January 2000
The turn of the century kept the restaurant frantic. New Year's Day brought waves of customers, and the rush lasted weeks. Instead of clocking out at 9 PM, I worked until 2 AM night after night. Home by three, asleep till ten, then back to work—life vanished into the grind.
But the money flowed. Business boomed, and the boss's wife handed out fat bonuses. Each time I brought cash home, Li Fang's eyes widened.
"This much?"
Wiping sweat, I grabbed clean clothes for a shower. *"Busy season. Bonuses are bigger."*
"Keep this up two years,"* she murmured, "we could buy an apartment."
"Dreaming. Prices are skyrocketing. This won't buy squat soon. Better spend it on you—growing a human's hard work." I touched her belly. *"Eight months now?"
"Seven. Two weeks till eight."
*"My brain's fried. Your check-up tomorrow… can Mom take you? I can't leave the kitchen."*
*"She left this morning. Distant cousin's funeral."*
"Shit."
*"It's fine. I'll reschedule if needed."*
Worry knotted my stomach. *"Sure you're okay?"*
*"Look at this."* She cradled her bump. *"Strong as an ox. Pointed, too—probably a boy."*
*"Boy or girl, who cares?"*
*"Dad cares. He wants a grandson."*
I laughed. *"He'd adore a granddaughter just the same."*
Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around my waist from behind. *"I'm scared. First time…"*
I turned, holding her. *"Me too. If the pain's too much, we'll do a C-section. Not worth you suffering."*
She pressed closer, voice turning petal-soft. *"No. Neighbors say C-section babies grow up less smart. Our son needs to be brilliant—study abroad, run companies."*
"He will."
"How did I get so lucky with you?"
I kissed her hair. *"I'm the lucky one. You're the brightest thing that ever happened to me."