Post by Lanie on Jun 6, 2005 18:15:46 GMT -5
Chapter 4
At the village meeting, everyone is gathered around Kiu Wai as he is ready to announce his news. The villagers are opposing to the idea the moment he mentions “changing last name”. They all raise their voice disagreeing with his decision, expressing that such an act is a disgrace to their people as well as to the ancestors. Chiu Wai explains to them that his brother is willing to change his last name to exchange for everyone’s future. After a careful consideration, they then calm down and tell Kiu Wai that they support his decision.
On the 3rd day, Mr.Koo comes into the village for an answer from Kiu Wai. He walks over to the river and finds Kiu Wai sitting there staring into the water.
Mr.Koo: Mr.Miu, do you have an answer for me yet?
Kiu Wai just remains quiet and still looks down into the river. Mr.Koo can tell that he is sad and not enthusiastic in accepting the proposal.
Mr.Koo continues: Mr.Miu, I know that this is very hard for you. Does it really matter what your last name is? If this is what it takes to help your village, it doesn’t matter whose last name you’re carrying. Think about the big picture.
Kiu Wai: I thought over already Mr.Koo. My answer is yes. I will follow you back to the Ton Family.
Mr.Koo: Good, you have a good will. Later on, you can come back here to recover your last name. It’s not the end yet.
Kiu Wai: Give me a few hours. I need to say good-bye to my family.
Kiu Wai goes back home to pack for his departure. His mother is shedding her tears quietly while helping him pack.
Kiu Wai hugs his mother: Mother, please forgive me for leaving you. I know that Chiu Wai will take care of you in my place.
Mother: Don’t worry Kiu Wai. I will be fine. Chiu Wai should accompany you until your wedding day is over to make sure that you will be alright. Chiu Wai, please take care of your brother. I hope they won’t make it difficult for you when you live there with them. I am just sad that I won’t be able to see you on your wedding day.
Kiu Wai: I will come back to visit you after my wedding.
Mother: Remember son, it doesn’t matter what last name it is that you will be carrying, you will always be my son.
Kiu Wai: In my heart, I will always be the son and the citizen of the Tham village.
Kiu Wai tries to control his emotions as he says good-bye to his mother and his fellow villagers. His mother watches Kiu Wai, Chiu Wai, and Mr.Koo walk far away until she can no longer see them.
Back at the Ton Family, Mrs.Ton is walking over to her daughter’s room to inform her of her plan. She is very confident that Kiu Wai will make the right decision.
Mrs.Ton: Mei Chun, I would like to have a talk with you.
Mei Chun: About what? Haven’t you ruined my life enough already?
Mrs.Ton: Please don’t talk to me like that. I only did what’s best for you.
Mei Chun: Well I guess in that case I should thank you. You helped me open my eyes to see the real man that I loved.
Mrs.Ton: Mei Chun, I am glad that you can see that.
Mei Chun: What it is that you want to talk to me about?
Mrs.Ton: Mei Chun, you are the most important member in this family. Everything depends on you.
Mei Chun: Me? Why me? I am just a girl. What can I do?
Mrs.Ton: I have plans for you. I just need you to listen to me and follow my plan. I don’t want this family to fall apart under your uncle’s power. You don’t want this family’s matters fall into his hand do you? Don’t let your father’s hard work go down the drain. Think for the future of this family Mei Chun.
Mei Chun: What do you want me to do?
Mrs.Ton: I have selected a husband for you.
Mei Chun: A husband? I don’t want to be set up!
Mrs.Ton: Please trust your mother. I have very good eyes and instinct. I know how to choose the right person. I have a feeling that he will bring you the happiness that you deserve.
Mei Chun: I want to be married to a man of my choice.
Mrs.Ton: You don’t have a choice. Your choice is being my daughter. Please listen to me and you will be very happy. I guarantee you that.
Mei Chun: It seems like you planned everything for me already. I don’t have a choice but to be married to him. Fine, I will get married to him like how you want me to but don’t expect me to love him.
Mrs.Ton: Thank you Mei Chun. This is all I can ask from you for now.
Mrs.Ton smiles to herself with satisfaction as she leaves the room. While her mother is happy, Mei Chun is angry with her mother’s plan. She is even more upset with the thought of marrying a man she doesn’t even know. At this moment, she doesn’t have a choice. Her mother has a complete authority in this family. The only thing she can do now is to wait until her wedding day.
Mr.Koo brings Kiu Wai to Mrs.Ton later the following day. On his way to her office, the servants are whispering to each other as he passes by. He can tell that everyone here already knows his new status as the Ton son-in-law to be. He walks by them with a straight face, accepting his fate.
He walks into her office and greets her. Mrs.Ton is busy calculating on her abacus.
Mrs.Ton: Have a seat Mr.Miu
Kiu Wai sits down at her desk in front of her.
Mrs.Ton: Now that you’re here, I want you to follow Miss Yin so that she can show you around the Ton quarter. She will also bring you to a seamstress to make you new clothes to wear. Before you can become the son-in-law in this family, you must know all the policies in this household. There are seventy two rules. You have to memorize them all before your wedding day.
Kiu Wai: Mrs.Ton, I would like to know why you choose me.
Mrs.Ton ignores Kiu Wai’s question and turns to Miss Yin: Miss Yin, please take him and show him around.
Miss Yin spends the whole afternoon showing Kiu Wai where the other family members reside in the mansion. She goes over the regulations, the dos and the don’ts. She emphasizes to Kiu Wai how important it is to mind his own business here, and to always work hard for the Ton Family, and never to betray them.
In one afternoon, Kiu Wai meets all of the members. There are Mrs.Ton’s younger brother and sister and their spouses, Mrs.Ton’s younger brother, Mr.Tsang, his wife, and his daughter, Wah Sin.
Miss Yin: Kiu Wai, this is your future cousin-in-law, Wah Sin.
Wah Sin coming toward Kiu Wai: Ah, so you are the chosen one. Hi older brother. Welcome to our family.
Kiu Wai smiles and nods his head. Chiu Wai is taken by Wah Sin’s beauty and charm, so he then shyly makes himself more visible for her to see. He walks up to Wah Sin and introduces himself to her.
Wah Sin to Chiu Wai: Oh, so you’re Kiu Wai’s younger brother! That’s nice of you to come here with him to keep him company.
Chiu Wai: Well, it’s nice to meet a beautiful girl like you.
Wah Sin is a little embarrassed by Chiu Wai’s compliment to her. She looks onto the ground and smiles shyly. Wah Sin is a very open-minded girl. And unlike her cousin Mei Chun, she does not distinguish herself from others with the lower status. She is more friendly and sociable.
Chiu Wai: Well actually Miss Tang, I am only staying here until the wedding day is over.
Wah Sin: Oh, so you’re not going to be here that long.
Chiu Wai: I am sorry it’s not going to be.
Wah Sin: Have you got a chance to take a look around here?
Chiu Wai: No. Can you show me around?
Wah Sin expresses with excitement: Yes, I will be happy too.
Kiu Wai, Chiu Wai, and Wah Sin all leave the mansion together to go outside into the streets.
Kiu Wai: Why don’t you both go together to take a look around. Chiu Wai, go with Miss Tsang for sight seeing. I have something I need to do.
Chiu Wai: Alright, we’ll see you back at the mansion.
Wah Sin: Alright older brother, we’ll see you later.
Kiu Wai watches as both Chiu Wai and Wah Sin take off. He then walks into the streets toward Miss Lan’s house. As Kiu Wai walks a couple of meters, he sees Miss Lan on the street.
Kiu Wai calling out to Miss Lan: Miss Lan, I am glad to see you here.
Miss Lan: Mr.Miu, I am surprised to see you. Aren’t you going to become the Ton’s son-in-law soon?
Kiu Wai: Yes I will be. I need to ask you something. I need to apologize to Miss Yung in person about the declining of my proposal to her. Can you give me her address?
Miss Lan: Sure. She doesn’t live far from here at all. Her town is just outside of this province.
Miss Lan writes down the addess and hands it to Kiu Wai.
Kiu Wai: Thank you Miss Lan. I am going to her house right now.
Chapter 5
Kiu Wai is walking to Mei Ling’s house in the hope of facing her in person to explain his reason for not being able to marry her. As Kiu Wai is about one block away from Mei Ling’s house, he is looking down on the paper to check the address. Then, at that moment, a young woman suddenly loses control of her bicycle and collides into him. Both then fall onto the ground.
Kiu Wai coming over to the young woman: Miss, are you alright?
The young woman is lifting her bicycle up: I am alright.
The moment Mei Ling answers Kiu Wai, she looks up and immediately drawn into his eyes............and same with him. Everything is frozen, time and space, as Kiu Wai and Mei Ling are staring into each other’s eyes. Mei Ling is still completely fixated on Kiu Wai’s eyes while standing up with her bicycle.
Mei Ling: I am so sorry. Are you alright?
Kiu Wai with a big smile on his face: I am fine.
They both smile to each other as Mei Ling gets up on her bicycle. Kiu Wai is still looking at her as she slowly starts to pedal in the opposite direction, but still looking back at him. Kiu Wai is frozen as he is still standing there looking at Mei Ling pedaling away.
Finally, they meet in person, but only as strangers.
Kiu Wai slowly turns around the corner and walks a couple more steps and there he is, at Mei Ling’s house. He knocks on the door and Mei Ling’s father come out to open.
ML’s father: Who are you looking for?
Kiu Wai: I am looking for Miss Yung Mei Ling. Is she at home?
ML’s father: She just left not too long ago.
Kiu Wai: Do you know when she will be back?
ML’s father: No, I have no idea when she will be back. Who are you?
Kiu Wai: I am Miu Kiu Wai, leader of the Tham Village.
ML’s father: Oh Mr.Miu, nice to meet you. Please come in and wait for her.
Kiu Wai walks into a poor, small, and simple house. He sits down on the table as Mei Ling’s father serves him tea.
ML’s father: Aren’t you going to be the Ton’s son-in-law soon?
Kiu Wai: Yes, I will be, but I am here to apologize to Miss Yung in person.
ML’s father: Oh, don’t worry about that. It’s no big deal. You don’t have to come here just for that. But thank you anyway Mr.Miu.
Kiu Wai: I feel very bad about it. I should at least apologize to her in person before I get married. You have heard of my situation already right?
ML’s father: Yes, I have somewhat.
Kiu Wai: What do you think?
ML’s father: A hundred persons have a hundred fates. No one’s path is the same as the other. Some are straight and some are curvy. The destination is the same. Don’t focus so much on what’s right or wrong. You do what’s best for you.
Kiu Wai: I understand what you’re saying.
As Mei Ling pedals toward the market place, she is thinking about the guy she just met. She has never been so taken like that in her life before. The feeling is strong, as if something has taken over her body and soul completely. She was frozen in that few seconds while looking into his eyes. Is this love at first sight for her? She has never experienced this before, so she has nothing to compare it to. All she knows it that it put a big smile on her face, and this big smile remains on her until she gets to the market place.
Miss Lan walking on the street: Mei Ling, what are you doing here?
Mei Ling: Huh?
Miss Lan: He’s looking for you and you’re looking for him.
Mei Ling: Who?
Miss Lan: Miu Kiu Wai. He’s at your house right now looking for you.
Mei Ling thinks for a few seconds and turns her bike around toward home. She pedals as fast as she can to catch him before he leaves. She enters her house and sees the cup of tea on the table.
Mei Ling: Father?
ML’s father comes out: Yes?
Mei Ling: Where is he?
ML’s father: He’s gone.
Mei Ling turns around and runs to the door, but then her father stops her.
ML’s father: Where are you going? Running after him? You don’t even know how he looks like.
Mei Ling: I just want to see if he’s still around here.
ML’s father: Don’t. He’s getting married to Miss Ton soon.
Mei Ling looks a little shocked.
ML’s father sighs as he continues: Aye, he is such a noble man, coming here to apologize to you. It’s a shame that you can’t be married to him. I don’t know if it’s his loss or your loss that you don’t have the fate to be with each other.
Mei Ling looks down as her father says this. She suddenly feels sad and disappointed, but she is not sure why. She didn’t want to get married to begin with, then why is she sad? Is it because the bride is not her? Or is it because this man turns out to be such a noble man and she doesn’t have this luck? And is it also because she missed the opportunity of meeting him? Whatever the reason is, her plans for her future change that day.
Chapter 6
Kiu Wai is dressed in a red silk gown underneath a black sleeveless vest. A big red bow is hung in the middle of his chest. He gets up on the horse from the city hall, where he has just changed his last name. The distance is short from the city hall to The Ton mansion, but to Kiu Wai, it’s the longest road he would ever have to take in his life. People are lining up on both sides of the street to witness such a rare event of the groom being “the bride”. He can see people whispering and talking, but he is completely tuned out from the noises. He is in his own world, his homeland.
Meanwhile, Mei Ling is confused and anxious, walking up and down in the main room at home. She doesn’t know if she should run out there to see the man that was supposed to her husband or not. Finally, she has a great urge to run into the streets just to take a glimpse of this man. If she can just catch this one glimpse, she will be satisfied to move on with her life.
Half way to his destination, Kiu Wai’s attention is unexpectedly drawn to the girl who crashed into him few days ago. He can spot those big bright eyes right away from a distance. The stillness on his face changes to a smile. However, she can’t see him because she is being blocked by the taller people in the crowd. Mei Ling can see his figure on top of the horse, but not his face.
What good does it do when today is his wedding day? He can’t jump down from the horse and come to ask her if she is alright? He should’ve done that few days ago. But even so, his life belongs to the Ton Family already. He doesn’t have any right or freedom to pursue who is attracted to. There is nothing Kiu Wai can do but to keep on going to his predetermined destiny. He reminds himself what and why he is on this path. Once again, Kiu Wai is agonized over his thoughts as he is rationalizing to himself. His smile slowly fades and turns into a frown.
The moment Mei Ling makes her way to the front, Kiu Wai has already passed her. She can only see his back on the horse. Disappointment shadows over her face as she realizes that it’s not in her destiny to see him. She sadly goes back to her bicycle and slowly pedals home.
Kiu Wai gets off the horse and comes to the servant with a big bowl of water. He washes his hands and face before walking over the fire. All eyes are fixated on him as he makes his way to the shrine from the main door. Mrs.Ton is smiling brightly knowing that her plan is going smooth as planned. A female servant carries Mei Chun on her back out and places her on a stool next to Kiu Wai. Kiu Wai is lower than Mei Chun because she’s placed on a pedestal due to her higher status. They both bow to the shrine, then to each other.
Mei Chun is angrily waiting in the room with the red veil over her face. Kiu Wai knocks on the door and walks in. He quietly sits next to her on the bed.
Kiu Wai slowly speaks: I know that you must hate me. I am really sorry that you are placed in this situation.
Mei Chun still remains silent.
Kiu Wai: We are now husband and wife. We cannot reverse time and go backward. I promise you that I will bring you happiness and I will be a great husband to you. Please give me a chance. This is your mother’s wish and I promised her already.
Kiu Wai takes off her veil and sees her for the first time. He can’t help but sees the face of a girl on the bicycle instead of Mei Chun. He doesn’t even know who that girl is, so why is he thinking of her at this moment? He reminds himself that he has to be completely devoted to Mei Chun from this moment on and not to even ask himself why.
Mei Chun smiles shyly looking away and speaks with a soft voice: If you are my husband already, aren’t you going to take your clothes off? Tonight is our wedding night.
Kiu Wai: Oh yes.
Kiu Wai starts to take off his wedding outfit. What he has left on is just his white pajama.
Mei Chun: Oh, I hear something outside. Can you go out and see?
As Kiu Wai opens the door and walks outside to check, Mei Chun quickly runs to the door and closes them, locking him out. Kiu Wai realizes that she just tricks him to kick him out. He runs to the door and knocks on them repeatedly.
Kiu Wai: Please open the door for me.
Mei Chun: Who do you think you are? My husband? Forget it.
Kiu Wai: Please don’t do this. We are husband and wife already.
Mei Chun: Get lost. You’re just an old-fashioned guy from the countryside. You don’t match with me. I don’t know what my mother sees in you.
Kiu Wai: What ever it is, let’s discuss it face to face. Now let me in first.
Mei Chun: This is my room. Don’t you dare think of sleeping next to me. Go somewhere else to sleep.
Mei Chun blows out the candles. Kiu Wai sadly walks away. When the servants see this, they bring him pillow and blanket so that he can sleep in the guest room.
At the village meeting, everyone is gathered around Kiu Wai as he is ready to announce his news. The villagers are opposing to the idea the moment he mentions “changing last name”. They all raise their voice disagreeing with his decision, expressing that such an act is a disgrace to their people as well as to the ancestors. Chiu Wai explains to them that his brother is willing to change his last name to exchange for everyone’s future. After a careful consideration, they then calm down and tell Kiu Wai that they support his decision.
On the 3rd day, Mr.Koo comes into the village for an answer from Kiu Wai. He walks over to the river and finds Kiu Wai sitting there staring into the water.
Mr.Koo: Mr.Miu, do you have an answer for me yet?
Kiu Wai just remains quiet and still looks down into the river. Mr.Koo can tell that he is sad and not enthusiastic in accepting the proposal.
Mr.Koo continues: Mr.Miu, I know that this is very hard for you. Does it really matter what your last name is? If this is what it takes to help your village, it doesn’t matter whose last name you’re carrying. Think about the big picture.
Kiu Wai: I thought over already Mr.Koo. My answer is yes. I will follow you back to the Ton Family.
Mr.Koo: Good, you have a good will. Later on, you can come back here to recover your last name. It’s not the end yet.
Kiu Wai: Give me a few hours. I need to say good-bye to my family.
Kiu Wai goes back home to pack for his departure. His mother is shedding her tears quietly while helping him pack.
Kiu Wai hugs his mother: Mother, please forgive me for leaving you. I know that Chiu Wai will take care of you in my place.
Mother: Don’t worry Kiu Wai. I will be fine. Chiu Wai should accompany you until your wedding day is over to make sure that you will be alright. Chiu Wai, please take care of your brother. I hope they won’t make it difficult for you when you live there with them. I am just sad that I won’t be able to see you on your wedding day.
Kiu Wai: I will come back to visit you after my wedding.
Mother: Remember son, it doesn’t matter what last name it is that you will be carrying, you will always be my son.
Kiu Wai: In my heart, I will always be the son and the citizen of the Tham village.
Kiu Wai tries to control his emotions as he says good-bye to his mother and his fellow villagers. His mother watches Kiu Wai, Chiu Wai, and Mr.Koo walk far away until she can no longer see them.
Back at the Ton Family, Mrs.Ton is walking over to her daughter’s room to inform her of her plan. She is very confident that Kiu Wai will make the right decision.
Mrs.Ton: Mei Chun, I would like to have a talk with you.
Mei Chun: About what? Haven’t you ruined my life enough already?
Mrs.Ton: Please don’t talk to me like that. I only did what’s best for you.
Mei Chun: Well I guess in that case I should thank you. You helped me open my eyes to see the real man that I loved.
Mrs.Ton: Mei Chun, I am glad that you can see that.
Mei Chun: What it is that you want to talk to me about?
Mrs.Ton: Mei Chun, you are the most important member in this family. Everything depends on you.
Mei Chun: Me? Why me? I am just a girl. What can I do?
Mrs.Ton: I have plans for you. I just need you to listen to me and follow my plan. I don’t want this family to fall apart under your uncle’s power. You don’t want this family’s matters fall into his hand do you? Don’t let your father’s hard work go down the drain. Think for the future of this family Mei Chun.
Mei Chun: What do you want me to do?
Mrs.Ton: I have selected a husband for you.
Mei Chun: A husband? I don’t want to be set up!
Mrs.Ton: Please trust your mother. I have very good eyes and instinct. I know how to choose the right person. I have a feeling that he will bring you the happiness that you deserve.
Mei Chun: I want to be married to a man of my choice.
Mrs.Ton: You don’t have a choice. Your choice is being my daughter. Please listen to me and you will be very happy. I guarantee you that.
Mei Chun: It seems like you planned everything for me already. I don’t have a choice but to be married to him. Fine, I will get married to him like how you want me to but don’t expect me to love him.
Mrs.Ton: Thank you Mei Chun. This is all I can ask from you for now.
Mrs.Ton smiles to herself with satisfaction as she leaves the room. While her mother is happy, Mei Chun is angry with her mother’s plan. She is even more upset with the thought of marrying a man she doesn’t even know. At this moment, she doesn’t have a choice. Her mother has a complete authority in this family. The only thing she can do now is to wait until her wedding day.
Mr.Koo brings Kiu Wai to Mrs.Ton later the following day. On his way to her office, the servants are whispering to each other as he passes by. He can tell that everyone here already knows his new status as the Ton son-in-law to be. He walks by them with a straight face, accepting his fate.
He walks into her office and greets her. Mrs.Ton is busy calculating on her abacus.
Mrs.Ton: Have a seat Mr.Miu
Kiu Wai sits down at her desk in front of her.
Mrs.Ton: Now that you’re here, I want you to follow Miss Yin so that she can show you around the Ton quarter. She will also bring you to a seamstress to make you new clothes to wear. Before you can become the son-in-law in this family, you must know all the policies in this household. There are seventy two rules. You have to memorize them all before your wedding day.
Kiu Wai: Mrs.Ton, I would like to know why you choose me.
Mrs.Ton ignores Kiu Wai’s question and turns to Miss Yin: Miss Yin, please take him and show him around.
Miss Yin spends the whole afternoon showing Kiu Wai where the other family members reside in the mansion. She goes over the regulations, the dos and the don’ts. She emphasizes to Kiu Wai how important it is to mind his own business here, and to always work hard for the Ton Family, and never to betray them.
In one afternoon, Kiu Wai meets all of the members. There are Mrs.Ton’s younger brother and sister and their spouses, Mrs.Ton’s younger brother, Mr.Tsang, his wife, and his daughter, Wah Sin.
Miss Yin: Kiu Wai, this is your future cousin-in-law, Wah Sin.
Wah Sin coming toward Kiu Wai: Ah, so you are the chosen one. Hi older brother. Welcome to our family.
Kiu Wai smiles and nods his head. Chiu Wai is taken by Wah Sin’s beauty and charm, so he then shyly makes himself more visible for her to see. He walks up to Wah Sin and introduces himself to her.
Wah Sin to Chiu Wai: Oh, so you’re Kiu Wai’s younger brother! That’s nice of you to come here with him to keep him company.
Chiu Wai: Well, it’s nice to meet a beautiful girl like you.
Wah Sin is a little embarrassed by Chiu Wai’s compliment to her. She looks onto the ground and smiles shyly. Wah Sin is a very open-minded girl. And unlike her cousin Mei Chun, she does not distinguish herself from others with the lower status. She is more friendly and sociable.
Chiu Wai: Well actually Miss Tang, I am only staying here until the wedding day is over.
Wah Sin: Oh, so you’re not going to be here that long.
Chiu Wai: I am sorry it’s not going to be.
Wah Sin: Have you got a chance to take a look around here?
Chiu Wai: No. Can you show me around?
Wah Sin expresses with excitement: Yes, I will be happy too.
Kiu Wai, Chiu Wai, and Wah Sin all leave the mansion together to go outside into the streets.
Kiu Wai: Why don’t you both go together to take a look around. Chiu Wai, go with Miss Tsang for sight seeing. I have something I need to do.
Chiu Wai: Alright, we’ll see you back at the mansion.
Wah Sin: Alright older brother, we’ll see you later.
Kiu Wai watches as both Chiu Wai and Wah Sin take off. He then walks into the streets toward Miss Lan’s house. As Kiu Wai walks a couple of meters, he sees Miss Lan on the street.
Kiu Wai calling out to Miss Lan: Miss Lan, I am glad to see you here.
Miss Lan: Mr.Miu, I am surprised to see you. Aren’t you going to become the Ton’s son-in-law soon?
Kiu Wai: Yes I will be. I need to ask you something. I need to apologize to Miss Yung in person about the declining of my proposal to her. Can you give me her address?
Miss Lan: Sure. She doesn’t live far from here at all. Her town is just outside of this province.
Miss Lan writes down the addess and hands it to Kiu Wai.
Kiu Wai: Thank you Miss Lan. I am going to her house right now.
Chapter 5
Kiu Wai is walking to Mei Ling’s house in the hope of facing her in person to explain his reason for not being able to marry her. As Kiu Wai is about one block away from Mei Ling’s house, he is looking down on the paper to check the address. Then, at that moment, a young woman suddenly loses control of her bicycle and collides into him. Both then fall onto the ground.
Kiu Wai coming over to the young woman: Miss, are you alright?
The young woman is lifting her bicycle up: I am alright.
The moment Mei Ling answers Kiu Wai, she looks up and immediately drawn into his eyes............and same with him. Everything is frozen, time and space, as Kiu Wai and Mei Ling are staring into each other’s eyes. Mei Ling is still completely fixated on Kiu Wai’s eyes while standing up with her bicycle.
Mei Ling: I am so sorry. Are you alright?
Kiu Wai with a big smile on his face: I am fine.
They both smile to each other as Mei Ling gets up on her bicycle. Kiu Wai is still looking at her as she slowly starts to pedal in the opposite direction, but still looking back at him. Kiu Wai is frozen as he is still standing there looking at Mei Ling pedaling away.
Finally, they meet in person, but only as strangers.
Kiu Wai slowly turns around the corner and walks a couple more steps and there he is, at Mei Ling’s house. He knocks on the door and Mei Ling’s father come out to open.
ML’s father: Who are you looking for?
Kiu Wai: I am looking for Miss Yung Mei Ling. Is she at home?
ML’s father: She just left not too long ago.
Kiu Wai: Do you know when she will be back?
ML’s father: No, I have no idea when she will be back. Who are you?
Kiu Wai: I am Miu Kiu Wai, leader of the Tham Village.
ML’s father: Oh Mr.Miu, nice to meet you. Please come in and wait for her.
Kiu Wai walks into a poor, small, and simple house. He sits down on the table as Mei Ling’s father serves him tea.
ML’s father: Aren’t you going to be the Ton’s son-in-law soon?
Kiu Wai: Yes, I will be, but I am here to apologize to Miss Yung in person.
ML’s father: Oh, don’t worry about that. It’s no big deal. You don’t have to come here just for that. But thank you anyway Mr.Miu.
Kiu Wai: I feel very bad about it. I should at least apologize to her in person before I get married. You have heard of my situation already right?
ML’s father: Yes, I have somewhat.
Kiu Wai: What do you think?
ML’s father: A hundred persons have a hundred fates. No one’s path is the same as the other. Some are straight and some are curvy. The destination is the same. Don’t focus so much on what’s right or wrong. You do what’s best for you.
Kiu Wai: I understand what you’re saying.
As Mei Ling pedals toward the market place, she is thinking about the guy she just met. She has never been so taken like that in her life before. The feeling is strong, as if something has taken over her body and soul completely. She was frozen in that few seconds while looking into his eyes. Is this love at first sight for her? She has never experienced this before, so she has nothing to compare it to. All she knows it that it put a big smile on her face, and this big smile remains on her until she gets to the market place.
Miss Lan walking on the street: Mei Ling, what are you doing here?
Mei Ling: Huh?
Miss Lan: He’s looking for you and you’re looking for him.
Mei Ling: Who?
Miss Lan: Miu Kiu Wai. He’s at your house right now looking for you.
Mei Ling thinks for a few seconds and turns her bike around toward home. She pedals as fast as she can to catch him before he leaves. She enters her house and sees the cup of tea on the table.
Mei Ling: Father?
ML’s father comes out: Yes?
Mei Ling: Where is he?
ML’s father: He’s gone.
Mei Ling turns around and runs to the door, but then her father stops her.
ML’s father: Where are you going? Running after him? You don’t even know how he looks like.
Mei Ling: I just want to see if he’s still around here.
ML’s father: Don’t. He’s getting married to Miss Ton soon.
Mei Ling looks a little shocked.
ML’s father sighs as he continues: Aye, he is such a noble man, coming here to apologize to you. It’s a shame that you can’t be married to him. I don’t know if it’s his loss or your loss that you don’t have the fate to be with each other.
Mei Ling looks down as her father says this. She suddenly feels sad and disappointed, but she is not sure why. She didn’t want to get married to begin with, then why is she sad? Is it because the bride is not her? Or is it because this man turns out to be such a noble man and she doesn’t have this luck? And is it also because she missed the opportunity of meeting him? Whatever the reason is, her plans for her future change that day.
Chapter 6
Kiu Wai is dressed in a red silk gown underneath a black sleeveless vest. A big red bow is hung in the middle of his chest. He gets up on the horse from the city hall, where he has just changed his last name. The distance is short from the city hall to The Ton mansion, but to Kiu Wai, it’s the longest road he would ever have to take in his life. People are lining up on both sides of the street to witness such a rare event of the groom being “the bride”. He can see people whispering and talking, but he is completely tuned out from the noises. He is in his own world, his homeland.
Meanwhile, Mei Ling is confused and anxious, walking up and down in the main room at home. She doesn’t know if she should run out there to see the man that was supposed to her husband or not. Finally, she has a great urge to run into the streets just to take a glimpse of this man. If she can just catch this one glimpse, she will be satisfied to move on with her life.
Half way to his destination, Kiu Wai’s attention is unexpectedly drawn to the girl who crashed into him few days ago. He can spot those big bright eyes right away from a distance. The stillness on his face changes to a smile. However, she can’t see him because she is being blocked by the taller people in the crowd. Mei Ling can see his figure on top of the horse, but not his face.
What good does it do when today is his wedding day? He can’t jump down from the horse and come to ask her if she is alright? He should’ve done that few days ago. But even so, his life belongs to the Ton Family already. He doesn’t have any right or freedom to pursue who is attracted to. There is nothing Kiu Wai can do but to keep on going to his predetermined destiny. He reminds himself what and why he is on this path. Once again, Kiu Wai is agonized over his thoughts as he is rationalizing to himself. His smile slowly fades and turns into a frown.
The moment Mei Ling makes her way to the front, Kiu Wai has already passed her. She can only see his back on the horse. Disappointment shadows over her face as she realizes that it’s not in her destiny to see him. She sadly goes back to her bicycle and slowly pedals home.
Kiu Wai gets off the horse and comes to the servant with a big bowl of water. He washes his hands and face before walking over the fire. All eyes are fixated on him as he makes his way to the shrine from the main door. Mrs.Ton is smiling brightly knowing that her plan is going smooth as planned. A female servant carries Mei Chun on her back out and places her on a stool next to Kiu Wai. Kiu Wai is lower than Mei Chun because she’s placed on a pedestal due to her higher status. They both bow to the shrine, then to each other.
Mei Chun is angrily waiting in the room with the red veil over her face. Kiu Wai knocks on the door and walks in. He quietly sits next to her on the bed.
Kiu Wai slowly speaks: I know that you must hate me. I am really sorry that you are placed in this situation.
Mei Chun still remains silent.
Kiu Wai: We are now husband and wife. We cannot reverse time and go backward. I promise you that I will bring you happiness and I will be a great husband to you. Please give me a chance. This is your mother’s wish and I promised her already.
Kiu Wai takes off her veil and sees her for the first time. He can’t help but sees the face of a girl on the bicycle instead of Mei Chun. He doesn’t even know who that girl is, so why is he thinking of her at this moment? He reminds himself that he has to be completely devoted to Mei Chun from this moment on and not to even ask himself why.
Mei Chun smiles shyly looking away and speaks with a soft voice: If you are my husband already, aren’t you going to take your clothes off? Tonight is our wedding night.
Kiu Wai: Oh yes.
Kiu Wai starts to take off his wedding outfit. What he has left on is just his white pajama.
Mei Chun: Oh, I hear something outside. Can you go out and see?
As Kiu Wai opens the door and walks outside to check, Mei Chun quickly runs to the door and closes them, locking him out. Kiu Wai realizes that she just tricks him to kick him out. He runs to the door and knocks on them repeatedly.
Kiu Wai: Please open the door for me.
Mei Chun: Who do you think you are? My husband? Forget it.
Kiu Wai: Please don’t do this. We are husband and wife already.
Mei Chun: Get lost. You’re just an old-fashioned guy from the countryside. You don’t match with me. I don’t know what my mother sees in you.
Kiu Wai: What ever it is, let’s discuss it face to face. Now let me in first.
Mei Chun: This is my room. Don’t you dare think of sleeping next to me. Go somewhere else to sleep.
Mei Chun blows out the candles. Kiu Wai sadly walks away. When the servants see this, they bring him pillow and blanket so that he can sleep in the guest room.
