The Troubleshooters,' by Wang Shuo

20 CHINESE EDUCATION AND SOCIETY
national prize or not; I’m not particularly interested in fame or wealth. All I want
is for my hard work to be recognized in some way. Any kind of award will be
great.
Yu GUAN instantly grasps BAO KANG’S idea.
Yu GUAN: (Tentatively) So, you mean even if the award is bestowed by 3-T?
BAO KANG: (Smiling nervously) I’m embarrassed. Am I so obvious?
Yu GUAN: No, no, not at all, you’re exactly right. But you would, of course,
want an awards ceremony on a grand scale.
BAO KANG: No, the scale doesn’t really matter, but it has to be given with a
generous cash endowment in a magnificent, luxurious rented auditorium, with
the social elite in attendance. I can bankroll it; I’ve got lots of money.
7 STREET SCENE / EXTERIOR / DAY
YANG ZHONG and LIU MEIPING are walking along, side by slde, having an
amiable conversation.
LIU MEWING: Why did you guys create such an odd name for your company? It
sounds like a pesticide.
YANG ZHONG: 3-T is an abbreviation for three substitutes. We hire people to get
people out of trouble, to accept other people’s punishment, or just to amuse
people.
LIU WIPING: You guys are nuts! You’re helping people escape responsibility for
their actions.
YANG ZHONG: No, we’re honest business people with a mission to improve the
quality of life in the community! Wouldn’t you be disappointed if I hadn’t come
along today?
LIU MEIPING: But, you know, I don’t feel comfortable with this idea. I originally
planned a date with my boyfriend, and now, instead, I’m dating his substitute!
Should I fall in love with his substitute, too?
YANG ZHONG: No, absolutely not! As a matter of fact, our business code, and my