She was changing the subject on purpose. Bringing up filial piety because she knew what that did to me. Slapped me into submission even though I already felt like I always put their feelings, their wants first, above mine.

“Please tell me if Bǎbá is sick.”

She ignored me. “Show us how xiàoshùn you are and bring Andrew home for Christmas, okay? We want to see both of you. Most important, though? I need to get to know him better, before Hongbo’s proposal deadline.”

She swept out of the bathroom.

There was something wrong with my dad. How serious, I wasn’t sure, but they wouldn’t keep it from me if it was simply a cold. I had to find a way to get to the bottom of it. Which was just one more problem to add to the pile. Because I didn’t have enough money to afford Andrew again next month. But I didn’t really have a choice, did I?

Drew

Mrs. Wang returned to the table first, smiling at me. “It’s settled, Andrew. You’ll join us for Christmas. If your parents want to, they’re welcome to come here for the holiday—your brother, too. Then you’ll all be together and they can’t be upset.”

I was caught off guard for a second (a rarity) but managed to pull it together. “That’s so generous of you. I will of course let them know. I’m afraid they tend to host all the extended family for the holidays since our house is the most centrally located and the largest”—her eyes gleamed, and I felt a little gross—“so they likely won’t be able to come, but I’m sure they will be so appreciative of the invitation.”

I really hoped Mrs. Wang was not ballsy (rude?) enough to invite herself and Mr. Wang over to “my” house for the holidays instead.

Also, mental note: bring the Wangs something from “my parents” if Jing-Jing rebooks me.

“Ah! Too bad. Maybe we can find another time to meet them.”

Did Jing-Jing have enough money to rent some in-laws?

“Excuse me, I’m going to check on Jing-Jing,” I said, putting my napkin down and walking to the closed bathroom door.

“She might be going to the bathroom!” Mrs. Wang called out to me. “Number one, of course, but still.”

I rapped my knuckles lightly, just a couple times. “Jing-Jing? Are you okay?”

The door opened so quickly it startled me, and before I’d even realized what was happening, she brushed past me and returned to the table.

“I’m fine,” she said brusquely as she whizzed by.