Summary

In Chapter 12, Tiller considers the oddness of personal relationships, recalling a memory with his mother. Once she was gone, there was nothing Tiller could do.

Tiller doubted his presence would affect any change in the context of Pong’s business. However, because he was eager to be Pong’s "loyal assistant," Tiller agreed to travel to Shenzhen (204). He called Clark, saying he had left early for his "Euro program" (205). Clark understood. He and Tiller had worked out this removed version of communication.

While walking through Shenzhen with Pong, Tiller wondered if they looked related. Later, they tested handmade knives from a local vendor. Pong showed Tiller how to use one properly.

In Chapter 13, Tiller and Pong stopped at their hotel, and grabbed a "rolly bag of jamu samples" (216). When they returned to the car, another associate, Lily Zhang, was waiting.

Tiller and Pong...