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Chapter Text

October 29, 2015

Pi Ya Nuo had worked at Cafe Love going on three years. Although slightly built for a young man, he was strong and a very hard worker. Nan Xing Tian was proud of his star employee, and treated him like a son. Uncle Tian (as he liked to be called) had taken extra care to train Ya Nuo in the art of all things coffee. 

The coffee shop was on the ground floor of a small boarding house. Most of the residents were young professionals straight out of university, embarking on their fledgeling careers. In the evenings, after the shop would close, Uncle Tian would cook a large meal for the residents to share downstairs. He had never had a family of his own - a regret that weighed heavily on his heart as he aged. But he felt a little like he had a family with his boarders. A table full of youthful energy each evening gave Uncle Tian's heart as much nourishment as his food gave their stomachs.

Ya Nuo lived with his parents across town, but tonight he stayed to join the boarding house meal. It was a farewell dinner in honor one of the residents, Ya Nuo's friend Guang Chao. They had met at school, and Ya Nuo had been the one to recommend him to Uncle Tian. Guang Chao had a talent for sandwiches and snacks, and had helped expand the coffee shop menu. Now he was embarking on a career in the catering business and moving to the other side of Taipei to be closer to work.

Ya Nuo would miss seeing his friend every day, and wondered who Uncle Tian would find to move in to Guang Chao's room. It wasn't so easy for Ya Nuo to make good friends. Everyone liked him. He was personable. But Ya Nuo was careful to not let anyone get too close. He couldn't risk anyone finding out his secret.

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Feb 7, 1992, the year of the Monkey

Ya Nuo's parents were lovely people. They were kind and loving to a fault. But they were also quite gullible and prone to superstition. A charlatan fortune teller had warned them their baby girl was cursed and would likely not survive. But for a small fee of course, he was able to provide a solution! He convinced the poor parents that they could trick fate by raising their baby as a boy instead. 

"Your child is born under the water element. If she is raised a girl, she will surely drown! However if she is raised as a boy, she will sail easily on the waters of life and enjoy great success. No harm will come to her as long as the Fates think she is male. You may not tell anyone outside your family. If anyone else discovers the secret, they may alert the Fates!"

"But will she ever be able to live as a woman?" her mother asked, sobbing.

"When her zodiac year comes around for the second time, it will be under the fire sign. That will burn away and evaporate all the water drowning her spirit and she will be able to live as a girl then without fear. February 8th, 2016, the day after her 24th birthday. On that day, she will be able to live as a woman. After that, her successes will be the same as if she were male. She will be unstoppable."

And so the gullible Mr. and Mrs. Pi brought their beautiful baby home and told the world they had birthed a son. The world, and more importantly the Fates, believed the ruse.

For nearly 24 years, Pi Ya Nuo lived a happy albeit lonely life of a fortunate male. He excelled at academics. He was formidable in martial arts. He also excelled at basketball, but never played on the team. He claimed it was due to needing to help his parents, but of course the body contact, revealing uniforms and communal showers were the true reasons.

He was respected and admired. As he grew older, his effeminate looks made him attractive and he received a steady stream of tokens of affection from admirers. His male classmates would have been jealous, but Pi Ya Nuo told everyone he had promised his parents he would not be distracted by dating while he was still in school. He declined all advances respectfully, and made a point of helping to redirect girls' attention to his other male friends. For this reason, the boys were willing to overlook their jealousy regarding his success with the ladies.

Yet Ya Nuo always remained aloof. He never allowed himself to become too close to any of his friends. That way no one would learn his secret.

He was fortunate to have a cousin one year older. Fan Xiao Jing was a very feminine young woman and was the only other person who knew Ya Nuo's secret. In the privacy of his home, Ya Nuo and Xiao Jing could be girls together. They could speak of all things feminine and Ya Nuo could learn a little of how to be a woman. Xiao Jing was the lifeline that kept Ya Nuo connected to that little sliver of femininity hidden deep down away from the eyes of the Fates.

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October 31st, 2015

The coffee shop was decorated for Hallowe'en. Orange paper lanterns with jack-o'-lantern faces were strung up everywhere. Tonight Uncle Tian was throwing a party for the boarders and coffee shop employees. Ya Nuo was helping lay out the snacks.

"The parade in Tianmu has finished and the boarders will be home soon. Get in your costume!"  Ya Nuo's father managed the theatre at the local amusement park, and so he was willing to lend costumes to all the boarders and their friends.

Ya Nuo had chosen a fancy golden mask which included an attached headdress covered in strings of sparkling beads hanging down.  He paired it with a flowing red and gold faux silk robe. It was a feminine costume. Ya Nuo always took advantage of the opportunity Hallowe'en afforded to dress as a female. But he always wore a mask. He didn't really believe in the prophecy, but he saw no reason to thumb his nose at the Fates entirely.

"Sea goddess Matsu?" asked Xiao Jing, who had just arrived, dressed in a sassy Amelia Earhart costume. 

"Well, I did once save someone from drowning," quipped Ya Nuo, smiling at the memory. When he was a boy, he had pulled another boy out of the river. He wondered briefly what had ever become of that boy. He hoped he recovered and led a happy life.

This would be the last Hallowe'en Ya Nuo would have to hide his true identity. By this time next year, he would be able to live safely as a woman. He chose Matsu because she was the goddess who you prayed to for safety in the water. Since the prophecy specified Ya Nuo would drown as a girl, it seemed appropriate to honor the goddess who might prevent that. 

There are moments in life that seem insignificant when they happen, but only later does one realize their entire life pivoted on that moment. 

The moment that Pi Ya Nuo met Du Zi Feng was one such moment.

The boarders had just returned from the parade along with several friends and family as guests. Those not already in costume dove into the borrowed costumes in the theatre box and soon everyone was outfitted. 

"Hey, Goddess Matsu!" Xiao Jing hollered jovially from across the room. She was standing next to someone in a pirate costume. "Can you save this poor pirate from drowning?" 

Ya Nuo's face was hidden by the mask. But the pirate's face was only obscured by a small eyepatch. Anyone could tell he was a handsome man. Not that Ya Nuo would admit noticing. Xiao Jing gave a knowing smirk as Ya Nuo approached. 

"You probably should have asked me to save you too, miss Earhart!" Ya Nuo joked. "Didn't you crash into the sea?" Bowing at the pirate, Ya Nuo then waved his arms about dramatically. "I command the water to release you!" Then he grabbed both Xiao Jung and the pirate by their hands and led them a few steps away. "Now you are safe!" Ya Nuo finished, dropping Xiao Jing's hand. But somehow he could not seem to let go of the pirate's hand. Electricity ran up his arm from where they touched. What is happening?

The pirate smiled at the goddess Matsu. His smile was stunning. Why did it have to be stunning? "My life is yours, goddess! How can I repay you?" he asked.

Ya Nuo's heart skipped a beat. He thinks I am a woman under this mask! Being called a goddess was certainly a thrill. Holding this pirate's hand was even more of a thrill. But he had to untie his tongue and speak before things became dangerous.

"With shrimp!" he replied. "A sea goddess must eat seafood." 

The pirate bowed and released Ya Nuo's hand as he went off to settle the debt. Ya Nuo stared at his now empty fingers. He suddenly felt as if he were missing a body part. He shook his head to dispel such an insane thought.

"He's cute!" sighed Xiao Jing. "And I think he was flirting with you!"

"Xiao Jing! He can't even see my face! How would he be flirting with me?" Please let him be flirting with me!

The pirate returned with a plate of snacks. "I hope prawn flavored crisps will suffice, goddess?" he said, flashing that beautiful smile again. 

"Your offering is worthy and has been accepted." Ya Nuo grabbed the plate, bowed and made a graceful exit while he still could nearly see straight.

Who was that pirate? 

As the party went on, Ya Nuo kept an eye on the pirate. He appeared to have a pleasant manner and chatted easily with the boarders and their friends. Uncle Tian also seemed to pay him a good deal of attention. But Ya Nuo couldn't bring himself to approach him again. That smile. That electricity when their hands touched... What was that? Could it be? Ya Nuo shook his head. 

Stop that nonsense, he sternly told himself. You have 100 days left. Don't get distracted by something that can't happen yet anyway.

Ya Nuo spent half the party attempting to avoid the handsome pirate. The other half was spent attempting to get close enough to overhear and observe him without being seen.

So much for not getting distracted.

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Zi Feng nervously looked around the room full of strangers. A woman soon approached him with a friendly smile. 

"Hi! I'm Fan Xiao Jing. Who are you here with?"

"Um, hi! I'm Du Zi Feng," he replied. "I just moved in today. So I don't really know anyone here yet except Uncle Tian."

"Oh! You took Guang Chao's room! Well, welcome!"

"So do you live here too?"

"Oh, no. But my cousin works here in the coffee shop so I am around a lot." She patted his shoulder. "Don't worry - they are all good people. You will get to know everyone in no time. Let me introduce you!"

This time he gave a genuine smile. Oh, wow, what a smile! If she didn't already have a boyfriend, she would have made a move on him herself. But she did know someone who could use a boyfriend. Or would be able to use one soon enough. It couldn't hurt to get the ball rolling.

"Oh Goddess Matsu!" she called.

Her cousin's first meeting with Zi Feng went quite well. She couldn't help but notice when their hands remained joined. Xiao Jing was feeling quite pleased with herself. However Ya Nuo then ran away and avoided the handsome pirate the rest of the evening.

It wasn't hard to guess why. Her cousin was afraid of catching feelings. So close to the end of his secret, who could blame him? 

"So who is the Goddess Matsu?" Zi Feng finally asked as the party was wrapping up. He had wanted to ask from the moment they met, but his tongue kept tangling in knots when he tried. What was happening to him? He had barely spoken to this goddess. He never even saw her face. How was he so nervous at the mere thought of her?

Xiao Jing had been thinking about how to answer the question when it inevitably came up. She decided to let the suspense linger a bit.

"You will have to ask the goddess yourself!" she teased. 

Undaunted, Zi Feng looked around the room. But the goddess was nowhere to be seen. There were several people helping to clean up. Most had taken off their costumes. Was one of them his goddess? THE goddess. Not his!  he reminded himself, although not very convincingly. 

He jumped in and worked to clean up with the rest. He would be living here so he may as well start pulling his weight tonight. Zi Feng met all the boarders and coffee shop employees. But none of the women seemed to be his sea goddess. 

Yan Na Na was a sweet shy young woman, but much shorter than his goddess. Amy was lovely, but she was still in her cat costume, and her face was clearly visible. Those were the only female boarders. Shop assistant Eva was the first person Xiao Jing introduced him to after the sea goddess. Zi Han, the girlfriend of the boarder he replaced was the correct height but her voice was much higher and to be honest, a little grating. And obviously Xiao Jing could not be the woman in question. All that remained were men. Perhaps his goddess - THE goddess, not his! - had left early? Zi Feng was disappointed. She hadn't even said goodbye.

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The next morning, Zi Feng woke late and spent a little time finishing unpacking his room. He didn't have too many belongings. Mostly clothes and his guitar. Once things were arranged to his satisfaction, he pulled out the guitar and began to strum softly. 

He never noticed a person lingering outside his door, listening.

Uncle Tian would be gone from the coffee shop today. As was his tradition, he would be at the cemetery, visiting the grave of Xiaomei, the long-lost love of his life.

Years ago, he was sent to prison for a crime related to his involvement in the Triad. While he was locked away, Xiaomei disappeared. After he was released, he went to look for her, but was told she died in childbirth. She hadn't even told him she was pregnant! The child also did not survive. This broke Uncle Tian, and from that moment on, he turned away from the criminal life entirely. In all things, he strove to be the man she had wanted him to be, though he knew it was too late.

The boarding house was a testament to the family he wished he had with her. And the coffee shop an homage to her deep love for the beverage. He had always teased her about it. He was a tea drinker himself. But after her death, he learned to love coffee. It made him feel closer to her somehow.

Once the Sunday post-church rush died down, Ya Nuo ran upstairs to bring a cup of coffee to Yang Na Na. She was recently in remission for bone cancer, and the stairs were still painful for her. Na Na was a die-hard coffee enthusiast, and hoped to become a barista herself one day, once she was fully recovered. Ya Nuo enjoyed having someone who truly understood coffee and appreciated the nuances. They could easily talk shop. 

As Ya Nuo was heading back downstairs, he paused at the door to what had been Guang Chao's room. He could hear the sound of a guitar. Someone had moved in already! Ya Nuo recognized the song. It was one of his favorites. He stood by the door, listening raptly. But a clattering sound from downstairs shook him from his distraction and he hurried back down to help Eva in the shop.

I wonder who the new boarder is, thought Ya Nuo.

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Late that afternoon, Zi Feng finally made his way downstairs. He was excited to join in his first boarding house dinner. And maybe he could find a way to learn the identity of the sea goddess without being too blatantly obvious.  He could hear someone playing the piano in the dining room. He knew that song... It was one of his favorites. He had even played it on the guitar earlier that day.

The person at the keys was a young man he'd seen briefly while helping clean up last night. He vaguely recalled him being a coffee shop employee. Zi Feng leaned against the doorway and listened. He really did love this song. Suddenly the man stopped playing, seemingly startled to have an audience.

"Sorry!" apologized Zi Feng. "I didn't mean to disturb you. It's just one of my favorite songs."

The piano player gave him an odd look.

"I'm Du Zi Feng," he offered. "I just moved in." He was unsure what to make of the look the piano player was giving him.

"Pi Ya Nuo," came the reply.

"You work in the coffee shop?" Zi Feng asked.

"Yes."

"Nice to meet you." He approached the piano and held out his hand. But by the time he got there, the hand he intended to shake was already flying over the keys again.

Dinner was very pleasant. Zi Feng chatted easily with Zhe Rui, a recent graduate of veterinary school who dreamed about working with Vets Without Borders. He wanted to travel the world someday.

And Zi Feng felt he could become friends with Qing Yang, who was in a training program for baristas and hoped one day to take over the coffee shop. He was an orphan who lost his parents when a mafia deal went bad. He looked to Uncle Tian as a father.

Na Na was a ball of energy but was on medical leave from her job at a theatre.
Amy worked as an office assistant and had a Triad boyfriend Uncle Tian did not approve of.

Ya Nuo had not joined them for dinner.

"What is it you do?" asked Zhe Rui.

"My parents own a food truck business," said Zi Feng. "I was in graduate school for my business degree, but I had to stop and come home to take over for my father. He was in an accident."

"Oh, no!" said Na Na. "Will he be ok?"

Zi Feng looked around the table. For the time being, this group would have to be his family. He wasn't used to relying on anyone, but he knew this time was different. He knew he couldn't do it alone. And so he made the choice to open up a little.

"He hit his head, we think. He lost all his memories. He doesn't even know who we are." He paused as there were gasps around the table. "My mother has taken him abroad for specialist therapy. So until they return, I must run the business." 

"Why are you living here instead of at home?" Amy asked. "Not that we aren't happy you are here!" she quickly added with a smile.

"His father and I are old friends," answered Uncle Tian. "Like brothers. I couldn't let him stay home alone through this. I thought he would be better off around family."

Zi Feng Smiled at Uncle Tian gratefully. He had always been lonely. As an only child, he felt the lack of siblings keenly. He worked after school and on weekends in the family business, so he never had much time for friends. And given his father's past involvement with the Triad... well most parents didn't want their children associating with him. His dad had given up all criminal activity when Uncle Tian did. They supported each other. But society never forgot or forgave.

So Zi Feng was used to loneliness. But through it all he had always had his parents. Now he wouldn't even have that. If it hadn't been for Uncle Tian insisting he move into the boarding house, he didn't know what he would have done. Yes, this would be his family now.

As Zi Feng climbed into bed that night, he realized with all the talk of his family, he hadn't remembered to ask about the sea goddess. 

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Ya Nuo had finished work and thought he would kill some time before dinner. His parents were out of town for a long weekend and wouldn't be back until tomorrow, so he planned to eat with the boarders. Plus it would give him a chance to meet the newest resident. Whoever it is played guitar well!

He sat down absentmindedly at the piano. Before he knew it, he was playing the familiar notes of that same song he'd heard earlier. Then out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of someone in the doorway.

It was the handsome pirate!

Ya Nuo froze as he stared at him dumbly.

The pirate introduced himself as the new resident. OH... He had been the one playing the guitar! Ya Nuo's heart did a little flip.
He realized it was his turn to speak, and he said his name. Did the pirate recognize him from the party? It didn't appear so. Should he mention it?
He saw the pirate heading his way with a hand outstretched. He was going to shake his hand!

Ya Nuo clearly remembered the jolt of electricity the last time their hands touched. Afraid to go there again, he put his fingers back on the keys and played as fast as he could. He wanted to touch that hand again to see what would happen. But he was terrified the same thing would happen again.
And he was possibly even more terrified it wouldn't.

He could find out in 99 days.
Until then, he ought to steer clear of the handsome pirate. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, mused Ya Nuo. He decided he had better skip dinner at the boarding house.

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Zi Feng didn't know what it was about Ya Nuo, but for some reason, he was drawn to the man like a moth to flame.
He made sure to stop downstairs for coffee on the way to work each day. He made a point to always order something Ya Nuo could make but Eva couldn't. And when Zi Feng returned from work, he would hope to catch Ya Nuo playing piano after hours in the dining room. Whenever he did, he would stand by the doorway and listen mesmerized.

They had actually spoken very few words to one another. Mostly Zi Feng giving his order or Ya Nuo asking if he wanted cream in his coffee. 

But it was a comfortable silence. Zi Feng felt a strange connection. He needed to get to know this man more. 

On the 5th day after they met, Zi Feng came home defeated. It had been a miserable day.

Everything he had learned in business school was useful in theory, but most of it flew out the window in the face of real-world problems. The business had taken a severe hit in the month following the accident. Zi Feng was using everything in his power to get the business back on its feet but it was one step forward, two steps back.

His cousin had been hounding him relentlessly about wanting his share of the business.

On top of that, his mother had called. Therapy was not progressing well and Dad was showing no signs yet of recovery. She broke down in tears. There was nothing Zi Feng could say or do to help. His heart broke for her. That afternoon, he headed home a little early.

The coffee shop hadn't quite closed yet when he arrived. Discouraged, he slumped into a chair, staring into space. Soon the smell of his favorite coffee snapped him out of his stupor. The cup appeared in front of him.

"Are you ok?" Ya Nuo asked as he slowly poured just the right amount of cream into his cup.

"Just a tough day," Zi Feng answered, giving a thin smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Sounds like you need a slice of cake as well then." Ya Nuo returned a moment later with a plate. "I'm going to close up now, but take as long as you need. And let me know if you want anything else."

Ya Nuo smiled and went back to work. Something in that smile made Zi Feng feel a bit lighter. 

Zi Feng was still sitting at the table when Zi Feng had finished closing up the coffee shop for the evening. 

"Do you want another?" he called over. "I'm making one for myself." 

Zi Feng nodded.

Soon Ya Nuo joined him at the table with two steaming cups of coffee.

They sat in silence as they sipped. Both enjoying each other's company and not wanting to do anything to ruin the moment.

Zi Feng reached the bottom of his cup and frowned. It was still some time before the others came down dinner. He felt that as soon as Ya Nuo left and he was alone again, the troubles of his day would catch up to him. 

Ya Nuo stood up and reached for the empty cups. 

"Please. Wait." Zi Feng grabbed Ya Nuo's hand as it reached for his cup. His eyes flew open as a familiar bolt of electricity flew up his arm at the touch.

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It had taken Zi Feng 3 days before he managed to subtly steer the dinner conversation to Hallowe'en. When he finally was able to ask about the identity of the interesting woman in the gold mask who disappeared, he couldn't help but notice a very odd reaction around the table. Sideways glances, awkward laughter.... What was he missing?

Before he could get a straight answer, Uncle Tian entered with a large pot of stew and the topic of conversation was derailed entirely.

Now it was two days later and the answer was finally staring him in the face. And it bore the same startled expression he had.

Both men froze, eyes locked as electricity radiated between their touching hands. Neither noticed how much time passed as they remained there.

"Ya Nuo? Have you seen the small French press?" Uncle Tian hollered from the other room, breaking the spell.

Before Zi Feng could even blink, Ya Nuo had dropped his hand and was halfway to the kitchen.

Zi Feng sat stunned. Ya Nuo had been the one behind the golden mask?
Well, isn't that just how his day had been going? He finally found his mysterious sea goddess and it turned out to be a guy. If it weren't for bad luck, he'd have no luck at all, he thought bitterly. He stared at the empty hand that had been holding Ya Nuo's. He couldn't help feeling a part of his body had just gone missing.

It took him several minutes to convince his legs to move and carry him trembling up to his room. He passed by the kitchen door but didn't see Ya Nuo still hiding in there, hugging his knees and also trembling.

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The next morning, both men made a valiant effort to pretend nothing unusual had happened between them.

"Ah, Zi Feng!" greeted Uncle Tian. "We missed you last night at dinner. You must be hungry. Would you like a breakfast sandwich?"

Zi Feng nodded. He was starving! He had been so distracted he had forgotten all about dinner last night. 

Ya Nuo gave him a concerned look. "I hope today will go better for you," he said quietly, as he placed a coffee and sandwich in front of Zi Feng and quickly turned away.

Zi Feng stared after him helplessly. He wanted to grab his hand again, but knew that was ridiculous. What was he thinking? What would be the purpose?

That evening, Zi Feng returned home to the sound of the piano. It was exactly the thing he wanted most in the world at that moment. This time, rather than standing in the doorway, he sat in a chair. Ya Nuo kept playing until Uncle Tian announced it was time for dinner. 

"I'll go first then, Uncle," said Ya Nuo.

As he passed by, Zi Feng whispered, "Thank you!"

Ya Nuo didn't look at Zi Feng, but nodded and continued out. 

Over the following week, Ya Nuo played for Zi Feng every evening. The week continued to be brutal for Zi Feng at work, but he was always able to look forward to coming home.

During dinner, Zi Feng was able to share with the boarders and Uncle Tian all the issues at work. They were able to advise him and offer support and encouragement. Some of their suggestions were quite helpful and soon things began to improve. 

On the 3 week anniversary of his residency in the boarding house, Zi Feng returned from work in a good mood. Things were starting to turn around again for the business. His cousin had seemed to have stopped harassing him. And his mother had called to say his father remembered the taste of his favorite dish. And now Ya Nuo was at the piano, playing his favorite song.

He had an idea and ran upstairs to grab his guitar.

That evening they played together. For the first time in weeks, he genuinely smiled.  Ya Nuo noticed the smile and immediately lost all his breath. Why did it have to be so beautiful!

That night, Ya Nuo joined the boarders for dinner. He sat next to Zi Feng. 

"I think I still owe Matsu some shrimp!" said Zi Feng as he put some on Ya Nuo's plate. They both chuckled.

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Over the next month, Zi Feng and Ya Nuo slowly began to talk more. At first their discussions stayed around music, coffee, and the growing collection of stray animals Zhe Rui and Na Na thought they were so cleverly hiding in their rooms. But slowly they both began to open up to one another. It turned out they also had a shared love for things like martial arts, basketball, and interesting food.

On Ya Nuo's day off, Zi Feng took him to one of his family's food trucks. Ya Nuo was duly impressed. He had just polished off his second helping when he heard Zi Feng swear under his breath. 

"What's wrong?" asked Ya Nuo.

"He's back," Zi Feng replied, standing and grimly removing his jacket and scarf. His eyes locked on a group of six men who were heading straight across the plaza towards the food truck.

"Zi Feng!" yelled one of the men. Zi Feng remained calm as he drew himself up as tall as he could and moved away from the food truck.

"Stay back," Zi Feng whispered as Ya Nuo tried to follow him. 

"Where's your father?" sneered the man. "Is he hiding from me?"

"What do you want, Han Sheng?" growled Zi Feng. 

"You know what I want." And without warning, he punched Zi Feng in the stomach hard. 

In a blink, all six began to attack Zi Feng.

Zi Feng was able to hold his own. Ya Nuo couldn't help but be impressed at his skill. Although they had talked about martial arts in depth, he was pleasantly surprised to see Zi Feng had undersold his abilities. Still, six on one was not a fair match and Ya Nuo could see the tide turning against Zi Feng.

As two assailants prepared to get the jump on him, Ya Nuo decided it was time to intervene. He grabbed them by the collar and knocked their heads together. Both fell unconscious on the pavement as Ya Nuo turned his attention to the next attacker.

"This has nothing to do with you, boy!" hissed Han Sheng. 

"Ya Nuo shrugged. "So many against one is not fair odds."

"Your funeral," laughed Han Sheng and the fight resumed in earnest.

Back to back, Ya Nuo and Zi Feng fought off the attackers with ease. Their fighting styles meshed well and they scarcely had to look at one another to communicate. At one point Ya Nuo leapt into Zi Feng's arms and delivered brutal kicks to the attackers as he was spun around. 

Soon all the attackers were on the ground. Han Sheng spat out blood as he rose and glared at Zi Feng. 

"Tell your father I want what is mine," he hissed as he signaled his men to leave. "Or I will take everything that is his."

"Not like he'd remember if you did," Zi Feng muttered bitterly under his breath as he watched them retreat.

Ya Nuo had refrained from asking questions until they got back to the boarding house.

When they arrived, Uncle Tian gave Zi Feng a knowing look. The ex-gangster could easily tell when someone had been in a fight. 

"He came back?" 

"Yes. This time he brought men. And he threatened the business."

Ya Nuo looked back and forth questioningly between the two.

"If Ya Nuo hadn't been there, I don't know that I would have been able to fight them all off," Zi Feng continued. 

"That's my boy! Thank you, Ya Nuo." Uncle Tian looked at Ya Nuo proudly and patted his shoulder. "You know, Zi Feng, Ya Nuo here is at least as good as you in martial arts."

"I got that impression when he took out three men single-handedly," laughed Zi Feng.

"What does he want?" asked Ya Nuo. "If you want to tell me..." he added apologetically. He didn't mean to be nosy.

"I think you have earned the right to know!" said Uncle Tian, looking at Zi Feng.

"Han Sheng is my cousin," Zi Feng explained. "My grandfather left the whole business to his eldest son, my father. Han Sheng thinks his father should have gotten half. So now he wants his father's share."

"But he doesn't want to work in the business," said Uncle Tian. "He just wants half of all the profit." 

"Even if he did work the business, he would either run it into the ground or use it as a front for illegal activities," added Zi Feng. "I have a lot of employees depending on me for their jobs. I can't let Han Sheng destroy their livelihood."

"Your dad..." Ya Nuo began slowly, unsure if he should ask. "Was Han Sheng involved in his accident?"

Zi Feng and Uncle Tian exchanged glances. 

"Maybe. But there is no proof and no way of knowing."

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Zhe Rui and Amy had traveled home to be with their families for Christmas.

Qing Yang had no living family and Zi Feng’s family were all either out of the country or wanting to beat him senseless. So they both remained with Uncle Tian. Nana also stayed behind. Her family had moved to America when she turned 19.

“Why didn’t you want to move to America with your family?” asked Zi Feng over Christmas dinner.

“I am hoping someday to find my birth family,” she replied. “I was adopted, and I know my family came from somewhere near here. So I wanted to say close and look for them.”

“Do you have any information to go on?” asked Zi Feng. “Sorry if I am being intrusive, but I was also adopted.”

“Really?” Na Na seemed quite excited by this news.

“My parents couldn’t have children of their own,” explained Zi Feng. “So they went to the temple to pray. I was living there with the monks after my birth parents died, and they thought it must be the Fates that sent all of us there at the same time."

"Do you know anything about your birth family?" Na Na asked.

"I have some relatives back in the village, but no one who was able to look after me properly. I was only a baby when my parents died, so my relatives were happy for me to be adopted. I visit them once a year on the anniversary of my parents’ death. But I feel my adoptive parents are my real family.”

“I love my adopted family too of course,” said Na Na. “But I feel like I need to know where I came from. I don’t have anything useful to go on, but I hope the Fates will lead me to my family somehow.”

“Well, until then, you have us!” said Qing Yang, raising his glass.

“Hear hear!” agreed Uncle Tian and everyone toasted their glasses.

The day after Christmas was exhausting. With all the post-Christmas shopping, the coffee shop was busier than ever. But since Eva was still away with her family for the holidays, they were short-staffed.

Zi Feng’s food trucks did a booming business that day as well. He spent the day rushing between trucks and stalls, making sure each one was properly stocked to keep up with the demand.

Zi Feng returned home that afternoon exhausted but happy. As he passed the dining room, he was a little disappointed to not hear any piano. But he saw Ya Nuo sitting on the floor, leaning against one of the couches. He was fast asleep. Zi Feng thought he looked like an angel, and was strangely overwhelmed by a need to protect and care for this sweet creature. It was chilly in the room so he took off his jacket and placed it gently over Ya Nuo’s shoulders.

He stood there a while, gazing at Ya Nuo as he slept. He couldn’t help himself - he took a few pictures. Ya Nuo just looked so adorable! Before he realized what he was doing, he had reached out to stroke Ya Nuo’s hair.

Zi Feng caught himself. What are you doing? he admonished himself.  What are these thoughts you are having? He’s a guy! Don’t be stupid.

While he was busy arguing with his brain, his hand went off on its own accord and stroked Ya Nuo’s hair. Ya Nuo stirred slightly, and Zi Feng leapt up and fled the room, his heart in his throat.

When Ya Nuo awoke, he felt warm. Then he noticed the jacket and smiled. He stiffly pulled himself up onto the couch, wrapped himself in Zi Feng’s jacket and inhaling the scent of Zi Feng, he drifted back off to sleep again.

Later, Uncle Tian came to wake Ya Nuo for dinner. As he yawned and stretched, he remembered the pleasant dream he had been having. It was about Zi Feng. A blush crept over his cheeks as he headed for the table.

“Thank you,” he whispered to Zi Feng as he handed back the jacket. They smiled at each other.

Oh, his smile! thought Ya Nuo. Why does it have to be so beautiful? It was beginning to occur to Ya Nuo that he might be in some serious trouble.

Chapter Text

Two days after Christmas, Zi Feng’s car died.  Ya Nuo agreed to drive over after work to bring him home.

It was out of the way, but Ya nuo didn’t mind. Time alone with Zi Feng was appealing. 

Although there were still 44 days left before the curse was lifted, Ya Nuo was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A light filled with possibilities. And one of those possibilities was Zi Feng.

There was something about a car interior that made it easier to talk. It was like a safe bubble. Each were strapped in their own seat, safely separate but still together. Able to speak but without facing one another. In the world but removed from it. In the car, they were able to be more open, more honest.

Zi Feng spoke of his feelings about his father’s condition, his obligation to keep the business afloat, his fears about Han Sheng, and his hopes for his life in the future. Ya Nuo could talk about his overprotective family, his inability to form close friendships, his feeling of never fitting in. Both men could share the loneliness they felt growing up separate and apart.

Inside the car, they could open their hearts. Once they left the car, life returned to normal. Their friendship returned to normal. There was a clear line between inside the car and out.  And both men began to prefer inside.

For the next 4 days, Ya Nuo drove Zi Feng to work and home again each day. Ya Nuo did not speed or attempt to catch any yellow lights. They took the scenic route. They drove past Christmas light displays. They found themselves inventing excuses to stop and run errands on the way just to prolong the trip.

They sat in the car outside the coffee shop. They had arrived a half hour ago, but had been listening to the radio and talking. Neither made any move to open the door and burst the bubble they had created. The interior of the car windows had begun to fog up in the cold of December, visually blocking out the world around them. 

Since the car was parked and eyes no longer needed to be on the road, they were free to turn to face each other. Zi Feng found himself staring at Ya Nuo’s cheeks as he spoke. He inexplicably wanted so much to stroke them, and place his own cheeks against them. Ya Nuo was equally mesmerized by Zi Feng’s lips, imagining what they might feel like against his own. Each lost in their own longing, neither noticed how they imperceptibly inched closer and closer together. 

When the sound of a car horn went off just outside the car, they were startled back to reality to find they had both leaned in closely with their faces merely inches apart and their fingers laced together. They stared at each other a long moment before Zi Feng slowly backed off, retrieved his hand and exited the car without a word. The car door closed with a click before either finally drew a breath. 

Zi Feng tried to will himself to walk away from the car and into the boarding house, but being honest with himself, all he really wanted to do was get back into the car. Why had he even gotten out? After a long moment he gave in and turned back towards the car, but it was too late. Ya Nuo had just started the engine and was pulling away. Zi Feng stood numbly on the sidewalk for several minutes watching the car disappear into the distance. 

It had taken Zi Feng a long time to come to terms with what he was feeling. He had spent the last two months trying to rationalize and justify and explain away what his heart was clearly telling him. Although in some ways he had known the night they met, he had stubbornly tried to convince himself it was impossible. But tonight, as he watched Ya Nuo drive off, things came clearly into focus. It was so obvious. So simple. And so he accepted the truth. 

He was in love with Pi Ya Nuo. 

Chapter Text

Zi Feng entered the boarding house in a bit of a daze. His mind was reeling from the realization he was in love with Ya Nuo.

“You almost missed dinner!” said Uncle Tian with a hint of concern. “We put aside a plate for you.”

“Thank you,” Zi Feng replied, trying to focus. All the boarders were back from the holidays. They were a full house again.

“Oh I found you a good car!” Amy said, pulling a piece of paper out of her purse and pushing it across the table. “Just call this number.”

“Thanks, Amy!” Zi Feng said, although admittedly, the last thing in the world he wanted was to lose his private car time with Ya Nuo. Then again, would Ya Nuo even want to be in a car alone with him after what happened tonight?

Zi Feng wondered if it had just been his imagination or if Ya Nuo really did lean in just as much, just as far, just as…

“What is with you tonight?” laughed Qing Yang. “You look dazed enough to be in love!”

“What?” Zi Feng said in a slight panic. Was he that obvious?

“I was just teasing you. Chill,” said Qing Yang.

Zi Feng picked at his dinner while trying to figure out how to function in the new reality of being a man in love. Especially being a man in love with another man. That added a whole extra layer of complication to the matter. Was he gay? Was Ya Nuo? Did it even matter? What would his family say? His friends? Uncle Tian?

All the questions and concerns swirled around in his head.

His internal monologue was cut short by the Qing Yang’s voice crying out in anguish. “NA NA!”

Zi Feng looked up to see Qing Yang cradling Na Na’s limp body on the floor.

Chapter Text

Ya Nuo drove home in a daze. What just happened?

To be honest, Ya Nuo knew exactly what happened. But he had no idea what to do about it. There was no denying he had chemistry with Zi Feng. The attraction was undeniable. The electricity. His smile… Why did it have to be so beautiful?

But either Zi Feng was attracted to women, in which case nothing could happen for over a month, or Zi Feng liked men, in which case he would be sorely disappointed in just over a month. Either way, there was nothing that could be done. No matter how desperately Ya Nuo wanted to do something!

That evening Ya Nuo received two text messages that concerned him greatly.

The first was from Uncle Tian:

Uncle T: Na Na is in the hospital. She collapsed at dinner. Can you please cover for us tomorrow? It looks like Qing Yang and I will have a long night.

Ya Nuo: Of course I will be there. Be well. Let me know if you need me to bring you anything.

The second message came from Zi Feng:

Zi Feng: I have found a new car. I'll be getting it tomorrow. I won't need a ride anymore. Thank you for driving me all week. :-) Happy Republic Day!

Ya Nuo's heart sank. Perhaps the timing was a coincidence, but it was more likely that what happened in the car tonight had made Zi Feng feel very uncomfortable and he didn't want to drive together anymore. 

The next morning, Ya Nuo brought Zi Feng his usual coffee. He scanned Zi Feng's expression for any hint as to how he was reacting to their moment in the car. But his expression was unreadable. Ya Nuo poured the cream and went back to work.

Zi Feng's food trucks had the holiday off, so he went back upstairs to his room. 

Later, he had sent Ya Nuo a text. But why would he text when they were in the same building?

Zi Feng: Could I please trouble you to drive me one last time? I would like to pick up my new car. Whenever you are free.

Ya Nuo: Of course. We close early for the holiday. I will be done at 4:00.

Zi Feng: Here is the address: <address>

One last car ride! Ya Nuo hoped it would shed some light on what Zi Feng was thinking.

Meanwhile Zi Feng was thinking it was one last chance to make up for his stupidity last night.

They both were counting the minutes until 4:00. It couldn't come soon enough!

A few minutes before 4:00, Zi Feng slipped silently into the coffee shop to wait. He watched Ya Nuo as he closed up. Every move he made was observed in fascination. After a few minutes Ya Nuo became aware he was being observed. It occurred to him to wonder if Zi Feng liked what he saw, but he quickly shook off the thought.

When he was finished, he and Zi Feng headed out to the car. For all the hopes they had both pinned on this car ride, neither of them found themselves able to speak. The only sound the entire trip was the radio. 

They came to a stop in a somewhat dicey neighborhood on the outskirts of town. Finally Ya Nuo broke the silence. 

"I think I will wait until you get the car and then follow you out to the main road."

Zi Feng nodded. "Thank you. I think that won't be necessary, but it is better to be safe."

He started to get out of the car then paused for a moment. He turned back to Ya Nuo. How could he make up for last night? What could he say? Before the silence between them became too deep and insurmountable, he had to say something.

"Ya Nuo," he began. Their eyes locked and he realized what he had to say. "I am really going to miss spending time with you in the car. I hope we will still find reasons to drive together." Then before Ya Nuo could reply, Zi Feng jumped out. He had said what he needed to say. He hoped it was enough. But he was too scared to wait around to find out. 

Before long, Zi Feng had exchanged some money for a decent-looking car. He got in and drove past Ya Nuo. He gave the thumbs-up and led the way out to the main road. Ya Nuo followed. They went a mile before they got to the turning where each would go their separate ways. As Ya Nuo prepared to go straight on, Zi Feng signaled to turn left. 

Something was wrong. Zi Feng was taking the turn too quickly! Why wasn't he braking?

There was a huge screech as the parking brake was pulled. The car spun doughnuts and narrowly missed crashing into several other cars. It finally came to a stop facing the wrong direction. 

Ya Nuo pulled over and ran back across the road in a blind panic. "Zi Feng!!" he screamed as he wrenched the driver's door open. "Zi Feng!" Forgetting himself entirely, Ya Nuo threw his arms around Zi Feng and embraced him tightly. Tears streamed down his face as he pulled back to check that Zi Feng was truly unharmed.

Zi Feng was in shock but appeared unhurt. He had banged his shoulder hard when the parking brake engaged and threw him against the door, but otherwise he had gotten extremely lucky. 

But not as lucky as it felt to be in Ya Nuo's arms. Their cheeks pressed together, just as he had imagined it. It ended much too quickly, but as soon as Ya Nuo had confirmed Zi Feng was, in fact, unharmed, he pulled him back into his arms again.

Eventually, cars started to honk. The car was blocking the road. Together they pushed the car off to the side. 

Finally they were both back in Ya Nuo's car as they waited for a tow truck. They sat for a while in silence. As the shock and adrenaline began to wear off, Ya Nuo turned to face Zi Feng.

"You know you didn't have to go that far if you wanted me to keep driving you!" It was a poor attempt at a joke, but they both desperately needed the laugh at that moment. Then more tears began to slide down Ya Nuo's cheeks. "Don't you ever scare me like that again!" There was no trace of humor this time. "I thought I was going to lose you. I thought I was watching you die!" Ya Nuo broke down sobbing. 

Zi Feng reached out and caressed Ya Nuo's cheeks, brushing tears away with his thumbs. The physical barriers they had imagined were between them had slipped, and here he was touching those cheeks he dreamed about. Then Ya Nuo's arms were around him again.

Then their foreheads met.
Then they were breathing each other's air. 
Then the tips of their noses brushed.
Then their fingers became entangled in each other's hair.
Then their lips just grazed each other.
Then...
There was a loud rapping on the car window. The tow truck had arrived.

They both silently cursed every god and goddess of luck and timing as they turned to face the man at the window.

There was a different flavor of silence in the car. The tow truck had just driven off and they were back in Ya Nuo's car. But this time it felt different. 

Zi Feng winced in pain as he reached for the seat belt. His one injury was starting to be more noticeable. 

"Let me take you to get that checked out," said Ya Nuo gently. "And you will need a doctor's record if you want to press charges." 

"Press charges?"  Zi Feng started to wonder about the car.

Fortunately, his shoulder was only bruised. He was prescribed ice and painkillers and an herbal patch. 

Ya Nuo dropped him off at the boarding house but didn't go inside. The pain was starting to get to Zi Feng and Ya Nuo needed time to think anyway.

He placed a hand on Zi Feng's briefly and smiled. Then he watched as Zi Feng got out of the car. Zi Feng smiled back. 
Oh, that smile! Why does it have to be so beautiful?

Chapter Text

Zi Feng headed towards his room, lost in thought.
It was clear something had happened between him and Ya Nuo. But on the other hand, Ya Nuo had thought Zi Feng was in mortal danger. But on the other hand, it allowed unfiltered feelings to come out. But on the other hand, what if that feeling was just a deep concern? But on the other hand their lips grazed. But on the other hand...
Zi Feng shook his head. He was granting himself more hands than Shiva.

Of one thing he was absolutely certain. That tow truck driver was his least favorite human on the planet!

His mind replayed every physical touch with Ya Nuo on a loop. Lost in these fond recollections, he entirely missed dinner.

There was a light knocking on his door.
"Ya Nuo?" No, of course it wouldn't be, he thought, disappointed.

It was Amy. She had come to bring him a plate.
"You missed dinner!" she said. "We saved you some. Would you like it now or should I put it in the fridge?"

"I'll take it, thank you."

"Did you look at the car today?" she asked.

He recalled Ya Nuo mentioning pressing charges. A thought occurred to him. He looked up at Amy.
"How did you find that car?" he asked, schooling his face and pretending to be unconcerned.

"My boyfriend," she replied. "I was talking to him and mentioned you were looking. He told me he had a friend who was selling one."


That thought was growing stronger.
He forced a smile. "So I haven't met your boyfriend yet, have I? Was he at the Hallowe'en party?"

"No," she shook her head sadly. "He doesn't enjoy parties. Although I would have loved to see him in a costume! He's so cute!"


He didn't like the thought he was having, but he couldn't dismiss it.
"Is he really cute, or do you just have love goggles?" he teased. "Show me a photo so I can be sure you aren't exaggerating!"

Amy giggled and grabbed her phone. She proudly displayed their couple's photo on her home screen.
Zi Feng froze when he saw the photo. He recognized the face. He had punched that face in front of the food truck!
It was Wei Min, Han Sheng's right-hand man.

He swallowed thickly and forced another smile.
"Yes, he's decent-looking. What is his name?" He had to confirm.

"Wei Min. My Minnie!" she cooed, gazing lovingly at the photo.

"Did you tell him it was for me?" Zi Feng asked, keeping his voice level.

"Of course! I told him all about you, and how you are having a rough time with your dad. I tell him about all my friends. He's such a good listener!"

"Well, be sure to tell Minnie thank you from me. It's a lovely car. It drives very well." He wasn't sure exactly why he lied about that part, but something told him it was best Amy didn't know about the accident.

After Amy left the room, Zi Feng called Ya Nuo.

"Hello?"
His heart did a little leap at the sound of Ya Nuo's voice.

"Zi Feng, are you alright? Is your shoulder hurting? Do you need anything?"
The clear concern in Ya Nuo's voice made Zi Feng feel warm.

"Ya Nuo, please don't say anything to anyone about the accident today. Especially not Amy."

"What? Why? What's happened?

"Amy's boyfriend is Han Sheng's top man. He is the one who found the car for me. I don't think it was an accident."

Ya Nuo was silent for a moment before responding, "Do you think Amy is part of it?"

Zi Feng chewed on his lip. "Maybe... But I don't think she knows she is. She told me she has been talking to her boyfriend about all of us. So he certainly knows everything about my father's amnesia and the troubles with the business. She wouldn't have told me that if she knew."

"We should use that to your advantage," said Ya Nuo. "I will come to dinner tomorrow. We'll have a conversation in front of her and she will share it with Han Sheng's man. We can get her to give him all sorts of misleading information."

Zi Feng was impressed. And secretly thrilled at the prospect of dinner with Ya Nuo. "What should we talk about?"

"I don't know yet," admitted Ya Nuo. "Let's think about it tonight and come up with a plan."

They stayed on the phone for over an hour, brainstorming options until they had formulated a plan.

"You should get some rest. You need to heal and we have a big day tomorrow. Sleep well now."

Zi Feng didn't want to hang up, but his eyelids were heavy. He needed sleep. The thought of curling up in bed with Ya Nuo flitted across his mind and his breath hitched.
"Sleep well too," he replied. "Good night, Ya Nuo."

"Good night, Zi Feng."

He fell asleep with a smile across his face.

Chapter Text

"We will need to look for a bone marrow donor for transplant," explained the doctor. "Obviously blood relatives would have the highest chance of being a good match, but that isn't an option in your case. So I suggest you ask as many friends as possible to get tested."
He looked at Qing Yang and Uncle Tian. "It is possible to find a close enough match even if you aren't a blood relative."

"Of course we will get the test," Uncle Tian assured Na Na. 
"You are family, after all," added Qing Yang, holding her hand firmly.

Na Na smiled at the two men. They had become the pillars of support in her life through her recent battle with cancer. She felt so lucky to have them. 

"How soon can we be tested?" asked Uncle Tian. 
"I can send you to the lab now," replied the doctor as he started the referral paperwork.

A few days later, the doctor entered Na Na's room with a clipboard. "Mr. Nan," he said to Uncle Tian. May I please speak with you privately?"

Once in the doctor's office, Uncle Tian nervously took a seat.

"Na Na says she is adopted?" he asked. "And she has no knowledge of her birth family?"

"Correct."

"And you have no intention to tell her?"

Uncle Tian did not understand that question. "Tell her what?"

"That you are her father."

Uncle Tian stared at the doctor in utter confusion. "Father?" he laughed. "Oh, I am not her father. I have no children. I only met her a few years ago. She lives in my boarding house. I look after her. I treat her like a daughter, but she is not mine... Unfortunately." He couldn't help but add that last word.

"But the blood work shows that you are her biological father." The doctor handed over a sheet of paper covered in indecipherable lab information. Uncle Tian stared at it uncomprehending. But finally a few words stood out. Biological parent.

"How?" He stared at the paper. "How is this... How?" He couldn't form a coherent thought.

"Well..." the doctor began, wondering how best to proceed. "She is almost 22 years old. She was born in March of 1994. She would have been conceived in the summer of 1993. Think of who you might have been with that summer."

"Xiaomei!" breathed Uncle Tian. He had been arrested in September of 1993 and Xiaomei's grave listed her death date as March 15, 1994. Uncle Tian broke down and sobbed. 

The doctor let him be for a moment while he processed this revelation. 

"They told me the baby died!" he finally managed. "They said the baby was stillborn. Why would they lie to me?" But deep down he knew the answer. Xiaomei's only living relatives were her sister and her brother-in-law. They strongly disapproved of Tian, due to his involvement in criminal life. He was in prison when the baby was born. When he came looking for Xiaomei after her death and his release, her sister slammed the door in his face. He had to try several times before she even was willing to tell him where the grave was. He could easily believe she would do anything to keep him away from her sister's baby. 

Suddenly a thought occurred to him. "Does Na Na know?" he asked. 

"I don't believe so," said the doctor. "Would you like to tell her or would you like me to?"

"How can I even say something like this? Where would I start? Maybe it is best she hear it from you, like I did."

The doctor nodded. "You should also know that you are confirmed to be a good donor match. Are you willing to undergo the transplant?" 

"I will give her anything she needs," Uncle Tian told the doctor without hesitation. "Take it all. It's hers."

"Don't worry - we only need a little," assured the doctor with a smile.  

Uncle Tian waited nervously outside the door as the doctor delivered the news to Na Na. He felt he shouldn't be in the room. He wasn't sure if Na Na would be disappointed or angry. He would let her decide if she wanted to accept him. He could barely hear the doctor's words over the pounding in his chest.

The doctor asked Qing Yang to step out for a moment, but Na Na refused to let him go. 

"Na Na," the doctor began. "We have found a donor match." 

After Na Na and Qing Yang had finished hugging and reacting to that piece of good news, he continued.

"The blood work confirms it is a biological relative."

The doctor carefully scanned Na Na's face for her reaction. He had no medical basis. He had merely gotten swept up in the emotions of this particular case, and he was genuinely curious. Cancer was a difficult specialty on the soul of a doctor, and he had learned to take the time to appreciate every joyful outcome.

Na Na's face was one of shock and disbelief. "Really?" she asked breathlessly. Tears began rolling down her cheeks. "I prayed so hard that someone in my family might be on the registry, but I didn't think it would really happen!"
She turned to Qing Yang. "See? I told you everything happens for a reason. I knew I didn't get cancer for nothing!"

Qing Yang smiled down at her a moment before gasping. "Oh!" he looked at the doctor in horror. "It isn't me, is it?"

The doctor chuckled. "No, don't worry, young man. It isn't you. You aren't related."

Qing Yang sighed in relief. "For a moment I thought we were in a soap opera!"
Na Na giggled.

"Well, actually..." the doctor couldn't help but find this a bit dramatic for ordinary life. "There is a bit of drama to the story."

The two young people stared at the doctor.

"What... what is it?" Na Na asked nervously.

"It seems you are in fact related to Mr. Nan."

The shock on Na Na's face was certainly genuine. But the doctor noted it was quickly overtaken by a look of pure joy. 

"Really?" Na Na squealed excitedly. "Is he my real family? This is even better than I could have hoped!"

"Do you know how they are related?" asked Qing Yang.

"Mr. Nan is your biological father."

Na Na's words began tumbling out in an excited high speed babble. "Where is he? Where's Uncle Tian? We have to tell him! I hope he will be excited too! He always wanted a family. Even more than me. Oh Qing Yang, we're a REAL family! I have to tell him!" In her excitement she tried to leap off the bed before Qing Yang and the doctor stopped her.

"Why don't we have him come to you instead," said the doctor with a grin. 

Uncle Tian recognized his cue to enter. Tears were streaming down his face as he flew to Na Na's bedside and wrapped her in a tight hug.

Qing Yang smiled as he watched the two most important people in his life share such a happy moment. 

Uncle Tian gazed at the girl in his arms. His baby girl. A living part of Xiaomei. He had often thought how much Na Na reminded him of Xiaomei. That was why he took her in at the boarding house in the first place. His heart was full to overflowing.

"My daughter," he said. "My beautiful baby girl."

The doctor sighed happily as he left the room. Yes, this was the sort of day doctors in his specialty all too rarely see.

Chapter Text

Na Na had finally come home from the hospital. She would have to go back in for the actual bone marrow transplant soon. But for the time being, she was able to rest at home. Uncle Tian had prepared a feast for the boarders to celebrate.

For fun, the boarders surprised Uncle Tian and Na Na by putting up "It's a girl!" baby decorations. They also set out the traditional red eggs and ginger. There were so many milestone celebrations Uncle Tian had missed in Na Na's life. They could start catching up now.

Everyone had been invited to the dinner. Eva and Xiao Jing came. Ah Chao even brought his girlfriend Zi Han. But Amy's boyfriend had of course been unavailable.
Zi Feng used the opportunity to steer the conversation as he and Ya Nuo had planned.

"Too bad your boyfriend couldn't come," said Zi Feng. "I wanted to thank him personally for his help with the car."

"So you like the car?" Amy smiled. "But why have I not seen it? Where do you park it?"

"Ah, I drove it straight to my mechanic. I wanted to have the stereo upgraded first." He smiled. "I should have it back soon. I will be sure to take you for a drive in it."

"I am so glad I could help," said Amy. She seemed genuinely pleased.

"Now if only you could magically find solutions for my other problems," Zi Feng said with a sigh.

"Oh? what's wrong," asked Amy. "I thought business was going well."

"So did !" said Zi Feng. He and Ya Nuo then launched into the story they had concocted about a supply chain issue that was going to put the business under, and how he was considering walking away and giving the whole thing to his cousin. Amy listened with rapt attention. The trap successfully laid, Zi Feng and Ya Nuo enjoyed the feast.

Chapter Text

January passed quickly. 

Na Na and Uncle Tian prepared for the transplant procedure. 
Qing Yang divided his time between his studies and Na Na. 
Although Eva and Ya Nuo worked many extra hours to cover, they also had to take on a new employee named Yan Ting to keep up with the work. 

Ya Nuo spent nearly all his spare time with Zi Feng. They played music together, practiced martial arts as they sparred, went to shoot hoops in the neighborhood court, and even arm wrestled. (Ya Nuo was more than a little pleased to have won that!) But one thing they did not do was get into a car together. 

Ya Nuo had realized on the day of the near-fatal car incident that he was in serious danger of letting his disguise slip for Zi Feng. With just over a month to go, he was so close to the finish line! He had to hold out. But he knew there was something about being in a car with Zi Feng that made all his resolve melt away.

And so Ya Nuo reckoned that as long as they didn't get into any car together, he should be able to control himself. At least that was the plan. Xiao Jing had laughed for a long time when he had shared it with her.

Ya Nuo couldn't help but wonder if the car would still hold such magic once Zi Feng learned his secret. 

"Chemistry is chemistry," reasoned Xiao Jing. "That electricity you feel, that magnetism... It's there already. You are responding to each others' pheromones.  You are a woman, even if he doesn't know it. That chemical attraction will still be there after he learns the truth."

"I hope so," sighed Ya Nuo.

"And once you are a woman, you can tell me if that electricity thing happens when he touches you in OTHER places too!" Xiao Jing winked and dodged the pillow flung at her head.

"XIAO JING!" Ya Nuo huffed in embarrassment. But secretly, he wanted to know too.

The plan to take down Han Sheng was coming along nicely.  Zi Feng had let Uncle Tian in on the plan. Although the elder man was too busy with his daughter's medical issues to be an active participant, he was able to advise Zi Feng and point out potential pitfalls. He knew a thing or two about criminal life and how Han Sheng's operation functioned.

Zi Feng frequently found himself thanking all the Fates that his father chose to get out of that world when Uncle Tian did. Otherwise Zi Feng might be living Han Sheng's life now. He shuddered to think of it.

Both Ya Nuo and Uncle Tian had suggested bringing Guang Chao onboard. Although Zi Feng had only met his boarding house predecessor a handful of times and found him a bit annoying, he was well on his way to making a name for himself in the catering industry. While Zi Feng had a keen mind for money and business, Guang Chao understood food and people. And as it turned out, he would be the hinge pin of the whole plan.

The best part of the plan though, was that working on it gave him the excuse to spend even more time with Ya Nuo. 

They hadn't been in a car together since the accident. Although it wasn't actually an accident. His mechanic had confirmed the brake line had been cut. There had been just enough fluid left in the line to get him safely to the main road before the brakes failed. 

Zi Feng had tried to get Ya Nuo to ride with him once the car was repaired, but he always found an excuse to avoid it. Zi Feng hoped that it was only a fear for safety that was the issue. He hoped it wasn't that Ya Nuo wanted to avoid being close to him again. But on the other hand, Ya Nuo spent plenty of time with Zi Feng out of the car. So he didn't want to push the issue. As much as he wanted to spend some more quality time with Ya Nuo in a car...

Zi Feng wanted Ya Nuo. He had come to that conclusion a while back of course. But now the shock of it had worn off. He had gotten past the confusion and angst over the fact Ya Nuo was also a male. Now his love for Ya Nuo was simply a fact of his day-to-day reality. Whenever Ya Nuo was nearby, Zi Feng's eyes followed him. Whenever he was within reach, Zi Feng was drawn to him like a magnet. Whenever Ya Nuo wasn't with him, he was on Zi Feng's mind.

Even Qing Yang, who was deeply distracted by his girlfriend's illness, noticed and called him on it.  "You are in love with Ya Nuo," Qing Yang had said recently. It wasn't a question and Zi Feng didn't attempt to deny it. Qing Yang just patted him on the shoulder and smiled.

As the end of the month rolled around it was time for the bone marrow transplant. All Uncle Tian's boarders and employees rallied around Na Na and took turns at the hospital. They truly were a big family. Na Na had been in the hospital for a while already preparing, but Uncle Tian only had to stay one day. It felt like the world was holding its breath all day.

Qing Yang, normally calm and collected, was a bit of a mess. As far as he was concerned, his whole world was in there, undergoing the procedures. The boarders did their best to keep him distracted and in good spirits.

Soon Uncle Tian's portion was finished. He came through well and would be back on his feet in a day or two. But now the waiting began. It would be a few weeks before they would know if Na Na's transplant was able to take successfully. Hopefully they would have good news by the Lunar New Year.

The last few days of January saw Uncle Tian return to work, although with greatly reduced hours. The rest of the time, he continued to stay by his daughter's side. 

Qing Yang passed his second-to-last round of Barista exams. In spite of his recent distractions, he did quite well.

Zhe Rui received notification he was officially accepted into a Vets Without Borders mission in March.

Ya Nuo successfully managed to pass the month without once getting into a car with Zi Feng.

Zi Feng finally managed to best Ya Nuo in arm wrestling. But just the once. And only because Ya Nuo had been distracted by his blinding smile.

And on the last day of January, Han Sheng made his move.

Chapter Text

Han Sheng was used to getting his way. As the son and heir of a crime boss, people tended to give him what he wanted without much argument. He was not accustomed to hearing "No." His father did curtail some of his activities a bit, but mostly by redirecting him to ways he would find less chance of trouble.

After his father's death, he had gone to Uncle Du to ask for his share of the family food business. He was told no. This did not sit well with Han Sheng.

"Your grandfather did not want the business to be mixed up in the mafia," explained Uncle Du. "There are too many loyal employees whose families depend upon the company. Your grandfather felt responsible to the people upon whose backs this company was built."

"But you were Triad too!" argued Han Sheng.

"If I hadn't left the underworld, my father would have sold the business or left it to a distant cousin," Uncle Du said. "But your father chose the mafia over his share of the business. That was his decision. He knew what he was giving up."

"They are both dead now," said Han Sheng bitterly. "Why must we be bound by their disagreement?"

"Because I agree with my father," said Uncle Du calmly. "I bear a responsibility to all the employees." 

"You have a responsibility to me, too!" snapped Han Sheng. "I am your nephew! Your blood. Why are those employees more important to you than me?"

"Because that is the responsibility of a business owner," explained Uncle Du. "As the boss, my employees must come before my family in all matters of the business. Before even myself." He patted Han Sheng's shoulder. "But outside of business of course, you are my family and are more important." 

"You speak like you are two people," huffed Han Sheng.

"In a way I am," Uncle Du chuckled. "But both parts of me hope that one day, you will choose to leave the underworld as I did, and then join Zi Feng in the family business."

Han Sheng had no intention of leaving the underworld.
He told himself he loved it and that he belonged. He told himself he chose it. But in truth, he had no confidence in his ability to be successful in the legal world. He had no idea how to be productive or earn respect. He had no skills himself - he always ordered someone else to do the work for him. Deep down he knew he had nothing to offer the legal world. The one thing he could do well was intimidate and instill fear. The one thing he could be was a mob boss.

Two weeks later, Han Sheng arranged for Uncle Du to meet with an "accident." He had been shocked that Uncle Du had somehow survived, but either way, he was out of the picture. And for now, out of the country. Han Sheng was relatively certain the accident could never be traced back to him. After all, he didn't do the job himself.

Chapter Text

Han Sheng woke up with a smile. Today was going to be a great day!

According to Wei Min, that annoying cousin of his was ready to crack. The business was all but his! He mentally patted himself on the back.

He had been keeping surveillance on Uncle Du and Uncle Tian for over a year. As soon as he found out his father was in poor health, he started planning to take over.

He didn't think Uncle Tian would pose much of a challenge. His newfound daughter would die of cancer soon. Then the coffee shop would naturally be left to his sworn brothers. Which meant Han Sheng would take his father's half. He'd find a way to cut Zi Feng out of the coffee shop too when the time came.

But Amy had been a bit of a happy surprise. In the course of the surveillance, Wei Min had taken a casual fancy to the woman and suggested it might be a useful thing to have an ally at Uncle Tian's table. It was a clever idea that had borne unexpected fruit when Zi Feng moved in. This is why Wei Min made a good right-hand man! Hopefully not TOO good, though... he would hate to have to start regarding him as a threat.

Zi Feng had proved to be more of a hassle than a pretty-boy university student had any right to be.

He didn't respond to intimidation. The absence of both his parents barely slowed him down a few weeks. When he was attacked, some wunderkid flew to his aid like the reincarnation of Bruce Lee. When his brake lines were cut, he managed to somehow coast safely to a mechanic before the lines bled dry. Business had taken off and was booming.

But little did Zi Feng know, the Fates were about to abandon him!

As Amy had so kindly found out, a severe supply issue was about to take him under. Han Sheng had used every asset at his disposal to buy up all the inventory he could find. He had forced agreements with distributors which prohibited them from doing future business with the Du family. Some he was able to merely threaten. But others he had to sign expensive contracts with. He had leveraged his house, his car, even his beloved wine collection to pay for all this. But it was worth it. Zi Feng would have no choice but to give him controlling interest in the business in exchange for his supply chain. And once he had that, the booming business would fulfill all the contracts and the profits would cover all the assets he had leveraged. It was brilliant plan. It couldn't fail!

Today was the day Han Sheng would drop the final hammer. As Amy had also discovered, Zi Feng was behind on his payments for the fleet of trucks. If he couldn't clear his supply line issue, he would not have the money and the fleet would be repossessed.

This morning he was sending one of his men disguised as a representative in charge of the repossession. He would tell Zi Feng he had until the end of the month to pay, or on February 1, the trucks would be taken. Of course today was the end of the month!

This afternoon he would offer Zi Feng a way out. He would leave his cousin just enough of a share that he would be compelled to work hard to keep his precious company afloat. But not enough that he could interfere with Han Sheng in any way.

This evening he would own the majority of the business!

Yes, this was going to be a great day!

Chapter Text

Sometimes things don't go as planned.
Sometimes the Fates enjoy a laugh at your expense.
Today the Fates laughed at Han Sheng.

Early in the morning, Zi Feng awoke to a call from his mother. But when he answered, it was his father on the line. 

"Hello, my son," he said.

"Da?" Zi Feng clutched the phone hard. Had his father remembered him? "Da, is that you?"

"I can remember now," said his father. He spoke slowly, but his voice was steady. "Not everything, I think. But enough."

"Oh, Da! It is so good to talk to you again!" tears welled in Zi Feng's eyes and his voice cracked with emotion. "How are you feeling?"

"I need to tell you something first," his father said. "It wasn't an accident."

Zi Feng felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on his head. He had wondered. He had suspected. But to hear it confirmed was another thing altogether.

"I... I suspected that," Zi Feng said quietly. "I had a not-accident too."

"What?!?" his mother shrieked in the background.

"I'm fine. Everything is fine, " he soothed. "Don't worry. It is being taken care of. I promise. But, Da, I need to know about your accident."

As Uncle Du filled his son in, the Fates snickered.

When the fake repo-man Han Sheng hired paid Zi Feng a visit that morning, he was expecting the scene to be a bit more dramatic. Perhaps some begging, pleading, yelling - maybe even a few tears? But instead Zi Feng solemnly shook his hand and offered him tea and cakes.

"This must be a difficult job for you," Zi Feng told him kindly. "You must only see people at their worst. And I bet they blame you for their misfortune, even though you are simply doing your job." 

The repo-man nodded dumbly. This was not the response he expected!

"I want to thank you for alerting me to my unfortunate situation, and for kindly giving me until tomorrow," said Zi Feng. He patted the man's arm gently. "I am sure you are a good man. Here - take an extra piece of cake home to your family."

As the very confused faux repo-man left with the delicious cake, the Fates giggled.

Han Sheng worked hard to remove the smug grin from his face before meeting his cousin. He almost succeeded.

"Zi Feng!" 

"Han Sheng."

"I wanted to apologize for the way I approached you before." He bowed formally.  "I was angry at my father, but blamed you. It is not your fault his choices cost me my inheritance. So I hope you will forgive me and that we can work together."

"Work together? How?" Zi Feng smiled politely.

"I have many connections in the food industry. I have good relationships with many suppliers. Perhaps we can make a deal and work together?" Han Sheng then listed the many companies with whom he had exclusive contracts.

Zi Feng listened politely to the whole sales pitch. Then he smiled benignly. "That is very kind of you to offer your help, cousin. But I don't need anything from those suppliers."

Han Sheng stared at Zi Feng. "Wh..What? What do you mean?" he spluttered.  "What do you mean you don't need anything? With your troubles?"

"Why would you think I was having any supply trouble, cousin?" Zi Feng continued to give him the same nondescript smile.

Fine. If Zi Feng wouldn't be direct, Han Sheng would. "I know your supply chain is cut off and your fleet will be repossessed tomorrow," he said flatly. "Let's not play any more games, cousin. I know the business is about to go under. But I can help you. Provided I get my share of course."

"Thank you for being direct about my issues, cousin," replied Zi Feng evenly. "But as my father told you, we cannot allow the business to become part of the mafia. We have a responsibility to our employees." 

"That again?" scoffed Han Sheng. "There won't be any business to employ them tomorrow if you don't take my offer."

"I am sorry, but I will have to take that chance," said Zi Feng. "But you can always ask again later if you like. If things really are as bad as you say, perhaps I will change my mind and accept your generous offer." 

"You are a fool, Zi Feng!" growled Han Sheng, desperately wondering how to turn this around. Why wasn't Zi Feng folding? He had to make him agree! He needed time to think. "You have one day to decide," he barked.

As Han Sheng turned and stormed out, the Fates chuckled.

Before Han Sheng had a chance to regroup, his phone began to ring.

All afternoon, Han Sheng fielded calls from angry suppliers who insisted on calling in their contracts immediately. 

Somehow word had gotten around that he did not intend to pay, and that he had no connection to a food business. If he did not make his contracts current immediately, he would be reported to the police for scamming. 

All his money was currently invested in the contents of a large warehouse. None of which he could use in Zi Feng's business until he gained controlling interest. All of the contracts were for more of the same items as in his warehouse. He had no money to pay these contracts. Even if he could, he had no use for the merchandise nor room to store it. He had to force Zi Feng to sign over control of the business or he was ruined.

As Han Sheng stumbled around in a blind panic, the Fates laughed out loud.

Chapter Text

Zi Feng was working late tonight. He had a business to save. Although the story of the business going under was all part of the bait for Han Sheng, Zi Feng knew it wasn't over until Han Sheng had played his final hand. 

At half past six, he heard sounds outside his office although he had let everyone go home early. He took a deep calming breath. It was time.

"Zi Feng." Han Sheng practically spat the name.

Zi Feng turned around to face his cousin. His eyes grew wide as he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.

"Let me tell you what is going to happen now, cousin," growled Han Sheng. "You are going to sign these papers, giving over the business to me." He tossed an envelope at Zi Feng's head. 

Zi Feng slowly and methodically opened the envelope, then laid the contents out on his desk. He carefully began to read.

"Just sign it!" barked Han Sheng.

"I can clearly see I have no choice," Zi Feng said calmly. "I understand that. However I still would like to know the contents. I am sure you want me to know exactly where I will stand."

"Ha!" Han Sheng laughed mirthlessly. "Just make it fast." 

Zi Feng perused the documents quickly. It was more or less what he expected. There was nothing remotely creative or clever about his cousin. The contract was greedy, but otherwise entirely uninspired. It was just one of the standard forms available online. A part of him had almost hoped there would be some sort of added clause involving a ridiculous punishment or humiliation. He had always found contract law to be the driest subject in business school.

He sighed and made a show of unlocking his signatory stamp. He dutifully signed with a flourish, and waved the paper back and forth to dry the ink before carefully placing the pages back in the envelope. 

"I truly hope this makes you happy, Han Sheng," Zi Feng said as he solemnly held the envelope out to his cousin. "Money and business should not come between family."

Han Sheng snatched the envelope and stared at it as if it might explode. 

"Now are we done? I would like to go home," said Zi Feng.  "I suspect my new boss won't want me to be late tomorrow." He gave a small mirthless chuckle.

"You are taking this well," said Han Sheng suspiciously. 

"The mafia boss has a gun in my face and my business is hours from going under. How else should I take it?  I was going to call you to make the deal anyway. You didn't need the gun, you know."

"Maybe," said Han Sheng with a small smirk. "But I have to admit it's more fun this way." His eyes hardened as he leveled the gun as Zi Feng's head. "Now get up."

Chapter Text

Zi Feng slowly stood up, his eyes focused on the gun pointed at him. He tried to remain calm.

"Give me your keys and phone," demanded Han Sheng.

Zi Feng complied. 

"Now come with me."

The tone of Han Sheng's voice had changed. It gave Zi Feng the chills. 

"Where?"

"Your warehouse," ordered Han Sheng as he put Zi Feng in the driver's seat. He then got into the passenger seat and buckled up. Keeping the gun trained on Zi Feng, he handed him the keys. "Drive."

"What do you want at the warehouse?" Zi Feng asked, hoping to glean some information or at least diffuse the situation. But Han Sheng was not talkative.

He had his suspicions about the purpose of the field trip, and they were confirmed when he saw Han Sheng's men standing at the entrance gates.
"What are all your men doing here?" he asked. "There's got to be a dozen of them! Are they going to be working in the business?"

"Give me the keys and get out," ordered Han Sheng. 

As they approached the door, Han Sheng passed the gun to one of his men. Zi Feng recognized him. It was Amy's boyfriend Wei Min. 'Minnie' took over the task of keeping Zi Feng held at gunpoint. "Hi, Minnie!" Zi Feng whispered, looking the man dead in the eye. "How's Amy? Did she pass along my thanks for the car?" He pointed his thumb at the vehicle. "Needed some work on the brakes, but otherwise it's a great car." Wei Min remained as still as a palace guard.

Han Sheng got the gates open and headed inside to the parking area. The men followed with Zi Feng and Minnie bringing up the rear. 

Han Sheng looked around with a slight look of confusion. "Where is the fleet? Don't you park the fleet here overnight?"

"We did. But you knew the vehicles were scheduled to be taken."

Furiously, Han Sheng stormed over to the warehouse door and wrestled with Zi Feng's keys until it opened. He fumbled around for the lights. Zi Feng was still outside the door when he heard Han Sheng curse loudly. The men ran in and Minnie gestured with the gun to follow.

If Han Sheng was angry before, it was nothing compared to the blind rage choking him now. Zi Feng had to use every bit of self control not to laugh. The warehouse had only one thing in it - and Han Sheng recognized it all too well. It was exactly what he already had too much of in his own warehouse. Not to mention the contracted orders for more! 

Zi Feng was very glad Minnie was holding Han Sheng's gun at that moment. His cousin looked positively apoplectic. 

"What the HELL is this, Zi Feng?" he spluttered. 

Zi Feng shrugged. "I thought you would be pleased. These are very hard to come by lately. Some competitor has gone and bought up everything within 100 miles."

Han Sheng was pacing back and forth, rubbing the back of his neck, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. Suddenly he spun around and barreled towards Zi Feng. He attempted to strike him but Zi Feng was ready and easily blocked the blow. 

"Hold him down," ordered Han Sheng and Zi Feng was grabbed by a half dozen men. Meanwhile Minnie continued to keep the gun pointed at him. 

"Ya Nuo," Zi Feng spoke his love's name like a prayer.

Chapter Text

"Who the hell do you think you are, cousin?" spat Han Sheng. He grabbed Zi Feng by the throat. "I got rid of your father and I will get rid of you."

"What did you say?" gasped Zi Feng.

"You think your dad had an accident?" Han Sheng smiled coldly. "And if that self-righteous ass ever gets his memories back, I'll make sure he doesn't walk away next time."

"Why would you hurt your uncle?"

"You know why. He wouldn't give me my inheritance. And he kept interfering with my mafia business. Kept trying to get me to give up the underworld. You are just as bad as he is! So I guess I am just going to have to get rid of you too."

Han Sheng let go of Zi Feng's throat and gestured to Wei Min. "Get rid of this guy. Make sure no one finds him."

Minnie had the men drag Zi Feng out of the warehouse. Then he ordered them to drop him in the dumpster and go back to Han Sheng.

Han Sheng smiled when he heard the sound of three gunshots in rapid succession.

The smile faded instantly when he found himself surrounded by police. 

The lid of the dumpster opened and Zi Feng saw Wei Min smiling down at him. "You ok in there?" he asked.

"Yeah. Not going to make it my summer home though," Zi Feng quipped as Wei Min helped him out of the dumpster.

They watched as Han Sheng was led off in handcuffs by the police. The rest of his gang were led off after him.

"Do you think they recorded enough evidence?" Zi Feng asked, pulling out the second phone he had hidden under his clothes. 

"Yeah. I think so. You got him to confess."

"Hey Minnie?"

"Only Amy gets to call me that you jerk," laughed Wei Min.

"Thanks."

Minnie nodded.

Chapter Text

Na Na's mouth hung open in shock. "Why were you at the police station?"
Zi Feng grinned. Na Na had been going stir-crazy in the hospital and Now Zi Feng had a chance to catch his breath, he thought the story of Han Sheng's downfall would be a good distraction for her.

He told her all about Han Sheng's attempts to get rid of Zi Feng and his father and steal the business. Then he told her how he and Ya Nuo devised a plan to bankrupt Han Sheng and then when he was desperate and careless, get his criminal confession on tape.

Na Na was certainly distracted! "But you still lost the business!" she said.

"Well, I lost one business. But fortunately not the real business. Guang Chao and I went into business together under a new corporation and new name. I sold all the assets and contracts from the old business to the new one. So the company I signed over to Han Sheng is completely worthless."

Na Na laughed at that.

"Plus Guang Chao knows everyone in the food industry. So he was able to easily convince all Han Sheng's contract holders to cash in early."

"But how did you get Amy's boyfriend to help you?" Na Na asked.

"When Han Sheng's father became ill, he started to regret the mafia. He realized he should have left when our dads did. But now his son was enmeshed in the underworld. Uncle Wu worried that Han Sheng would become too violent and evil. So he and my father hired Wei Min to infiltrate Han Sheng's gang and try to keep him from going too far off the rails. That's how he was able to save my father's life."

Na Na's eyes were wide.

"He wasn't able to fix everything Han Sheng tried. Just the things he knew about. Like when Han Sheng told him he was putting a tracker in my new car but instead he cut the brake lines. He felt pretty bad about that!"

"Did you know he was working for your dad?" asked Na Na.

"No. Not until my father regained his memories and told me. But when I was feeding him fake information through Amy, he figured out exactly what I was doing and played along beautifully."

"This is better than a soap opera!" giggled Na Na.

"I'm just glad Wei Min was the one Han Sheng ordered to kill me. Otherwise I would have been in trouble! The police were listening in on my hidden cell phone the whole time, but it took them much too long to get there after I said the code word!"

"What was the code word?" asked Na Na.

Zi Feng smiled. "Ya Nuo."

Chapter Text

After Zi Feng had finished giving all his statements to the police, he was ready to go home. It had been a VERY long day!

But there was one small issue. Because his car had been used for a kidnapping at gunpoint, the police needed to keep it a while for evidence. He was going to need a ride home! He took out his phone and dialed.

"Are you ok?" Ya Nuo didn't waste time on greetings. He had been practically holding his breath ever since Wei Min had alerted them Han Sheng was on the way to Zi Feng's office. Every worst-case scenario battled for attention in his head all evening. Zhe Rui practically had to physically restrain him from going to find Zi Feng. 

Zi Feng had at least texted him when the police arrived, but those few words did little to assuage Ya Nuo's fears.

Zi Feng: Han Sheng was arrested

That was good news of course, but what Ya Nuo really needed to know was whether Zi Feng was ok.

"I'm fine." Zi Feng smiled at the concern in Ya Nuo's voice. "Your plan was a complete success!"

Ya Nuo felt like he could breathe again finally.

"But... they need to keep my car for evidence..."

As Ya Nuo headed to the police station, he mentally kicked himself. This is a bad idea to be in a car together! There's only a week left. I should have had him take a taxi! But after everything Zi Feng had been through today, how could he let him do that? 

Ya Nuo stayed on the phone as he drove, while Zi Feng filled him in on everything that had happened.

When Zi Feng mentioned the gun, Ya Nuo's knuckles turned white from gripping the wheel. When Zi Feng described Han Sheng ordering his execution, Ya Nuo's stomach dropped. He nearly had to pull over. 

As soon as Ya Nuo pulled into the the police station parking area he put his head on the steering wheel and took some steadying breaths before saying "I'm here."

Zi Feng felt a bit nervous as he approached the car. He knew Ya Nuo had been avoiding being in a car with him ever since they almost... What did they almost do? At the time, he was absolutely certain they were about to kiss. But as time and a great deal of overthinking had muddied his recollections, he was no longer sure he remembered correctly.
Maybe he had only imagined it?

Even if his recollections were accurate, perhaps Ya Nuo had only been reacting to the near-death experience. On the other hand, today had been pretty dangerous as well...

The door shut with a loud click. They were alone together in the familiar intimate bubble of Ya Nuo's car. They sat for a long moment silently facing each other. Their eyes locked. Neither moved. They scarcely breathed. The air was thick with raw emotion.

Then suddenly in the next moment, their bodies were locked together in a fierce embrace, their lips melting together in a passionate kiss.

Chapter Text

It was several moments later before they finally paused to catch their breath.
Their foreheads leaning against each other, their eyes closed, breathing each other's air...
"Ya Nuo..." Zi Feng murmured. Again, the name was uttered like a prayer.

Ya Nuo had lost himself completely in the moment. Nothing else in the world existed. Nothing else mattered. He was blissfully drowning in Zi Feng. But slowly, he began to resurface and reality nudged its way into his consciousness. One week.

He had to stop. He had to! Finding his last ounce of resolve, Ya Nuo pulled himself away from Zi Feng. His body felt cold where it lost contact. Every fiber of his being was screaming to throw himself back into Zi Feng's arms. One week. Just one week. You can hang on one more week. But he wasn't sure he could.

When Zi Feng leaned in closer, pulling Ya Nuo back into his arms, his resolve crumbled.

The next time they paused to catch their breath, Ya Nuo managed to pull away again. His heart was racing and his head was spinning. He turned his face away from Zi Feng and drew a shaky breath.
"One week. Please!"

"What?" Zi Feng asked. 

Ya Nuo turned back startled. Had he said that out loud? 

"Tell me," Zi Feng said gently as he caressed Ya Nuo's cheek. 

"I.... I cant..." Ya Nuo managed to say. 

Zi Feng froze, a look of pain across his face. His lip started to tremble slightly as his eyes looked pleadingly into Ya Nuo's.

"Can't...what?" he asked, voice cracking. "Can't....." He swallowed thickly and looked down at his hands. "...be with me?" The last few words were barely a whisper.

Ya Nuo's heart broke. Tears started to slide down his cheeks. 

"Not that!" he managed to say, grabbing Zi Feng's hand tightly. "I just... I... "
How could he even explain without spilling his secret? How could he let Zi Feng know that he wanted to be with him more than anything, but couldn't yet?
"Just give me a week. Please."

"A week?" Zi Feng asked slowly, trying to make sense of it. "Then...what?"

"I'm sorry, Zi Feng. I..." His words came out broken by sobs. "I can't...yet. Please just give me a week."

Zi Feng breathed deeply and collected himself. Then he looked straight into Ya Nuo's eyes. "Ya Nuo, I want to be with you. I am in love with you."

Ya Nuo let out a gasp as his heart did a somersault. 

"I will give you all the time you need. But then I am going to ask you to be with me. So if you already know your answer, please just tell me. If you don't feel the same, then don't give me false hope. Not even for a week. Do you understand?"

Ya Nuo nodded. "But I'm the one that has to worry about false hope. Not you," he said.

Zi Feng furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?"

Ya Nuo sighed. He could tell him at least this much right?  "In one week, you may learn something about me that makes you...think differently about me. And I am sorry. Truly. I hope you will forgive me. But can't possibly accept you now, no matter how much I want to, knowing that this secret is between us."

Zi Feng's mind was torn between the two pieces of startling information he had just acquired.  On the one hand, Ya Nuo apparently had some terrible secret. But on the other hand, he said he wanted to accept Zi Feng!

"Why can't you just tell me now?"

"I'm sorry. It isn't only my secret to tell. I have a responsibility to others to keep it. It is my duty, and I can't let them down. And I can't take the chance of something bad happening."

None of this made sense to Zi Feng. What kind of secret could it possibly be? So he chose to focus instead on the good news. Ya Nuo wanted to accept him. 
"So just to be clear - in one week, you will tell me a secret, and then afterwards, you can accept me? Is this what you are telling me?"

Ya Nuo blushed shyly at his bluntness and nodded. "Unless you change your mind."

Zi Feng smiled that beautiful smile that always left Ya Nuo so flustered. 

"What if I guess it? Can you tell me if I guess correctly?" 

"No!" Ya Nuo smiled back and turned to start the engine.

Zi Feng sighed. 

"I have to get you home," said Ya Nuo levelly. "And out of this car." 

"Why?" teased Zi Feng. "Do you find it too hard to resist me in a car?"  He had often wondered if there might be anything to that theory.

"Yes," said Ya Nuo as he pulled out of the police station. 

Zi Feng grinned as he made a mental note of that.

Chapter Text

The next several days Zi Feng alternated between insanity and euphoria.

He would wrack his brains trying to come up with ideas about what the secret could be. His mind would become overcome with worry and panic, angst and paranoia. But then he would see Ya Nuo, and know in his heart there was no secret he could possibly tell him that would change his feelings. And so his heart and mind were in a constant battle. 

Fortunately, he had plenty to distract him. His new company with Guang Chao, the legal investigation concerning Han Sheng, and his parents' return to Taiwan all kept him very busy. He had almost no time to spend with Ya Nuo all week, which was as much a blessing as a curse. 

He also took a few shifts keeping Na Na company. He rather enjoyed shocking her with tales of his battle with Han Sheng. She was an appreciative audience. Admittedly the story became a little more exciting with each telling! 

But he didn't mention the looming secret. He promised Ya Nuo he wouldn't talk to anyone about that. 

Meanwhile Ya Nuo spent time with Xiao Jing, having "be a girl" lessons and putting together some feminine wardrobe options. 

Because Ya Nuo's birthday fell the day before the Lunar New Year, it became part of the much larger celebration. This year, the traditional pre-new year spring cleaning involved getting rid of many of Ya Nuo's male clothes. And this year his new red holiday clothes would be dresses! But just in case the Fates were watching, the new clothes were to be kept at Xiao Jing's house until the 8th. 

And of course, they strategized about how best to break the news to Zi Feng, and calculated the odds of him wanting to proceed after learning the truth. They were reasonably hopeful Zi Feng would forgive the lie. If not right away, then at least eventually.

However there still remained the question of whether Zi Feng were strictly gay or if he also liked women. And whether a feminine Ya Nuo would appeal to him. 

Chapter Text

Uncle Tian was in high spirits as he cooked up a feast.  All his coffee house family would come for a New Year's eve party tonight. They would also celebrate Ya Nuo's birthday and the new business Guang Chao and Zi Feng had launched. But best of all, Na Na was coming home today!

The doctors had confirmed the transplant had started to take. Of course Na Na would be very weak and require a lot of care. She would need to go back to the clinic every day. And there was no guarantee the transplant would work, even if it looked promising now. But in spite of all that, Uncle Tian was on cloud nine. His precious daughter would be home for Lunar New Year!

Earlier that morning, he had taken a trip to Xiaomei's grave to clean it. And of course to tell her the good news that their daughter was coming home. He prayed that she would help keep Na Na safe. "I know you are lonely there, but please, my love, let me keep Na Na longer. I promise to take the best care of her."

As he was leaving the cemetery, he passed Xiaomei's sister. They stood for a while, regarding each other.

"You come to visit Xiaomai?" she asked. 

"Yes, every month. More now."

"Why now?" she asked. 

"Because I have to tell her all the news about our daughter," he said, looking her in the eye. 

Her eyes grew wide. "You... found her?"

He nodded.

"Oh, thank god!" She started to cry. "How is she? Is she happy? Does she look like..." She sobbed.

"She is as beautiful as her mother," he said. Then he sighed. "But she has been very sick. I have been taking good care of her though. I promise."

"I am so sorry," she sniffled. "I shouldn't have lied..." 

"I understand why you did," said Uncle Tian. "I was not worthy to be her father then. And her adopted parents were good to her. But now I am going to make sure to make up for everything I couldn't be when she was little."

He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. 

"Would you like to meet her?"

Chapter Text

Ya Nuo put on his breast binder for the last time. Today would be the last day he had to be a man.  The last day he would wear man's underpants. The last day he had to dress in male clothes or style his hair in a male fashion. He wanted to appreciate all of it. Today he was determined to enjoy being a male one last time.

Being a man had been mostly a good experience. Ya Nuo had enjoyed a kind of freedom most women never had. He was given advantages other women were denied. Even in 2016, being a woman was not easy. He did not take for granted everything being male afforded him. 

As excited as he was to shed his male persona and reclaim his womanhood, he felt compelled to pay his respects to the man he had become, and to give Mr. Pi Ya Nuo a proper send-off.

The guests began to arrive for the New Year's eve feast.

All the boarders and coffee shop employees were there. Guang Chao brought his girlfriend Zi Han. Ya Nuo brought his parents and Xiao Jing. Eva and Yan Ting brought their families. Zi Feng's parents had returned to Taiwan and were also able to come. And Amy brought Wei Min. Apparently he loved parties, but was previously unwilling to blow his cover.

Although it was Ya Nuo's birthday, he was happy to give the spotlight to the true guest of honor, Na Na. She napped right up until the dinner started, but then Qing Yang wheeled her out to the head of the table. She looked very frail and tired, but she was in excellent spirits. She had just settled in when Uncle Tian's phone rang.

"Zhe Rui, there are two more guests at the entrance. Please bring them in."

Zhe Rui returned with a man and woman about Uncle's age. 

"Come in, come in!" He gestured the pair to come to the head of the table. He looked at Na Na. "My darling daughter, I have a surprise for you." He gestured to the couple. The woman had already begun to cry. "This is your mother's sister Mei Li, and her husband Rui Ze."

"Auntie!" exclaimed Na Na, her face beaming with joy.

"You look just like your mother!" said Mei Li through her tears.

Zi Feng introduced Ya Nuo to his parents.

Of course he hadn't told them he was in love with Ya Nuo. That would be a difficult conversation, and his parents had been through so much recently already. It could wait.

But he had told them Ya Nuo was his dearest friend and the one who had figured out how to save the business from Han Sheng. So they were happy to embrace Ya Nuo as an honorary member of the family. 

Ya Nuo also introduced Zi Feng to his parents.

They knew the whole story and would reserve judgement until after they saw his reaction to Ya Nuo's secret tomorrow. But otherwise they found him to be a nice enough young man.  He was very clearly smitten with Ya Nuo. But whether he was good enough for their only daughter would be a topic for a later time.

After dinner, Zi Feng brought out the birthday cake for Ya Nuo. He played the birthday song on his guitar while everyone sang.

"Make your wishes!" he told her, while everyone applauded.

"I wish everyone here good health, especially Na Na," said Ya Nuo for his first wish. Everyone heartily agreed.

"I wish for Mr. Pi Ya Nuo to make it safely through this birthday and never bring worry to his family." His parents hugged him tightly.

"And your secret third wish!" his mother said, although she could guess what it would be.

I wish Miss Pi Ya Nuo will have a happy life full of love. He smiled at Zi Feng and blew out the candles.

Na Na went to rest after dinner, and Qing Yang accompanied her. Her aunt and uncle took their leave as well after tearful goodbyes and promises to see each other often. But most of the guests continued the party.

Around 11:00, Ya Nuo and his family prepared to leave. 

"What? Why are you leaving?" asked Zi Feng in distress. "It's not midnight! I was hoping... you would be here at midnight..."

They both knew why. 

"Zi Feng," Ya Nuo said carefully. "Tomorrow is a big day. I need to be with my family."

He nodded. "I know. But... will you... Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, I have the afternoon shift."

"But.."

"Zi Feng." His tone was firm. "Don't worry!" He smiled and squeezed his hand quickly.

Don't worry? As if that were possible! Zi Feng knew he would get very little sleep that night, wondering what the new year would bring.

Back at Ya Nuo's house, the family gathered around the clock.

His father shook his hand and thanked him for being an ideal son.

His mother hugged him and hoped to one day have such a good man as a son-in-law.

His cousin kissed his cheek and thanked him for always standing up for her like a big brother growing up.

Then the clock struck midnight. Mr. Pi Ya Nuo was no more. 

After a few rounds of hugging, Xiao Jing insisted Miss Pi Ya Nuo needed her beauty sleep.

Ya Nuo removed the chest binder for the last time. She removed all the men's clothing and took a shower. She carefully shaved her legs and under her arms. It felt strange! She put on the pretty nightgown her cousin had given her. That also felt strange. And then she slipped into bed. Before going to sleep she sent a quick text message to Zi Feng.

Ya Nuo: Happy New Year, Zi Feng! Please look inside the piano bench. There is a letter for you. It is the secret. 

Then she tried to sleep.

Chapter Text

The party had finished and Zi Feng was helping clean up when he got a text message.

Ya Nuo: Happy New Year, Zi Feng! Please look inside the piano bench. There is a letter for you. It is the secret. 

He stared at the message for a moment before bolting to the piano. He lifted the seat of the bench and there in the storage compartment was a letter addressed to him.

He immediately went up to his room and shut the door. His heart was pounding as he tore open the envelope. He hadn't felt this nervous when he opened his exam results! What could this secret possibly be that could potentially make him change his mind?  He held his breath and unfolded the paper.

Of all possibilities he had considered over the last 7 days, this was surely not one of them! He stared at the page in disbelief. The paper wobbled back and forth. He was shaking. He realized it was partly because he was laughing. It was a nervous laughter. His mind still couldn't quite wrap his head around what he read.

Ya Nuo was a woman? 

How had he not known this? How had he not suspected? He was... SHE was effeminate of course. But still very much like a man. She fought like a man. She talked like a man. She dressed like a man.

Then he remembered the first time they met. He had thought she was a woman. 

She really was a goddess after all, he thought. 

He smiled. So this was the secret? This is what she thought would change his mind? Well, in fairness, she had no way to know he loved her in spite of her maleness and not because of it. It made sense. And perhaps she was worried he would be angry she lied to him.

But really, this was good news. Now he could avoid having to upset his parents. He didn't have to worry about society judging them harshly or the law not recognizing them. Once he had accepted his love for Ya Nuo, he had spent some time researching the obstacles he would face in a gay relationship. It was daunting. He had been prepared to face it all, but who could blame him for being relieved to not have to.

Suddenly it occurred to him that she would wonder about his response. Part of him thought he should make her wait until morning as revenge for the week of hell she had put him through. But when he weighed the thought against his feelings for her, he couldn't imagine making her suffer a moment longer on purpose.

He took out his phone and sent a text back.

Zi Feng: Ya Nuo, please be my girlfriend.

The new year was going to be a great one!

Chapter Text

Ya Nuo spent the morning with her mother and cousin, trying on clothes, playing with makeup and doing her hair. Her family fussed over her and made her feel a bit like a princess.
"Not TOO much makeup - I don't want to feel like I am wearing a costume!" Ya Nuo pleaded.
Finally satisfied with their handiwork, they led Ya Nuo to the mirror. She gasped.
There was a beautiful woman standing there in the reflection. One she barely recognized. The man she had always seen was gone. Was this who she really was?
She stared for a long time, a mix of emotions running through her.

"Meet Miss Pi Ya Nuo" said Xiao Jing, gesturing to the mirror. "What do you think? Isn't she pretty?"
"My daughter is so beautiful!" her mother said through tears.
"I don't even recognize myself!" siad Ya Nuo, shaking her head in disbelief. "Is this really me?"
"It is if you want it to be," smiled Xiao Jing. "Although we women don't get this dressed up every day!"
"God, I hope not!" laughed Ya Nuo. "I would scarcely have time for anything else in my life! Oh wait - what time is it? I have a shift at the coffee house. and I kind of want to get there a little early to..."
"To meet your boyfriend?" teased Xiao Jing.
"Boyfriend?" asked her mother sharply. "How is he your boyfriend already? He doesn't even know you are a woman. You don't know what he will think."
"Well, actually..." Ya Nuo began.
"You didn't tell him?" her mother asked in a horrified voice.
"Only after midnight!" Ya Nuo promised. Then she smiled. "And he asked me to be his girlfriend."
"Awww!" Xiao Jing squealed. "I knew it!"
Her mother sighed. "I don't know. I only just got my daughter back. I don't want to have to share her yet."
"Oh Mama, don't worry. We will still get to have plenty of time to do all the mother daughter things. Like having tea and shopping and spa days."
"And wearing mother-daughter outfits?" her mother asked hopefully.
"Of course."
"But now she has to go meet her boyfriend," said Xiao Jing gleefully.

After a brief lesson on the absence of pockets in women's attire and the correct use of a purse, she was off.

The letter asked Zi Feng to please share its contents with everyone there so they would be a little prepared to meet her. She hoped that would be enough.
She pulled up at the coffee house and mentally steeled herself to go inside.

Chapter Text

In the morning, Zi Feng gathered all the boarders together. They met in Na Na's room so she could remain resting in bed.

"Well, Na Na," Zi Feng began with a wink. "I think you will enjoy the latest episode of the soap opera."

Everyone exchanged confused glances as he pulled out Ya Nuo's letter.

"This is a letter from Ya Nuo. There is some big news inside he wants me share with all of you."

Zi Feng read the letter aloud, pausing for the gasps and exclamations. 

"Ya Nuo will be working this afternoon. She wanted you all to be prepared." He looked around at the faces of his boarding house family. They seemed shocked, but no one appeared horrified or angry or disappointed.

"Finally!" Na Na broke the silence with a huge grin. "Now we have more girls than boys in the building!" 

Everyone had a good laugh at that.

"I think Ya Nuo would make a pretty woman," said Amy.

Zi Feng couldn't help but agree with that! He'd spent some time already staring at photos of Ya Nuo on his phone and imagining if she might look different.

Then Uncle Tian shooed everyone out of Na Na's room so she could get ready to go to her clinic appointment.

Qing Yang put his hand on Zi Feng's shoulder. "When did you know?"

Zi Feng shrugged. "I got the letter last night. So only a few hours."

Qing Yang seemed surprised by this. "Are you ok?" he asked. "With all this? You aren't... disappointed?"

Zi Feng smiled. "I'm good," he reassured his friend. "Don't worry - He didn't spoil me for women!" They laughed.

Then they headed downstairs to speak with Eva and Yan Ting.

Zi Feng was sitting at his usual table in the coffee shop, nursing a calming cup of tea while he waited. He felt as if we were waiting for his future to finally begin. He glanced up as a beautiful woman in a red dress entered. His lips quirked up in a smile as he pondered what Ya Nuo might look like in a dress like that. The woman had nearly reached his table before his brain caught up with his eyes. 

All his breath left his body. His heart skipped wildly. His jaw hung open as he stared at the stunning creature in front of him. She really is a goddess!

His tongue tangled in knots as he stumbled to his feet. He tried to find words, but simply couldn't. His body spoke instead as he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her passionately. 

When the sound of whooping and applause finally registered, they parted, both blushing furiously. The boarders and coffee shop staff had all witnessed the kiss and were gleefully cheering them on. Ya Nuo looked around nervously at her friends. 

Again, Na Na was the first to speak. "You are even prettier than I imagined!" She smiled broadly. "And it's so good to have another girl in the family!" 

Uncle Tian smiled nervously and nodded. "Um, congratulations!" then he looked flustered. "I hope that's the right thing to say... Either way, you are still my best employee!" Then he turned to Na Na. "We have to get going or we will be late for your appointment." 

"Just wait until I pass my last exams, Uncle!" Qing Yang harrumphed as Tian left. "And just because you're a girl now, Ya Nuo, don't think I won't give you a run for your money!" he teased. 

There was still a half hour left before Ya Nuo's shift began. She took Zi Feng's hand and led him towards the door. 

"Where are we going?" asked Zi Feng. Although he really didn't mind as long as he was with Ya Nuo.

"The car."

Chapter Text

Miss Pi Ya Nuo may have been slightly late to her first day of work.

Neither she nor her boyfriend Zi Feng were motivated to leave the car or each others' embrace. But reluctantly they managed to put a sliver of air gap between them. Zi Feng smirked in satisfaction as he noticed Ya Nuo's slightly swollen lips and mussed hair.  She looked properly kissed! It only made her more beautiful.

"Thank goodness I managed to woo you before you became a woman!" he said, shaking his head in wonder.

"Why is that?"

"I don't even want to think about how many rivals I will have wanting to take my place. If I had met you after today, I would never have stood a chance!"

"Do you really think I only fell for you because you asked first?" she asked. Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were sincere. "I fell for you the moment I saved the handsome pirate from a watery grave."

"That was definitely my favorite water rescue!" he laughed. 

"Oh? Do you make a habit of being rescued often?" she teased.

"Well, just one other time. About 16 years ago, I was chasing my kite and slipped and fell into the river. Another kid pulled me out."

Ya Nuo stared at him. Could it be? What were the odds?  "Was it a blue dragon kite by the old bridge?"

Zi Feng stared back. It wasn't possible. How did she know? "That was... you?"

"That," she replied, "was Fate."

Over the next few months, Zhe Rui left for his Vets Without Borders mission. He became a great vet, and eventually returned to set up a clinic in town.

His room went to Wei Min, who was building a new career for himself now his time with the underworld had come to an end. He joined Zi Feng's company, eventually heading up the operations team. 

Amy became the executive assistant to the general manager of her company. She and Minnie became engaged.

Qing Yang passed his final barista exams with flying colors. He and Uncle Tian decided to expand the business and planned to open a second coffee house. 

Na Na's recovery took many months, but her transplant was ultimately successful.  She finally was well enough to begin barista training. She became close with her aunt and was thrilled to also have two older cousins. 

Zi Feng and Guang Chao's company took off and was much more successful than the original company had been. Zi Feng's parents continued to work in the business, but seeing it was in such good hands, they were comfortable taking a little time off to travel. Zi Feng considered going back to finish his master's degree in business, but for the time being, was focused on growing the company. Well, that and spending time with Ya Nuo.

Ya Nuo took some time to get used to being a woman. She and her mother donned matching outfits and went for outings together. She took Zi Feng on double dates with Xiao Jing and her boyfriend.

Zi Feng was right - there were many men who attempted to win her affection. But none of them stood a chance. Zi Feng frequently thanked all the Fates and deities that he had secured her heart. 

It was the happiest day of Uncle Tian's life. His precious daughter was marrying the young man he already considered his son. Her life was no longer in danger, and she was building a future full of love, family, prosperity, and of course coffee!

He knelt in front of Xiaomei's grave. "Thank you, my love. Thank you for letting me keep Na Na. Even though she is Qing Yang's now." He smiled through the tears that fell on the stone. "He loves her. As much as I love you! And he is a very good man, so much better than me. Our daughter will have the happy ending we didn't get."

He lovingly arranged the flowers on her grave, kissed the stone, and stood. 

"It is our daughter's wedding day today, Xiaomei. Please look down and give us your blessing!"

Xiaomei must have agreed. The wedding was beautiful.

The coffee shop was decorated for Hallowe'en. Orange paper lanterns with jack-o'-lantern faces were strung up everywhere. Tonight Uncle Tian was throwing his annual party for the boarders and coffee shop employees. Ya Nuo was helping lay out the snacks.

"The parade in Tianmu has finished and the boarders will be home soon. Get in your costume!" 

Soon, the party was in full swing. 

"Hey, Goddess Matsu!" Xiao Jing hollered from across the room, flapping the wings of her blue magpie costume. "Can you save this poor pirate from drowning?" 

The golden masked sea goddess crossed the room and swept the pirate into a passionate embrace. 

Then Zi Feng lifted his golden mask and kissed the pirate thoroughly.  "It's kind of fun seeing you in men's clothes again," he whispered in her ear.

"Awww, it's so cute you two swapped costumes this year!" cooed Xiao Jing.

"I think I will dress up as a man every Hallowe'en now," laughed Ya Nuo. 

Zi Feng took Ya Nuo by the hand and led her to the centre of the room. Everyone was suddenly quite quiet.

"A pirate needs a treasure chest," he said as he held out a tiny toy pirate treasure chest.  "Happy anniversary." 

He opened the tiny treasure chest. Inside was a ring. 

Ya Nuo gasped. 

"Ya Nuo, you have saved me in more ways than one. You have helped me to overcome my most difficult challenges. You have been my best friend and greatest supporter. You have showed me what it means to truly love a person for who they are. I want to always be by your side and do the same for you. I want to spend all the rest of my days making you happy. Ya Nuo, will you be my partner in this life?"

Ya Nuo looked at her family. They were all gathered around them, smiling. Even her mother was smiling, although it was through a few tears. She turned back to look at the love of her life.

"I will!"

Zi Feng placed the ring on her finger and smiled at her. She smiled back.

Oh, that smile! How is it so beautiful?