The Troubleshooters,' by Wang Shuo

18 CHINESE EDUCATION AND SOCIETY
YOUNG WOMAN: I didn’t think that needed an explanation.
hb QINO: Okay. What shall I say next?
YOUNG WOMAN: Too bad. It’s clear your company sent you over without the
proper training. Next time, you should say, “I love-”
MA QING: I love you.
MA QING and YOUNG WOMAN stare at each other blankly.
MA QING: (With more intensity) I love you.
MA QING begins to improvise afkr receiving no repnsefim YOUNG WOMAN.
MA QING: C’mon, honey, don’t be angry anymore.
YOUNG WOMAN begins to gently laugh. MA QING blushes and tries to conceal
his embarrassment.
MA QING: Forget authenticity! These words are too tempting for me.
YOUNG WOMAN: (Dismissing him with laughter) Okay, okay, I won’t make any
more excessive demands. You’ve passed the test even though you don’t mean that.
MA QING: I actually do love you in my hart, but I couldn’t tell you.
YOUNG WOMAN: I’d prefer that you not keep your love hidden in your heart; tell
me how you feel.
MA QING: (Grimacing, as ifhis crotch had been squeezed by a Kung Fu boxer)
Can’t you see what you’ve done to me?! (Pam) You are so pretty when you’re angry.
YOUNG WOMAN: All right. That’s enough. Now you’re being too kind.
YOUNG WOMAN again laughs and begins to hiccup.
MA QING: Well, as long as you’re satisfied, I’m happy.
YOUNG WOMAN: I’m very satisfied. Did my husband pay you?
MA QING shakes his head negatively. YOUNG WOMAN removes cashfi.om her
purse so as to pay him.