〈A Love Letter from Lhasa〉8

by Chen Ching-Yang

Chapter 15 – Annie and Huaimin Return to Berkeley

01
Back in Berkeley, California, the maple trees on the avenue were turning red.

Annie and Huaimin started tidying the house. Huaimin trimmed the garden with large scissors, Annie cleaned floors and windows. Huaimin mowed the lawn while Annie cultivated a small farm plot. By evening, Annie heated Meilan’s hunter’s rice parcels in the oven and brewed two large cups of coffee. Fresh from a shower and wrapped in a towel, Huaimin joined Annie in the small dining room, enjoying the food and rich Alishan coffee.

Annie said: “Your mom packed a lot in these parcels! There’s stir-fried wild boar, chestnuts, salted egg yolks, and shredded radish.”

Huaimin smiled: “That’s my mom’s love!”

“Having a mom is wonderful.” Annie glanced at her mother’s photo on the windowsill, feeling a pang of sadness.

Huaimin gently comforted her: “Annie, you still have a mom in Alishan!”

Annie smiled again: “Yes! I have a mom who’s an amazing cook!”

Huaimin said: “Next spring, we’ll leave. Too bad we won’t get to plant millet or barley.”

Annie replied: “It’s not too late! Winter is mild here. Didn’t you notice I’ve already prepared the plot?”

Huaimin smiled: “I thought you were preparing for strawberries.”

Annie: “We can plant strawberries later, but we’ll wait another two months when it’s cooler.”

02
Annie took Huaimin to the cemetery to place flowers on her grandmother Zhuoma’s grave.

“My grandmother Zhuoma was a woman of extraordinary willpower.”

“Oh? You mentioned she was from Tibet.”

“Yes. During WWII, she studied at the Southwest United University in Chengdu, where she met my grandfather, a Flying Tigers officer. Have you heard of the Flying Tigers?”

“Yes, General Chennault and Madame Chen Xiangmei—they are well-known in Taiwan.”

Annie continued: “After the war, my grandparents returned to Lhasa. When the communists advanced to the Yangtze, my grandfather was called to serve again, and they moved to Nanjing. He flew many missions until Shanghai fell. They retreated with the Nationalist government to Taiwan. Years later, my grandfather died in a reconnaissance mission. My grandmother, pregnant, moved alone to California, worked as a library assistant at Berkeley, raised my father Zahi, and earned her PhD while teaching in the arts.”

Huaimin admired: “Your grandmother was remarkable—a strong woman of her era.”

“Zhuoma is like an epic historical novel. In contrast, my mother Grace was like a sad lyric poem…” Annie’s eyes welled with tears.

“Oh! What happened to your mother?” Huaimin asked gently.

Annie shook her head: “I don’t want to talk about her. She’s a shadow in my heart.”

“Alright, I won’t ask,” Huaimin respected her wishes.

They walked to Grace’s grave. Huaimin noticed the dates on the tombstone and thought: “So Annie’s mother passed away last year; no wonder she avoids the topic.”

Annie offered flowers and prayed silently. Huaimin joined her silently, grateful for Grace’s upbringing of Annie, recognizing the virtues of a good wife and mother in her.

03
In the Art Research Institute library, Annie introduced Huaimin to Li Jianhua.

Li carefully observed the tall, sunlit young man.

“He’s as handsome as your father, Zahi, when he was young!” Li said. Then: “Annie, you have a good eye.”

Annie smiled: “Spending half a year with my father, I saw he’s a true scholar. Huaimin is more of an artsy type, straightforward and sincere.”

Huaimin, hearing this for the first time, scratched his head and smiled: “Actually, I’m not that naive!”

Annie teased: “I never said you were naive!”

“Ha! You two have good chemistry,” Li smiled, seeing their playful banter.

“Uncle, I may change my dissertation topic. I’ll show you soon.”

“No rush. Take your time. I’ll see you this evening at the department and treat you to a meal.”

“No need, Uncle. Come to our house; I’ll let Huaimin show off his hometown cooking!”

“Perfect! I’ll be your guest. I’ll take the bus later.” Li smiled and left.

Annie noticed Huaimin staring blankly, like a wooden statue.

“Are you okay, Huaimin?” she asked.

“Why didn’t you ask me first before inviting your uncle over?”

“Testing your adaptability!” Annie said casually.

Huaimin frowned: “I can cook, but are those ingredients available here? Wild boar, free-range chicken, creek fish…”

“Don’t worry. We have mountain pepper, cumin, and Aiyu seeds at home. Later, we’ll buy similar ingredients at the supermarket and cook together. My uncle isn’t picky.”

Huaimin smiled wryly: “Alright…”

“Let’s buy chestnuts, salted eggs, and dried radish to make hunter’s rice parcels.”

“We’ll need shell ginger leaves to wrap them!”

“Don’t worry, we have plenty in the backyard,” Annie said.

“Also, let’s get glutinous rice and bananas. I love your handmade banana mochi.”

“But we don’t have a mortar and pestle!”

“Then we’ll check a few stores! I’ve seen Native Americans use them; we can find some.”

Huaimin shook his head helplessly: “You really give me strange challenges!”

04
In the kitchen, the young couple supported each other, gradually building coordination through their interactions. However, disagreements occasionally arose, and most of the time, Huai-min would compromise first.

“Salted pork needs to be seasoned with Magao!”
Annie countered, “Try cumin instead. It works with lamb, so why not with salted pork? This salted pork is smoked bacon, and the Magao flavor is a bit too strong—it doesn’t match the smoky taste. Sprinkle cumin instead, just like we do with grilled lamb.”

Huai-min, unwilling to give in, replied, “Then why not buy lamb chops next time? Seasoning like this is just a mismatch—it doesn’t follow the traditional cooking methods of our Tsou people!”

“Fine! Next time we’ll get fresh lamb chops and pork belly strips. You can marinate the pork belly, and we’ll each showcase our own skills,” Annie relented slightly.

“Then this salted crispy shrimp can’t have cumin at all!” Huai-min insisted firmly.
“Just salt it and add garlic for flavor!”

Huai-min immediately corrected her: “Not just that. My mom uses several seasonings. Let me see… scallions, garlic cloves, chili, white pepper, plus salt and two spoons of rice wine.”

Annie teased, “Ha! You’re such a mama’s boy!”
Huai-min waved it off: “Being a mama’s boy is good! It’s tradition passed down through generations.”

Annie said, “Next time I’ll cook some Tibetan-style river shrimp for you to try!”
Huai-min laughed heartily: “Haha! I spent a whole year in Tibet, and I’ve never heard of local river shrimp.”
Annie replied, “That’s because you haven’t seen much. In Tibet, there are indeed river shrimp—but they are different from Taiwan’s, mostly used as feed for ornamental fish like red dragons and silver bands.”

Huai-min smiled: “But that’s for fish, not for cooking!”
Annie argued: “Then I’ll use sea shrimp as the ingredient, is that okay?”
Huai-min wagged a finger: “Still not right. Our Tsou-style salted crispy river shrimp uses freshwater river shrimp.”

Annie pouted playfully, “You’re really ridiculous! Huai-min, did I ever say we’re making Tsou-style salted crispy shrimp? Should I rewind and play back what I just said?”
Huai-min quickly thought and scratched his head, grinning foolishly: “You didn’t actually say that.”

05
The dishes were served one by one, a mix of Tibetan and Tsou cuisine. Li Jianhua was unfamiliar with both, so he ate whatever was available, complimenting the flavors as he went.

“I’ve never tasted these dishes in Chinatown. Especially these millet dumplings—the filling is somewhat like northern Chinese zongzi, but with a hint of lemon aroma.”
Huai-min proudly said, “Professor, that’s my mom’s adaptation of the traditional Tsou hunter’s rice package. Our Tsou men carry it when they go hunting.”

Li Jianhua recalled: “Tsou? I’ve heard of them. They live on Taiwan’s Alishan. Over a decade ago, I visited Taiwan for a conference, and local friends took me to Alishan to see the cherry blossoms! I remember several varieties were in full bloom.”

Huai-min curiously asked: “Have you ever heard of the Dabang and Tefuye communities?”
Li Jianhua enthusiastically replied: “Of course! I even visited their community hall. It was a stilted house with a thatched roof. Inside was a kang-style heated bed, with fire burning year-round, they said!”

Huai-min immediately felt a connection: “That hall is called a Cuba by the Tsou. My hometown is in Dabang, right behind the Cuba, with a row of stone slab houses.”
Li Jianhua smiled: “I remember that row! I even went inside to have a look.”

“Incredible!” Huai-min exclaimed. “Professor might have actually been to my house! Tourists visit it all the time.”
Annie added: “The world really isn’t that big!”

“It’s a pity I never went to Tibet,” Li Jianhua said. “I’ve been to many places in mainland China, as far as Ili and Tacheng in Xinjiang, but never Tibet.”
Annie said: “There will be a chance in the future! Uncle, we plan to settle in Lhasa, Tibet.”

Li Jianhua suggested: “Annie, you could also consider staying here to teach, and conduct research in Tibet as a visiting scholar.”
Huai-min thought for a moment: “Annie, that’s a pretty good option!”
Annie nodded: “I’ll seriously consider it, Uncle.”

Li Jianhua analyzed: “With your outstanding performance in the department, plus your grandmother’s connections, you might have a chance to stay at Berkeley. Many senior professors here were once her students.”
Annie reminded: “Uncle, first taste these dishes! Huai-min and I cooked them together for the first time.”
Li Jianhua squinted and smiled: “Ha! I just tried a few dishes. They’re all unique—excellent!”

Chapter 16: The Couple’s New Life in Berkeley

01
Plans often can’t keep up with changes. Originally, after Annie obtained her Ph.D., the couple planned to return to Tibet to work at the Lhasa Cultural Relics Bureau. However, following Li Jianhua’s advice, Annie decided to stay at UC Berkeley as a lecturer. The main consideration was that Huai-min could study at Berkeley’s art department nearby. Although it differed from Huai-min’s original plan to study in Paris, it was still a practical compromise.

“Huai-min, after you finish your studies, we’ll return to Tibet together.”
“Annie, I understand your concern! I’ll work hard. But on weekends, I’d like to set up a portrait painting stall at the nearby market or park, to earn a little extra money. Although our savings can support us for a while, we can’t just sit and spend!”
“That’s reasonable. Our finances will indeed be tight for a while,” Annie agreed, considering reality.

“Tomorrow I’ll go with you to the market and park. I remember there’s a designated street performer area nearby.”
Huai-min asked: “Do I need a license to perform there?”
“Of course! Local street performers must have a certificate from the cultural bureau.”
“I’ll email Aiyu and ask her to send my Taiwanese street performer license and all my works and supplies here.”
Annie reminded him: “Your Taiwan license may not be recognized here.”
Huai-min optimistically said: “No problem, I’ll just get a new one!”

02
Annie accompanied Huai-min to the street performer area, choosing a location with police presence for safety. They then went to the local cultural bureau to learn about the qualifications, procedures, and regulations for obtaining a street performer license, purchasing a brochure.

After leaving, Huai-min said in the car: “The cultural bureau staff said that applicants must have US citizenship or permanent residency… which I don’t have.”
Annie calmly said: “That’s easy. Let’s register our marriage, then you’ll get permanent residency.”
“Should we inform your dad and my family?”
“Keep it simple. Just email them.”
“But that’s unfair to you! Every girl dreams of wearing a beautiful wedding dress and walking down the red carpet…”
“Save the money, Huai-min. After I get my degree and university appointment, we’ll have a stable income. Then we can go back to Taiwan later and have a proper wedding.”
“All right… fine,” Huai-min agreed.

“Also, after I get my degree, I want to start a family, so we need to save for childcare.”
Huai-min asked: “No need to rush with kids, right?”
Annie stopped the car, looked earnestly at him: “Raising children is always a woman’s duty. Besides, I’m two years older than you; delaying will only add pressure on me.”
“Okay!” Huai-min conceded: “Keep driving, Annie.”

03
In the sunny corner of the yard, millet and barley grew well. Annie carefully watered the seedlings.

A delivery truck arrived with two wooden boxes, one large and one small. Annie signed the delivery note as the couriers carried the boxes inside. She opened the small box first, revealing colored pencils, charcoal, watercolors, and oil paints. The large box contained framed colorful portraits and sketches on the top layer. She arranged them on the floor to admire. The bottom layer held two Buddhist paintings. Annie carefully examined the portrait of Songtsen Gampo.

“The spirit really resembles Gesang… or rather, Huai-min…” she murmured. Then, holding the portrait of Princess Wencheng, she compared it with her reflection: “This must be reincarnation. There’s no other reasonable explanation.”

After a while, Annie thought these two portraits could serve as wedding photos—but should they hang in the living room or bedroom? She hesitated: “I’ll discuss it with Huai-min when he gets back.”

At that moment, Huai-min arrived home on his bicycle, carrying a small briefcase. Through the large window, Annie watched him park the bike. He entered the house and noticed the art supplies spread on the floor.

“Your shipment arrived!” Annie said, holding Princess Wencheng’s portrait.
“So fast! I just got the grad school brochure and chatted with Professor Li,” Huai-min said, placing the briefcase on the table.
“What did you talk about?”
“He was glad you accepted his advice. He also offered to introduce me to two art masters.”
“Did he say anything else?”
“Yes! He liked our dishes.”

Annie smiled: “He was giving you hints. Just follow them—we need his help.”
“I know! He’s like Hong Qigong from Jin Yong’s novels,” Huai-min said.
“Who’s that? I don’t recognize him,” Annie asked.
“Hong Qigong is the Beggar Clan master from Jin Yong’s martial arts novels.”
“I’ve heard of Jin Yong but haven’t read his novels,” Annie replied.

Returning to the portraits, Annie asked, “Where should we hang the Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo paintings—in the living room or bedroom?”
“Living room, of course! They’re Buddhist paintings,” Huai-min replied without hesitation.
“But I think they can serve as our wedding photos in the bedroom.”
Huai-min laughed: “Buddhist paintings in the bedroom? That’s disrespectful! Let’s rent wedding outfits and take salon photos instead. The Buddhist paintings belong in the living room, opposite the main door.”
“Really? No one else will know these are our wedding photos anyway.”
Huai-min chuckled: “If we rent outfits and take photos, we might as well spend the money!”
Annie thought and said: “Fine. After registration, we’ll rent outfits and take a photo set.”
“Let’s tidy up the floor first. Then I need to study this grad school brochure,” Huai-min suggested.

04
Tang Huai-min and Annie completed their marriage registration and walked out of the courthouse hand in hand.

Annie reminded him, “From tonight on, you’ll be sleeping with me!”
Huai-min teased, “But I snore—you’ll have to tolerate that!”
Annie replied lightly, “I know! If I’m going to live with you for the rest of my life, we have to be tolerant of each other.”

They reached the parking lot and got into their RV. The RV left the courthouse and headed back toward the university town.

Annie parked in a street-side spot, and the couple walked hand in hand to the nearest bridal shop.

Smiling, Annie said, “A year ago, I never imagined I’d be getting married this year!”
Huai-min replied, “I met an old lama during a trip to Sun Moon Lake. Through his guidance, I traveled all the way to Tibet and waited for you in Lhasa. Sure enough, the lama’s prediction came true—you appeared before me, and I couldn’t help but believe it!”
Annie said, “I felt the same. First, I saw the two portraits you drew. Then came the prophecy from the old lama at Xiao Zhao Temple, and finally your grand-uncle Duoren Danzeng’s clear indication. Only then did I gradually believe these miracles weren’t just coincidences.”

They entered the bridal shop, tried on outfits, and chose a dress and suit. The shop arranged a photographer and a makeup artist to take their salon photos.

Hand in hand, they left the bridal shop and walked back to the parked RV.

Huai-min smiled: “Now it really feels like we’re married!”
Annie suggested, “On our wedding night, I want a romantic candlelight dinner.”
“Of course! Let’s buy red wine, champagne, pork and lamb chops, and cook some special dishes ourselves.”

05
On the living room table were two red candles, two bottles of red wine, two bottles of champagne, a dish of Magao-marinated salted pork, cumin-grilled lamb chops, and a large bowl of lemon aiyu jelly. The couple sat around a small square table, raising their glasses to toast.

Annie said with affection, “From today on, we are husband and wife, supporting each other for life. I toast to my husband!”

They drank their ceremonial cross-cup wine.

Huai-min spoke sincerely: “Annie, I actually have no ambition—none at all. I’m nothing like Songtsen Gampo.”
Annie smiled: “I’m not asking you to have grand ambitions! If you were really like Songtsen Gampo, I might not even have let you near me.”
Huai-min said with relief: “Meeting you finally helped me understand the life I truly want.”
“Tell me, what is it about me that attracted you?”
Huai-min thought for a moment: “Your temperament… ethereal and otherworldly, like a blue lotus.”
“You only got half right,” Annie said softly. “When I was just coming of age, my father left home. I grew up in a single-parent household, accompanied daily by my grandmother, my mother, a house full of books, and a piano. Unlike other children with lively, colorful childhoods, mine was very quiet, perhaps uneventful. My grandmother and mother were both gentle ladies, raising me the same way. Studying, playing piano, attending church—that was my entire life.”

Huai-min smiled: “I can imagine. My upbringing was the opposite—I did chores, participated in school clubs, athletics, camping, and many dynamic activities. But painting was always my passion and spiritual refuge.”

Annie wondered aloud: “How did two people with such opposite temperaments end up together?”
“Have you heard of the Daoist concept of Taiji: yin, yang, and harmony?”
“Yes! Are you saying we complement each other?”
Huai-min mustered courage: “Annie, I must be honest. Before I met you, I had a childhood sweetheart. She was very kind to me…”
“And then?” Annie asked calmly.
“But I felt I wasn’t suited for her. She was very career-driven, destined to inherit her father’s hotel business. I didn’t want to become a shadow in her life, and I resisted it mentally.”
“So, you went to Tibet alone?”
“Yes! I was half-believing the lama’s prophecy. After meeting you, I realized you’re the woman I want to spend my life with. I want a simple, peaceful marriage.”

Annie asked calmly: “Why didn’t you tell me this until today?”
“I didn’t want you to think I’m a fickle man, jumping from one to another.”
“But your shifting affections must have hurt that girl.”
Huai-min said sincerely: “It was always innocent between us, Annie.”
“Fine. I believe you’re not a man who flirts around. But how do you plan to face her?”
“She’s studying art in Paris now. If we meet, I’ll explain everything and seek her understanding.”
Annie immediately asked: “What if she can’t accept it?”
Huai-min hesitated. After a moment, he lowered his head: “All I can do is apologize.”
“Huai-min, I feel for you,” Annie said, taking his hands. “Let’s face this together.”