Fu's

ZW and SY were packing. They had grown close and had become like real sisters. At the moment, Sai Ya was worried about leaving her daughter, Xi-er (named for her mother's homeland), behind in BeiJing.

SY: "I don't know. I've never been without her near me."

ZW: "Don't worry, she'll be just fine. A Ma and E Niang will look after her. They're overjoyed to have a little grand-daughter to spoil. Especially E Niang."

SY: "Still, I don't like leaving her."

ZW: "But we can't bring her with us on this long journey. Besides, there's Ling Fei Niang Niang and 15-A-Ge nearby. They're the babies of the family; I'm sure E Niang will let the children play together. Not to mention, all the other Ge Ge's and A Ge's in the Palace. Xi-er will never be without a playmate."

SY seemed relieved: "ZW, thank you for that. I never knew I could care about a person this much. My father had always spoiled me, and I fear Xi-er's in the same danger with Er Tai!"

ZW smiled: "You're very welcome."

SY: "You would make a great mother you know. You have so much more patience than I ever could."

ZW blushed: "All in good time. And you are a very good mother. Love can change many things."

SY agreed: "Yes, indeed. Er Tai always told me that I was like a young child in many ways. Before I met him, I was used to getting my way in everything…Well, I don't need to explain that to you…"

ZW nodded: "Yes, I know. Sai Ya, tell me honestly, as a sister, are you happy with Er Tai?"

SY was surprised: "Yes! I had liked EK before because I admired his martial art skills. But I see now that you two are much more suited. I have to admit, it was hard when Er Tai told me that he had liked XYZ. I was worried that I was the consolation prize. And my pride wouldn't let me speak with him for a whole week! But now…I know he really cares about me, for me. And I find that I really care about him as well."

ZW blinked: "He told you about XYZ?"

SY nodded: "Yes. I think that was when we really started to get to know each other, after we discussed my feelings for EK and his for XYZ. Really, we're much better off because of it. I appreciated his honesty and felt touched that he entrusted me enough to show his insecurities. (She chuckled) It's funny how we were both worried about being the consolation prize for each other. As arranged marriages go, I think I managed to be very fortunate."

ZW smiled at her sister-in-law: "Sai Ya, you've really matured!"

SY smiled back: "Well, I think I have Er Tai to thank for that. He taught me to think about others. Besides, like you said, love changes many things."

Smiling, the two girls finished packing.