"Hey! Ho!" Tao Ti, a tiny figure, stood in a horse stance, her little face flushed red, her eyes determined and spirited, her little fists clenched tight, throwing punch after punch.
The old monk walked up to her, examined her stance, and nodded his head in satisfaction. Seeing her little fists soft and weak, seemingly lacking strength, he gestured to her, "Come here, over to this spot."
Tao Ti obediently responded and trotted over to a large tree, where the old monk pointed. "Hit the tree with your fists, put some strength into it."
Tao Ti hesitated, looking troubled.
She remembered punching through the hull of the boat, nearly bringing the director to tears.
The old monk thought she was just scared, "Don't be afraid! Be brave!"
Tao Ti blinked her big eyes and asked weakly, "If I break it with one punch, will I have to pay for it?"
