| Will: | Hi! I'm William. And here's ... er well, something that looks a bit like Li, but kind of half-Li half-animal. Are you okay Li? |
| Li: | Yes, I am very well, thank you. |
| Will: | I don't mean to be rude, but ... why have you got a large, bushy tail today? |
| Li: | Well, it was an order from the boss. |
| Will: | The boss told you to come in with a tail? |
| Li: | Yes. |
| Will: | Right. But what about the bright, sparkling glitter around your eyes? |
| Li: | Oh, that too. Don't you think it makes my eyes look lovely and bright? |
| Will: | Well, yes, they are kind of ... dazzling. |
| Li: | I think he will be pleased. Yesterday he wasn't pleased with me. He said I looked bored and tired. It's true I didn't get much work done, I'd had a late night. |
| Will: | Right. So what will the tail and sparkly eyes do—make you work harder? |
| Li: | Yes! Apparently! |
| Will: | Li, I'm not sure that the rest of the team will be able to concentrate with all of that fur and glitter in the office! |
| Li: | Well, it was the boss's idea—not mine. |
| Will: | Li, what did he actually say when he asked you to do this? |
| Li: | He said: 'Li, tomorrow I expect you to come in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.' |
| Will: | Right. I hate to say this, but it's just an expression. |
| Li: | What? Just an expression? Why does this keep happening to me? |
| Will: | Well, if you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you're full of energy and enthusiasm. The boss didn't expect you to come in looking like some kind of squirrel on its way to the Oscars. |
| Li: | Oh. |
| Will: | He just wanted you to be a bit more motivated and energetic. |
| Li: | Oh no, I'm never going to be able to get this tail off—I put so much glue on it. Everyone will laugh at me! |
| Will: | Maybe. Here are some examples: |
| Li: | Oh Will, what will people say when they look at my tail? |
| Will: | They'll probably just start feeding you nuts. |
| Li: | Oh! This is terrible! |
| Will: | Or maybe acorns. |
| Li: | What shall I do? |
| Will: | Well I wouldn't eat the acorns, but there's nothing wrong with nuts. |
| Li: | Will, help me! Pull this tail, please, pull! |
| Will: | Okay. Come on! Come on, silly tail! |
| Li: | It's all the boss's fault! |
