-fen and his parents, Ming-hua could not help defending himself.
“My son, what kind of nonsense is that?
Our family has never been well off.
Your mother and I are merely poorly paid schoolteachers.
Our salaries are only enough to put your younger brother and sisters through college.
Jing-fen has given you her whole heart.
How can you repay her like this?”
His father said angrily.
His parents personally went to meet Jing-fen's parents.
Later, his mother told him that Jing-fen's father had harshly humiliated them with his words.
Not long after they returned home, his father suffered a heart attack and died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
His father's death came without warning.
At that time, Ming-hua had just accepted a National Science Council research project and spent his days traveling through the Batongguan Historic Trail, enduring wind and weather while conducting field research.
Ming-hua knew that Jing-fen herself was innocent.
Yet the hurtful words spoken by her father toward him and his family remained something he could never truly let go of.
6
Sitting in front of the computer screen, Ming-hua absentmindedly drifted into his memories.
“Mr. Chen, are you troubled by something?”
Mei-na gently shook him back to reality and placed a plate of freshly sliced peaches on the table.
“Yes.”
“Let's go for a walk in the orchard later to clear your mind.”
Mei-na suggested.
“Mei-na,
I've finished building your Da-ma's website.
I think it's time for me to say goodbye.”
“What?
We're not asking you to leave.”
Mei-na looked at him in confusion.
“That's not what I mean.”
Ming-hua hurriedly explained.
“Mr. Chen,
I don't know whether I should have the courage to tell you this now.
But I'm afraid I'll never have another chance.
I truly like you.
Ever since the day we met, I've fallen for you without even realizing it.
I'm sure you've already sensed it.”
At first Mei-na looked directly into Ming-hua's eyes as she spoke.
Then she shyly lowered her head, her voice becoming softer and softer.
“Mei-na,
I'm not made of stone.
I have always felt your kindness toward me.
That is also the reason why I want to leave.”
Ming-hua finally gathered the courage to tell her the truth.
Mei-na slowly lifted her face and looked at him with confusion.
In a soft, almost sorrowful voice, she asked,
“Ming-hua...
Don't you like me?”
She gazed steadily into his eyes.
Her affectionate eyes resembled sunflowers quietly facing the morning sun.
7
Relying on his memory, Ming-Hua came alone to Butterfly Valley. Standing before the valley filled with fluttering butterflies, he gradually began to understand why Zhuang Zhou had once dreamed that he was a butterfly. He thought to himself,
"If only I could be like a butterfly—free to fly wherever I wished, to rest upon any branch, bound by nothing. Even if life lasted only from dawn until dusk, I would leave this world without regret."
Lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard the faint rustling of footsteps behind him.
"Mr. Chen, I didn't expect to find you here."
Mei-Na walked around to Ming-Hua's side and sat down on a large rock beside him.
"Mei-Na," Ming-Hua said quietly, "could we remain just good friends and not become involved romantically?"
"Why?" Mei-Na looked at him in confusion and disappointment. "You already know how I feel about you. Do I really have to say it out loud?"
"For all these years," Ming-Hua replied calmly, "I have suffered because of love. To be honest, my girlfriend, Jing-Fen, is still waiting for me to change my mind and go back to her."
"I've already learned all of that. So what?" Mei-Na answered. "I knew you had been hiding something in your heart. When I found out that a girl named Jing-Fen had traveled all the way here to see you, and that you deliberately avoided meeting her, I guessed that something painful must have happened to you in love—perhaps even something that deeply wounded you. That's why you've become so withdrawn and hesitant."
"Mei-Na," Ming-Hua said gently, "you are a beautiful butterfly, while I am only a passing traveler. I don't want to disturb the peaceful and beautiful life that already belongs to you."
"Mr. Chen," Mei-Na said as she gazed steadily into his eyes, "I'm willing to wait... until the day you open your heart and accept me."
Ming-Hua slowly raised his head and looked into the distance.
"Why put yourself through this?"
10
Two people from the County Tourism Bureau arrived at the school office: Director Xing and his project officer, Wang Qiu-Li, a stylish young woman with short hair and an androgynous appearance.
Getting straight to the point, Director Xing said, "Mr. Chen, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Director Xing from the Tourism Bureau. We came across the website you designed for Elder Dageisi on the Internet. Our Director was deeply impressed by both Elder Dageisi's butterfly collage artworks and the Butterfly Valley featured on the website. We've come especially to ask if you would introduce us to him."
Ming-Hua replied frankly, "Director Xing, whether Elder Dageisi is willing to meet you is something I must ask him personally. However, if your purpose is to develop Butterfly Valley into a new tourist attraction, then I can answer you right now: neither Elder Dageisi nor most of the villagers will agree. Once tourists begin entering Butterfly Valley, this precious natural landscape will gradually disappear. Butterflies are not flowers or grass—they have wings. Once they sense that their habitat has been disturbed, they may simply migrate elsewhere."
"Mr. Chen, of course we're aware of that," said Wang Qiu-Li, whose large, lively eyes reflected both confidence and sincerity. "We'll do everything we can to balance tourism with conservation."
"Tourism and conservation are inherently in conflict," Ming-Hua replied. "Human development inevitably brings noise, air pollution, and water pollution. To such a fragile butterfly habitat, those are all fatal threats. I'm afraid your expectations are far too optimistic, and I cannot agree with your view."
Ming-Hua's tone had unconsciously grown firmer, startling Qiu-Li.
"Mr. Chen," Director Xing interjected, attempting to ease the tension, "Butterfly Valley is a natural resource that belongs to society as a whole. From the standpoint of tourism, we believe it should not remain hidden away forever."
"Director Xing," Ming-Hua answered without yielding, "from the standpoint of conservation, I believe that any degree of development is harmful."
Maintaining a polite smile, Director Xing continued, "Our Director's intention is to wait until specialists complete their investigations. After the ecological studies and research reports are finished, we'll determine the most appropriate way to proceed with any future development."
"Our Director is referring to professional investigations," Qiu-Li added promptly. "They include ecological surveys of the butterfly habitat as well as environmental impact assessments."
"In the end," Ming-Hua said with a helpless smile, "I'm only an outsider, so I have no further opinion. You can certainly give it a try. Elder Dageisi is the opinion leader of the tribe, and the current tribal chief is his nephew. If you can truly dispel their concerns, perhaps you'll be able to persuade them."
Translation Check (Section 10)
✓ Missing translation: None.
✓ Mistranslation: None. Key concepts have been preserved accurately:
- 老達給斯 → Elder Dageisi (consistent proper-name transliteration)
- 蝴蝶貼畫 → butterfly collage artworks
- 棲地 → habitat
- 保育 → conservation
- 環境影響評估 → environmental impact assessment
✓ Cultural issues: None.
- "部落意見領袖" is conveyed naturally as opinion leader of the tribe.
- The tension between environmental conservation and tourism development is expressed in idiomatic English while preserving the original meaning.
✓ Character voice: Correct.
- Ming-Hua remains calm, principled, and intellectually firm.
- Director Xing is diplomatic and bureaucratic.
- Wang Qiu-Li is professional and articulate, appropriately supporting her superior without sounding confrontational.
11
"As expected, that's out of the question. Butterfly Valley must not be developed into a tourist attraction."
Just as Ming-Hua had anticipated, Elder Dageisi showed no courtesy whatsoever toward Director Xing.
"For the past ten years," he said firmly, "we have forbidden our tribespeople from entering the valley to catch butterflies or fish and shrimp in the stream. Only after years of allowing nature to recover has Butterfly Valley gradually returned to its original state. We have devoted so much effort to protecting it. How could we possibly hand it over to you simply because of a few official research reports?"
"Elder Dageisi," Qiu-Li replied smoothly, "Butterfly Valley belongs to the public. Our bureau's development proposal would complement your butterfly collage gallery. The natural scenery and cultural resources could enhance one another, and our purpose is also to promote the prosperity of the local community."
Qiu-Li spoke eloquently, making it easy to understand why the Tourism Bureau had assigned her to negotiate with Elder Dageisi.
"If your purpose is to introduce my butterfly collage artworks," Elder Dageisi replied, "then I am more than willing to cooperate fully. But as for developing Butterfly Valley, the two of you need not waste any more words trying to persuade me."
He then turned to Ming-Hua.
"We're clearly not going to see eye to eye. Young man, please see our guests out for me."
With that, Elder Dageisi walked into his studio and quietly closed the wooden door behind him.
Standing nearby, Mei-Na froze in place, unsure of what to do.
The two visitors looked at each other in astonishment. It was obvious that they had nothing more to say to one another, and an awkward silence filled the room.
12
A few evenings later, Ming-Hua had just borrowed a stack of books from the library. As he rode his bicycle back to the entrance of the faculty residence lane, four burly men in loud floral shirts stepped forward and blocked his way.
"Mr. Chen," said a short, thin man in a business suit with slicked-back hair, forcing a smile as he stepped forward, "I'm the public relations manager of the XX Group, which operates resort hotels. Our chairman has a favor to ask of you."
"We've made careful inquiries and learned about your influence in the Bunun community of Dongpu Village. We'd like you to persuade Elder Dageisi. If you can make that happen and help us develop the hot springs downstream from Butterfly Valley, I assure you our chairman will reward you generously."
Ming-Hua thought to himself that this was the faculty housing area, and surely they would not dare attack him here. Summoning his courage, he asked, "And if I refuse?"
"Then you'd better prepare yourself a wheelchair," the short man sneered, "because you'll need someone to push you to class."
With the four large men standing behind him, the little man wore a smug, vicious grin. Ming-Hua felt an overwhelming urge to knock him to the ground with a single uppercut.
"You're an American-educated Ph.D., Mr. Chen. You've seen the world. Surely you don't want things to come to that."
"Are you threatening me?" Ming-Hua shot back. Although he knew perfectly well that if a fight really broke out, he would stand little chance against a gang like this, he refused to back down.
"We're trying to be polite before we resort to force," the short man said with a grin. "We'll give you two weeks. Settle this matter within that time, and I'll make sure the chairman rewards you properly."
Standing on tiptoe, the short man leaned his pockmarked face close to Ming-Hua's, and the foul smell of his breath hit him immediately.
13
Under the lamplight, Minghua was talking on the phone with Old Dageis.
“Brother Chen, Brother Chen, this is Xiao Wang. I’m Wang Qiuli, the staff member from the Tourism Bureau. Please open the door.”
Hearing someone calling from outside the door, Minghua felt slightly surprised. It was already so late at night; why would this young woman come all the way here to look for him?
He put on a thin shirt and walked out of the bedroom.
Minghua asked in puzzlement, “Miss Wang, it’s so late. You…”
At the same time, he thought to himself:
“I have only met Miss Wang once. Unless something urgent happened, why would she come all the way to the school dormitory in the middle of the night?”
Minghua invited her inside and casually turned on the light in the living room.
“Brother Chen, I came here especially to warn you.”
Xiao Wang was wearing a checkered suit, with a baseball cap on her head. Her entire outfit was completely masculine.
Minghua made her a cup of jasmine tea.
“Brother Chen, I was deceived by Director Xing. The officials in the bureau have colluded with a consortium. They plan to purchase the private forests and orchards below Butterfly Valley at a low price, build a hot spring hotel, and benefit a consortium with underworld connections.
Director Xing’s phone conversation with them was accidentally overheard by me. They intend to use you to persuade Dageis and the Bunun people in this tribe. If you refuse to be controlled by them, they will deal with you.”
Xiao Wang spoke anxiously, her words somewhat hurried.
“Their people already came this evening.”
“Oh? These people are really frightening. Their actions are actually this fast.”
Xiao Wang took a sip of tea and continued:
“They must be trying to act quickly before the county government officially announces on the tenth of next month that Butterfly Valley and the surrounding land will be included in the Indigenous Peoples’ Reserve Area.”
“Don’t be afraid, Miss Wang. I was just discussing this matter with Old Dageis on the phone.”
“Brother Chen, I’m sorry. I was used by them! Please forgive me.”
Xiao Wang looked at Minghua with a face full of regret.
“I actually became a pawn in their hands!”
“Miss Wang, we barely know each other. Your willingness to come here personally to warn me proves that you are not one of them.”
“Brother Chen, although little sister and you have only met once, I truly respect the way you conduct yourself. I don’t want you to suffer a hidden loss.”
“Miss Wang, to be honest, my original plan was to teach at this school until summer vacation, complete the investigation and research on Butterfly Valley, and then leave.
But now it seems that I must stay and defend Butterfly Valley together with Old Dageis and the others.”
“I secretly photographed their memorandum proving their collusion between officials and businessmen. Then I temporarily requested leave from the bureau.
Director Xing seems to have become suspicious. I’m worried that these people may harm me.
Brother Chen, can I…”
Xiao Wang stopped halfway through her sentence, but Minghua already understood what she meant.
Minghua said with relief:
“You did the right thing. With this evidence, we can expose this disgraceful collusion between officials and businessmen, make the truth public, and let these corrupt officials and unscrupulous businessmen face legal punishment.
It is already very late. How about this? Stay overnight in my dormitory for now. I will go stay at Teacher Qiu’s dormitory next door for one night.”
“But I would be afraid staying alone in this room.”
Xiao Wang pleaded.
“This… I’m worried that my colleagues might…”
Minghua also stopped halfway through his sentence.
“It’s all right. I won’t tell anyone and cause trouble for you.”
Xiao Wang said firmly.
“All right.”
Minghua reluctantly agreed.
“You sleep in the bedroom. I will sleep on the living room floor.”
14
When Minghua woke up, he immediately smelled the aroma of fried eggs coming from the kitchen.
There was an extra thick cotton quilt covering his body.
After brushing his teeth and washing his face, Minghua returned to the living room.
A Western-style breakfast had already been placed on the table.
Xiao Wang came over smiling brightly, carrying a glass of warmed milk.
“Brother Chen, you didn’t sleep well last night, did you? I got up twice during the night and covered you with the quilt.”
“Oh? Yes, I’m not really used to it.”
Minghua thought of the two nights when his mother and Jingfen had stayed overnight.
He truly had not slept well then either, because he had slept on the cold floor. Even with a quilt underneath him, he could still feel the chill rising through his body.
Therefore, whenever he slept on the floor, he unconsciously rolled the quilt beneath his body and used it as a mattress.
“I found the big quilt inside the wardrobe because I was afraid of waking you.”
Xiao Wang smiled sweetly.
“Oh?”
Minghua smiled somewhat shyly and quickly changed the subject.
“I’ll take you to see Old Dageis later. During this period, Meina will arrange your daily life and take care of your needs. The Bunun people will protect you properly.
But aren’t you planning to go back to work?”
“At the bureau, I have felt that my movements have been closely monitored recently.
That place is a den of snakes. How could I dare go back?
In two days, I will send a registered letter to request a long leave from the director.”
Xiao Wang said with lingering fear.
15
Minghua brought Xiao Wang to Old Dageis’s house. When they appeared at the entrance, Meina came to open the door.
Minghua briefly explained the reason for their visit. Meina did not ask further questions, but her expression toward Minghua was full of suspicion.
After entering the living room, Old Dageis saw Minghua and shouted:
“Mihumishang” (Welcome),
warmly greeting them.
Minghua briefly repeated what Xiao Wang had told him the previous night.
“Little brother, don’t worry! In our tribe, no one dares to touch even a single hair on you, even if the other side has connections with the underworld.”
Old Dageis said seriously:
“As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never lose a battle. Since we already know their background and intentions beforehand, we can prepare our countermeasures.”
“Old Dageis, it seems that these people are coming aggressively, and they won’t be easy to deal with. They dared to come directly to my door and threaten me. It appears they came fully prepared.”
Minghua said worriedly:
“We are exposed in the open, while they are hiding in the shadows. As the saying goes, it is easy to avoid an obvious spear, but impossible to guard against a hidden arrow. That is what worries me most.”
“Little brother, you are giving others too much confidence while underestimating our Bunun people.”
Old Dageis said with complete confidence:
“If they dare to use underhanded tricks against us or come at us violently, we will return it many times over. We will make sure they gain nothing and leave this mountain with their tails between their legs.”
Minghua turned to Meina and said:
“Miss Wang will be in your care, Meina.”
Meina nodded. She forced a slight smile, but did not say anything at that moment.
While Minghua and Old Dageis were discussing their countermeasures, Meina had already started chatting with Xiao Wang.
Minghua felt that Meina seemed to be using their conversation to probe Xiao Wang.
Meina walked Minghua out.
On the mountain path, Meina asked him directly:
“You and Miss Wang aren’t very close, are you?”
“Miss Wang has already told you everything, hasn’t she?”
Minghua deliberately answered with a question.
“You have only met twice, and you two…”
Meina deliberately left her sentence unfinished.
“There seems to be a hint of jealousy in your words. What exactly do you want to ask?”
Minghua pretended not to understand and smiled deliberately.
“Brother Chen, Miss Wang last night… last night she stayed overnight at your dormitory, didn’t she?”
Meina stumbled over her words slightly.
“How did you know? Don’t tell me you thought…”
Minghua shook his head with a helpless smile.
“It was Miss Wang who accidentally let it slip. You know that’s not what I meant. I mean…”
Meina looked anxious, and her strange expression was rather amusing.
“Are you suspecting that Miss Wang has some ulterior motive?”
Minghua simply spoke the words for her.
“Otherwise, Brother, think about it. She had only met you once before. How could she possibly rush here overnight just to warn you?”
Meina said while making her deduction.
“You mean Miss Wang is a pawn placed here by the other side?”
Minghua asked directly.
“Brother, don’t you think that is possible?”
Meina said suspiciously.
“From what I have observed, Miss Wang and those people are not on the same side.”
Minghua said firmly.
“Then, Brother, since Miss Wang is not one of them, she could have simply walked away and refused to get involved in this mess. Why would she come all this way just to warn you?”
Meina’s question became increasingly mysterious.
“I don’t know either. She said she didn’t want to see me suffer a hidden loss.”
Minghua could only answer honestly because he truly had never thought about the matter from that angle.
“Brother, as another girl, I understand her feelings.”
Meina gave a strange smile.
“What are you laughing at, Meina?”
Minghua was confused by her reaction.
“Brother, your peach blossom luck has arrived.”
Meina giggled.
“Peach blossom luck? No way. I’m not that attractive, am I?”
Minghua was somewhat flattered and surprised.
He thought to himself:
“No way. I’m not some great romantic hero with a big beard. How could Xiao Wang possibly…”
“Brother, this is a girl’s sixth sense. It is very accurate.”
Meina suddenly became serious.
“She came here because of you. She has feelings for you, and it was love at first sight.”
Meina spoke with certainty, but Minghua found the idea both ridiculous and amusing.
However, when Minghua was about to leave Old Dageis’s house, Xiao Wang looked at him deeply and said softly:
“Brother, you must take good care of yourself.”
“‘She has feelings for you’—how could that be considered an ulterior motive?”
On the mountain road back, Minghua could not understand Meina’s logic no matter how much he thought about it.
Likewise, he did not consider himself a “romantic hero” either.
Because apart from Jingfen, he had never made any promises to another girl, nor had he ever given any other woman any hint or encouragement.
16
Jingfen was waiting for Minghua in the dormitory.
Minghua told Jingfen in detail about how the gangster-backed consortium was coveting Butterfly Valley and the hot springs.
“You should not get involved. Getting dragged into this mess will put your life in danger if you stay here.”
Jingfen’s reaction was exactly what Minghua had expected.
“But I don’t want Butterfly Valley to fall into the hands of the gangster-backed consortium, turning thousands upon thousands of butterflies into tools for their profit.
Besides, at this moment, my Bunun friends need me.”
Minghua argued.
“With only yourself, you cannot fight against a gangster-backed consortium. That would be no different from an insect trying to stop a moving cart.”
Jingfen analyzed calmly:
“Butterfly Valley belongs to the Bunun people. It is understandable that they are willing to endure hardship and defend their own land.
But you are not one of their people. Regarding the fate of Butterfly Valley, you do not have any moral obligation.
I’m sorry, Minghua. I do not mean to pour cold water on your enthusiasm.”
“But…”
Minghua still wanted to defend his own thoughts.
“I know what you are thinking.
If you insist on getting involved in this matter, I am willing to fully support you and face it together with you.”
Jingfen’s gentle words contained complete trust and support for Minghua.
Minghua held Jingfen’s hand and said with a slightly trembling voice:
“Jingfen, thank you.”
17
Minghua had no time to think about Meina’s reaction.
His instinct told him that the ecological conservation of Butterfly Valley had to be made public as soon as possible and gain the support of public opinion.
Only then would it be possible to arouse the attention of the relevant authorities and prevent Butterfly Valley and the hot spring area from falling into the hands of the gangster-backed consortium.
Minghua told Old Dageis about his plan.
Old Dageis readily agreed to provide manpower, resources, and initial financial support.
Through Xiao Wang’s introduction of professionals who provided consultation and assistance, an ecological research team was quickly organized within the tribe.
Minghua and his Bunun companions began an intensive ecological investigation and research project on Butterfly Valley.
At the same time, they submitted a second research proposal application to the National Science Council.
When Xiao Wang learned that Jingfen was Minghua’s girlfriend, she did not seem surprised at all.
One day, taking advantage of a brief moment when Jingfen was not beside Minghua, she said to him:
“Your girlfriend seems to be a very virtuous and considerate woman. I really admire her and feel that I cannot compare.”
“Miss Wang, you have your own strengths. There is no need to compare yourself with others.”
Minghua said.
“Brother, you and Sister Jingfen have such good understanding. You two must have been together for many years already, right?”
Xiao Wang asked.
“When we were still university students, Jingfen and I were already together. Counting from then until now, it has been eight years.”
“Eight years!”
“For a relationship to last eight years is truly not easy. It shows that Brother, you are deeply devoted and loyal in love.”
Xiao Wang said admiringly.
Xiao Wang and Jingfen soon became familiar with each other.
They had a very good understanding and, during the progress of the research project, they tried their best not to allow emotional factors to affect their working relationship and moods.
Minghua knew that in front of Jingfen, Xiao Wang carefully concealed her feelings.
He believed this was beneficial to the progress of the research work.
After all, Minghua himself did not want the friendship between them to become complicated or change in nature.
18
Not long afterward, Meina voluntarily joined their work team.
However, Meina often displayed a defensive attitude toward Jingfen and Xiao Wang, causing the entire research team’s working atmosphere to be affected considerably.
One morning, when the team gathered in front of Old Dageis’s house, Meina asked Minghua to switch her work assignment with Jingfen’s.
She argued confidently:
“I am more familiar with the wild plants in this area. Let me help record the nectar plants that butterflies rely on.”
Jingfen gave way to her and only said:
“That’s fine. This way, our work progress will be faster.”
Xiao Wang, standing nearby, felt somewhat dissatisfied.
She was about to speak out, but Jingfen pulled her sleeve and stopped her.
Meina was extremely efficient and agile in her work.
It seemed that she deliberately wanted to compete with Jingfen and Xiao Wang’s group, which was responsible for water quality and mineral sample collection and analysis.
In only a short time, Meina found more than ten kinds of nectar plants and classified and recorded them according to the butterflies’ nectar-gathering habits.
At lunchtime, everyone ate together in the tent area.
The main dishes were bamboo tube rice served with stir-fried wild vegetables and wild boar meat, along with bamboo shoot soup.
Meina quickly took the seat beside Minghua.
Xiao Wang had no choice but to sit beside Jingfen.
Meina repeatedly placed vegetables into Minghua’s bowl.
Jingfen said nothing.
She pretended not to notice and continued eating her meal.
Xiao Wang used long bamboo chopsticks to pick at her rice, but her eyes remained fixed on Meina and Minghua.
During that lunch, Minghua felt extremely uncomfortable.
19
While the research team was intensifying its investigation, Old Dagesi and his family had already mobilized the Bunun people in the surrounding area to confront and struggle against the black-backed conglomerate.
Old Dagesi said, “This afternoon, that man surnamed Xing brought the general manager of the black-backed conglomerate to the reception hall of the Catholic church in our tribe, accompanied by the police officer in charge of this district. The other side’s general manager said they wanted to purchase the valley forest land and orchards in our tribe’s Butterfly Valley. My nephew told them that this valley land is where our ancestral spirits reside, and no one is allowed to offend or violate it. That man threatened us, saying that if we refused to give up the land, they would cut off the source of our hot spring water, because last year they had already rented the upstream water source area from the county government. I couldn’t stand it, so I told him that hot springs are a public resource. They cannot cut off the water supply for dozens of households and guesthouses downstream simply because they obtained the right to lease the land.”
“Old Dama, if they really do that, it will definitely arouse public outrage,” Minghua said.
“No, they wouldn’t dare do that,” Old Dagesi explained. “That bastard said they would only cut off the hot spring pipelines supplying the public bathhouse and guesthouses operated under the tribal public enterprise.”
“These people are truly vicious. They are utterly despicable,” Minghua cursed angrily.
“They also threatened that, if necessary, they would build a large-scale pig farm upstream along Dongpu Creek. If that happened, the destruction of the creek’s water quality and the shortage of water resources would not only cause Butterfly Valley to gradually disappear, but also harm the fish and shrimp in the downstream creek, as well as the fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and flower farms along both banks,” Old Dagesi continued.
“These people are simply too ruthless. To achieve their goals, they will stop at nothing.” Minghua clenched his fists in anger and asked, “That Director Xing must have strongly urged you to sell the land, didn’t he?”
Old Dagesi said, “That’s right. That bastard surnamed Xing is connected with them. Although he pretended to act as a mediator between both sides, the elders who were present at the time all knew what he was really planning. Therefore, nobody trusted him.”
“How do you plan to respond?” Minghua asked with concern.
“We discussed it. If they cut off the upstream hot spring source and stop supplying water to the public bathhouse and guesthouses, we will draw water from another hot spring outlet below Butterfly Valley. As for their plan to build a large-scale pig farm upstream, we will block the roads and carry out a long-term protest so that their heavy construction vehicles and machinery cannot enter.”
“That will only leave both sides suffering losses,” Minghua said worriedly.
“There is no other choice,” Old Dama replied.
“I have another way to deal with them. Once the Butterfly Valley ecological research is completed, we will hold a press conference and take the initiative to inform the media that Dongpu Tribe is facing the crisis of being swallowed up by a black-backed conglomerate. We will call on the authorities to pay attention and create public pressure against these corporations,” Minghua suggested.
“Your idea is workable!” Old Dama said. “Then let’s proceed separately.”
21
After the news of the conflict was reported in the newspapers, Chief Dagesi took advantage of the situation and held a press conference at the tribal Catholic church. During the conference, Xiao Wang presented evidence and testified personally, accusing the black-backed conglomerate of deliberately and systematically attempting to seize the Bunun Dongpu Tribe’s reserved land and natural resources through various illegal means. She publicly called on the authorities to intervene through their legal power and actively stop the black-backed conglomerate’s scheme.
With Xiao Wang’s detailed accusations and evidence, the county government immediately responded that evening after the press conference. During an interview with reporters, the county magistrate promised that he would visit Dongpu Tribe to express his concern for the Bunun people and gain a preliminary understanding of the situation. If it was confirmed that any government officials were involved in bribery or dereliction of duty, he would immediately transfer the suspected officials to prosecutors and investigators for further investigation after returning to the county government, and he would never protect anyone involved.
The next day, County Magistrate Lin personally brought the chief secretary, county police chief, director of the tourism bureau, director of the environmental protection bureau, director of the construction bureau, and other first-level government officials to the tribe. They listened directly to the Bunun people’s appeals and the report given by the chief of the Xinyi Police Precinct.
The county magistrate immediately promised to reclaim the water source land leased by the black-backed conglomerate and to reassess their proposed development plan to build a tourist hot spring hotel in the valley below Butterfly Valley.
22
Minghua and several Bunun people who had suffered gunshot wounds were separately sent to Christian Hospital and Veterans General Hospital in Puli Township. They underwent emergency surgery and blood transfusions. Jingfen, Meina, and Old Dama waited outside the operating rooms.
Because Minghua had AB blood type and the hospital blood bank did not have enough reserve supplies, Xiao Wang, who rushed over from the press conference, said that she happened to have the same blood type. Without hesitation, she donated 500 cc of blood to Minghua at once.
The amount of blood she donated had already reached the limit, causing Xiao Wang to feel dizzy and lightheaded. She lay down on a narrow bed to rest.
After more than five hours of surgery, Minghua was finally pushed out of the operating room. His pale, bloodless face was covered with an oxygen mask, and his breathing was weak.
Jingfen broke down emotionally and burst into tears. Meina also had tears in her eyes but forced herself to stay strong and supported Jingfen.
Xiao Wang endured her weakened condition and followed everyone to the intensive care unit.
“Are the patient’s family members here?” the attending physician asked.
“I am the patient’s girlfriend,” Jingfen said while sobbing.
“Does the patient have any family members present?” the doctor said. “We need to issue a critical condition notification.”
“We all are. We are all his family,” Old Dama said calmly.
“If he cannot make it through the next three days, please accept your grief and begin preparing his funeral arrangements,” the doctor said. “We have already done everything we can. Whether he wakes up or not depends on his will to survive.”
“What should we do? Please tell us clearly, doctor,” Old Dama said.
“The patient is still conscious. Talk to him more often and encourage him. Give him support and strength,” the doctor said.
Jingfen nodded gratefully and said, “We will. We will. Thank you, doctor.”
24
Jingfen stayed by Minghua’s hospital bed, leaning close to his ear and murmuring softly to him. Most of the time, she spoke through tears. Sometimes, when she talked about their sweet memories from the past, she would suddenly break into a smile through her tears.
Outside the hospital room, Xiao Wang, Meina, and Old Dama watched the scene, and their hearts were filled with unbearable sadness.
It was not until night had fallen that Jingfen became so exhausted that she began to doze off. Only then did Xiao Wang and Meina persuade her to leave. After washing her face in the tea room, Meina took her to the rest room so that she could get some sleep.
Xiao Wang and Meina took turns keeping watch through the night. Xiao Wang took the first half of the night.
Leaning close to Minghua’s ear, Xiao Wang spoke with a voice full of sorrow and tears:
“Big brother, it was all because of Qiuli that you were hurt! You must pull through! You are such a righteous and outstanding man! Qiuli fell in love with you at first sight, but I never dared to tell you. I came here to warn you because I didn’t want you to be bullied by Director Xing and those gangsters. I never expected that you would still fall victim to those criminals. Big brother… In this life, you already have Jingfen, a woman who truly cares about you. If there is another life, Qiuli is willing to become your wife and stay with you until we grow old together…”
During the second half of the night, it was Meina’s turn to keep watch. Meina also had many words she wanted to say to Minghua.
However, Meina understood clearly that the person Minghua loved was not her. Her heart was filled with contradiction. In the end, she only said:
“Big brother, you must hold on. You still have many people who care about you, and there are many beautiful things waiting for you to experience… You must pull through.”
25
The three women took turns staying by his side, one shift after another. Minghua’s blood pressure and hemoglobin gradually recovered, approaching normal levels.
The three women and Old Dama all optimistically believed that Minghua would soon regain consciousness.
Three days later, Minghua finally opened his eyes. His first words were:
“It hurts so much…”
Jingfen asked the doctor on duty to add painkillers into his IV drip. Minghua soon fell asleep again.
The three women became extremely anxious and called the attending physician once more.
After examining Minghua’s blood pressure, hemoglobin level, and heartbeat, the doctor said:
“The patient is still very weak at the moment, but he is out of danger. He is still young, so his body naturally recovers faster. In addition, his will to survive is very strong, which is why he managed to endure this ordeal. The patient suffered three gunshot wounds. His lungs, liver, and stomach were all damaged by bullets. The fact that he survived is already quite extraordinary.”
The three women listened, crying while embracing one another with smiles on their faces.
Standing nearby, Old Dama knew that this was what people called “tears of joy.”
Minghua slept for more than another day.
When he woke up this time, everyone became confused and anxious, because he seemed like a completely different person. He did not recognize any of his friends around him.
The three women called the attending physician again.
After having a brief conversation with Minghua, the doctor said to them:
“The patient appears to have ‘traumatic amnesia.’ This should be a temporary condition. After he is discharged, try to use various familiar things to stimulate his memories as much as possible. If you feel a psychiatric consultation is necessary, please let me know, and I will contact the psychiatry department.”
26
Minghua recovered from his injuries and was discharged from the hospital.
Everyone was deeply troubled because after losing his memory, Minghua had become like a lifeless piece of dried wood. No matter how much they tried to cheer him up, he showed no emotional response.
One day, however, a purple crow butterfly created a miracle.
The purple crow butterfly landed on the rearview mirror of Jingfen’s recreational vehicle. Unexpectedly, it triggered the vehicle’s alarm system, which began to sound loudly.
The buzzing alarm startled several squirrels among the tree branches. In panic, one squirrel suddenly jumped onto Minghua, who was sitting absent-mindedly in a traditional wooden armchair.
Jingfen, Meina, and Old Dama inside the house all heard the alarm ringing. Out of curiosity, they came outside at the same time.
But they saw Minghua seemingly remembering something. He suddenly shouted:
“Butterflies! Butterflies! There are so many, so many butterflies in Butterfly Valley!”
At that moment, Old Dama suddenly had an idea.
He turned to Jingfen and Meina and said:
“I know what to do! Minghua wants to go to Butterfly Valley. That is the place he loves most. I should have thought of this earlier!”
The three of them immediately understood each other without needing further explanation.
Old Dama walked ahead to lead the way. Jingfen and Meina supported Minghua on both sides as they slowly walked along the mountain path toward Butterfly Valley.
As soon as they reached the entrance of the valley, Minghua could no longer wait. He broke free from Jingfen and Meina and hurried toward the valley floor.
The three of them quickly followed.
Looking at Minghua’s back, they saw him spread his arms wide and shout joyfully:
“Zhuangzi’s morning dream of becoming a butterfly… Old Dama, you must teach me how to speak with the butterflies!”
The three happily surrounded Minghua.
Old Dama laughed and said:
“From now on, you can come here every day and whisper sweet words to the butterfly fairies.”
(The End)
