Chapter 9 Summary

Pei's life at the sisters' house was busy. In addition to reporting to work and the occasional pleasurable outing, the women had daily chores to complete to keep the house running. Everyone participated willingly to help one another and sustain the way of life to which they had all committed. There were a few women who had not entered the house through the hair dressing ceremony. They came as wives of husbands, who were employed far away or were searching for work. The silk factory provided them with an income, and the sisters' house was a safe place to live until their husbands returned for them. Those who had come from far away described the war being fought in the north against Japanese soldiers. One such woman, Sui Ying, made an impression on Pei. Sui Ying spoke of true love between a man...