And then the woman who had permanently altered her life left it forever.
-- Laila Ibrahim (Chapter 3)

Importance: The author describes the matchmaker who introduces Mei Ling to Kai Li as "the woman who had permanently altered her life" (27) in order to present her as the character of Fate. The matchmaker plays a vital role in directing Mei Ling's life without being too involved in it herself, then disappears, rather mysteriously, after collecting her reward. She plays the role of the traditional 'Fate' character who directs events while remaining removed from them.

Mei Ling's heart constricted as she was reminded that the United States was not a friend to the Chinese, and she was surrendering her life to that place... and this man.
-- Laila Ibrahim (chapter 4)

Importance: With this quote, Ibrahim hints at the historical context which prompted her to write about this time period: as a nation built on immigration, American citizens have a responsibility to learn about...