〈A Love Letter from Lhasa〉9

by Chen Ching-Yang

01
In a corner of the park, the street performer area was set up. Several performers had stalls: lively small bands, energetic street dancers, acrobatics and magic shows, and stage performances. There were also static portrait stalls and solo mime acts.

In front of Huai-min’s manga portrait stall, a crowd gathered. The audience pointed at public figures he had drawn: Obama, George W. Bush, Madonna, Hillary, Trump, commenting on each. A white couple sat for portraits.

To the side, an elderly man with white hair and beard, leaning on a cane, wearing a sky-blue suit with a small tie, resembling Ronald McDonald’s grandpa, watched Huai-min’s side profile intently.

After completing the couple’s portraits, Huai-min handed them over and bowed to receive payment. The elderly man approached and said in elegant English with an English accent: “Young man, I want you to draw a sketch comic of all my expressions and movements.”

Huai-min thought, “Is this old man trying to prank me?” Then reconsidered: “We don’t know each other. If it’s just entertainment, I’ll do my best.”

“Please sit, sir,” Huai-min said with a smile. “Do you want a series of expressions and movements?”
“Yes. I’ll give you a minute for each pose to draw the base sketch. After each, I’ll leave, and pick it up tomorrow at this time.”

The crowd murmured—some thought the old man was deliberately difficult; one middle-aged man said: “Ignore him, young man!” Others were curious: “Show your skills and draw it!”

Huai-min calmed himself: “Sir, you may begin.”

The old man pulled a chair and struck his first pose: right hand supporting his chin, eyes looking into the distance, thoughtful. Huai-min observed for a few seconds, captured the essence, and quickly drew the sketch with both hands in under a minute. The audience was amazed.

Huai-min smiled: “Next!”

The old man clenched fists, pounding the table, looking angry. Huai-min switched to a new sheet, observed, and quickly drew the sketch.

The old man alternated between sitting, standing, and pacing, expressing coldness, contempt, disgust, suspicion, sympathy, fatigue, fear, sadness, surprise, happiness, serenity. Huai-min completed each base sketch, understanding the purpose.

The man stood and nudged a framed sketch: “Young man, I’ll pick this up tomorrow. My name is Anderson Hall.” He waved and walked away. The audience whispered among themselves.

An elderly gray-haired woman approached with a photo: “This is my granddaughter. After my son died, she was taken to France by my daughter-in-law. I miss her dearly. Can you draw what she will look like ten years from now?”
Huai-min took the photo: “I’ll do my best.”

He took a new sheet, studied the photo, imagined the girl grown up, and began drawing.

02
In the evening, the RV returned home. Huai-min got out, opened the rear trunk, and carried his easel and a bag of art supplies across the yard. He noticed the barley and millet in the corner had sprouted green ears, which lifted his mood considerably.

Annie came to open the door. Huai-min carried the easel and supplies into the studio and placed them on the long table, then returned to the living room.

“Coffee, dear?” Annie asked.
“Strong tea for me, Annie.” Huai-min stretched, exhausted, and slumped into the armchair, staring blankly at Annie.

Annie crouched down and asked with concern, “Tired?”
“Not really. I met a strange old man today,” Huai-min said casually.
“Strange how?” Annie asked.

Huai-min briefly recounted the encounter.
Annie commented, “From what you describe, this Mr. Anderson Hall seems like he was trying to play a trick on you!”
“At first, I thought the same. I’d never had a client make such a bizarre request before.”
“I’ll go make some tea.” Annie got up and walked to the kitchen.

Huai-min rubbed his temples as Annie brought him a thermos.
“Your Alishan tea!” she said, handing it to him. “Then what happened?”
“I reconsidered. The gentleman and I are strangers; there’s no reason for him to prank me. So I drew thirteen base sketches in total. I realized that each pose and expression had a theme—it felt like he was testing my skills.”
Annie speculated, “Perhaps this old gentleman has some background or influence.”
Huai-min smiled, “I hadn’t thought that far. At the time, I was only focused on not being defeated by his challenge!”

“Rest a bit. Dinner will be ready soon,” Annie said. “I’ll get busy in the kitchen.”

In the kitchen, Annie placed the wrapped hunter’s lunch into the steamer and started pan-frying salmon. Suddenly, a wave of acid reflux hit her. She leaned over the sink and vomited a few sips of sour liquid, instinctively suspecting she might be pregnant. She turned off the stove, went to the bedroom for antacid tablets, took two, and returned to the kitchen.

At the dining table, the couple had dinner. Huai-min picked up a wine glass, intending to pour red wine for Annie.
“You drink. I’ve had some acid reflux and just vomited.”
Huai-min asked with concern, “Are you okay, dear?”
Annie smiled, “I might be pregnant. I’ll see the OB-GYN tomorrow.”
Huai-min was overjoyed, “Really? I’ll go with you tomorrow.”
“No need. You focus on your work. I’ll tell you the results afterward.”

04
The next morning, Anderson Hall appeared at Huai-min’s art stall, a kindly smile on his face. “Young man, I’m here to pick up the sketches!”

Huai-min, busy with a client, stood up and grabbed a kraft paper bag.
“Sir, your comic sketches,” he said, handing over the bag.

Hall sat nearby on a flower stand, examining each page, nodding repeatedly.

After reviewing the comic portraits, Hall said to Huai-min, “Young man, you’re very talented. You capture each emotion precisely. You’re exactly the person I’m looking for.” He then took out a check, signed it, and handed it to Huai-min with a business card: “This small amount is your comic fee. I am Anderson Hall Ward, CEO of Walt Disney. Welcome to the Disney Animation Group.”

Huai-min accepted the check and apologized: “Mr. Hall, I still want to continue my studies. I can’t accept your offer right now.”

Hall, undeterred by the polite refusal, extended his hand and said, “You have plans to further your education. That’s admirable. You can consider interning at my company during your spare time. I’ll await your reply.”

The onlookers congratulated Huai-min. Some requested photos with Hall and Huai-min. Hall, approachable and friendly, agreed, and Huai-min couldn’t refuse.

At the same time, Annie arrived at the art department, carrying a bound draft of her new dissertation outline to Li Jianhua’s office.
“Uncle, I’ve decided to change my dissertation topic,” Annie said, handing over the draft.
“Let’s see.” Li Jianhua glanced at the title.
“‘Rhetorical Art in the Love Poems of Milarepa,’ this topic gives me more room to develop.” He flipped through the pages. “The structure is generally okay. I’ll review it in detail in the next few days and give you feedback. Then you can formally submit this outline.”
“Thank you, Uncle!” Annie smiled.

Li Jianhua stopped at an illustration: “Did you take this photo yourself?”
“Yes! I digitized it at home with a camera.”
“Is this manuscript of Milarepa’s love poems authentic?”
“Yes, it’s authentic. My husband keeps it now.”
Li Jianhua, pleased, said: “My teacher Zhuoma once mentioned this manuscript. She regretted not bringing it from her home in Lhasa when leaving China. Well done, Annie. You’ve fulfilled her last wish.”
“I went back to China with my father Zaxi for several months and unexpectedly found this manuscript, safely kept at my husband’s family home in Alishan, Taiwan.”
Li Jianhua, amazed, asked, “Oh? That’s incredible. I’ve always wondered—your husband looks Tibetan. Is he Tibetan?”
Annie smiled, “Like me, he’s half Tibetan.”
“But he’s from Taiwan, right?”
“His grandfather moved to Taiwan with the Nationalist government in 1949, the same fate as my grandparents.”
Li Jianhua chuckled, “As the ancients said, marriage is destined by heaven. Seems true in your case!”

05
Annie walked out of the hospital’s OB-GYN department. The sun was warm as she waited at a bus stop.

A tall girl with a ponytail, wearing a dress and skirt, approached. She had a Chinese face.
“Hi, Annie! I’m Xu Junwei!”
Annie immediately recognized her. “Junwei! It’s been years since graduation—I hadn’t heard from you.”
“I went to Shanghai for work. Heard you’ve been studying up to your PhD?”
“Yes, I’m writing my dissertation. Are you married?”
“Still dating! My boyfriend is white. He got transferred back to Disney’s headquarters in California, so I followed him.”

Curious, Annie asked, “Your boyfriend works at Disney headquarters?”
Junwei smiled, “Yes! He’s a senior 3D animation engineer.”
“Coincidentally, have you heard of Hall Ward?”
Junwei asked, surprised, “Hall Ward? My boyfriend’s boss! You know him?”
“My husband met him at the park while drawing.”
Junwei gasped, “Your husband? When did you get married? Why didn’t I know?”
“Two months ago, registered quietly—didn’t alert classmates.”
“Then how did Hall find your husband?”

Annie explained: “My husband had a portrait stall in the park’s street performer area. Hall happened to pass by, asked him to draw a comic, and was impressed. The next day, he invited my husband to join Disney in person.”

Junwei admired, “Your husband is amazing! To catch Hall’s attention is like a comet hitting the earth!”
“But my husband wants to continue at Berkeley’s art school, so he didn’t accept then.”
Junwei exclaimed, “Silly! He could have become a professional animator at Disney! My boyfriend tried three times to get in!”
“Oh! I’ll discuss it with him,” Annie said, smiling. “You remember my house and phone, right?”
“Of course! Easy to find.”
Annie smiled, “Next time, we’ll invite your boyfriend over. If needed, you can help persuade him.”
“No problem! Keep in touch.”

A bus arrived. Annie waved to Junwei and boarded.

Chapter 18: The Email That Caused a Stir

01
Annie held the admission letter from the university language center and entered the study. The laptop screen was still on. She placed the letter on the desk and noticed an email in Huai-min’s inbox from “Meng Ying.” Curious, she opened it:

Huai-min, where are you? Your sister said you brought a new girlfriend back to Taiwan and then went to California with her. Changing your heart so easily, you’re truly frightening! I, Tang Mengying, am studying alone in Paris. Although some men have invited me out, I’ve never been interested or dated anyone. And you? A year in Tibet and you fall for someone else! Don’t give me those vague “reincarnation” or “destined fate” excuses. I’ve always been virtuous and never wronged you. Heaven can witness my heart!
Come back to Taiwan. Let’s arrange a time for our families to talk. Whatever grievances or requests you have, I’ll reflect on them and try to meet your expectations. But I absolutely cannot accept the absurd reasons you previously gave.
Exhausted in body and mind, your fiancée Tang Mengying in Paris by the Seine 2016/03/20
PS: April 1 isn’t just April Fool’s—it’s my birthday. I hoped you’d appear at Sun Moon Lake that day, in front of me.

After reading the email, Annie’s joy instantly froze. She needed a place to calm her mind. She left a note and an ultrasound printout on the desk, put on her coat, and left the house.

Walking on the sidewalk, a chilly evening breeze greeted her. Leaves swirled under the streetlights; autumn was in full bloom.
“Where should I go to clear my mind?” Annie murmured. “Sit in a café and daze? I didn’t do anything wrong—why punish myself? Maybe I should go to the supermarket, buy food and daily necessities.”

02
Huai-min’s RV had just returned home. Through the window, he noticed the lights were off and felt puzzled. “Annie didn’t tell me she went out?”

He hurriedly got out empty-handed, grabbed a long stick from the flowerbed, and approached the door. He tried the handle and checked the doors and windows—no signs of forced entry.

He unlocked the door, holding the stick, entered the living room, and turned on the lights. Nothing had been disturbed.

He first checked the bedroom—Annie was gone. Then he entered the study and saw her note, the opened email from Mengying, and the ultrasound printout. He picked up the printout and read the top:

Gestational age: 6 weeks
Fetal sex: unknown
Fetal development: normal
Potential genetic issues: pending examination

Huai-min’s hands trembled as he picked up Annie’s note:

Huai-min: I’m very upset. I went out to clear my mind. Don’t worry—I won’t do anything rash.
Love, Annie

How could he not worry? He immediately tried calling Annie—her phone was off. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, staring at the laptop screen at Mengying’s email, clenching his fists in frustration.

03
Li Jianhua received Huai-min’s call. He placed a 5-dollar bill on the dining table, barely touched the dumplings he had started eating, and immediately left.

The two men met at Berkeley’s campus entrance. Huai-min looked anxious: “Professor, where might Annie have gone?”
“Let me think… nearby café? Campus library or pond? Here’s the plan: we split up. I’ll search the campus; you bike around nearby streets, especially cafés and fast-food places. Return here in an hour. Whoever finds her first, call the other.”
“Okay, Professor!” Huai-min mounted his bike and began the search.

Huai-min circled the university town streets twice, checking over ten cafés, small restaurants, and two fast-food outlets—no sign of her.
Li Jianhua combed the campus like a carpet—also no luck.

An hour later, they returned to the campus gate.
Huai-min worried: “Should we call the police, Professor?”
“Wait a bit. Even if your wife ran off, police wouldn’t help right away.” Li Jianhua asked, “What happened between you two?”
Huai-min scratched his forehead awkwardly: “I left my laptop on. Annie saw an email from my ex-girlfriend by accident.”
“Really?” Li Jianhua grimaced. “How careless! Women are most difficult when they suspect you might be cheating. Are you still in touch with your ex?”
“Yes, occasionally by email.”
“So there’s still a tie? That’s a major taboo!”
Huai-min hurriedly explained: “Professor, there’s no lingering tie! Since I left Taiwan for Tibet last year, I haven’t met her.”
“Then Annie’s upset reaction is understandable.” Li Jianhua continued: “She’s very guarded. In the department, she doesn’t socialize much. I know her well—cold on the outside, warm inside. When she trusts someone as a friend, she’s truly sincere.”
“I know that. I’ve been with Annie for a year.”
Li Jianhua said, “Here’s the plan: go home and wait for Annie. If she doesn’t return tonight, tomorrow we’ll go to the police station together to report and search.”

04
Tang Huaimin rode his bicycle and from afar saw the living room lights on at home, and a heavy weight finally lifted from his chest.

He led the bike into the courtyard, opened the door, and stepped inside, noticing dinner set on the table and the sound of water flushing from the bathroom.

Tang Huaimin sat at the dining table, arms crossed, sulking silently.

After a while, Annie, wearing a bathrobe and with her hair wrapped in a towel, entered the living room.

“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? I was waiting for you to come back to start dinner!”

Huaimin stood up, frowning, “You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

Annie remained calm: “I went to the supermarket to clear my mind and bought some groceries and daily necessities.”

“I and the professor searched around the university city for an hour looking for you,” Huaimin said.

“Why be so nervous? I’m not an inexperienced little girl,” Annie replied. “I booked a flight online—flying to Taipei on the 30th.”

“Flying to Taipei? Why didn’t you discuss it with me first?”

“I’m discussing it with you now. Sooner or later, you’ll have to face Tang Mengying. This love triangle has to end quickly.”

“I told you I’m willing to face Tang, but I don’t want you involved—it’ll only complicate things.”

“Huai-min, didn’t I also say I’d face your ex with you? I’m going back with you. If you hesitate or change your mind, at least I’ll have an answer.”

Huaimin, displeased, raised his voice: “An answer? What do you mean?”

Calmly, Annie said: “The child in my womb can live without a father.”

“What do you take me for, Annie?!” Huaimin was clearly provoked by Annie’s composure.

“In my growing up, there was a long period without a father,” Annie turned away, wiping tears. “So I’m mentally prepared to let you make a choice again…”

Suppressing his anger, Huaimin sneered: “Ha! What, suddenly I’m a cold-hearted villain in a Taiwanese soap opera?”

“Let’s eat first. We’re both hungry; the little baby must be hungry too.” Annie turned and pulled out a chair. “Serve yourself—this is barley and millet rice we grew ourselves.”

Huaimin still scowled, arms crossed, standing motionless.

“My university classmates said since Old Hall appreciates you, you should seize the opportunity to gain experience at Disney,” Annie said, serving herself some rice.

Huaimin remained stiff as a board, unmoved.

Annie made a funny face and said in a commanding tone: “Young man, sit down and eat! Or do I have to feed you bite by bite?”

Huaimin laughed, unable to maintain his stern act, and sat down, picking up his own bowl and chopsticks.

“I want to pursue further studies first,” Huaimin said, still simmering, face stern again.

“I thought it through for you. Studying and working aren’t mutually exclusive—you’ll just need to drive back and forth daily, which is a bit tiring.” Annie placed a lamb chop on his plate: “Once I finish my thesis defense, I need to focus on pregnancy.”

Huaimin replied coldly: “I feel like a fashionable ox being led by a nose rope.”

“Hey! Young man, let’s be straightforward. I accepted Uncle’s suggestion to stay teaching at Berkeley mainly so you could study and earn your degree. Otherwise, we could return to Tibet, and I could easily find a high-level research job or teach at a local university. But you? You’d only be a contract research assistant at the cultural bureau. I don’t want you to feel inferior in our future married life—I want you to catch up. Do you understand my intentions?”

Huaimin didn’t answer, looking at Annie’s face. His attitude had already softened.

“You have a talent for painting, a steed that can travel a thousand miles. God sent you Old Hall as a mentor—you should cherish this. Opportunities won’t wait forever. I never demanded grand achievements, but I don’t want your talent to be buried under your romantic soul, living a mediocre life.”

Huaimin accepted his wife’s goodwill, understanding her wish for him to succeed.

“Alright!” Huaimin said calmly. “I’ll set up a meeting with Mr. Hall tomorrow.”

Annie smiled contentedly: “I’ll go with you. I’ve never been to Disney headquarters; I want to see it too.”

05
The couple arrived at Disney Headquarters in Burbank: The Walt Disney Company. Within five minutes of being announced, Old Hall and animation department director Johnson arrived at the reception room.

Hall, smiling, extended his hand: “I had a feeling you’d come. My intuition is always right.”

“This is my wife, Annie,” Huaimin introduced. Hall shook Annie’s hand: “Your husband is very talented!”

Hall introduced Johnson: “He’s the head of our animation department and also teaches at Berkeley and Long Beach campuses.”

Director Johnson said: “Mr. Tang, we encourage employees to pursue further studies. We collaborate long-term with nearby universities to train talent. After understanding your situation, we can find suitable ways for you to continue your studies while working.”

“Thank you both for your careful arrangements,” Huaimin said, shaking hands with Johnson.

Hall said: “Our company uses professional division of labor. You will shadow the production team in the animation department. We have a series of training courses. Upon completion, you’ll become a formal animator. Now, Johnson will take you both on a tour of the company.”

The couple followed Johnson, visiting departments sequentially, first the historical archives. A guide explained in detail the founding of Disney and its developments over time.