Daiyu’s friends met each other’s gazes in bewilderment.

“Dying from hunger and illness exacerbated by our polluted air and water, from the tainted foods,” I went on, somehow keeping my voice even. “Maybe if more Taiwanese could actually live longer, there wouldn’t be so many orphans in need?”

Orphans like me.

My neck felt hot, and I wanted more than anything to tear that stupid satin bow tie off and unbutton the tight collar of my perfectly starched shirt.

“You can stop now,” Joseph said, his free hand fisted. “You’re insulting Daiyu.”

I lowered my head to calm myself, to try and curb my ire in the face of their ignorance. What would Victor do? He’d charm and compliment, not risk his cover by telling these oblivious yous the truth.

“I think he makes a valid point, though.” Yongming’s deep voice interrupted my thoughts.

I stared in surprise at the boy who reminded me of the Hulk in a tux, and he gave me a hesitant grin.

“I take walks through the city all the time,” Yongming went on. “There are so many hungry kids without parents and sick adults on the streets lacking the necessary medical care. Raising money for the Children’s Foundation helps; it’s a great organization. But it’s only applying pressure to stanch the wound, isn’t it? We are not addressing the heart of the problem.”

I had thought the guy had wrinkled his brow in confusion at my statement. But he had done it in thought. I had misjudged him—because he looked like a muscle head, because he was rich.

“You walk around the city, man?” Joseph asked, his tone dripping with distaste. “Those meis can be dangerous. . . .” He shut up abruptly, flicking a glance toward Daiyu, who kept her gaze on the bubbles rising in her glass. I knew then that Joseph, at least, knew about her kidnapping. Maybe no one else.

Helen took a small step forward and took her boyfriend’s hand, tilting her chin up. “Of course Yong Yong walks around Taipei. It’s our city, after all. And it’s why he wants to be a doctor.”

Yongming smiled down at his girlfriend and raised her hand to kiss it, the gesture of affection so natural, I could tell it was something he did often.

“I wanted to let you know I can see where you’re coming from, Jason.” Yongming nodded at me.

Daiyu appeared pensive, then assessed me with an inquisitive glint in her light brown eyes. Still clutching the colorful bouquet, she looked like a goddess being wooed.