Getting Settled In

Lily's room was on the second floor of the house. Mr. Wu carried her there carefully while Sun Mei followed him. The interior of the house was just as splendid as the exterior. There were beautiful paintings and graceful statues in the hallways, and lush carpets paved the floor and the grand staircase that led upstairs.

When Mr. Wu pushed open the door to Lily's room, Sun Mei entered the room in a daze. The walls were an explosion of colors, and the little girl's bed was bigger than the average adult's. Toys littered the rainbow-colored carpet, making it hard for Mr. Wu to reach the bed without tripping.

When Sun Mei bent down to pick up some of the toys, she noticed the big bookcase next to the bed. It was lined with dozens of children's books that Mr. Wu had probably published himself.

"There's my girl," Mr. Wu whispered as he set Lily down on the bed and tucked her in. The little girl stretched down on her bed and grabbed one of her teddy bears.

When he was sure that she was fast asleep, Mr. Wu retreated slowly, gesturing for Sun Mei to follow him out of the room.

"Your room is right next door." He quietly opened a door next to Lily's room and led Sun Mei inside.

The world "room" was inadequate to describe this space, which looked more like an extravagant hotel suit. Sun Mei stared in turns at the huge bed, the elegant desk, the luxurious private bathroom, and the walk-in closet, which was probably even bigger than Mrs. Lin's closet.

Suddenly, she remembered that she had nothing to wear. She did not even have any pajamas or underwear.

Sun Mei blushed as she said, "Sir, Mrs. Lin unfortunately did not let me pack any of my belongings."

"Oh, no worries," Mr. Wu said hurriedly. "There must be a pair of guest pajamas in the closet. Tomorrow, when I fetch Lily from preschool, we can all go shopping together."

Sun Mei smiled gratefully. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything."

Mr. Wu nodded. He understood completely what she meant. "Don't mention it. I was the one who offered to help."

His smiling eyes seemed so honest that she believed him.

"Oh, I forgot," Sun Mei said hurriedly. "I need to call the agency tomorrow. I have to let them know that I will be working for you now."

"Absolutely." Mr. Wu nodded and leaned against the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sun Mei. If you need anything, my room is on the third floor. You will meet the housekeeper in the morning. You will love Vivian. Have a good night."

"Goodnight, sir."

When Mr. Wu left, Sun Mei closed the door softly.

There was really a housekeeper!

Sun Mei opened the closet, grabbed the pajamas and changed into them happily. For the first time in months, she would sleep for a full eight hours and wake up in a house where people didn't hate her very sight.

She finally felt hopeful for her future.