Tashi Damba stood tall at 1.87 meters, with a truly imposing build—a broad, muscular frame like that of a tiger and a bear. His bronzed face and wild, shoulder-length hair radiated raw vigor and strength. Yet, on most days, he was an affable figure: impeccably dressed in a suit, small rimless glasses perched on his nose, and a constant, gentle smile on his face. Some called him "Boss Tashi," others referred to him as "Professor," but his closest friends simply called him "Damba."
Tashi Damba, aged 42, was a Tibetan native and the president of the Tianshi Famous Canine Breeding Base. He also held the position of a guest lecturer at Fudan University's Department of Biology, where he specialized in the study of renowned dog breeds. Damba grew up in a small village called Dawanucuo, located deep within the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, close to uninhabited wilderness. His name meant "one who can conquer the seas," and he did not disappoint his parents. Now a millionaire entrepreneur and a university professor, he had achieved both fame and fortune, all thanks to one thing: dogs.
Pennsylvania, United States.
"For millennia, the Tibetan Mastiff has been universally recognized as the largest and most ferocious breed of dog. These magnificent creatures are unique to our Tibetan region and have existed for millions of years. Around two thousand years ago, they spread to Greece, then to the Roman Empire, and later, through the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe, to the rest of the continent. Even today, the genetic legacy of the Tibetan Mastiff can be found in many famous dog breeds worldwide. In Lhasa, and throughout Tibet, the most noble of all dogs is undoubtedly the Tibetan Mastiff…" Tashi Damba eloquently delivered his speech from a luxurious stage, narrating the history of Tibetan Mastiffs to a captivated audience.
This event marked the opening ceremony of a world-class Tibetan Mastiff competition, sponsored by his company. It served two purposes: to increase media exposure for the breed and educate people about its uniqueness, while simultaneously promoting the breeding base to dog enthusiasts from around the globe.
The grand hall was packed with hundreds of journalists and over 8,000 attendees, including many Mastiff aficionados who had traveled from China. With a confident smile, Tashi Damba remarked, "Nowadays, a purebred Tibetan Mastiff pup is worth over $100,000. While many people breed Mastiffs, I can assure you that the most authentic Tibetan Mastiffs in the world are found at our base. Snow Mastiffs, Iron-Backed Golds, Red Mastiffs—we have the very best…"
The audience buzzed with excitement. Everyone knew that Tashi Damba, as a native Tibetan, had an unmatched understanding of Mastiffs. His base was one of the best in China, and his keen eye for exceptional dogs was legendary. Competitors not only hoped to win accolades but also dreamed of having their Mastiffs chosen by Tashi Damba for breeding, ensuring the production of even purer offspring.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted, shattering the tranquil admiration:
"If a Tibetan Mastiff leaves Tibet, can it still be called a Mastiff?"
This abrupt question caused an uproar among the attendees. Several Mastiff enthusiasts immediately retorted:
"Why wouldn't it still be a Mastiff?"
"If you take off your clothes, aren't you still human?"
"What nonsense!"
The dissenting voice was drowned out by the crowd's indignation. Tashi Damba raised a hand to calm everyone and responded with a smile, "Indeed, a Mastiff's true form and unique majesty are best preserved in the Tibetan Plateau. Our base adheres to Tibetan selection, free-range rearing, and training in Tibet, ensuring that our Mastiffs remain true Tibetan Mastiffs."
The hall quieted once more. Damba continued his lecture, but he had already noticed the source of the question—a man near the entrance, wearing a hat pulled low, sunglasses, and a long trench coat.
Tashi Damba resumed with confidence, showcasing photos of the finest Mastiffs from his breeding base on the large screen behind him. The audience erupted in admiration. The professor, flushed with pride, basked in the applause.
Suddenly, a young boy holding an object pushed through the crowd toward the stage, only to be stopped by security. Tashi Damba signaled to let the boy through. The boy handed a postcard-sized envelope to the security guard, who passed it to Damba before quickly retreating.
As Damba opened the envelope, his signature smile vanished. Standing motionless under the bright stage lights, he stared at the photo inside with a vacant expression. The lively hall fell silent. Thousands of attendees, sensing the abrupt shift, watched in stunned anticipation. Damba's complexion turned pale, and his hands trembled. Journalists eagerly captured the moment.
After a long pause, Damba grabbed the microphone, his voice hoarse and sharp: "Wait! Friend, please wait!" His gaze locked on the retreating boy, who was now hurriedly making his way to the exit. The professor's plea drew all eyes to the boy, but before anyone could stop him, the man in the trench coat had disappeared.
In the ensuing chaos, Damba vanished. Rumors swirled about the photograph he had seen. Some speculated it was blackmail, perhaps a compromising image of Damba and a lover. The incident became a media sensation, overshadowing the prestigious Mastiff competition he had organized.
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Damba visited Professor Fang Xin, a 65-year-old canine biology expert and Damba's former mentor. Despite their diverging paths—Fang had remained an academic, while Damba ventured into commercial breeding—they maintained mutual respect.
Damba handed Fang a secure, steel-reinforced case. Fang, intrigued by Damba's uncharacteristic caution, opened it to find a golden box adorned with intricate engravings and precious stones. Inside was a single photograph.
When Fang saw it, his reaction mirrored Damba's earlier one—utter shock and disbelief.