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I sigh. “Well, I guess if our firm gets sued to the ground I’ll open up a dumpling shop.”
“No use worrying about that right now,” Ba says.
And, somehow, sitting here in my parents’ house eating dumplings, I manage to not worry about things, just for a bit.
After we finish eating, I allow myself a peek at my phone. No texts from Shang, but there is one from Mushu, asking me out for drinks. I could really use a drink right about now, so I reply and tell Mushu I’ll meet her at our usual bar. I kiss my parents goodbye and leave, and half an hour later, I’m in the heart of the city, in an upscale bar called Ginger Flower.
Mushu arrives looking as fabulous as always, wearing a silk dress with a cutout that shows off her abs.
“You look nice,” I say.
“Thank you. You look tired.”
“Rude.”
“Well, you’re beautiful, so you can get away with looking tired,” she says.
“After the day I’ve had, I am tired.” I pour wine for Mushu and we clink glasses.
“I’m sorry about how things went down,” Mushu says. “You okay?”
I take a long sip of wine. “I’m about as okay as I can be in this situation, I guess.”
“You’ll be okay,” Mushu says firmly. “I know you. You’re strong. Stronger than anyone I know, including myself.”
“Thanks, Mushu. You know, you sell yourself short.”
“Not really. I just tell it like it is. Look at me, I took this job at Facai Capital because I had no idea what else to do after college and I really thought I’d have it figured out by now, but nope.”
“You will. I know it. You’re way too vibrant and capable not to.”
Mushu coughs and waves a hand in front of her face. “Okay, enough of that. Change of subject before I feel too awkward and duck out.”
Smiling, I tell Mushu about making jiaozi with my parents.
“Aw, that is so sweet. But wait, you make jiaozi now? Who are you and what have you done with my cousin?”
“That’s what my parents said, too. Am I really that bad of a cook?”
“You weren’t bad, you just…never did it.”
I laugh. “True.”
“So what are you going to do about Wutai Gold?” she says.
“I’ll apologize to them, obviously, but I’m not sure when and how to do it. I doubt any of them would give me the time of day now. And they have every right not to.”
Mushu looks at me with concern. “And Shang?”
I sigh. “He says he needs time, so.” I take another gulp of wine and look out the window for a while, letting my mind wander. It’s a weeknight, so the area isn’t too busy. I’m watching a couple strolling down the street hand in hand when the mention of Wutai Gold catches my attention. I turn back to Mushu. “What?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
I swivel in my seat, scanning the place. I could’ve sworn I heard someone sayWutai Gold. Then I see him. James, sitting two tables away.Argh.I grab the drinks menu and hold it up like a shield. I lean forward and hiss, “James Li is here.”
“Where?” Mushu looks around.
“Don’t look. He’s there, to our left.” I cock my head.