by Kedriaa
Disclaimer: GW characters do not belong to me. No monetary profit gained through this venture - just an ample amount of self- satisfaction and self-indulgence.
<"..."> spoken in Cantonese
A balled up sheet of parchment went sailing through the air. It came to an abrupt halt when it smacked Li right between the eyes as he stepped into the library. Li suppressed a giggle and shook his head lightly.
<"Still no luck then?"> he asked airily as he set the tray down onto the side table next to Wu Fei's desk.
Wu Fei scowled at Li, his expression clearly saying 'what kind of stupid question is that?'
<"I was just asking! You don't have to look at me like that,">
<"This is even more difficult than having to memorise those inane classical poems or engaging in tiresome practices in flamboyant calligraphy! Why do the insist on teaching us 'art', or to put it more aptly - what the aristocracy consider art, when they conveniently forget to school you in the art of living?"> Wu Fei threw his brush down in defeat as he slumped in his chair.
<"You don't need lessons in that, Master Wu,"> Li replied as he poured the tea for his young master, <"Just write what is in your heart. As long as you're honest with yourself and Miss Ron, you cannot go wrong. She will not fault you in the true expression of your feelings. She will understand.">
Wu Fei sat speechless, somewhat in awe of his lifelong friend. In all the years they had known each other, Wu Fei had never heard such heartfelt wisdom from him.
<"Whoa, Li,"> Wu Fei smiled, <"Where did that come from?">
<"It has always been there. All I had to do was look. Just like what you have to do.">
<"Okay, now you're scaring me!"> Wu Fei teased, <"But no truer words have been said. I shall heed your advice. Thanks for the tea and a welcomed serving of wisdom. Now, go! Find something to keep yourself occupied! Shoo!">
<"Good luck!"> Li picked up the ball of paper that hit him and tossed it back to Wu Fei.
The young Dragon harrumphed as Li shut the door behind him then muttered, <"I don't need luck; I need a miracle!">
Wu Fei set another sheet of parchment before him, swirled his brush in the sepia ink and poised himself to tackle another round of writer's block. A look of determination was clearly etched on his face.
Li's words reverberated in his head - just be honest with yourself ... and Miss Ron.
His heart felt heavy and no words would come. He knew they were all up in his head, each scrabbling to be heard and acknowledged but nothing coherent would surface. Heaving a sigh, he pursed his lips in resolve and brought brush to parchment.
Dearest Mei,
Huh, it's a start, Wu Fei thought dismally.
It has been no more than a week and already I am missing you dearly. How was your journey? I trust you did not cause too much havoc on your way there? Or perhaps you were saving up all your pranks for the good people of your aunts' village? Do not terrorise them too much!
Do not scowl at me, petal; you know I cannot resist teasing. All right, I will stop.
Wu Fei stopped and read what he had just written. He decided that that was enough of an introduction and decided to get to the point.
Mei, I am really sorry for not seeing you before you left. I hope you received my message. Well, that was the abridged version, here is the full version.
Another sigh escaped the youth's lips steeled himself to relive the events of that night. After re-inking his brush, Wu Fei's hand began to glide gracefully over the parchment scribing the heartbreaking tale.
And what little choice I was given. As I told Mother Hoi Yee, I was trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea. I was forced to choose and I can only pray that the choice I made was the lesser of the two evils.
Mei, forgive me, but I chose to take a wife. Oh gods!
A silent tear rolled down Wu Fei's cheek without his knowing. He did not stop writing for he knew that if he did, he would not regain the momentum he had built.
If only that could be you. I don't know what to say or how I can make it up to you Mei. I can only hope that you understand why I could not, in all honesty, choose to be an Official.
I do not and cannot ask for forgiveness, as I do not feel worthy of it. I promised you that we would be able to work this through, that we will be able to overcome any obstacle that came our way. I have failed you.
Mei, I am truly sorry.
These past six months with you have been the best of my life. I would not trade them for anything, save perhaps for an eternity to be with you, to love you, to cherish you. If I had known our time together was going to be this short, I would have kissed you sooner.
Take care, my love. And know that I shall love you forever. Eternally, Wu Fei.
Wu Fei scrubbed his cheek with the hem of his sleeve. His vision was blurred, unshed tears pooling in the corners of his eyes. He set the brush down as he peered at the letter he had just written. Wu Fei felt like he had just signed his own death warrant.
It wasn't until he penned his name on the letter did the full realisation of the situation dawned on him. His heart was wrought with doubt and fear again. How could he be honest with himself by marrying another? Could he truly take some stranger as his wife just because his father demanded it?
Notwithstanding, if he were to take a position as an Official, he knew beyond a doubt that would be the bigger lie. Lie or not, would he be brave enough to a sacrifice so that he may take Mei-Ran as his wife in the future?
Wu Fei stood up abruptly knocking over his chair and began to pace. His mind was in a whirl as rampant emotions crashed down on him. He was sure that he had made the 'right' choice, for the lack of a better word, when he told Hoi Yee of his decision. Now that he had written to Mei-Ran he wasn't too sure.
"Confound it!" he cursed, subconsciously in the language he had taken to heart, <"No, I have made the right choice. I have. I cannot be an official. I do not have what it takes. Furthermore, I do not want to be apart of an organisation that had inadvertently led to my current situation! Yes, I have made the right choice. Oh, gods!>
If he was so certain in his proclamation why then did he feel so unsure?
A feeling of claustrophobia suddenly crept up upon Wu Fei. He shook himself and bolted to the door, nearly walking into Li.
<"Master Wu?"> Li eyes were filled with concerned, <"I heard a bang. Are you okay?">
<"Yes, I am well, I just knocked the chair over,"> Wu Fei scrubbed his sleeve across his eyes, making sure no unshed tears remained. Wu Fei paused briefly to instruct Li, <"Please send for the messenger when the ink is dry. I want delivered today.">
<"You can count on me. Where are you going?"> Li called after Wu Fei.
<"Out,"> he cried over his shoulder.
Wu Fei knew he was playing with fire wandering into the docks in broad daylight but he couldn't care less even if he took lessons. He needed some comfort and a sympathetic ear.
The harbour was a rather different scene in daylight. The docks were awash with activities. Crates were being loaded onto and taken off the ships, merchants - both Chinese and Western - were busy negotiating trade agreements while harbourmasters bustled around getting all their cargo in order, occasionally screaming and yelling at their employees.
Before he met Duo, Wu Fei's visits to the docks were in the day. Although, he had missed watching the hustle and bustle, spending time with Duo and being apart of the community was more important to him than merely being an observer.
Wu Fei wove his way around the hectic environment, occasionally exchanging greetings with a few familiar faces, towards Pier 23, where Duo was often stationed. However, the braided Irish was nowhere to be seen within the vicinity of that pier.
"Excuse me," Wu Fei approached someone he recognised as Duo's colleague, "It is Paul, isn't it?"
"Aye, mate," the tall blonde nodded and smiled at Wu Fei, "Yer Duo's kung fu mate, ain't ya?"
"Ah, yes, I am," Wu Fei felt a faint blush tint his cheeks, indeed, his reputation has preceded him, "My name is Wu Fei."
"Nice ta finally meet'cha!" Paul grasped Wu Fei's hand in a hearty handshake, "What can I do you for?"
"Do you know where Duo is?"
"Yup," Paul nodded, "See that ship there?"
Wu Fei's eyes followed where Paul was pointing. A large Jardine Matheson merchant ship was just leaving port. Wu Fei nodded.
"Duo's on it."
"WHAT? Thank you!"
Wu Fei went thundering towards the ship, stopping just before he fell into the water. He spotted Duo at the starboard promenade, leaning casually against the railing.
"DUO!!!!" Wu Fei cried hoping that his friend would hear him.
Duo's head snapped around and spotted the Chinese youth waving frantically at him.
"FEI!!!" Duo's yelling was barely audible, "Sorry ... rush off! I ... a letter ... you ...with Jake ...door neighbour ... see you ... few ...nths! Goo ... uck ... wed...ng ........."
The braided Irish waved goodbye and even blew him a kiss, much to Wu Fei's embarrassment. The pink Chinese lad stood, unmoving, to watch the ship slowly sail into the horizon before heading to Merchant's Quarter to retrieve his letter from his best friend.
Wu Fei clenched the letter in an iron grip and thought dismally, great, just what I need - my other best friend to do a runner on me at a time like this! He had barely heard what Duo said as the Irish sailed away but he understood enough to seek out Jake, Duo's next- door neighbour to retrieve a letter that Duo had written to him.
He was presently seated in his sifu's rear courtyard, under the patio, outside Mei-Ran's room. He chose the spot as it was tucked away from the daily hubbub of training, plus the heavens opened up not moments ago. The skies were as dark and gloomy as his heart. Misery loves company, Wu Fei mused drearily.
He didn't want to go home as he felt that being at home would only serve to aggravated his already raw nerves. He needed to find an alternative source to the solace he believed he would get from Duo. This was the best he could do at that moment.
Drawing his attention back to the letter, Wu Fei carefully tore the flap of the envelope and unfolded its contents.
Hey, Wu Fei, the letter began. Wu Fei blinked and did a double take - the Irish had actually written his name in Chinese. The characters were a little shaky and childlike, but it was a good effort. Wu Fei smiled - strange how simple gestures from someone you care about can lighten the heart so easily.
Wu Fei continued reading, Don't laugh! I know it's nothing compared to your fancy, perfect calligraphy but it's the best I can do - for now! Never thought that writing Chinese would be do damned difficult!
Anyway, that was not why I'm writing to you. Well, if you're reading this then you've missed me. Sorry to have left in such a rush. I was hoping you would drop by yesterday night so I could tell you in person. But I guess you're either busy or being watched again! Never mind.
There's a major shipment that needs delivering and all available hands were called. I took the job because there's a big bonus at the end of this job and I haven't been at sea for nearly a year.
I miss the sailing. I joined this outfit as much for the sailing as for meeting exotic beauties like you.
Wu Fei felt his face flush again.
Sorry! I just couldn't resist. Anyway, we're not going that far - just to the British Colony of Singapore in South East Asia to pick up the cargo. After that, we're to drop off the first lot in Macao then return to Canton with the rest. I don't think it would take longer than three months for us to complete the job. That is if we don't meet storms and pirates!
Of course, I'm no expert! It would also depend on what we're shipping too! I'm hoping it's not going to be those damned porcelain teapots, dolls and doodads! Christ! They are a bugger to handle. None of the quick throw-the-crate-off-the-ship shit! We had to practically hand-carry them one by one! You'd think you could enough china in China! Ok, that was feeble. I must be losing my touch!
Whoa! Who would've thought that I'd be as gobby on paper as I am in person? I hope things went well with your wedding. I know getting an invitation is a no-no, but I was hoping to watch from the rooftop! I hear the Chinese know how to throw a party too! Make sure you tell me every last sordid detail when I get back!
Take care, Fei. Be good, Duo.
Although lightened by the cheery mood of his friend's letter, Wu Fei still felt like bawling. For the first time in his life, he felt really alone.
<"Wu Fei?"> a deep bass voice interrupted his thoughts before he got too morose.
Wu Fei jumped to his feet and spun around. His sifu had managed to sneak up on him - as always. He quickly tucked the letter away and bowed to his master.
<"Yes, sifu?">
<"How are you?">
<"I'm fine,"> Wu Fei replied, slightly perplexed by his sifu's question.
<"I heard about what happened. Besides, when the most eligible young man in Canton is up for grabs, surely you don't expect the whole town NOT to know?"> Master Ron smiled, a tint of mischief in his eyes. Wu Fei recognised that glint - now he knew where Mei-Ran's mischievous trait came from.
<"Sifu!"> Wu Fei cried in protest, <"You make it sound like I'm some product to be taken by the highest bidder at an auction!">
<"On the contrary, YOU are the bidder. It's the girls that are the goods!">
<"If Mei ever catches you calling her 'goods', even you won't survive her wrath!">
Master Ron chuckled as he took a seat next to Wu Fei, <"Then, I am glad that she is not around to catch me saying things like that! But you are right; she is some firecracker. I pity the man who has to tame her.">
<"You really are taking advantage of her not being here, aren't you, sifu?">
<"Undoubtedly,"> Master Ron grinned, <"She is so much like her mother when it comes to being independent and hot-headed. I managed to tame her mother, I'm too old to do it again!">
Wu Fei let out a bark of laughter, <"You? Sifu, you are the only man you can cower her with one look. I say you've managed to 'tame' her well enough.">
<"She is obedient and filial as a daughter, but as a wife, she has a long way to go.">
<"Is that why you sent her away?"> Wu Fei hoped that he didn't sound too resentful when he asked the question.
<"That was part of the reason. But more importantly, I wanted her to learn things I couldn't teach her. The community may see me as a proficient doctor but I am lacking in some aspects of the trade. Mei's aunts will school her in those aspects and many others that only the womenfolk have knowledge of,"> Master Ron paused a moment before asking, <"You miss her, don't you?">
<"Yes, very much so,"> Wu Fei replied without thinking. He stiffened when he realised what he had just said.
<"Don't look so scared, Wu Fei,"> Master Ron smiled comfortingly, <"I am not blind. The both of you may have deceived your fellow students; I am not your sifu for nothing. Besides, you have spent the last seven years tormenting each other, don't you think I'd notice when you stop? I am not entirely surprised by the development of your relationship.">
Wu Fei's mind was reeling. In retrospect, it was hardly surprising that his sifu would have noticed the change in their demeanour towards each other. However, that did not entirely comfort Wu Fei, <"If you knew, are you not angry at me?">
<"No, Wu Fei. You are a man of honour. I have always had faith in you to do the right things, especially when it comes to the matters of the heart. I know you will do right by Mei.">
<"If that was meant to be comforting, you have failed,"> the young Chang practically wailed, <"I am certainly not doing the right thing by marrying another! I have abandoned her and she doesn't even know it yet!">
<"The gods do not always favour us,"> Master Ron replied sagely, <"I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to choose my wife. Do not be too hard on yourself, some parents are harder to defy. However, fortune and luck can sometimes defy the gods, and our parents, in our stead. Do not be to disheartened, I am certain Lady Hoi Yee will choose someone suitable for you.">
<"Suitable?"> Wu Fei snorted, <"That's the problem! I don't want someone 'suitable'. I want someone I want. Not someone the matchmakers deem 'suitable'. How do you define suitable, anyway? In terms of rank, wealth, skill or reputation?">
<"Well, griping about it to me is not going to make a difference, Wu Fei. Talk to your mother. Tell her how you feel. Lady Hoi Yee is not unreasonable,">
<"Yes, sifu,">
<"I think it's time you went home. Hiding out here isn't going make it any better. Beside, the rain has eased up, but it might not stay that way,">
<"Yes, sifu,">
<"And don't you worry about, Mei. She will understand,">
<"I hope you are right, sifu,"> Wu Fei sighed and stood, <"Good night,">
<"Good night, Wu Fei,">
As Wu Fei walked into the reception hall of the Chang Mansion, he found himself being assaulted by a small, flying, bouncy, hyperactive boy. Wu Fei caught the human cannonball, steadied himself to ensure the both of them didn't topple over in an undignified heap.
<"COUSIN WU!!!"> the small boy cried, <"Been waiting aaaaallllll day for you, where you been?">
Wu Fei laughed as he swung his young cousin around before setting him down, <"Hello, Chun, nice to see you too!">
<"You been training? What'cha learn? Can you teach me? I miss you! Will you play with me? I wanna know more about kung fu!">
<"One at a time! Calm down!"> Wu Fei held his cousin's shoulders to stop the boy from bouncing off the walls, <"Geez, what has Aunt Pui San been feeding you?">
<"Mama hasn't been feeding me anything. Li gave me some candy, Mama said it was okay.">
<"Well, I will have to have some words with Li later!"> Wu Fei held his hand out to Chun Fei, <"Where is your Mama?">
<"With Aunt Hoi Yee in the family room.">
<"Come on then, let's go find them,"> Wu Fei said, leading the boy to the family room, <"What are you doing here? I wasn't told you were going to visit.">
<"I dunno,"> Chun Fei shrugged, <"Mama and me were visiting grandma and then Mama said we were coming here since it so close.">
<"I see. How is your grandmother?">
<"She's okay,"> Chun Fei shrugged, <"It was boring there. There's nothing to do. I'm glad Mama came here.">
<"I'm sure you are.">
As they neared the family room, Chun Fei broke away from Wu Fei's grasp and bolted into the room screaming, <"MAMA! Cousin Wu is hooooome!">
Wu Fei cringed, hoping that Su Yin wasn't in the vicinity. This display of unbidden joy was often considered undisciplined by the Dragon Lady. Nevertheless, it lightened Wu Fei's heart to see and hear so much happiness in the house again, albeit fleeting.
Wu Fei followed his cousin into the room - his method of entry however was more restrained.
<"Hello, Wu Fei,"> Aunt Pui San greeted him as Chun Fei launched himself at his older cousin again, <"Chun! Behave yourself!">
Chastened, the youngest Chang let go of Wu Fei and shuffled back to his mother.
Wu Fei tittered, <"It's okay, Aunt Pui San. How are you?">
<"I am well, thank you,">
<"Have had dinner, Wu?"> Hoi Yee asked.
<"No,"> Wu Fei shook his head, <"But I'm not hungry, thank you. I will ask Li for something later.">
<"Sit and have some tea with us then. We were just talking about you,"> Pui San added.
<"Oh,"> Wu Fei replied, oh-so-intelligently, <"I suppose I don't have to ask what about?">
<"You're a smart boy, I'm sure you would've figured it out by now!">
<"That's not why you're here, are you?"> Wu Fei asked incredulously, <"To help Mother find me a wife?">
Pui San laughed, <"Don't sound so surprised - matchmaking is good fun! I was in the neighbourhood, so I thought I'd drop by anyway. And lo and behold, Hoi Yee told me about your marriage.">
<"Well at least SOMEONE is having fun with this.">
<"Hoi Yee, how do you cope with such a sour-puss like him?">
Wu Fei glared and harrumphed while Hoi Yee giggled.
<"With infinite patience.">
<"That's not fair! You're ganging up on me,"> Wu Fei pouted.
<"Oh, don't be so sensitive!"> Pui San replied, <"This is a time of celebration! This is a once in a lifetime affair, well, it is for the bride at least. Don't be such a wet blanket. With the both of us here what can go wrong, huh?">
Wu Fei held his tongue when a cheeky reply popped up. He knew Pui San would appreciate the humour but wasn't sure how Hoi Yee would react to it. Instead, of replying, he nodded obediently.
<"Mama, I'm booooorrrreddd!"> the forgotten boy suddenly piped up.
<"Chun! Mind your manners. Don't interrupt when we are talking,"> Pui San chided his son again.
<"I'm sorry, Mama,"> Chun Fei dropped his head, <"May I please go and play with Cousin Wu?">
<"That's better, but you haven't asked if Cousin Wu wants to play,">
<"Oh,"> Chun Fei looked with pleading eyes at his cousin and asked, <"Can I play with you?">
<"If our mothers give us leave, I'll be happy to spend some time with you,">
<"Mama, Aunt Hoi Yee, pleeeeeease? Can we go?">
<"Yes, you both may go,"> Hoi Yee replied.
<"Yaaaay!"> the boy bolted out the door.
<"His bedtime is in an hour, don't work him up too much, Wu,"> Pui San said, <"Then again, wear him out, that way there'll be less fuss putting him to bed.">
<"Sure, Aunt Pui San,"> Wu Fei smiled and took off after the boy.
Having Pui San there had cheered him up a bit. Chun Fei was a good source of fun and Pui San would be the sympathetic ear that Wu Fei had been looking for, the comfort and understanding that only another gwailo lover could provide was now available. Wu Fei hoped to corner his aunt later, after he baby-sat his cousin.
Half an hour later, Pui San found Wu Fei carrying her sleeping son to the guest room prepared for them. After a day of travel and the excitement of seeing his favourite cousin again, Chun Fei was pretty worn out anyway. After a few rounds of tag and a kung fu demonstration from Wu Fei, the boys had settle down in the fore courtyard to star gaze. Before soon, Chun Fei had fallen asleep curled up next to Wu Fei.
<"Out like a light,"> Wu Fei smiled as he gently laid the boy in his bed.
<"Geez, Wu, what's your secret?"> Pui San said tucking her son in, <"The fight he usually puts up! You'd think I asked him to hack his limbs off.">
<"I think he's been on a sugar rush all evening and it has just worn out,"> Wu Fei chuckled, <"I can't take all the credit.">
<"You are too modest. You're great with Chun. He looks up to you. He doesn't seem to get on with his brothers.">
<"It's most likely the age gap,"> Wu Fei shrugged.
<"Perhaps, but you and he don't seem to have a problem with that. You are nearly twice his age.">
<"He is my cousin. Brothers treat each other differently. It's all part of sibling rivalry, I guess. Trust me, Brother used to pick on me all the time. He only stopped about two years ago. It was about then when he stopped thinking of me as some silly kid. Give it time, Chun and his brothers will get along fine later.">
<"Perhaps,"> Pui San walked towards the door, <"Should we retire to another room for a more private conversation? You look like you could use one.">
<"You have no idea how that unnerves me,"> Wu Fei smirked as he ushered her to his solar.
<"What does?">
<"They way you read me, the way you seem to know what I am thinking.">
<"I'm just a good people person,"> Pui San shrugged, <"I spend a lot of time watching people. I don't have much else to do!">
<"How I envy you.">
<"Envy?"> Pui San asked, <"How so?">
<"Your parents no longer dictate what you should and shouldn't do and Uncle Soon does not seem to restrict you too much. I wish it were like so for me.">
<"You are an impatient lad, aren't you? Do you think I didn't go through what you are going through now? I was also arranged to marry. My parents weren't at all flexible with it. The moment the representatives of the notable Chang family waltz into my house announcing that Chang Soon wanted my hand in marriage I was as good as married.">
<"Yeah, I know, I know,"> Wu Fei flopped into a random chair, <"That's what Mother Hoi Yee said as well. I'm just complaining.">
<"I supposed you are entitled to. We all did, but you seem to be bearing up well, considering.">
<"I'm surviving. Although things did take a turn for worse earlier but now that you're here, I have another crutch to lean on.">
<"You seem to be taking this very hard. Why is that? Is it because of the book burning or the fact you're giving up your sweetheart?">
<"Why do you ask when you already know the answer?">
<"I have suspicions, Wu, not answers. But you've confirmed them now. Ever consider taking Mei-Ran as your second wife?">
<"She deserves better,">
<"Being a second wife is not a punishment, you know. Both your mother and I are.">
<"Oh, Aunt Pui San, I'm sorry I didn't mean... I mean ... I ..."> Wu Fei stuttered, embarrassed.
<"Relax, I didn't take offence. But I know what you meant. You just want the very best for her and you feel she deserves the 'prestige' of being a first wife,"> Pui San soothed, <"I am assuming Hoi Yee doesn't know about Mei-Ran?">
<"No,"> Wu Fei shook his head, <"No one but you, sifu and Duo.">
<"Who's Duo?">
<"Oh, friend from Ireland,">
<"Oooo... Irish? Misfit, you are a brave one huh?">
<"He's a good guy, who cares where he's from. We enjoy each other's company and that's good enough for me.">
<"Who am I to dictate who you befriend. Just be careful. If your father's reaction to your Western paraphernalia is any indication - ">
<"I know, don't worry. But, you've got less to worry about now since Duo's gone,"> Wu Fei signed, <"With little distractions and few childish diversions to monopolise my interest, I'm really going to be the good, obedient son that everyone expects of me.">
<"You are a good boy. Just because you have different interest doesn't mean you're disobedient,"> Pui San held her hand up to stop Wu Fei from retorting, <"I know you're going to say 'tell that to my father', so don't bother. You have to stop doing that. Things may have gone a little awry, but that does not mean it's the end of the world! You are still young; your father will undoubtedly dictate the direction your life should take. Don't feel that you have no control of your life whatsoever. It will take time, patience and perseverance. And most of all - the art of manipulation.">
<"What?"> Wu Fei's eye widen in surprise.
<"Trade secret, misfit,"> Pui San smirked at her nephew, <"You will learn that in time. Worry not, little Wu, Hoi Yee and I will take care of you until you've gained that knowledge yourself.">
<"You are not making sense, Aunt Pui San!">
<"Am I not?"> she rose from her seat, <"I must be tired - I HAVE had a long journey. Hoi Yee and I have an early appointment with the matchmaker tomorrow, I'd better be off to bed.">
<"Hey!"> Wu Fei protested, <"You can't just leave it at that! What are you talking about?">
<"You'll find out soon enough!">
<"You are so infuriating!">
Pui San giggled as she headed for the door, <"Yes, I know. Good night, dear nephew. Don't let this bother you too much. After all with me on the case, what could go wrong?">
Pui San shut the door without giving Wu Fei a chance to reply. The youth sighed and muttered to himself, <"That's what I was afraid of!">
As Hoi Yee and Pui San bustled from matchmaker to matchmaker, Wu Fei was charged with the task of keeping Chun Fei occupied and out of trouble. In a manner of speaking, he was glad he had something to occupy him. Having his mother and aunt whispering behind closed doors, plotting with matchmakers and falling silent whenever he walked into the room was driving him absolutely crazy. They were akin to giggling schoolgirls conspiring against him.
Baby-sitting Chun Fei was no easy task either. The youngest Chang was a ball of energy that even Wu Fei has trouble keeping up. Fortunately, Chun Fei had also taken a shine to Li and found Li's everyday chores much more interesting than Wu Fei's reading and moping.
One day, however, Wu Fei thought it might be an experience to take Chun Fei with him to his training session. The boy had always expressed an interest in the martial arts since he was old enough to walk. Although his sifu had excused him from most of his usual chores and lessons in light of the events that happened, Wu Fei still had some lessons to attend and lead.
<"That was so much fun!"> squealed the eight-year-old who was currently dancing around Wu Fei, attempting to mimic the moves he saw that afternoon.
<"I thought you might enjoy watching us train,"> the older Chang smiled as he tried to steady the hyperactive child.
<"It was like magic!"> the boy continued to gush, <"You were moving so fast and everyone else too. And you didn't get hit once! Then you were all moving together and everyone was sooooo good! I wanna be like that! Do you think Mama will let me learn? Will you teach me? Like the way you were shouting commands at the other kids?">
Wu Fei laughed as he ushered the boy into the front courtyard of the Chang Mansion. <"We'll have to ask your Mama if you can learn then! But I won't be able to teach you. You'll need to find your own sifu,">
<"Awww, do I have to? Why can't I learn from you?">
<"Yes, you have to because you live in Peking, I live in Canton, and I am a student myself. I am not qualified teach yet. But let's talk to your Mama first eh?">
<"Okay!"> Chun Fei then bolted straight into the house screaming for his mother.
Wu Fei winced - the boy certainly had a pair of healthy lungs. He chuckled wondering how much of an irritant the young lad has been to Su Yin. He knew his father did not mind children being children but Su Yin was a different matter. She believed that one had to conduct themselves in a fitting manner, no matter how old one was. It was no surprise that all her daughters were subdued and somewhat detached - Wu Fei doubted his half-sisters actually knew the meaning of fun. Fortunately, Kim Fei had managed to defy that strict upbringing, successfully finding the middle ground of being obedient and still have a laugh.
Wu Fei could hear Chun Fei's excited babble as he walked into the main reception hall, only to be assaulted by the dreaded colour of crimson! Every table, sideboard and chair was draped in cloths of varying scarlet. For a moment there, he felt like he had jumped forward in time to the next New Year celebrations.
Chun Fei had finally stopped talking to take a breath as his mother set him down on a chair. The little boy then proceeded to amuse himself with the countless buttons and scraps of cloths littered across the room.
<"Aaaa!"> Pui San cooed and accosted her nephew after, <"Just the man we were looking for,">
<"I'm not climbing rafters to put lanterns up!"> Wu Fei muttered.
<"What?">
<"Never mind,"> he shook his head, <"Pray tell, why is there an excessive amount of red in this room? Did someone bring forward the New Year without telling me?">
<"New Year is not the only thing we celebrate with red, silly boy!"> Pui San patted Wu Fei on the cheek, <"Weddings are in red too!">
<"Oh, that..."> Wu Fei sighed, <"I should've guessed,">
<"We need you to pick something you'd like for your suit,"> Hoi Yee said.
<"How about something not red?">
<"Don't be difficult,"> his smacked him lightly on the arm, <"You have a choice of satin, silk, damask, velvet, brocade - ">
<"Mother Hoi Yee?"> Wu Fei interrupted, <"I don't know the first thing about making clothes. Why don't you pick one? You'd be infinitely better at this than I,">
<"You're trying to worm your way out of this!"> Pui San added.
<"I assure you, Aunt Pui San, if I could worm my way out of this, I most certainly would, but since I know I can't, I won't even bother trying.">
<"Hah!"> she let out a short bark of laughter, <"If you knew your bride you wouldn't be saying that!">
Wu Fei's eyes almost fell out of their sockets. To say he was shocked to hear what his aunt had just said would be an understatement.
<"You've found me a bride?!"> he squeaked, voice a little higher than usual.
<"You sound surprised, dear,"> Hoi Yee teased, <"What do you think we've been doing for the past three weeks? Playing mahjong [1]?">
<"Who is she?"> Wu Fei's voice was not getting lower.
<"She's perfect for you. We were told that she's - "> Pui San began.
<"An obedient daughter,"> Hoi Yee continued.
<"Excellent seamstress,">
<"A good cook,">
<"Beautiful,">
<"Talented,">
<"Charming,">
<"Intelligent,">
<"Capable of independent thought,">
<"She'll adhere to none of this 'Yes, husband, no, husband' nonsense,">
<"Stop!"> Wu Fei suddenly bellowed, <"I didn't ask for a character profile! Besides, the last few points you spouted are just what I told you I wanted in a wife! I want to know who she is!">
<"You'll find out!"> Pui San grinned
<"When?!"> Wu Fei's nervousness was getting the better of him, <"On my wedding night?!">
<"That is the idea, dearest son. All part of our tradition,"> Hoi Yee replied then promptly held her hand up to silence her irate son, <"Now before you go shouting at us again, you would do well to remember who you are addressing,">
<"Indeed, little Wu. We are the only two people who are on your side,">
<"I'm on Cousin Wu's side too!"> the neglected boy suddenly added.
<"Yes, dear, we know. Why don't you go find Li to get you something to eat? You must be hungry.">
<"Yaaay!"> Chun Fei ran off, <"LIIIIII!">
Pui San sighed, <"What am I going to with that boy? What is it they say about children, Yee?">
<"Children are to be seen and not heard?"> Hoi Yee supplied.
<"Can we get back on topic please?"> Wu Fei almost knelt before his mother and aunt.
<"Oh? Why the sudden interest, Wu? I thought you wanted us to deal with everything and just turn up on the day?">
<"Oh, Aunt Pui San! Please stop torturing me! Tell me who she is! At least tell me her name!">
<"No,">
<"Mother!">
<"Trust us, Wu Fei! We don't want to get your hopes up or spoil the surprise. We said we've found the prefect bride, we didn't say the agreement with her parents has been finalised. So, sit tight, relax and in two months time you'll find out who she is.">
<"Two months? It takes that long to sort out the agreement of her parents.">
<"No, silly!"> Pui San tapped him on the head, <"The wedding is in two months!">
<"WHAT?">
<"Enough talk,"> Hoi Yee shoved a couple of reams of cloth under his nose, <"Now, pick a cloth!">
[1] Mahjong is a highly popular game in Hong Kong and has been for generations. I am, however, unsure when it came to being, so indulge, or enlighten) me. The basic concept of the game is similar to gin (the card game not the drink!) but played with tiles like dominos instead of cards. Ok, not very well described but you get the general idea. Don't you?
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