The following version of this story was used to create this study guide: Sui, Sin Far. “The Story of One White Woman Who Married a Chinese.” Mrs. Spring Fragrance. Dover Publications, 2013. Pages 63 - 74.

The story begins with the protagonist, Minnie, introducing the question as to why she decided to marry Liu Kanghi. She recalled her first husband, an American named James. Minnie was a successful stenographer who left her job to care for her husband, who was an advocate for women’s rights. However, the love between James and Minnie began to fade, so Minnie maintained her duties toward her husband based on social norms.

In the later period of the marriage, James grew harsher toward Minnie, berating and undermining her, so Minnie tried to get a job and become informed of issues concerning her husband’s interests. However, this was to no avail. Eventually, Minnie managed to get another job as a stenographer, but she got fired because she needed to devote more time to her newborn daughter.

James continued to berate Minnie. He compared her to his co-worker, Miss Moran, with whom he was collaborating on a book he was trying to write. One day, Minnie arrived home early and caught James trying to seduce Miss Moran, so she divorced him. Some time later, Minnie was with her child on the docks, when a voice warned her to watch her step. She ignored the voice, but when she almost fell, a man grabbed her and saved her life. The man was Liu Kanghi, and he took her to his family home, where he was the main provider for his cousins.

Minnie lived with Liu Kanghi and his family for over a year, helping his family with their embroidery business, until Minnie ran into James on the street. After she ignored him, she received a letter from James in which James declared that he wanted to rekindle their love. Minnie ignored the letter, but she realized that she had to leave Liu Kanghi’s family after another more threatening letter from James arrived.

After some time, Minnie was returning to her humble home when James accosted her. He was volatile toward her, and he demanded to see the child. He also threatened to take the child by threatening legal action. Minnie resisted his threats, and she never saw James again.

Minnie went on to marry Liu Kanghi, and she loved him despite his occasional bad temper. Her only doubts about their marriage arose when she was in close contact with Liu Kanghi’s son.