At the ceremony’s conclusion, the new citizens formed two lines, each leading to a table up front. They picked up their naturalization papers, and surrendered the proof of permanent residency status, the green card. Chin Fei clutching tightly onto the citizenship paper walked straight out ignoring the political activist at the door, who desperately wanted to hand over a leaflet on the correct Political Party affiliates. “Sorry, no time,” he swiftly took the first available elevator down, marched out of the Federal Building, and went straight to the nearest corner where he waited restlessly. Only five minutes later, seemingly much longer, he flagged a cab. “Immigration Building on Sansom, hurry please!”
The driver looked through the rear-view mirror, noted the urgency and acquiesces at once, “As fast as I can go.”
Amazing, the cab seemed to arrive in record time, and the grateful Chin Fei gave the driver more than was necessary. Without wasting a moment, he ran inside and pushed the seventh floor button of the waiting elevator. Mr. Freeman, the lawyer who had assisted in the application for citizenship, sat next to a client in the waiting area, exactly where he was expected to be.
“I’ve got it!” Chin Fei proclaimed triumphantly, waving the citizenship paper.
Startled, Mr. Freeman stared expressionlessly for a moment before replying with a smirk, “I see. I see, but do you have the rest of the necessities?”
Promptly, Chin Fei took out three one-hundred dollar bills and a paper with the required information, “Everything you want here.”
Mr. Freeman after a quick glance fanned the bills in front of Chin Fei, “I need three more of these in three months, three more in another three months, and three more when they arrive. You understand?”
Somewhat annoyed, Chin Fei answered with impatience, “Ok, ok, and you do it fast.”
Mr. Freeman raising one finger answered hesitantly, “Maybe. Not more than a year.”
“Sooner, if you can,” Chin Fei urged.
“I’ll try,” Mr. Freeman replied with more surety. “I’ll do what I can.”
“You try hard,” Chin Fei unyielding said.
Adjusting the collar, Mr. Freeman promised at last, “Yes, I’ll try hard.”
Fairly satisfied, Chin Fei without further words left the office and straight into a waiting elevator. Alone inside, he found the greediness of Mr. Freeman irritating but the accomplishment achieved today was above everything, “After all, he did help me get my citizenship. I have to trust him.” Outside, on the street again, Chin Fei took a deep breath and felt a great sense of relief; heavy burdens now were removed. After one more deep breath, he was elated at the reality of “Seeing my mother soon. It’s been sixteen years, and my brother was only nine.” His spirits soared even higher knowing, “Success will come soon, and I’ll bring honor and dignity back to my family. In this joyous moment and, since it’s only five blocks away, he decided to walk back to Chinatown and celebrate by eating a great lunch there.”
Grinning and giddy all the way up the steep hill, he hopped and skipped and found courage to greet everyone along the way. “Hello, nei-ho-ma?” “What a beautiful day!” “Gung hay fat choy!’ he said and even bowing. At last, with both feet planted in Chinatown, he reveled, “From now on life will be wonderful. After all my pain and suffering, I am still here, alive, and well.” He looked up at heaven and shouted, “Heaven do have eyes, doh-je, doh-je, (thank you)!”
‘Perhaps I should go to the Grand Palace and share this occasion with my co-workers.” Before a decision could be reached, two familiar voices called out, one after another.
“Chin Fei!”
“Chin Fei!”
He turned and saw it was Ah-Ming and Ah- Fong. Greatly surprised and pleased by their presence, he wondered out loud, “Huh, what are you two doing here? Why aren’t you both at work?”
“Wey, it’s our day off!” Ah-Fong retorted indignantly.
“Oh, that ‘s right . Sorry, sorry,” sensing what he had said did not come out right, offered, “If you two haven’t eaten yet, let me treat.”
“Ho-r!’ both answered agreeably.
They decided to eat at the Yang-Tse just around the corner. On the way, Chin Fei began telling them about his audacious day. Detailing it all, the citizenship ceremony and even how the irritating Mr. Freeman will help getting his parents over here. And because the two guests listened attentively and congratulating wholeheartedly, Chin Fei ordered plenty, and willingly some of the most expensive dishes on the menu.
The delighted Ah-Ming who savored all the dishes on the table, suggested, “Chin Fei, today surely is your lucky day, and I think you probably will be lucky throughout the coming year, too. Why don’t you go and see the famous blind fortuneteller to find out for certain?”
“Yes, Chin Fei, why don’t you?” Ah-Fong agreeing along, “That blind fortuneteller is the best. Our friend Lo Wong went to have his palm read, and he was told he was going to make a small fortune soon. And two weeks later, sure enough, it happened. Lo Wong went to Reno and won five thousand dollars!”
Chin Fei shaking the head laughing, “I don’t need a blind man to tell me my fortune. I already know its good, because I plan to make it good. Besides, I don’t believe in that stuff anyway.”
“You don’t have to believe. Just do it for fun.”
“And it cost only five dollars.”
Lighthearted, Chin Fei contemplated a moment and agreed halfhearted, “Maybe it would be fun. I’ve never been to a fortuneteller before.” He laughed again, unable to remember the last time this enjoyable.
Ching Ying Tong, two blocks away, sold various ancient Chinese medicines and rare herbs imported from all over the world. The blind man, reputed to be the Lotus Cloud from Western Palace of the Grand Dukes of heaven, waited inside the back room. He had, some say, been transformed and assigned the mortal sage of Chinatown. Bravely, Chin Fei, following Ah-Fong and Ah-Ming closely, walked past the counter of preserved snakes and white infant mice, and entered the sage’s den, separated by a peacock bamboo curtain.
A small room, it was lit only by a thick ruby candle centered on a round yang and yin marble table top. Directly behind it sat the omnipotent sage in a lotus position; eyes seemed mystical in the flickering light, waiting in impervious solitude for next fortune seeker.
A timid Chin Fei merely a foot forward, and the blind fortuneteller tempted, “Do sit, do not be afraid.”
After receiving a reassuring smile from both companions, Chin Fei lowered gingerly to the floor.
Without another word the fortuneteller extended both hands out. Chin Fei instinctively offered the right hand. The sage took it and placed the palm up, feeling every line with the thumb, and then placing the hand between both of his, and slowly rubbing it. After thirty seconds, which seemed endless to the sweating Chin Fei, the sage’s mouth moved, “The year, month, and time you entered this world.”
Nervous and unprepared, Chin Fei almost forgot, barely getting it out, “Nineteen forty-five, first month at sunrise.” Making sure that the fortuneteller got it correctly, he repeated more slowly, “Nineteen…forty…five…first month…at sunrise.”
Instantly, the sage dropped the hands, lines in the forehead stressing, eyes shut, hands pressed together in prayer, and uttered, “ali-ta-fu” several times before reverting back to the lotus position and remained rigid.
A long minute passed, Ah-Fong, watching silently with Ah-Ming, losing patience and blurted out, “What is it? What’s his fortune?” one after the other.
Despite this outburst, the sage stayed motionless and not leaking a word.
Completely mystified, the three stared helpless at each other. Chin Fei, at last, stood up and, a shrug of the shoulders said, “We leave.”
At that moment, the blind sage blinked twice and revealed, “Happiness, tranquility, and then success.”
“Happiness, tranquility, and success. Wah! What great fortune!” Ah-Fong shouted, forgetting he was still in the sage’s den.
Ah-Ming, too, was loud, “Really great fortune.”
They both congratulated Chin Fei who placed a five dollar bill on the lap of the great sage and said, “Doh-je,” for the good fortune and for being finally over.
One following the other, they left the sage’s den. Each rushed past the long dreary counter and out of the Ching Ying Tong with a wide grin. Ecstatic, Ah-Fong and Ah-Ming clapping their hands while repeating, “Happiness, tranquility, and then success. Truly great fortune!” Worthy of saying several times, and they did.
“Happiness, tranquility, then success…. Wah!”
Chin Fei wiped off the perspiration on the forehead,” I’m glad it wasn’t real bad,”
“Bad? Not a chance. You’ve got a great future ahead. Fat choy for sure.” Ah-Fong boasted.
“Happiness, tranquility, and then success.” Chin Fei repeated it several times, to dispel a feeling that it was not quite right. And finally figured out, “Shouldn’t it be success first then happiness and tranquility?”
Before Ah-Fong or Ah-Ming could comment, he eased the doubt with a popular verse of an ancient philosopher. “I guess it’s much like that mystical Chuang Tzu poem: Am I dreaming of being a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming of being me?”
“Don’t be philosophical now,” Ah-Ming reminding, “Those three words are good in any order you put them. You’re going to fat choy for sure.”
They all nodded and shared a long bantering good laugh before Chin Fei took a peek at the watch, “It’s getting late. I had a lot of fun, especially at the sage’s den. Better go home, and freshen up, before I go to my godfather’s. See you at work tomorrow.”
They understood and before going their way both said politely, “Our treat next.”
“”Yes, our turn next.”
Along the way home, Chin Fei stopped at the Hong Wah market, requested one crispiest roast ducks “Leave it whole” and one fattest soy-sauce flavored chickens “Have it cut up” At the Corner Produce market few doors down, he asked for one five-pound bag of their special “golden coin sweet oranges.” To top it all, he squeezed through the crowded Mei-Wah Bakery and picked out a huge mandarin orange cream-filled cake. “Tonight, I plan to celebrate!” He told the girl behind the counter.
“With Whom?” The girl with raising eyebrows.
“With my godfather, of course.” Chin Fei answered flatly without a clue being teased.
Loaded with packages, Chin Fei ran up three flights of stairs humming all the way; “Jingle bells, jingle bells…” But almost dropped everything when he saw the lucky red paper pasted on the door, “Welcome the prosperous New Year,” and said astonishingly, “Who put it there?” studied the characters and recognized Yan Tu’s stroke. ‘Couldn’t be?’ He thought and glanced at the watch, ‘She’s still at work, not time yet.’ After placing some bags on the floor, he unlocked the door, pushed it open, and picked them up again.
She was sitting at the kitchen table, motionless with one hand resting inside the other; both lay palm up on the very edge. Her eyes focused sightlessly on the hands; she did not look up when the door opened until a bag of oranges fell and hit the hardwood floor with a loud thud, “You’re home!” and got up immediately to help.
Together, they picked up the oranges and placed the packages on top of the table. Extremely concerned, Chin Fei inquired, “Yan Tu, why are you home early? Something wrong? Are you still sick?”
Yan Tu sat back down on the chair, “No, I’m fine. They just let me off early to see a doctor.”
Chin Fei sitting directly across from her leaned forward and peered, “What do you mean you are fine, but had to see a doctor?”
She lowered the head slightly, “I am fine, except-“
“Except what, Yan Tu?” edging the chair closer.
“Except, except I am…”
Annoyed, raising the voice and pleaded, “Yan Tu, except what?”
At last she said in a whisper, “Except I am going to have a baby.”
“You’re going to have a what?’ the eyes grew larger, unsure he had heard correctly, “Did you say you’re going to have a baby?”
This time Yan Tu looked up, smiled and firmly, “You’re going to be a father.”
Now it was Chin Fei who would not speak, or unable to speak, with a lump in the throat he merely repeated Yan Tu’s words, “You’re going to be a father.”
Yan Tu giggled, “No, you are.”
“Really?” Placing both hands on the cheeks, “I’m going to be a father. I’m going to be a father. This is truly a happy day.”
Yan Tu agreed spiritedly and lauded, “Yes, a true double happiness. Today you are a new citizen and soon a new father.”
“Yes!” Chin Fei absolutely agreed, “A double happiness indeed!”
“When, Yan Tu?”
“By the August Moon Festival.”
“Good month! Good month!” Tenderly, the father-to-be suggested to mother-to-be, “Yan Tu, you better take it easy. Perhaps you should go lie down and rest.”
Yan Tu, pleased with this thoughtfulness, “You go and take a rest. Your day has been a long one.”
“It’s true I had a long day, but I’m too excited to rest. And too happy to feel tired.” He smiled warmly, “How about some sweet oranges? That should be good for you.”
Ignoring the refusal and completely forgetting they were for Godfather, he took three out and after slicing all offered, “Eat, juicy and sweet.”
Unused to such tenderness, Yan Tu blushed and took one slice politely using two fingers.
While Yan Tu enjoyed the sweet treat, Chin Fei recounted the day. Uncharacteristically, he shared every detail, the glorious ceremony, the successful meeting with Mr. Freeman, the delicious lunch with his co-workers, and then the encounter with the blind fortunate teller.
Yan Tu listened to every word and affirmed; the day was extraordinary. Except for one possible flaw, “Shouldn’t success come first? Then happiness and tranquility?”
“That was also my misgiving; exactly what I thought, should be reversed.” They discussed it together, concluding such a trivial matter could not ruin their remarkable day. “It’s five o’clock,” Yan Tu realizing, “Shouldn’t we freshen up first before leaving?”
“My lucky day is not over, so I’ll wear my lucky suit. As a matter of fact, it has just begun. There will be many more happy days ahead!”
“Yes!” Yan Tu assured, “Many happy days ahead!”
This time, Chin Fei walked half-a-step behind, afraid she might slip and fall. Throughout the short walk, he stressed constantly, “ Siu-sum,.(Be careful)” “Maan-maan.(Slowly)” And “Tai-lo. (watch your step)”
At each request, Yan Tu lowered the head hiding the joyous grin.
Godfather Lew welcomed them with open arms and thanked wholeheartedly for the unnecessary gifts.
“Siu-yee-see, (small token)” Chin Fei repeated modestly, happy godfather was pleased. But when he saw all the food on the dining table, wished he had brought more. There were eight dishes including his favorites, oyster beef over baby bok-choy, steamed salmon in black bean sauce and baked stuffed squab with sweet lemon plum sauce.
“I spent all morning preparing this for you,” his godmother good-naturedly said.
“You’re too hark-hey (polite), too hark-hey,” Chin Fei bowed in appreciation.
Godfather Lew protested, “Let’s not waste time on idle talk. Why don’t we all pick up our chopsticks and celebrate?”
Everyone delightfully put their chopstick to use and midway through Chin Fei heightened the merriment when he announced, “I’m going to be a new father.”
Shrieking with delight, Godfather Lew went to the kitchen cabinet and brought back a bottle of cognac, “My dear godson, I know you don’t drink, but this is a great day in your life. You have reached the pinnacle of manhood. You have brought pride and joy to your family, and soon you will bring back honor and dignity. For this auspicious occasion, I’m going to make a toast. A drink of celebration and commemoration.”
Accepting proudly, Chin Fei lifted the glass with both hands, “Thank you, my Godfather, for your faith in me. You have treated me like your own son for nine years and I am grateful forever. I hope soon to bring honor and dignity not only to my family, but to you as well.”
All cheered, their glasses raised and shouting, “Gong-pui (bottoms up)!”
“Gong-pui!”
“Gong-pui!”
There was simply too much food. After dinner, Yan Tu gave Godmother Lew a helping hand willingly, while Godfather Lew and Chin Fei went to the living room with the unfinished cognac still in their hands.
Godfather Lew enjoyed every aspect of Chin Fei’s great day, and then commented solemnly, “Chin Fei, I think it’s time to implement your next plan. Remember our trip to San Jose? Have you considered it?”
“Yes, I have, Godfather,” Chin Fei replied earnestly, “ And I think its great idea. And like you said I could be successful like Madam Wu in Hollywood whose restaurant is a high class one. And in a year or two I’ll have enough money and my brother will be here to help.”
“Good,” a pleased Godfather Lew then asked, “How about the other matter we discussed? I’ve been hoping for a long time that you’d come around to it. You know I have never pushed you.”
“No, you haven’t,” Chin Fei understood what he was referring. “And I appreciate that. And I have been thinking about it, too. But I have to believe it in my heart first.”
“Of course. And in due time, you’ll be touched, I am certain of that.” Godfather Lew leaned closer, “There’s also something else I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not criticizing, but this is something I hope you will consider.”
“Sure, go ahead ,Godfather,” Chin Fei replied earnestly, “You know I always listen to you.”
“Good. “ He put down the glass, “I know you have had a very rough life and struggled since you were very young. But you have come a long way. I’m extremely proud of your efforts, determination, and perseverance. During these times, you are probably unaware that you have become distant, and to some extent, seem bitter. Now that you have reached the end of a long, dark tunnel; you must remove your bitterness and allow yourself to be happy.”
“I think I understand. I should enjoy life a little more and not be so serious all the time. It will be difficult until I’ve accomplished my goal.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Godfather Lew emphasized, “You should pursue your quest to its end, but you can also enjoy life.”
Wanting to please his godfather, ”I really did have a good time today.”
“Good.” Godfather Lew in a lower voice,” This is a momentous time for you, but… but what I want to tell you…really want you to think about is having more affection for Yan Tu. You have been married for almost three years, and now she is to have your baby. In all this time, have you considered her happiness? Or taken her anywhere? What I’m saying is, perhaps you will grow closer if you spend more time with her.”
Those questions stung Chin Fei, and immediately, he thought over these few years they shared together. He could not recall taking her anywhere. Nor had he shown her much affection . With sudden regret, he asked,” Godfather Lew, since I had such a big day today, and she is a mother-to-be, should I take her out tomorrow and celebrate?”
“That’s a splendid idea!” Godfather Lew applauded with a single clap of the hands, “Take tomorrow off, and spend the whole day with her.”
“Where should we go?”
“Let me see…” Godfather Lew stroking the beard suggested, “how about Golden Gate Park? There’s a lot to see. Since neither of you have ever been there, you could spend the whole day easily.”
“Sounds good, good idea,” Chin Fei’s eyes sparkled, “I’ll tell her tonight.”
**********************************
“I want us to take tomorrow off,” Chin Fei told Yan Tu just before slipping into bed.
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“No. It’s time we spend a day together.”
“You want to spend time with me?” She leaned up on one shoulder, eyes searched in dubious delight.
“Yes,” he replied firmly, with affectionate eyes, “we can spend the whole day at Golden Gate Park.”
“You sure?” She began to believe.
“Yes, for certain.”
“Ah…” Yan Tu’s softly said with a hand covering the face.
“What’s wrong, Yan Tu?”
She wiped the eyes, “I am just happy.”
Happy to see her happy, he wanted to say from now on I will take good care of you, spending more times with you, and show my love for you, but the words would not come out, not knowing how. Instead turned off the light, leaned over and kissed her gently on the lip and held tightly. Their first kiss. Significantly, he displayed affection for the first time since childhood, releasing emotions suppressed ever since. Tonight, holding Yan Tu in his arms, he realized great joy in their intimacy.
A first! Chin Fei did not wake up at four in the morning. And he didn’t care. Time was unimportant as he stretched leisurely. Still exuberant from yesterday, he remained in bed. Nothing bothered him, neither the small bed, the peeling paint on the ceiling, the stained rug, nor the tiny bathroom. Even the stuffy odor, he usually smelled throughout the apartment, went unnoticed. Yan Tu was fixing breakfast, when he got up at nine o’clock. It was the latest he had ever gotten up since almost nine years ago when he first arrived in Gum San and work had not started.
He snuck silently behind who was cooking in front of the stove, “Good Morning,” squeezing the shoulders tenderly with both hands, “Why did you get up so early?”
“No,” Yan-Tu blushed, “I didn’t get up early. Sorry if I woke you.”
“Not at all. I slept like a baby.” He stretched the arms wide and let out a yawn, “Never felt this well. I’ll go wash up first and then we can begin our trip.”
She turned and smiled, “Yes, you do that. Then come and have breakfast. I already called work. It’s all set.”
“Good and I’ve got directions to the park from Godfather Lew in my pocket.”
They ate good portions of the steamed dumpling and shared a bowl of pork noodle soup before heading out with Chin Fei making a conscientious effort to walk closely behind Yan-Tu watching her every step. And at the nearest corner read out loud the instructions.
“First take the cable car down to Market Street, then take the number 71 bus to Ninth and Lincoln, and finally transfer to the number 44 bus. Not so hard,” he told Yan Tu confidently, “only two blocks away.”
Despite the closeness they shared last night, Chin Fei and Yan Tu were both shy, like two teenagers anticipating their first date. He reached out a hand when the cable car came leading the way for he had more experience riding it once. They found enough space, squeezed between others, sitting side-by-side with the cool breeze blowing in their hair, looked at each other and burst into giggles. Surely they thought the trolley would go off the tracks into the sky, as it clanged up the hill!
By the second bus ride, Chin Fei sat closer and at one point held hands. This small gesture touched her heart; one unforgettable moment. ‘Now, everyone can see his love for me,’ she breathed softly, ‘worth the wait.’ She squeezed tightly and not letting go.
Immersed in a world of intimacy, where no words were needed, time seemed to move differently; their hour-long ride took minutes. As the last passenger got off the bus, they realized Golden Gate Park was there, waiting.
Japanese Tea Garden, a major tourist attraction, was right there, so they decided to see it first. Inside, they found a world of serenity, provided by nature’s best, slightly aided by the artistry and dedication of man. Hand in hand, they strolled leisurely through the park inside a park, and were captivated by its beauty.
“Life in here seems to be beginning in this February month. The brown leaves on the trees begin to turn green, the buds of the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and the swallows perched on the top begin to nest,” Chin Fei romanced and pulling Yan Tu closer, “as our life has just begun, too.”
A man with a Polaroid interrupted, “Want your pictures taken? Only three dollars.”
Chin Fei blushed and refused, seeing Yan Tu’s disappointment, “Yes, one picture.”
The Polaroid picture showed a happy couple, arm over arm, standing on top of an Oriental bridge wasn’t the best quality nor well-focused, but Yan Tu was, nonetheless, thrilled. She suggested they should have it enlarged and framed. Chin Fei agreed, enchanted by her innocent enthusiasm, he noticed her charm, and how attractive she was in her white turtleneck sweater and navy-blue slacks. Most of all, he sensed under this unassuming characteristics a core of inner strength. He recalled countless instances of her comfort, subtle advice and guidance in a new light. ‘Undoubtedly, she will bring the same loving attention to raising our child. All I could hope for,” he pulled her closer, ‘is right here in my arms.’
Unintentionally, the walk in the garden consumed a good part of the afternoon. Chin Fei, feeling hungry when they walked out, saw a vendor near the exit selling Kosher beef hot dogs,” Yan Tu, are you hungry, too?”
“Only a little.”
“Let’s not eat too much now, just share one, because I plan to treat you to a gourmet dinner tonight.’’ When she smiled, he boasted, “ I’m going to take you to a very special restaurant where they serve the tastiest lobsters. Have you eaten lobster before?’
Not admitting she had, “I can’t remember ever. Sounds delicious.”
“For now, one hot dog and one soda, please.”
They had fun eating; biting from opposite ends, right up to each other’s lips. Both wiped off ketchup and mustard and tried hard, without success, from laughing, and taking turns sharing the same straw from one drink, staying on a bench not ever wanting to move.
There Yan Tu laid her head against his shoulder, and he with an arm around her, together without a care marveled the serene surroundings. They were near the center of the park where rows of tall eucalyptus trees provided perfect shade from the sun. Sea gulls swirled beneath the pale blue sky, and tame pigeons cooed and searched for tidbits near their feet. People occasionally walked past, but Chin Fei and Yan Tu looked no different from countless lovers who had cuddled there.
In this balmy setting, Chin Fei at last found the courage to express his deepest feelings, “From now on I’ll be a better husband. I will treat you better and be a good father to our children, and soon the quality of our life will change. I know for sure because, I finally have a vision. A vision that I will accomplish my dream; this country gives me the opportunity to realize it, and I intend to stay and making it come true. We will have a good life here, I promise.”
Chin Fei shared his plans including how they would raise their son. YanTu listened, occasionally nodding approval. When he said he was going to succeed, she knew it was true; and when he said they were going to have a son, she believed.
Later, the sun cast a brilliant orange over much of Golden Gate Park; Chin Fei marveled with regret, “Isn’t the sunset beautiful? Yet, at the same time, its nature’s way of telling us we have to go. All good things must come to an end.” After only a moment, the optimism fully returned, “We can always come back and see the rest of the park some other day. For us, there will many splendid days like this ahead.”
“Yes, we will be back.”
Chinatown’s lights glittered under the darkening sky as the got off the cable car, Chin Fei suggested, “Let’s go to the Golden Lantern Restaurant. Ah-Fong told me they served the best Cantonese-style lobster in the whole world. Let’s take a chance and try?”
Hungry, Yan Tu pulled his hand eagerly toward that direction, “Let’s go.”
Golden Lantern Restaurant, between Sacramento and Grant Street, was filled with customers. A young perky hostess, wearing a chang-som, greeted them affably , “Welcome to our establishment, and humbled to serve you. And with only a short wait we will have a table for you, fifteen minutes the most.”
Disappointed but determined Chin Fei looked at Yan Tu, who returned a nod, “I know it’s going to be good. We don’t mind the short wait.”
The short wait became an hour: Chin Fei and Yan Tu frowned when their stomached growled.
“So sorry, “the hostess apologized as she finally led them to their table, “It’s worth the wait. Look, you’re getting the best table in the house, right in the center.”
“True,” said Chin Fei and laughed, “I’m happy we got a table at all,” and to Yan Tu with sympathy, “I know you must be starving. Let’s order quickly.”
Once their waiter arrived, Chin Fei put down the menu he barely looked, without hesitation, “We’ll start with wintermelon soup, then jumbo spicy pan-fried shrimp, oyster-flavored gai-lan, and, of course, your famous lobster Cantonese-style.” In the same breath, “Please make that fast. We’re starving.”
“Sure, I’ll tell the chef to make it quick just for you.” He heard the same line all night and answered back with ease, so convincing both of them nodded and with Chin Fei complimenting, “You’re a good man.”
Chin Fei surveyed the beautiful decorations. All three walls were covered with gold-plated mirrors and black vinyl booths fitted alongside. The rest of the tables were round shaped and arranged in front of the booths and donning a gold colored table cloth and in the middle a miniature lantern with a red candle inside as centerpiece. Exotic lanterns, each with a distinctive shape in a multitude of colors hung majestically from the ceiling.
Older and conservatively dressed patrons occupied most of the booths, except the one directly behind Chin Fei occupied by three youths wearing black cotton jackets sat. They looked rather rough and seemed out of place. ‘Gang members eating here?’ Chin Fei concerned for a second and when he saw other patrons all around unconcerned dismissed it totally and refocused on Yan Tu again and said sweetly, “Nice atmosphere, huh?
Yan Tu replied demurely, “Yes, very nice. And you have made it all so wonderful. Thank you, for I will always treasure this lovely day.”
Chin Fei watched the movements of her lips, but barely heard the words. Suddenly, he no longer felt hungry. Emotions he had suppressed broke free and he realized being a loving husband, as Godfather Lew suggested, was not a struggle. ‘She did enjoy today. I gave her all my thoughts and feelings, how satisfying to make her happy. It’s easy! And true. I do love Yan Tu.’ All he wanted at this moment, was to feel her tender touch.
As the waiter entered the dining room from the kitchen with their wintermelon soup, two men burst out from directly behind. Both wore ski-masks and each held a sub-machine gun. They ran toward the front, knocking the waiter to the floor. Without warning, one shot up at the ceiling; the other fired directly at the booth behind Chin Fei.
Within seconds, the dining room erupted in screams, as people scrambled to get out of the way. Tables and chairs overturned. Dishes and glasses broke. Silverware flew everywhere. Shredded pieces of lanterns flew in all directions.
Chin Fei never had a chance. His eyes staying focus on Yan Tu. He was oblivious to others, and saw nothing; no one else mattered. When the bullet hit, he flinched; and with panic eyes falling down he instinctively, like the great swimmer he was, stretching out a hand out at Yan Tu.
Speechless with horror, she knelled down and grabbed the outstretched hand and held tightly.
His limp hand starting to slip away and she screamed, “Chin Fei!” “Chin Fei!” “Chin Fei?”
Groping for breath, Chin Fei whispered, “Yan Tu, YOU are my Gold Mountain.”
“Chin Fei, my husband,” she poured out all the love.
Using the last strength with, tender eyes, he lifted a hand and caressed her cheek softly and, slowly down the waist, reaching and touching the unborn child. Yan Tu felt a movement and in that instant, a tranquil look overtook Chin Fei, and she knew he was no longer in this world.