First Christmas

"What are you doing? I thought you were about to make a scene!"

"What? What gave you that idea?"

"You literally said 'this means war' right before you walked away."

"It is war."

"You were just laughing at Veronica's joke."

"You really know nothing about war, do you? This was a recon mission!"

"Oh… What did you find out?"

"They are not a couple. Parker doesn't have a girlfriend. He's fair game."

"I'm sure he would love to hear that."

"Maybe he would. He's a great listener."

"Which basically means you and Veronica have been talking non-stop."

"Yeah, she is a chatterbox. Must be one of her many annoying qualities."

"At least you have something in common."

"Hey, are you mad about something? You seem mad."

"You think?"

"Now you're just being passive aggressive."

"I interrupted Mr. Wu's conversation with a board member because I thought you were about to blow this party up."

"Oh that would have been awesome. Maybe I'll do it next time."

"Next time, I won't try to stop you."

"I always knew you were a true friend."

"Girls? Am I interrupting something?"

Sun Mei and Yu Zan whipped their heads around when they heard Mr. Wu's voice. Yu Zan moved so fast that she almost spilled her drink on Sun Mei's dress.

"I could come back later," Mr. Wu said quickly.

"No, no, it's fine." Yu Zan reassured him. "I have to go find Veronica. I left our conversation unfinished. You two have fun!"

She slapped Sun Mei's arm before walking off and leaving them alone.

Mr. Wu looked a little uncomfortable. "I'm sorry I left in a hurry earlier. I didn't mean to be rude. I was just having an important conversation when you…"

"There's no need to explain, Mr. Wu. It wasn't that big of an emergency after all anyway."

"Disaster averted?" he asked her with a smile.

"For now," Sun Mei answered.

"Okay." Mr. Wu looked around them. "Would you like to dance for now?"

Sun Mei was taken aback.

"I mean, it's Christmas and all," Mr. Wu added with a smile. "My little dancing partner is missing this year."

"It would be my honor to fill in for her," Sun Mei replied when she regained her composure.

Meanwhile, she chided herself, "Stop acting like a schoolgirl, Sun Mei. He's treating you like another daughter."

As Mr. Wu took her hands and brought her closer, she took a sharp breath. The music was not helping either.

"He sees you when you're sleeping

And he knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!"

"Be good, Sun Mei," she told herself. "Santa says so!"

"Are you enjoying your first Christmas in the US?" Mr. Wu asked her softly.

"First?" she asked in confusion. Her contract would be up before she could experience another Christmas there after all.

"I called Ms. Jordan a couple of days ago and made an inquiry. It is possible to extend your stay here for up to 12 more months. I mean, if you want to… If you like living with us," Mr. Wu added timidly.

Sun Mei looked at him speechlessly. A few moments later, when she was able to speak again, she said hoarsely, "I would love to!"