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Zhong's Marriage                                                                      (Fiction Part 1)                                                                         By Lisa Lee                                                 Contents

The airplane was flying smoothly toward Canton. Zhong looked at his sleeping sister sitting beside him and sighed. Finally, he thought, we have to consider our personal affairs and start a new life.

Zhong was a twenty-seven-year-old man. He was two years older than his sister. In 1977, Zhong immigrated to New York with his parents and sister Lan, seeking a better life. Zhong’s parents, Mr. Lam and Mrs. Lam, had an American dream: to own a car and a house; to get a good education for their children. As a dream, it was fantastic; as a fact, it was a very difficult reality. Their first problem was facing a big debt. The charges for four plane tickets and three months’ rent, plus under-the –table payment, totaled almost $10,000. Mr. Lam’s elder brother lent them money at three percent interest, which had to be returned in totality in two years. The second problem was adapting to the new language.

However, Zhong and his whole family struggled to make a better life. All four of them worked hard. Zhong worked for a small electric repair company as an electrician; Lan sewed in a garment factory with her parents. They lacked skills and worked as cutting-thread workers. They all knew that a penny saved is a penny earned, so they worked like horses. They were satisfied with their simple life. And after two years, they paid the debt. They were proud of themselves for overcoming difficulties together. Even Lam’s elder brother admired their diligence and strong will.

Four years later, half of Lams’ American dream came true. They bought a used car and planned to buy a house. During the difficult period, Zhong and Lan were deeply affected by their parents’ great love and the value of family life; they wanted to buy a three-family house, so they could live with their parents even after they had their own families. Mr. Lam and his wife were worried about the big mortgage. Considering their children’s marriages, they agreed with this plan. At last, they bought a three-family house in Brooklyn. Then the old couple urged their children to get married.

Now, Zhong and Lan were on the way to find romance. Zhong gently woke up his sister. “ Lan, the plane will land soon.”

In the waiting area, they met their mother’s best friend, Auntie Ping, anad three young people. Auntie Ping looked Zhong and Lan over from head to foot. She said joyfully, “What a magic of the American water. Look, you both are so healthy and good-looling.”

Lan smiled. “Auntie Ping, you’re making a joke. We are the same ordinary youths.”

Zhong and his old classmate Dak were talking happily. Zhong whispered to Dak, “I know you’re missing someone. Go take to her.” Dak blushed. When he met Lan’s eyes, he felt the sweet emotion in them.

Then Auntie Ping said, “Oh, how overjoyed I am! Zhong, these are Siu Fong and Jin Tao.” She introduced the two young girls.

Dak said, “they are my friends.” Naughtily, he winked at Zhong as a little revenge.

Zhong muttered, “Nice…nice to meet you.” Zhong cursed himself, embarrassed that he muttered when he was tense.

Jin Tao seemed to understand Zhong’s embarrassment. She stepped forward and shook hands with Zhong. “Welcome. Recently, Auntie Ping and Dak have been talking about you all the time.” But Sui Fong just shyly stood aside.

At night, Lan and Dak went out to see a movie. Auntie Ping said, “Zhong, your parents want a Chinese girl to be their daughter-in-law. Now, to be an “oversea-bride” is a hot trend in Canton. Many girls want to marry an American citizen and immigrate to the U.S.A. Are you an American citizen?”

Zhong answered, “ Yes. But I only have one month’s vacation. I must go back to work on time. Moreover, I am an introvert, and I’m not a handsome wealthy man, either. I…”

“Don’t worry. How about Sui Fong or Jin Tao?”

Zhong blushed. “They’re nice.”

Auntie Ping patted his shoulder and teased, “ So, What are you waiting for? Date them and court your beloved bravely.”

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