Chapter 5 Summary

The girls were supposed to come home directly after work for dinner at Auntie Yee's. One night, Mei-li didn't come home in a timely manner. Her absence worried everyone. When she finally did come home that night she told Auntie Yee that she had been at Su-lung's house, but the sideways look she cast Pei left her wondering about the truth of Mei-li's alibi. Later that night, when they were alone, Mei-li admitted to having been with Hong again. She also revealed her determination to marry him. Shortly thereafter, her parents paid an unscheduled visit. They came to share with her their plans for her future. It was very upsetting for Mei-li to learn that her parents had arranged a marriage for her. She had kept her affair with Hong a secret from nearly everyone, including her parents. Even if they had known...