By the time Alfred arrived at the Marco Polo, the 10:30 show was well under way. A melodious voice singing one of Teresa Teng’s signature ballads, “Yuèliàng Dàibiǎo Wǒ de Xīn,” or “The Moon Represents My Heart,” hypnotized the room. Alfred hadn’t heard the romantic song in some time, and the sweetness of the voice was eerie. He looked at the stage to see if somehow the Marco Polo had done the impossible and brought Teresa Teng to Vancouver’s Chinatown. They had, after all, hosted the Platters in the past. To Alfred’s amazement, it was Mother.

Alfred described the rouge on her cheeks and lips, the red polish on her long fingernails, and the fluffy curls of her hair topped by a crown of gleaming fake jewels. Wearing a sequined evening gown, Mother glided across the stage with her arms outstretched, casting a spell over the crowd. The notes escaped her pouting lips effortlessly, beckoning waltzing lovers to the dance floor.

Alfred told me that it was poignant that he entered the Marco Polo to that song. The popularity of Teresa Teng was a sign of modernization, as well as cultural innovation, showing the world that Chinese music was richer and more diverse than just the revolutionary songs. The song Mother sang represented a decadence that the Communist Party tried to quell, but the government could not prevent it from seeping into the country.

Mother’s set ended with “Goodbye My Love,” an iconic song about a promise not to forget someone after they had passed.

After her set, Mother changed her clothes and joined Alfred at the bar. Eyes were on the couple, since everyone wondered why the famous singer Pearl had come out tonight for the first time to join someone for a drink. The bartender, protective of Mother, glared at anyone who looked like they were contemplating interrupting them.

“Swee Hua, I had no idea you were performing here,” Alfred said. “I had heard about the magnificent Pearl but of course didn’t know it was you.”

“I needed to make some money, and this was the easiest way for me to do it,” Mother explained.

“I wish I had known. I would have come sooner.”

“I know,” Mother said, and they embraced. “Wei, listen. I’ve been talking to Cathy Yee. Do you remember her?”

“Yes, she was my fixer. She got me the job at the restaurant.”

“She is very resourceful. She got me this job here and has been helping me plan for the future. I’m going back.”

“What do you mean, Swee Hua?”

“When I heard those critical things you said about China at the immigration board, I realized you were in a difficult position. But your writing inspired me. It made me think about reconnecting with my homeland,” she said.

“Which homeland would that be?”

“Brunei, anywhere in Asia. Anywhere but here.”

“But your home is here?”

“But my roots are there. I feel at home there. Isn’t that worth reclaiming, protecting, preserving?”

“You and Ah Loy and the children have built something here in Canada.”