Summary

Chapter Five: "Lisbet" opens with Shelley's memory of meeting Miss Chip's in Bejiu. She often invited him and his friend Yu to tea as the top two in class. Yu has started dating cousin Deng and he even imagines marrying her. Then, Miss Chips introduces Shelley and Yu to her niece, Lisbet, from California. Her unusual look and accent surprise Shelley. Miss Chips wants Shelley and Yu to teach Lisbet Mandarin, and Shelley excitedly asks her on a date. Deng is annoyed by this and wants Shelley to meet a good Chinese girl, as Lisbet sees Shelley as cheap amusement. Deng thinks she will break Shelley's heart.

However, Shelley feels different with Lisbet and does not follow Deng's advice. Shelley and Lisbet Learn their birthdays are only one day apart and they lost a parent the same year. Shelley's mother...