Part 1, Chapter 9 Summary

Lin's father dies, leaving him the farmhouse out of gratitude to Shuyu, who cared for him until his death the same way she did for his wife before him. Lin sends money home for the funeral but does not return. He becomes withdrawn in the following months. Manna starts implying that he should now seek to divorce Shuyu, which is what he has been thinking, but he feels guilty about Shuyu and the hard life she has led because of him. After an acquaintance dies suddenly, and with the realization of how short life can be, Manna pushes the issue and demands that he divorce Shuyu or end their relationship.

Lin is conflicted, staying away from Manna but thinking about her constantly and feeling somewhat alarmed when she starts becoming more active with friends and activities. He feels caught in a...