Post by Lanie on Jun 6, 2005 18:19:04 GMT -5
Chapter 10
Mrs.Ton and Miss Yin come to the clinic first thing in the morning to get the results. They walk anxiously into the Dr.Lee’s office for the consultation. They take a seat as Dr.Lee asks them to sit down at his desk.
Mrs.Ton: Please doctor, tell me that they’re normal and that they can have children.
Dr.Lee: I wish I can tell you that Mrs.Ton.
Mrs.Ton’s heart drops the moment she hears this. Frantically, Mrs.Ton continues: What do you mean by that Dr.Lee? Which one of those two has the problem? Kiu Wai?
Dr.Lee: No, Mrs.Ton. It’s your daughter.
Mrs.Ton: My daughter? How can that be?
Dr.Lee: Her uterus is abnormally small. This is the reason why she can’t conceive. I am afraid she will never be able to have children.
Mrs.Ton with astonishment: Oh no, I can’t believe this! No one can carry our last name anymore?
Dr.Lee: I am really sorry Mrs.Ton.
Mrs.Ton: How about Kiu Wai? Can he have children?
Dr.Lee: He’s perfectly healthy and fine. You shouldn’t worry about him at all.
Upon hearing this news Mrs.Ton and Miss Yin are greatly disappointed, but Mrs.Ton still remain somewhat positive hopeful. They leave Dr.Lee’s office and go outside to discuss.
Miss Yin: I sense that you’re not that disappointed like I expect. What’s on your mind?
Mrs.Ton: You know me well. Miss Yin, we’ve gone this far to sustain the Ton family, we can’t let Mei Chun’s misfortune stop us from accomplishing this goal.
Miss Yin: What are you saying? How far do you want to go?
Mrs.Ton: Far enough. Please call Mr.Yam for me. I have an assignment for him.
Miss Yin contacts Tat Wah as Mrs.Ton’s request. Tat Wah immediately comes to a café nearby the hotel to meet Miss Yin and Mrs.Ton.
Tat Wah: What is the assignment for me this time Mrs.Ton and how much?
Mrs.Ton: Don’t be too concerned about the money. Enough for you to live on for a full year. Is that enough for you Mr.Yam?
Tat Wah: I am not that greedy like you think.
Mrs.Ton: Well, interested?
Tat Wah: Please give me more information. What do I need to do?
Mrs.Ton: I think this task is quite easy for you. I need for you to find me a pretty girl in her 20’s.
Tat Wah: May I ask what for?
Mrs.Ton: I want to pay her to bear a child for my son-in-law.
Tat Wah: I am not sure I have anyone in mind at the moment. Most of the people who owe me money are pretty much older and they are mostly men.
Mrs.Ton: You really don’t know anyone who can do this?
Tat Wah, thinking hard for a moment: Wait a minute, I think I do have someone.
Mrs.Ton: I want to see her first to see if she meets the qualification to give me a Ton grandchild.
Tat Wah: Alright then, I will arrange for you see her this evening.
After Tat Wah discusses his plan with his men, they head out to the cabin to see Mei Ling and her mother. The men enter the house first and blindfold both women. Both Mei Ling and her mother are scared as they are making their pleads. Then, Tat Wah comes in quietly to observe Mei Ling and her reaction to his men. Upon seeing Mei Ling, Tat Wah smiles to himself and is confident that Mrs.Ton will be happy with this deal.
1st guy talking to Mei Ling: Do you want to save your mother?
Mei Ling: Yes, please let her go. Don’t kill her or torture her.
1st guy: Well then, you have two options. You can either choose to be a prostitute in a brothel for the rest of your life or carry a baby to full term for our client. Which is your choice?
Mei Ling’s mother is astonished as she hears this: What, you want my daughter to sell her virginity? She’s not married yet. You’re ruining her life! I won’t allow that.
2nd guy: Hey look lady, this is your fault to begin with. We’re just asking what you owe us in a different form of payment, that’s all. You’re no use to us right now, but your daughter is. She is able to save you, and of course, this all depends on her.
Mei Ling is angry with the two choices that are offered to her and yells back at the two men: You immoral people! Don’t you dare threaten me like that! And don’t you dare touch my mother either. Even if I die, I wouldn’t let you touch either one of us.
At this moment, Tat Wah witness the whole interaction between Mei Ling and his men. He admires her for her bravery. He is even taken more at her purity and beauty. There has never been a girl that can shaken his heart. But somehow, in this ugly business situation, he feels somewhat weak and vulnerable in Mei Ling’s presence. He knows that she cannot see him, but he still stands back due to her tremendous inner power that she is projecting. He has never met a brave girl like Mei Ling who can still speak with dignity even in the face of death.
Tat Wah steps outside and informs Mrs.Ton that she can come in to check out Mei Ling for herself. Mrs.Ton and Miss Yin walk in and observe Mei Ling’s face. They spend a few minutes watching Mei Ling and the two men arguing to each other. Being satisfied with what they see, the two women walk out and discuss more with Tat Wah.
Tat Wah: Well, Mrs.Ton, what do you think?
Mrs.Ton: Very good choice Mr.Yam. I am very happy with this brave girl. A Ton grandchild must carry this bravery trait, not afraid to die under any circumstances. I really like that.
Miss Yin: Yes, she’s a perfect choice.
Tat Wah: Well then, let’s start tomorrow.
Mrs.Ton: I will talk to Kiu Wai tonight and you talk to that girl and make sure that she will cooperate on this one. I have rules that she and Kiu Wai have to follow. If she doesn’t, this contract will be breached.
Tat Wah: Got it Mrs.Ton.
Tat Wah comes back into the house and signals his men to be more aggressive with Mei Ling so that will force her into making the right decision for him. Although it’s getting a little difficult for him to see her being treated this way, he doesn’t have a choice because he is just following orders. He is reminding himself not to feel sorry for anyone and not to fall for any girl, and just to stay focused on his important task for the big picture.
1st guy: Enough with you young lady. You’ve been wasting too much of our time already. Do you have an answer for us?
Mei Ling: Not in a million years that I would sell myself like that! I’d rather be a servant!
2nd guy: Don’t waste our time with her. Take her mom out and kill her!
Mei Ling starts crying: No! Don’t! Please don’t!
1st guy: Well, you better make up your mind then. If I were you I would pick the second option, it’s so much shorter, 9 months instead of the rest of your life. Once you have the baby, we take it from you, and you’re free to go on to have a life that you want.
ML’s mother cries: Don’t agree Mei Ling. I’d rather die than to see you like that.
Mei Ling stops crying and speaks bravely: Alright, I agree! Don’t kill my mother. I pick the second choice. I agree! I agree!
Chapter 11
Mrs.Ton asks Kiu Wai to meet her in her room after Mei Chun sleeps. Kiu Wai is curious why he has to wait for his wife to sleep before he can talk to Mrs.Ton. He thinks that it has to do with the results she got today. Since both he and Mei Chun didn’t hear any bad news from Mrs.Ton earlier, they assumed the results show that they are fine.
Knocks Knocks.
Mrs.Ton: Come in Kiu Wai
Kiu Wai: Mother, what would you like to talk to me about?
Mrs.Ton: Is Mei Chun asleep?
Kiu Wai: Yes, like a baby. Speaking of baby, the results are good, I assume?
Mrs.Ton: I am sorry, it’s not.
Kiu Wai with a worried look on his face: Is it me or Mei Chun?
Mrs.Ton: It’s Mei Chun. Her uterus is abnormally small, which prevents her from getting pregnant.
Kiu Wai is disappointed when he hears this because he knows how much this means to Mei Chun and Mrs.Ton. It’s the main reason why he’s this family in the first place.
Kiu Wai continues: We can always adopt mother.
Mrs.Ton: No! The child has to be yours, from your blood.
Kiu Wai: How can this be possible when Mei Chun can’t have any children?
Mrs.Ton: Who says it’s Mei Chun. I want you to sleep with another woman and bring that child home. After all, it will be yours right?
Kiu Wai astonishly rejects: What!? You want me to sleep with another woman to have a baby? I can’t believe what I am hearing!
Mrs.Ton: You better believe it. This is my order.
Kiu Wai: It’s cruel to the other person. How can you take away the baby from her after all of this is over? I am sorry mother, I can’t do this. I listen to you in everything for the past year, but not this time. How can you do this to your own daughter?
Mrs.Ton angrily replies: That is an order Kiu Wai! I am doing what I can for this family and I am doing this for her. You have to cooperate with me and Mei Chun should not know about this.
Kiu Wai: How is she not going to know about this later on?
Mrs.Ton: I’ll find a way. I’ll deal with her later. Just do your part.
Kiu Wai: This is not right. It’s very cruel. Who is willing to do this kind of work for us anyway?
Mrs.Ton: Don’t worry about that, I’ve selected a girl from a decent family already for you. I paid her a lump sum of money. You don’t have to feel sorry for her.
Kiu Wai curiously asks: Who is she?
Mrs.Ton: You don’t need to know who will be carrying your child. As a matter of fact, you are forbidden from knowing her identity, and most of all, from developing any real feelings for her. Your job is just to sleep with her for the next several nights and that is all. I will let you know more about the rules tomorrow. Mr.Koo will drive you to that girl at 10pm after Mei Chun is deep in her sleep. I need my rest now. Good night.
Mrs.Ton turns and walk toward her bed and refuses to discuss further with Kiu Wai. Kiu Wai is more frustrated than ever for not being able to making his own decisions. He angrily walks back to his room. That night, he couldn’t fall asleep. He keeps on thinking about the mission he has to fulfill and the request his mother-in-law places on him. He wishes that he is not Ton Kiu Wai. As he stares into the ceiling, he’s wishing that the night passes by quickly.
The next day Tat Wah takes Kiu Wai and Mei Chun around the city for more sightseeing. He brings them back to the hotel in late in the evening. At this time, Mei Chun is under the impression that everything is fine. She doesn’t want to ask more questions than she need to know.
That evening during dinner, Mrs.Ton pours powder from the sleeping capsules into Mei Chun’s soup. An hour after dinner, Mei Chun expresses that she’s too exhausted and goes straight to bed. Kiu Wai checks on Mei Chun and makes sure that she is her deep sleep before he leaves the room. Mr.Koo is standing outside the room waiting for Kiu Wai. Kiu Wai follows Mr.Koo to the car and steps inside. Once he’s seated, Mr.Koo hands him a long folded red cloth.
Kiu Wai asks: What is this for?
Mr.Koo: Please put them around your eyes and tie them behind your head. This is Mrs.Ton’s order. You are not allowed to know the way to our destination. You are to be blindfolded the entire time until I bring you back here tomorrow morning.
Kiu Wai: Is this necessary?
Mr.Koo: Yes, it is. Please don’t make it hard for me Mr.Ton. Put it on and I will tell you more once I start driving. I don’t want to be late.
The rain is pouring heavily while they’re on their way. Kiu Wai can hear the rain hitting the windshield. With each passing minute, he’s growing more uneasy about the task that he is about to perform.
Mr.Koo: Remember Mr.Ton, you are not allowed to take off your or her blindfold. You are not allowed to speak to each other. The task for both of you is just to have intercourse. Besides that, everything else is not allowed.
Kiu Wai remains silent the remaining trip.
Finally, Mr.Koo arrives at the destination after many twists and turns. It’s a small quiet lake in front of them. There is a short bridge extending from the land to a small wooden house on this lake. The night is completely dark with rain and thunders. Mr.Koo opens the door for Kiu Wai and assists him getting down, then hands Kiu Wai a walking stick to help him with his walk. Mr.Koo holds Kiu Wai’s left arm while Kiu Wai is using his right hand holding on the stick as they begin to walk. Mr.Koo leads Kiu Wai across the bridge and opens the door for him.
The moment the door is opened, Mei Ling jumps up from the bed that she has been sitting on. Like Kiu Wai, she is blindfolded and cannot see her surroundings as well. Mr.Koo walks Kiu Wai to the bed where Mei Ling is sitting at. Mei Ling is terrified inside as she hears the footsteps getting closer. Mr.Koo let Kiu Wai stand next to the bed as he grabs Kiu Wai’s left hand and Mei Ling’s right hand and puts them together. They both felt each other’s hand and drop them back to themselves. Mr.Koo takes their hands and put them together again and makes sure that they hold them together. He sees that they are alright, then leaves. Mr.Koo closes the door behind him. Kiu Wai reaches for the wooden bed and sits down next to Mei Ling. Kiu Wai and Mei Ling are now alone, holding hands, in the darkness.
As they quietly sit there in the darkness, thousands of thoughts are running wild through their minds. With each sound of thunder, Mei Ling is getting more terrified and pulls her hand back to her side. Kiu Wai doesn’t want to scare so he just leaves her alone.
Mei Ling’s thoughts:
Why does this have to be me? Who is this man? Why is he doing this? He’s ruining my life! I just want this night to pass by quickly. I already have agreed to do this. I just hope he won’t torture me. I just want to get this done and be reunited with my family. I just want to go back to my normal life. Can it be normal after tonight? Oh please, let this night pass by quick.
Kiu Wai’s thoughts:
I hate myself for being in this position. I don’t want to ruin someone else’s life. Who is this innocent girl? She must be in an unfortunate situation to sell herself like this. I hope she is not scared of me and understand that I don’t want to do this either. Oh please, let this night pass by quick.
Chapter 12
Kiu Wai realizes that he cannot ruin this innocent girl’s life although he’s told that she’s being paid to do this. Something is telling him that she is not volunteering to do this and that she is scared. He senses the fear in her while sitting close to her.
He immediately stands up and finds his way out with the cane. He stumbles several times into the table and the chairs in the middle of the room before he reaches the door. Mei Ling is surprised when she hears him leaves, but is relieved at the same time. At least she doesn’t have to experience anything tonight.
Mr.Koo is waiting in the car for Kiu Wai, and sees Kiu Wai coming. He comes out to help Kiu Wai cross the bridge.
Mr.Koo: Are you done tonight?
Kiu Wai: No, I can’t do it. I can’t hurt her.
Mr.Koo: Mr.Ton, you have to get it over with tonight.
Kiu Wai: Please drive me back to the hotel right now.
Mr.Koo: Mrs.Ton will be very upset with you.
Kiu Wai: I will deal with her. Get me out of here.
Since this is Mei Ling’s first night, Tat Wah and his men are nearby to check on the progress. The moment they see Kiu Wai gets into the car, they come over to ask Mr.Koo if Mei Ling did her job. Of course, Mr.Koo has to tell them the truth.
In the morning, Mrs.Ton is informed about Kiu Wai from Mr.Koo. She asks Kiu Wai to come in to see her.
Kiu Wai: Mother, I can’t harm this innocent girl.
Mrs.Ton: Do you know that by running out like that you indirectly hurt her?
Kiu Wai: What do you mean by that?
Mrs.Ton: She’s not doing her job right. She's was beaten up after you left.
Kiu Wai: What?! They can’t do that! They can’t bully a girl.
Mrs.Ton: They can do whatever they want. Do you want to see her get hurt like that?
Kiu Wai: Of course not!
Mrs.Ton: If you don’t want her to be beaten up tonight again, then you know what to do.
Kiu Wai just sits back on the chair and puts his hands to his face. He cannot believe that the girl was beaten up because of him. He has never felt so guilty like this before. He starts to feel more sorry for her, and he knows for sure that she is being forced into this situation like he is. Kiu Wai just realizes that this is something that they both have in common.
Instead of dreading for the night to fall like the previous night, tonight Kiu Wai is actually looking forward to coming there to see how she is. His concern for her makes him feel more anxious while he’s on his way.
Like the previous night, Mr.Koo brings Kiu Wai in and takes their hands and places them together. This time, neither one of them really resists. After Mr.Koo leaves, Kiu Wai sits down on the bed next to Mei Ling again. He takes both of his hands and starts to feel her hands and wrists. He can feel the bumps and the swellness from her injuries. Mei Ling pulls her hands from him, but Kiu Wai pulls them back and tap them with his hand to signal her that it’s alright and that he’s just concerned. Upon feeling his tap, Mei Ling is more relaxed, but still feels nervous. Kiu Wai takes out a jar of rubbing balm from his pocket. He opens the lid and takes out some and rubs it on her hands and wrists. Mei Ling is quite shocked that this stranger is actually taking care of her injuries. He then feels her forehead and spots another lump. He carefully applies the balm there and rubs it gently. At this point, Mei Ling is very cooperative and does not fight back. As a matter of fact, she is taken by his caring and gentleness towards her.
Kiu Wai closes the jar and places down next to the bed. He wishes that he can tell her that he is sorry that she was beaten up because of him. Because he cannot express it to her verbally, he is just holding her hand with both of his while silently sitting next to her. He hopes that she can feel his sincerity and guilt.
As Mei Ling let Kiu Wai hold her hands, she is thinking to herself:
Why can’t I hate this man? He will ruin my life. He will take my virginity. Why am I not resentful toward him? Why am I sensing that he is being forced into this situation like I am? I sense that he is a good, caring, gentle man. How can I hate him? I will wait and see how the night will unfold.
Mrs.Ton and Miss Yin come to the clinic first thing in the morning to get the results. They walk anxiously into the Dr.Lee’s office for the consultation. They take a seat as Dr.Lee asks them to sit down at his desk.
Mrs.Ton: Please doctor, tell me that they’re normal and that they can have children.
Dr.Lee: I wish I can tell you that Mrs.Ton.
Mrs.Ton’s heart drops the moment she hears this. Frantically, Mrs.Ton continues: What do you mean by that Dr.Lee? Which one of those two has the problem? Kiu Wai?
Dr.Lee: No, Mrs.Ton. It’s your daughter.
Mrs.Ton: My daughter? How can that be?
Dr.Lee: Her uterus is abnormally small. This is the reason why she can’t conceive. I am afraid she will never be able to have children.
Mrs.Ton with astonishment: Oh no, I can’t believe this! No one can carry our last name anymore?
Dr.Lee: I am really sorry Mrs.Ton.
Mrs.Ton: How about Kiu Wai? Can he have children?
Dr.Lee: He’s perfectly healthy and fine. You shouldn’t worry about him at all.
Upon hearing this news Mrs.Ton and Miss Yin are greatly disappointed, but Mrs.Ton still remain somewhat positive hopeful. They leave Dr.Lee’s office and go outside to discuss.
Miss Yin: I sense that you’re not that disappointed like I expect. What’s on your mind?
Mrs.Ton: You know me well. Miss Yin, we’ve gone this far to sustain the Ton family, we can’t let Mei Chun’s misfortune stop us from accomplishing this goal.
Miss Yin: What are you saying? How far do you want to go?
Mrs.Ton: Far enough. Please call Mr.Yam for me. I have an assignment for him.
Miss Yin contacts Tat Wah as Mrs.Ton’s request. Tat Wah immediately comes to a café nearby the hotel to meet Miss Yin and Mrs.Ton.
Tat Wah: What is the assignment for me this time Mrs.Ton and how much?
Mrs.Ton: Don’t be too concerned about the money. Enough for you to live on for a full year. Is that enough for you Mr.Yam?
Tat Wah: I am not that greedy like you think.
Mrs.Ton: Well, interested?
Tat Wah: Please give me more information. What do I need to do?
Mrs.Ton: I think this task is quite easy for you. I need for you to find me a pretty girl in her 20’s.
Tat Wah: May I ask what for?
Mrs.Ton: I want to pay her to bear a child for my son-in-law.
Tat Wah: I am not sure I have anyone in mind at the moment. Most of the people who owe me money are pretty much older and they are mostly men.
Mrs.Ton: You really don’t know anyone who can do this?
Tat Wah, thinking hard for a moment: Wait a minute, I think I do have someone.
Mrs.Ton: I want to see her first to see if she meets the qualification to give me a Ton grandchild.
Tat Wah: Alright then, I will arrange for you see her this evening.
After Tat Wah discusses his plan with his men, they head out to the cabin to see Mei Ling and her mother. The men enter the house first and blindfold both women. Both Mei Ling and her mother are scared as they are making their pleads. Then, Tat Wah comes in quietly to observe Mei Ling and her reaction to his men. Upon seeing Mei Ling, Tat Wah smiles to himself and is confident that Mrs.Ton will be happy with this deal.
1st guy talking to Mei Ling: Do you want to save your mother?
Mei Ling: Yes, please let her go. Don’t kill her or torture her.
1st guy: Well then, you have two options. You can either choose to be a prostitute in a brothel for the rest of your life or carry a baby to full term for our client. Which is your choice?
Mei Ling’s mother is astonished as she hears this: What, you want my daughter to sell her virginity? She’s not married yet. You’re ruining her life! I won’t allow that.
2nd guy: Hey look lady, this is your fault to begin with. We’re just asking what you owe us in a different form of payment, that’s all. You’re no use to us right now, but your daughter is. She is able to save you, and of course, this all depends on her.
Mei Ling is angry with the two choices that are offered to her and yells back at the two men: You immoral people! Don’t you dare threaten me like that! And don’t you dare touch my mother either. Even if I die, I wouldn’t let you touch either one of us.
At this moment, Tat Wah witness the whole interaction between Mei Ling and his men. He admires her for her bravery. He is even taken more at her purity and beauty. There has never been a girl that can shaken his heart. But somehow, in this ugly business situation, he feels somewhat weak and vulnerable in Mei Ling’s presence. He knows that she cannot see him, but he still stands back due to her tremendous inner power that she is projecting. He has never met a brave girl like Mei Ling who can still speak with dignity even in the face of death.
Tat Wah steps outside and informs Mrs.Ton that she can come in to check out Mei Ling for herself. Mrs.Ton and Miss Yin walk in and observe Mei Ling’s face. They spend a few minutes watching Mei Ling and the two men arguing to each other. Being satisfied with what they see, the two women walk out and discuss more with Tat Wah.
Tat Wah: Well, Mrs.Ton, what do you think?
Mrs.Ton: Very good choice Mr.Yam. I am very happy with this brave girl. A Ton grandchild must carry this bravery trait, not afraid to die under any circumstances. I really like that.
Miss Yin: Yes, she’s a perfect choice.
Tat Wah: Well then, let’s start tomorrow.
Mrs.Ton: I will talk to Kiu Wai tonight and you talk to that girl and make sure that she will cooperate on this one. I have rules that she and Kiu Wai have to follow. If she doesn’t, this contract will be breached.
Tat Wah: Got it Mrs.Ton.
Tat Wah comes back into the house and signals his men to be more aggressive with Mei Ling so that will force her into making the right decision for him. Although it’s getting a little difficult for him to see her being treated this way, he doesn’t have a choice because he is just following orders. He is reminding himself not to feel sorry for anyone and not to fall for any girl, and just to stay focused on his important task for the big picture.
1st guy: Enough with you young lady. You’ve been wasting too much of our time already. Do you have an answer for us?
Mei Ling: Not in a million years that I would sell myself like that! I’d rather be a servant!
2nd guy: Don’t waste our time with her. Take her mom out and kill her!
Mei Ling starts crying: No! Don’t! Please don’t!
1st guy: Well, you better make up your mind then. If I were you I would pick the second option, it’s so much shorter, 9 months instead of the rest of your life. Once you have the baby, we take it from you, and you’re free to go on to have a life that you want.
ML’s mother cries: Don’t agree Mei Ling. I’d rather die than to see you like that.
Mei Ling stops crying and speaks bravely: Alright, I agree! Don’t kill my mother. I pick the second choice. I agree! I agree!
Chapter 11
Mrs.Ton asks Kiu Wai to meet her in her room after Mei Chun sleeps. Kiu Wai is curious why he has to wait for his wife to sleep before he can talk to Mrs.Ton. He thinks that it has to do with the results she got today. Since both he and Mei Chun didn’t hear any bad news from Mrs.Ton earlier, they assumed the results show that they are fine.
Knocks Knocks.
Mrs.Ton: Come in Kiu Wai
Kiu Wai: Mother, what would you like to talk to me about?
Mrs.Ton: Is Mei Chun asleep?
Kiu Wai: Yes, like a baby. Speaking of baby, the results are good, I assume?
Mrs.Ton: I am sorry, it’s not.
Kiu Wai with a worried look on his face: Is it me or Mei Chun?
Mrs.Ton: It’s Mei Chun. Her uterus is abnormally small, which prevents her from getting pregnant.
Kiu Wai is disappointed when he hears this because he knows how much this means to Mei Chun and Mrs.Ton. It’s the main reason why he’s this family in the first place.
Kiu Wai continues: We can always adopt mother.
Mrs.Ton: No! The child has to be yours, from your blood.
Kiu Wai: How can this be possible when Mei Chun can’t have any children?
Mrs.Ton: Who says it’s Mei Chun. I want you to sleep with another woman and bring that child home. After all, it will be yours right?
Kiu Wai astonishly rejects: What!? You want me to sleep with another woman to have a baby? I can’t believe what I am hearing!
Mrs.Ton: You better believe it. This is my order.
Kiu Wai: It’s cruel to the other person. How can you take away the baby from her after all of this is over? I am sorry mother, I can’t do this. I listen to you in everything for the past year, but not this time. How can you do this to your own daughter?
Mrs.Ton angrily replies: That is an order Kiu Wai! I am doing what I can for this family and I am doing this for her. You have to cooperate with me and Mei Chun should not know about this.
Kiu Wai: How is she not going to know about this later on?
Mrs.Ton: I’ll find a way. I’ll deal with her later. Just do your part.
Kiu Wai: This is not right. It’s very cruel. Who is willing to do this kind of work for us anyway?
Mrs.Ton: Don’t worry about that, I’ve selected a girl from a decent family already for you. I paid her a lump sum of money. You don’t have to feel sorry for her.
Kiu Wai curiously asks: Who is she?
Mrs.Ton: You don’t need to know who will be carrying your child. As a matter of fact, you are forbidden from knowing her identity, and most of all, from developing any real feelings for her. Your job is just to sleep with her for the next several nights and that is all. I will let you know more about the rules tomorrow. Mr.Koo will drive you to that girl at 10pm after Mei Chun is deep in her sleep. I need my rest now. Good night.
Mrs.Ton turns and walk toward her bed and refuses to discuss further with Kiu Wai. Kiu Wai is more frustrated than ever for not being able to making his own decisions. He angrily walks back to his room. That night, he couldn’t fall asleep. He keeps on thinking about the mission he has to fulfill and the request his mother-in-law places on him. He wishes that he is not Ton Kiu Wai. As he stares into the ceiling, he’s wishing that the night passes by quickly.
The next day Tat Wah takes Kiu Wai and Mei Chun around the city for more sightseeing. He brings them back to the hotel in late in the evening. At this time, Mei Chun is under the impression that everything is fine. She doesn’t want to ask more questions than she need to know.
That evening during dinner, Mrs.Ton pours powder from the sleeping capsules into Mei Chun’s soup. An hour after dinner, Mei Chun expresses that she’s too exhausted and goes straight to bed. Kiu Wai checks on Mei Chun and makes sure that she is her deep sleep before he leaves the room. Mr.Koo is standing outside the room waiting for Kiu Wai. Kiu Wai follows Mr.Koo to the car and steps inside. Once he’s seated, Mr.Koo hands him a long folded red cloth.
Kiu Wai asks: What is this for?
Mr.Koo: Please put them around your eyes and tie them behind your head. This is Mrs.Ton’s order. You are not allowed to know the way to our destination. You are to be blindfolded the entire time until I bring you back here tomorrow morning.
Kiu Wai: Is this necessary?
Mr.Koo: Yes, it is. Please don’t make it hard for me Mr.Ton. Put it on and I will tell you more once I start driving. I don’t want to be late.
The rain is pouring heavily while they’re on their way. Kiu Wai can hear the rain hitting the windshield. With each passing minute, he’s growing more uneasy about the task that he is about to perform.
Mr.Koo: Remember Mr.Ton, you are not allowed to take off your or her blindfold. You are not allowed to speak to each other. The task for both of you is just to have intercourse. Besides that, everything else is not allowed.
Kiu Wai remains silent the remaining trip.
Finally, Mr.Koo arrives at the destination after many twists and turns. It’s a small quiet lake in front of them. There is a short bridge extending from the land to a small wooden house on this lake. The night is completely dark with rain and thunders. Mr.Koo opens the door for Kiu Wai and assists him getting down, then hands Kiu Wai a walking stick to help him with his walk. Mr.Koo holds Kiu Wai’s left arm while Kiu Wai is using his right hand holding on the stick as they begin to walk. Mr.Koo leads Kiu Wai across the bridge and opens the door for him.
The moment the door is opened, Mei Ling jumps up from the bed that she has been sitting on. Like Kiu Wai, she is blindfolded and cannot see her surroundings as well. Mr.Koo walks Kiu Wai to the bed where Mei Ling is sitting at. Mei Ling is terrified inside as she hears the footsteps getting closer. Mr.Koo let Kiu Wai stand next to the bed as he grabs Kiu Wai’s left hand and Mei Ling’s right hand and puts them together. They both felt each other’s hand and drop them back to themselves. Mr.Koo takes their hands and put them together again and makes sure that they hold them together. He sees that they are alright, then leaves. Mr.Koo closes the door behind him. Kiu Wai reaches for the wooden bed and sits down next to Mei Ling. Kiu Wai and Mei Ling are now alone, holding hands, in the darkness.
As they quietly sit there in the darkness, thousands of thoughts are running wild through their minds. With each sound of thunder, Mei Ling is getting more terrified and pulls her hand back to her side. Kiu Wai doesn’t want to scare so he just leaves her alone.
Mei Ling’s thoughts:
Why does this have to be me? Who is this man? Why is he doing this? He’s ruining my life! I just want this night to pass by quickly. I already have agreed to do this. I just hope he won’t torture me. I just want to get this done and be reunited with my family. I just want to go back to my normal life. Can it be normal after tonight? Oh please, let this night pass by quick.
Kiu Wai’s thoughts:
I hate myself for being in this position. I don’t want to ruin someone else’s life. Who is this innocent girl? She must be in an unfortunate situation to sell herself like this. I hope she is not scared of me and understand that I don’t want to do this either. Oh please, let this night pass by quick.
Chapter 12
Kiu Wai realizes that he cannot ruin this innocent girl’s life although he’s told that she’s being paid to do this. Something is telling him that she is not volunteering to do this and that she is scared. He senses the fear in her while sitting close to her.
He immediately stands up and finds his way out with the cane. He stumbles several times into the table and the chairs in the middle of the room before he reaches the door. Mei Ling is surprised when she hears him leaves, but is relieved at the same time. At least she doesn’t have to experience anything tonight.
Mr.Koo is waiting in the car for Kiu Wai, and sees Kiu Wai coming. He comes out to help Kiu Wai cross the bridge.
Mr.Koo: Are you done tonight?
Kiu Wai: No, I can’t do it. I can’t hurt her.
Mr.Koo: Mr.Ton, you have to get it over with tonight.
Kiu Wai: Please drive me back to the hotel right now.
Mr.Koo: Mrs.Ton will be very upset with you.
Kiu Wai: I will deal with her. Get me out of here.
Since this is Mei Ling’s first night, Tat Wah and his men are nearby to check on the progress. The moment they see Kiu Wai gets into the car, they come over to ask Mr.Koo if Mei Ling did her job. Of course, Mr.Koo has to tell them the truth.
In the morning, Mrs.Ton is informed about Kiu Wai from Mr.Koo. She asks Kiu Wai to come in to see her.
Kiu Wai: Mother, I can’t harm this innocent girl.
Mrs.Ton: Do you know that by running out like that you indirectly hurt her?
Kiu Wai: What do you mean by that?
Mrs.Ton: She’s not doing her job right. She's was beaten up after you left.
Kiu Wai: What?! They can’t do that! They can’t bully a girl.
Mrs.Ton: They can do whatever they want. Do you want to see her get hurt like that?
Kiu Wai: Of course not!
Mrs.Ton: If you don’t want her to be beaten up tonight again, then you know what to do.
Kiu Wai just sits back on the chair and puts his hands to his face. He cannot believe that the girl was beaten up because of him. He has never felt so guilty like this before. He starts to feel more sorry for her, and he knows for sure that she is being forced into this situation like he is. Kiu Wai just realizes that this is something that they both have in common.
Instead of dreading for the night to fall like the previous night, tonight Kiu Wai is actually looking forward to coming there to see how she is. His concern for her makes him feel more anxious while he’s on his way.
Like the previous night, Mr.Koo brings Kiu Wai in and takes their hands and places them together. This time, neither one of them really resists. After Mr.Koo leaves, Kiu Wai sits down on the bed next to Mei Ling again. He takes both of his hands and starts to feel her hands and wrists. He can feel the bumps and the swellness from her injuries. Mei Ling pulls her hands from him, but Kiu Wai pulls them back and tap them with his hand to signal her that it’s alright and that he’s just concerned. Upon feeling his tap, Mei Ling is more relaxed, but still feels nervous. Kiu Wai takes out a jar of rubbing balm from his pocket. He opens the lid and takes out some and rubs it on her hands and wrists. Mei Ling is quite shocked that this stranger is actually taking care of her injuries. He then feels her forehead and spots another lump. He carefully applies the balm there and rubs it gently. At this point, Mei Ling is very cooperative and does not fight back. As a matter of fact, she is taken by his caring and gentleness towards her.
Kiu Wai closes the jar and places down next to the bed. He wishes that he can tell her that he is sorry that she was beaten up because of him. Because he cannot express it to her verbally, he is just holding her hand with both of his while silently sitting next to her. He hopes that she can feel his sincerity and guilt.
As Mei Ling let Kiu Wai hold her hands, she is thinking to herself:
Why can’t I hate this man? He will ruin my life. He will take my virginity. Why am I not resentful toward him? Why am I sensing that he is being forced into this situation like I am? I sense that he is a good, caring, gentle man. How can I hate him? I will wait and see how the night will unfold.