Summary

In Chapter 11, Afong woke up in a boardinghouse, after being drugged and manhandled by the doctors. Downstairs, she found the handsome stranger, who introduced himself as Nanchoy Eu Tong, her new English tutor and translator. He knew that Afong’s mother was desperate to get her back, however it was illegal for women to leave China, so Afong would face the death penalty on her return. Nanchoy agreed to write letters home on her behalf, but he seemed disgruntled when she mentioned Yao Han.

Weeks later, a letter came in reply. Nanchoy informed Afong (who could not read or write) that her mother was well, but that Yao Han had drowned himself. That night, Nanchoy came to her room and raped her. Afong became reclusive, grieving for Yao Han and dreading Nanchoy’s nighttime visits. When she finally ventured out, the city was...