Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
There were several markets with colorful turquoise awnings and blueberry stalls. Further away, I spied winding coral alleyways with small houses that had ornate teal rooftops.
Lei gently squeezed my hand. “One day, we'll stroll the streets. There's so much to see and experience.”
“I bet.”
Lei's hand remained firm in mine as we continued to glide over the East.
Nestled amidst the sapphire, cobalt, and teal hues of the city stood a particularly striking building.
It was a marvel of indigo that seemed to capture the very essence of the sky at dusk. These odd lions stood on the roof, while these massive windows stood in the front, revealing the happenings on the inside.
Lei pointed to it. “So as far as the government is concerned, this is one of my family's main businesses.”
I read the huge title on the front.
Zhang's Fortune Cookie Company.
I grinned. “Really?”
“Yep. This was the first business my father used to launder money from weapon sales.”
I could almost make out the busy workers through the large windows.
Lei continued, “They make traditional fortune cookies there, but also special ones—chocolate-covered, with nuts, some even formed from candy.”
“That sounds amazing. Can anyone go there and purchase some?”
“Of course.”
“I'll have to grab some for my little sister, T.T. She would love that.”
“We can do better than that.”
I gazed over my shoulder. “What do you mean?”
“After everything is done, we can take you, your sisters, and especially T.T. on a tour of the company. She can sample anything she wants as much as she wants to.”
“Oh my God. She'll go crazy in there. Chloe too.” I returned to the window. “And thanks. That sounds like fun.”
“I'll make sure Chen sets it up for us.”
The idea of bringing my sisters to this world filled me with excitement. I could already imagine TT's eyes lighting up at the sight of all the sweets.
For some reason, I considered the name of the company and looked back at him. “Zhang? Is that your last name?”
“I didn't tell you my last name when I handcuffed you to me?”
“No. You just kidnapped me.” I grinned. “Is that your last name or not?”
He chuckled. “Yes, that's my last name, but you're saying it a little wrong.”
“Oh.” I eyed him. “How?”
“You're using the z sound, when the Zh in Zhang is similar to the English j. So, you say Zhang almost like Jah-ng in a quick, single syllable.”
I repeated the word how he said. “Zhang.”
“Perfect.”
I thought about his father's first name. “So, I always wanted to ask this.”
“Go ahead.”
“Leo is a Chinese name? I have an Uncle Leo on my mother's side so I thought it was interesting that your father’s name was that too.”
Lei gazed off at the window. “Officially, my father's name is actually Zhang Liangwei.”
I took my time pronouncing it. “Jah-ng Lee-ah-ng Way.”
“Excellent.” Lei's eyes sparkled with approval.
“But then where did Leo come from?”
“It's kind of a Western adaptation. Easy to remember and pronounce.”
For some reason, every time Lei answered one thing I had even more questions. However, he sounded completely happy to break it all down for me.
Smiling, I gazed out of the helicopter window. “And the last name comes first?”
“In our culture, the family name is placed before the given name.”
I looked at him. “Why?”
“It puts importance on family.” Sadness washed over his face. “By placing the family name first, we acknowledge the roots from which we come. It's a constant reminder of our family's history, values, and. . .legacy.”
I squeezed his hand. “What's wrong? Talk to me.”
“Talking about this makes me think that killing my father is. . .dishonoring my family, my legacy. . .even my ancestors. . .”
“He wants you to do it.” I swallowed. “That’s the part you have to focus on.”
His voice went low. “That’s true, but um. . .let's talk about something else.”
“Yes.” I rubbed the inside of his palm and went back to the window. “The East is breathtaking. You're lucky to have grown up here.”
The helicopter gracefully maneuvered over the East.
I spotted the ocean far off in the distance. “You all have a beach?”
“We do.”
“I thought there was only a beach in the South and part of the West.”
“Our beach is a tiny secret. Honestly, outsiders aren't even allowed to come out this far.”
The helicopter continued forward.
“Ah. Here we go.” Lei pointed. “Look there.”
My eyes followed and I was instantly captivated by the sight.
Nestled among lush greenery was a big house standing in serene majesty. It was three levels and must have had at least five bedrooms. The roof's edges curved upwards, and blue tiles adorned the surface. There were ornamental gables and beautifully carved wooden panels that framed the windows and doors.
I nodded. “That place is breathtaking.”
“You like it?”
“Yes. Who wouldn't?”
“That's Lotus Blossom.”
“What?!” My eyes went wide.
Surrounding the house was a huge, stunning garden. At the center of the garden was a pretty pond. Tons of lotus flowers bloomed on the water's surface.