The Temple of Literature is the oldest architectural complex in Hanoi, established in honor of Confucius more than a thousand years ago. After passing through the gate, I decided to make her portrait and began photographing her from a distance. She is aware of my presence but shows no self-consciousness and does not smile (the kiss of death for a substantive expressive portrait is a big grin). Her body language speaks as clearly as her businesslike expression. She is relaxed yet alert, and confident of her responsibility. She drives a motorbike to work – we learn this from the helmet on her chair. And her shirt matches the color of the wastebasket – she seems to blend into her work and her work blends into her. The light was soft and even, and she is sitting inside of an ancient gate, making the colors of her skin and clothing emerge from the darkly shadowed wall behind her. On the way out of the complex, I stopped and showed her this image. It was the only time I saw her smile.