A Love Letter from Lhasa 26
25 – Hall’s Test for the Two
01
At Disney’s executive meeting, CEO Hall and department heads discussed launching the Greater China Series 3 after Mulan and Kung Fu Panda.
Animation director John Smith called in Suli-Min, head of the Character Placement team and chief examiner of the animator training program.
Hall said, “Su, the creative team has proposed several character concepts. Pick two that you intuitively think will succeed at the box office in Greater China and boost merchandise sales.”
On screen were options:
- Wise Rulers: Han Wu, Tang Taizong, Ming Chengzu, Sun Yat-sen
- Heroes: Meng Tian, Huo Qubing, Yue Fei, Wen Tianxiang, Sun Li-jen
- Religious Leaders: Huineng, Tsangyang Gyatso, Hong Xiuquan
- Writers: Du Fu, Li Houzhu, Lu You, Xu Zhimo
Suli-Min circled Sun Li-jen and Tsangyang Gyatso.
Hall asked her reasoning. She explained Sun Li-jen’s historical significance, dramatic life story, and cultural acceptance. Tsangyang Gyatso’s romantic and rebellious life also had dramatic tension.
Hall asked which should be prioritized; Suli-Min suggested presenting both for evaluation. Hall was impressed, applauded, and entrusted Suli-Min with the preliminary work.
When asked what support she needed, she replied, “Tang Huai-Min. I want him as my partner.”
Smith questioned, “He’s new, still in training. Can he handle it?”
Hall smiled mysteriously: “Tang is a rare genius, familiar with these subjects, and grew up in Tibet.”
She requested one year to complete the projects; Hall granted 13 months, with the remainder as vacation.
02
After the meeting, Suli-Min hadn’t returned to the animation department, but Emily relayed the news to Huai-Min:
“Bingo! Tang, you hit the jackpot!”
Huai-Min, puzzled: “Emily, I never buy lottery tickets. Are you joking?”
Emily explained Hall appointed Suli-Min and specifically requested him as her partner.
Huai-Min froze, then asked, “What should I prepare?”
“Camera, DSLR, high-end video camera, and personal items.”
“What about schoolwork and family?”
“Arrange leave from school and reassure your wife and child.”
Huai-Min felt electrified by the news.
03
When Suli-Min entered the animation department, colleagues applauded and congratulated her. Huai-Min remained at his desk, focused on drawing.
Suli-Min made a call. “Huai-Min, it’s me.”
“Hmm! Senshi.”
“You’re upset?”
“No, just… surprised.”
“I’ll treat you to coffee during afternoon tea.”
“All right.” Huai-Min reluctantly agreed.
She added playfully, “Don’t be stubborn. I’m not a wicked witch, okay?”
Huai-Min thought back to that night in Seattle, wondering whether to tell Annie about the incident or pretend it never happened.
04
During afternoon tea, Suli-Min and Huai-Min sat in a café corner. People glanced at them occasionally.
“I got the Greater China Project A3, Min-Di.”
“Senshi, can I think for a few days?”
“Consider what?”
“I don’t know, I can’t answer immediately.”
Suli-Min pressed, asking if he was troubled by the events in Seattle. He nodded, saying they shouldn’t be alone again.
“You worry about losing control? Worry it might come out?”
“All of it,” he smiled bitterly.
Suli-Min said firmly, “Don’t cut me now, or you’ll be out at the company later.”
“I need time,” he whispered.
“Three days,” she agreed, and left after paying.
Huai-Min stared out at the skyline, mind blank.
05
At home, Huai-Min and Annie ate dinner.
“You said you’d be back for dinner, so I cooked.” Annie served lamb ribs.
“Annie, Director Su got Project A3.”
“That’s great! Show them what you can do.”
“I have some concerns about traveling…”
“I understand. If worried about me alone, invite your sister. Or… other concerns?” Annie guessed.
Huai-Min nodded.
Annie laughed: “Boys! You’re worried about being alone with her?”
“I’m not frivolous!” he protested.
“I know, so even if you slip, I understand. We have a lifetime together.”
“That adds pressure!” he said.
“Relax and focus on your career. I’ll be your strongest support,” Annie said.
“Weekend, accompany me to the hospital for an ultrasound.”
“No problem!”
06
At the OB-GYN clinic, Huai-Min observed couples and expectant mothers. He felt the pull of family as he prepared to travel.
Annie came out. “Baby’s fine?”
“Yes, doctor said diet control is important; it’s a boy.”
“Boy or girl, as long as mother and child are safe.”
“Let’s go pick fruit while you’re here; I can’t climb well.”
“No problem; that’s my job.”
07
In the office, Huai-Min focused on storyboards. Suli-Min approached: “Your decision?”
“My wife wants me to go with you.”
“She understands priorities!”
“I’m still in training; colleagues might gossip.”
“I’ll oversee your training work the whole way.”
“Really?”
“Of course! I’m your examiner. I’ll report your progress to the company.”
“Then when do we leave?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“Already?”
“Tickets booked three days ago. Expenses prepaid. Be on time today; I’ll call at noon tomorrow.”
Huai-Min thought, Senshi is so confident I’ll agree.
Suli-Min received an email from Tang Mengying, debated whether to inform her about the night in Seattle, deciding to delay disclosure to avoid affecting Huai-Min’s work.
