Summary

In Chapter 20, Ling was not relieved after telling Aritomo her story. Aritomo then said it was an argument with Tominaga that resulted in Aritomo leaving Japan. Aritomo said Tominaga was so rigid that it was surprising he went against the rules and helped Ling escape. Ling said she has never told anyone the full story of her time in prison. He asked Ling what she thought were in the boxes. She once thought it might be weapons, but that made no sense because the Japanese were losing the war. Aritomo then said that Tominaga visited him shortly before the war. He brought the water wheel as a gift from the emperor. He also said that was certain Tominaga did not force Yon Hong into having sex because he always preferred men.

Their relationship began to change. Aritomo had always bowed to a picture...