Summary

Chapter 16 opens with Mrs. Woo, Mei Ling’s birthing companion, helping Mei Ling bring in money for her newly expanded family by acting as the go-between for Mei Ling and a merchant buying her sewing and embroidery work. In the meantime, Kai Li finds a new job as a produce peddler, working longer hours but pleased not to be a servant anymore. Mei Ling begs him to find them lodgings closer to Oakland where he works, so that they can spend more time together at home.

In Chapter 17, Kai Li returns home to announce that he has found them a new home in Oakland. Mei Ling is excited to see their apartment and also to be in the same neighborhood as June. She hopes they will reunite soon. First, however, she is taken aback by how beautiful and large their new home is...