Chapter Text
Daisy had wanted to learn more about her heritage, and Melinda had wanted to escape the base for some time, and so that's how Phil Coulson ended up boarding a regular civilian plane for the seventeen hour flight to Shanghai.
He had been sitting in this airport for way too long, and Melinda had fallen asleep in her seat, Daisy between them. Daisy was wearing long pajama pants -she had learned over the last couple years that there was no shame in being unpresentable on a long plane ride. Melinda was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but Phil has sided with Daisy, comfy clothes for the both of them.
They had decided on the look of a family on vacation, celebrating their daughter finally finishing college. The trio effortlessly slid into the act out of precaution.
There were no problems along the way, except for Phil trying to offer Melinda Starbucks of all places, dutifully reminding her she could get tea instead. Daisy got a latte and Phil opted for a mocha. He insisted, and got Melinda a cup of lemongrass tea, which she thanked him for. (Phil took that as a good sign)
Boarding the plane was eventless, Melinda dodging to take a peek into the cockpit. Phil watched as the pilot and co-pilot slowly turned their heads back to look at the small yet intimidating woman. "Fix your pressure gauge," was all she said, "it's too high for the elevation you're taking off from."
The pilot immediately frowned at her as if to say, 'I'm the pilot, I know what I'm doing' , then glanced at the gauge. He looked surprised and flicked the glass cover, the meter waving back. The co-pilot nodded.
"Sorry, my wife likes planes." Phil chuckled and waved, and Daisy shuffled aboard behind them.
Finding their seats, Phil folded his arms in frustration when he found that the seating had been rearranged, with an aisle between him and the girls. He was stuck beside a new mother and who he assumed was the father of the baby. The worst part? He was between the couple. Offering to change seats, the young man gratefully thanked Phil and took the middle seat, Phil getting the aisle seat.
Takeoff seemed smooth, even as Melinda pointed out every inconsistency to Daisy, who was a tired, but attentive, listener.
Five hours into the flight and Phil had already taken two naps while tuning out three wailing sessions from the baby beside him.
"Holding up?" Melinda grinned. Phil could practically see the stress leaving her as she slipped into the reality of being on vacation , a rare thing for them.
"You were right, I should have brought noise-canceling headphones." Phil rubbed his face.
"I have some." Daisy leaned over and pulled her backpack from under the seat in front of her, retrieving the large black headphones.
"I see you followed May's instruction." He told the girl, "wise choice."
"No, I brought these for myself so that I don't have to room alone." Daisy replied coyly with a tone of suggestiveness. Melinda lightly smacked her upside the head, "We're not that loud."
"Says the one who dented a wall." Daisy shot back with a smile.
It was Phil's turn to raise an eyebrow. "It was one time ." He whispered, leaning back, trying to sleep away the rest of the flight time. It was going to be an early day tomorrow.
The airport was stuffy, packed with hundreds of other people. Melinda took charge, guiding the three of them through customs control and all the health checks. Security was easier for them when Melinda spoke to the guards in smooth Mandarin. Phil marveled at how she effortlessly switched to the different dialect.
"What did you say? I didn't understand that." Daisy bugged May.
"I spoke in Shanghainese. My father taught it to me. It's different than basic Mandarin, and is a part of the Wu dialect." May explained. Daisy's mouth fell open, "So not everyone will understand me?"
"Most Chinese kids learn about two dialects, plus English. A majority of people will understand you if you speak English." May reassured her.
"This is gonna be harder than I thought." Daisy folded her arms.
Melinda helped them get the airport bus to their hotel, where the bags were delivered and Phil helped Daisy figure out room service before they crashed. Phil had forgotten how nice a decent bed was.
He was half asleep when Melinda touched his shoulder, "Where's your lock pick? The key isn't working on my suitcase." She said softly, and Phil looked up to see her still dressed in the clothes she had been wearing on the plane.
"I didn't bring it." Phil confessed. Melinda gave him the look. "I thought we agreed to not be spies this vacation." He added.
"I'm not sleeping in my underwear." Melinda folded her arms.
"I've seen you in less." Phil smirked.
"I would say ' get a room ', but… yeah," Daisy piped up as she groaned from the other bed, rolling over and dramatically slamming a pillow over her head.
"Here, I'll figure something out." Phil replied, getting back up.
Shanghai was cloudy. Soft mist covered most of waterfront, creating a city bathed in a foggy blanket. "It's like the magazines." Daisy smiled, looking out the hotel windows, her phone out as she snapped pictures, eyes excited. The famous the roadside views most commonly known as The Bund was an easy attraction to visit, best seen in the early morning.
Breakfast was a lovely combination of Western and Chinese foods, and Daisy was planning to live off the ci fan gao from then on. Ever the stick-in-the-mud, May reminded her that there would be more the next morning. After finishing the morning meal in a timely manner, they caught a tram and stopped to check out a spot by the bay, more commonly known as The Bund .
They walked around, gazing across the water at the buildings that towered into the sky, and Melinda watched Daisy run around taking pictures. When Daisy returned to Melinda's side, she said, "Your mom called me several days before the trip and gave me a list of things to do." Daisy told them.
"Every vacation is a mission in disguise, I see." Phil commented.
"Yeah, I even have notes!" Daisy reached into her back pocket and pulled out a tiny notebook. "Mission: Shanghai. Operation: The Bund. Task: 'The Bund is a popular spot in Shanghai for couples to take their pictures. People come from all over China to see the riverfront. Take a picture of one happy couple' ," Daisy read off Lian May's instructions.
"It's kind of foggy today for anyone to be out here taking-" May started but was quickly interrupted.
"Done!" Daisy jumped back, snapping a picture of the two agents in front of her. "One happy couple found. The picture has already been sent to Lian for brownie points."
Melinda rolled her eyes, "We don't count." Phil laughed.
"Really?" Daisy cocked her head, "Because if last night in the hotel doesn't-"
"My failing to get the locks off May's suitcase has nothing to do with our state of friendship," Phil argued back.
"You gave her your pajamas, and when May objected, you literally said that you like your clothes to smell like her anyway. If that's not a relationship I don't know what is." Daisy snarked back, shrugging her shoulders when Phil didn't have a comeback. Melinda took the lead, walking away from her bickering colleagues. May knew that they would follow her.
Morning sun glistened off the sidewalk made of granite slabs, streetside trees waving their branches to touch the dissipating clouds that were slowly being burned away by the sun. More people trickled their way down the walkway, the bay a natural magnet for the never-ending presence of seagulls.
"What's next on the schedule?" Daisy asked when she was ready to see more.
"The Yu Gardens is on the planner." Phil checked his phone. "There will be a bus enroute there in two minutes."
"Let's catch it," Melinda agreed.
The rest of the day was easy and carefree, Phil enjoyed watching Melinda teach Daisy about the traditions and cultures. Daisy was able to check 'artist's garden' off her list, Melinda informing her that every proper house had a garden with the most important features: Trees, water, bamboo, and rocks representing mountains. No family would keep a presentable garden without these characteristics.
The gardens were elegant and well kept, the ponds teeming with koi and trees draping over arched bridges and slanted rooftops decorated with carvings of mythical beasts and gods. Phil may have snuck a picture of Melinda and Daisy under one of the magnolia trees.
Once or twice, Melinda quirked an eyebrow when Daisy 'accidentally' dropped a potato chip into the water to watch the koi swarm the greasy tidbits.
"Supper plans?" Daisy wondered aloud, filling the void of silence on the bus during the ride back to their hotel.
"May wants to stop at a local place." Phil told her, "You're welcome to come along."
"As long as you promise I'm not crashing a date." Daisy agreed with a smug grin.
"You won't be." May told her, "We're going to a dumpling house." She smiled, "I think you'll like it." The bus pulled to a stop, English and Chinese characters flashing the location and the next stop.
"I'm sure I will." Daisy agreed, stepping off the bus and getting her hotel keycard out of her wallet, scanning it over the door to be let in. Phil and Melinda followed, Coulson catching the door for them. When the trio retrieved whatever they needed for the evening, they headed out, Melinda translating street signs as she guided them to the restaurant.
Large stone lions, the male on the right with an orb of power under its paw and a female on the left watching the stone cub, guarded the large red doors decorated with gold and yellow patterns. Melinda explained that the lions were symbols of fertility and power, two of the most coveted things for Chinese couples. When they went inside, Daisy's eyes darted around, drinking in the painted walls and fancy floor tiles, her hands obviously wanting to touch the huge jade dragon in front of the entry wall.
"We believe that a front desk separates customer from server, and that's why most front desks will usually be to the left of the doorway." May explained to Daisy.
"Bǎo liu zuò wèi Coulson ma?" Table saved for Coulson? Phil asked the young woman behind the counter.
"Ní shi Coulson ma?" You are Coulson? she looked up, waiting.
"Shi." Yes. Phil nodded, and the young lady waited for them to follow, as a neatly dressed man looked at the trio and said something quickly to the desk keeper, who shrugged.
Melinda raised her eyebrows at Phil, "That was impressive." She smiled, "I didn't know you knew that much."
"How else am I supposed to talk dirty when the kids understand English, and my Russian is impossible?" Phil said under his breath. Daisy wrinkled her nose as they followed the young man.
“Your Russian could never even border romantic.” May agreed.
Daisy raised an eyebrow when one of the waiters glanced between the three of them and a table in the back, then pulled another chair from a side table and added it to the first table that was clearly meant for two. "You sure I'm not interrupting a date?" She side-eyed Coulson. "I can go find a street vender or something."
"Not yet." May said, "Your stomach is too American. You can't handle it." She sat down on the side of the table.
Daisy sat down and started, "Hey! I've eaten-."
"Believe me, you don't want to eat street food until your stomach at least gets used to the water. I’m telling you from experience." Coulson shook his head at Daisy, silently telling her to move. Daisy frowned with confusion, hands on the table cloth.
"Here, the elder man sits at the head of the table." Melinda whispered and Daisy shot up, switching seats. "The east side of a round table is considered the head." She told Daisy, who bit her lip.
"I am not that old." Phil grinned, "Don't call me elder."
"Oh, I don't know, that receding hairline of yours says differently-."
"You're lucky I love you."
"It's the other way around and you know it." May said as she shrugged.
A waiter came by with a tray bearing small bowls with cold water, rose petals and lemon slices floating in the water. He leaned over to Daisy, who picked up the bowl.
"That's not a drink." May warned, her hand pushing Daisy's arm down, "That’s to wash your fingers."
"Oh." Daisy blushed as she shook with silent laughter, rinsing her hands and using one of the towels, letting the waiter move on to serve May and Coulson. Daisy unfolded the specially shaped napkin, placing it in her lap. “Now that that's settled, I’m going to ask once more, ‘am I third wheeling a date or not’ ?”
“I reserved seats for two, because I didn’t think you’d want to sit for three hours in a restaurant.” Phil confessed.
“Yeah, nice excuse, but I’m starting to think otherwise.” Daisy teased.
Once again, a waiter came around, offering Coca Cola , Sprite , or water, and Daisy chose Sprite, not wanting too much caffeine from Coke. May settled for water, Phil went for the first option. The three sat quietly, Phil occasionally cracking a joke or Melinda explaining something in the dining room, from the jade elephant in the corner to the very meaning behind the shape of the columns and the carved dragons circling them.
Eventually the waiter came with a single menu, placing it on the table. “We can choose one of these spreads, and it's all shared.” Melinda explained, noticing how the waiter shook his head and set down a family menu. Daisy turned to address him, asking the man in broken Chinese where the toilet was. (Apparently no one here called it a restroom or bathroom , it was simply the toilet )
“May!” Daisy whispered when she returned, “They didn’t have an actual toilet!”
Melinda smirked, a smile curling up her cheeks, “They didn’t, did they?” She said sweetly, elbows on the table, hands folding under her chin, blatantly amused.
“No, just a hole in the ground.”
“Are you telling me that as a secret agent for the most informed agency on the planet, you, an experienced hacker, has never heard of a squat toilet?” Phil kept his voice down, as such things were not for table discussions.
“Okay, I've heard of them, but it was still a surprise.” Daisy quirked, hunching over to stretch her arms down between her knees for a couple seconds. Daisy looked up, “So, do we know what we should get?”
“Traditional Xiao long bao.” Melinda answered, “You’ll love it.”
“Oh! Your mom made that for me when I visited. Plus, that’s on my list as well, so I can check that off.” The young woman nodded, whipping out her phone and taking a picture of the menu.
Phil took another sip of Coca Cola, and addressed the two, “We have one more day in Shanghai, and then we take a train to Beijing.” Phil paused, “May wanted to see the Jade Buddah Temple. Daisy, is there any last thing you want to see?”
“Silk factory.” Daisy answered without a beat, and shrugged “It just sounds really cool.”
Phil looked at Melinda, “You think we could work that in?”
May nodded, “We can see the temple in the morning, when it’s less crowded.” A waiter came by with a brothy soup, chunks of meat, tiny dumplings, egg, spinach, and tomato swirling in the transparent liquid. Melinda, knowing just how much Daisy loved Wonton soup, advised, “Don’t eat to much, It’s just an appetizer.” May softly elbowed her.
“I know, I just absolutely love it.” Daisy reached out almost as soon as the large communal bowl was set in the middle of the table, eagerly spooning some of the broth into her smaller bowl, fishing out a few dumplings and a couple spinach leaves.
Phil pulled out his phone, forgetting momentarily that he had no service, as many search engines and social media were blocked in China. “I would google the place, but…”
“I can figure it out.” Melinda reminded him with a small sense of smugness lacing her words.
“I know, I just want to help.”
“You are helping,” Melinda smiled, “You're paying for dinner,” She said as she tipped her head at him, raising a spoonful of Wonton to her lips.
“Yeah.” Is all he says, and the three sit in peaceful silence. Daisy pulled out her phone to edit a few of the pictures she had taken earlier that day as Phil softly talked to Melinda,who every now and then she would hum a reply.
“Why is he carrying a basket?” Daisy softly hissed to May, eyes darting to reference toward a waiter. “Those are our dumplings. You know they are steamed in a basket.” May reminded her.
“No, your mom didn’t let me near the kitchen. Lian said she was afraid I inherited your cooking skills, so she just brought them out on a plate.” Daisy told them, looking excitedly toward the waiter, who set down a tall stack of whicker-looking baskets. Another followed with two plates of string beans with beef, steamed broccoli, and a dish of rice.
“Well, now you’re eating out of what Xiao long bao is supposed to be served from.” Phil agreed, grinning while the waiter introduced all nine flavors, and removed the covers of the bamboo steamers. Daisy looked down to a piece of lettuce in the bottom, assuming it kept the dumplings from sticking to the bamboo.
“Can we get a bowl of dark vinegar?” May asked, sharing a small smile with the waiter.
“Of course.” The young man nodded, disappearing.
As Phil and Daisy reached for their chopsticks, Melinda shook her head, stopping them. “You two don’t know how to eat these right, and I’m going to make sure you get the whole experience.” She waited until the waiter brought back a bowl of dark liquid, ginger shavings swirling in the vinegar, and thanked him.
“ Xie Xie .” Daisy tried, getting a surprised smile from the waiter and from May, who nodded that her pronunciation was correct.
“Get a bit in your soup spoon.” May directed, focusing again on the meal, demonstrating with her own deep spoon, dipping some vinegar, setting the full spoon on her plate. “You need to wait a couple minutes or the Xiao long baos with burn your mouth.” May warned.
Daisy chewed the inside of her mouth, waiting as May instructed. Picking up her ivory-colored chopsticks, she turned them over, studying the Chinese characters engraved in sparkly gold lettering. Daisy twirled one between her fingers like one would twirl a pen. “Don’t play with them. That’s rude here.” Phil told her, his hands pantomiming putting her eating utensils down.
“I think they should be good now.” May lifted her chopsticks, and pulling her basket closer, she expertly lifted one dumpling, gracefully dipped it in the vinegar, and popped the whole thing in her mouth.
Daisy greedily followed, her cheeks bulging like a chipmunk’s as the brothy ground pork exploded in her mouth, washing over her with the most amazing taste Daisy was certain she had ever experienced. May was right; she did love it.
“I’m shocked you fit that whole thing in your mouth.” Phil teased May, his eyes sparkling with humor. May choked a little on the dumpling.
“Oh, you know how small my mouth is.” She shot back.
“A little to well?” Phil elbowed her gently.
“Gross, guys.” Daisy cut in, “Can we have one dinner? One dinner is all I ask for.” Daisy grimaced. “And I don’t need to know why you know that, AC.”
“I kiss her?” Phil looked at the girl with a faux innocent expression.
“ Uh huh .” Daisy said as monotonically as possible, expressing her complete disbelief of his excuse. She looked at Coulson, “You gonna eat?”
“Maybe if I can manage to get a grip on this thing.” Phil frowned down at his plate, once again lifting his chopsticks and pinching the Xiao long bao, but the oily outside slipped from his grasp, the dumpling bouncing back to the steamer bottom.
“You’re holding them wrong, thats why.” Melinda rolled her eyes, reaching over and pushing his index finger farther down, his thumb closer to his fingers. “Now try.”
Phil’s second attempt was just as futile.
“I guess you're too American.” May shrugged, “You're hopeless.” She said with a sense of complacent ease.
“I just can’t use my fingers.” Phil grumbled, stabbing the Xiao long bao, and to Melinda’s utter horror, he drenched the dumpling in vinegar, and shoved it into his mouth.
“Don’t you ever, ever do that again.” Melinda cringed, “Look, Daisy figured it out.” She leaned back as Daisy made eye contact, quirked an eyebrow, and dramatically lifted another dumpling to her mouth, shoving the whole thing in with minimal dignity.
“Mmm-hmm.” Daisy agreed, nodding and chewing happily. Swallowing, she added, “These are amazing, I can’t believe you two aren't inhaling them.” The inhuman side-eyed them.
“Daisy.” Phil laughed, “You're going to choke.”
“Might be worth it.” Daisy eyed her third Xiao long bao.
“Not if we have to give you the heimlich maneuver in the middle of a restaurant.” May dryly said.
“Eh.” Daisy compromised, and looked over to see Phil about to stab another dumpling while May wasn’t looking. She made eye contact with him again, exaggerating her movements between picking up a Xiao long bao by the crimped top, delicately dipping it in his vinegar, and pushing it in her mouth. Phil copied her, pleasantly surprised when he succeeded.
“If you’re not going to eat these string beans, then I will.” May said, reaching between Phil and Daisy, swiping the serving fork, and collecting a small serving of stringed beans and beef.
The rest of the meal was relatively quiet, the waiter came around to offer refills and such, but Daisy finished her dumplings first. May had two or three left, so Phil made sure they disappeared. “I don’t think I could eat another bite.” Daisy said as she eyed the bowl of rice.
“Don’t.” May said, “It's respectful to leave a little food behind. It means that you are full and satisfied. Clearing a table means that the host is bad and didn’t provide well enough.”
“Well, I can assure them that they certainly didn’t fail.” Phil folded his arms after waving for the check.
“Come on, I want to show you something.” May touched Daisy’s arm, and made eye contact with Phil as if to say ‘ We’ll be right back .’
Daisy followed the older woman, who guided her out to the streets. “I wanted to get you this while Phil’s not here.” May began walking, dodging people left and right until the two secret agents stood in front of a small stand. Daisy could see that whatever it sold was popular, judging by the crowd around it. May stood in line, pulling out her wallet and counting out twenty yuan.
“ Liang ge, Qǐng .” May said to the woman behind the stand, who continued mixing drinks.
“Two, please?” Daisy translated, and received a proud nod from Melinda.
The veteran agent handed over the money when the seller handed her two milky drinks, spherical-shaped balls of ice floating in it. Some exotic flower was stuck into the top, poking out of the lid beside the straw.
“What’s this?” Daisy asked, watching May take a sip.
“Coconut milk. The real stuff.” Melinda answered, watching Daisy try it. The girl’s eyes lit up. “Wow.” She agreed, “This is good.”
“Then don’t suck it all down too quickly.” May dipped her head at the girl, taking another sip.
“Savor the flavor.” Daisy sang, her eyes darting around to drink in the sights. Neon signs blinked, billboards shone, and pastel colors reflected off the pavement, which had been smoothed down from the millions of cars that drove over it. Raised flower beds lined most avenues, trees and bushes showering the place with greenery. The Chinese people really cared about the look of their cities, and Daisy remembered seeing the workers cleaning the streets early in the morning, sweeping and taking trash, others tending the flower beds even late into the afternoon.
“There you ladies are.” Phil appeared and joined their side. “So, I tried to get a fortune cookie, but they looked at me funny.” He said unexpectedly.
May almost choked on her drink, “ That's because fortune cookies are an American thing,” she rolled her eyes.
“Well, you never told me that!” Phil mock whined, “You left me to embarrass myself.” Then he noticed the white drink in Melinda’s hand. “ Ooo , what's that?”
“Mine.” May said dryly. Phil took that as permission to lean over, taking a sip right out of the straw. “Woah, that's good,” He said.
May shook her head, “Thief,” taking the lead again, walking back in the direction they came from the hotel. Phil and Daisy followed, weaving between night-outers to keep up with the shorter woman. They made it to the hotel quickly, May swiping her card for entry inside. Daisy, May, and Coulson exhaustedly piled into the small elevator, not wanting to take the stairs up four levels.
“Get some sleep tonight, Daisy.” Phil said, “We have a late night train to catch tomorrow evening.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Daisy vowed to not stay up too late on her computer.
“So… Buddha .” Daisy stared at the building before her, the entrance guarded by a massive wall with a three dimensional golden mural. The Jade Buddha Temple stood proud in the harsh morning sun, its green sweeping roofs reflecting the sun’s rays. Daisy and Melinda both wore light jackets in respect of the worship space, and Daisy could already see several people praying in the courtyard. It was around eight forty-five in the morning, the humid air slowly burning off into what Daisy could tell would be a hot day. A huge statue was front and center, hard to miss from the entrance view. “What's that?” She tipped her head in question.
Phil heard her after returning from paying the entrance fee, only twenty yuan per person, and as he put away his wallet, answered, “The ‘Thousand arms Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’ .” Phil read off a nearby sign, and Melinda winced at his pitiful attempt to pronounce the names.
“It’s someone who has achieved Enlightenment.” May clarified, “But they didn’t want to enter Nirvana, and chose to stay behind to help others.” She said, “My mom was raised half Buddhist, so she taught me about it.”
“Cool.” Daisy commented, “Different from Catholic Saints, for sure. But it still reminds me of what the nuns told me about.”
“True, they are similar in that aspect.” Phil agreed, and they kept walking, entering the relatively small courtyard, and passing an incense burner, making their way up a few steps and inside. Three large gold buddhas sat on the far side, ornate lanterns and embroidered silk banners hanging from the ceiling. May waved her hand in reference to the far left statue, “This one is the Buddha of the past. The middle one is the Buddha of the present, and the right is the Buddha of the future.”
Daisy was quiet, eyes wide in alarm, “Why is there a swastika on each one’s chest?”
“I can help on that one,” Phil jumped in, explaining, “In Buddhism, a swastika represents life cycles, and Buddha’s heart... or their footprints on destiny’s path. It was the Nazis who stole the symbol and ruined its reputation.” Daisy nodded with understanding.
The three agents passed through several more grand halls decorated with gold and white jade carvings, splashes of color dappled on the walls. Dragons and gods circled pillars and etched their secret ancient ways over stone and red wall panels. Daisy tripped over an unexpected threshold, muttering curses as she hopped back over to a smirking May, “Is keeping out evil spirits really worth stubbing the toes of all your visitors?” Daisy grumbled and Phil snorted at May’s eyeroll.
“What’s over there?” Phil asked, looking around as the crowds slowly grew, most heading toward a heavily adorned doorway. The trio glanced around in mutual confusion before May shrugged, walking forward. The other two agents followed, and joined the flow of people. Phil watched several monks dressed in orange, lead by one with a maroon mantle, chant in time to their small instruments, worshippers joining their song.
The sounds died when they came inside a large room where a handful of people congregated near a large shrine. The center sculpture was inlaid with emeralds and other precious stones, the figure itself carved of pure white jade, undeniably created with skilled hands. The Buddha reclined on its right side, arm under its head, staring forward as if in a trance. Parents, children, and grandparents took turns kneeling on red cushions and praying, bowing down, and leaving offerings to the flower-surrounded carving.
“Not as big as I expected,” May said, underwhelmed.
“I wonder how much it’s worth,” Daisy added.
“Millions,” Phil guessed.
“Isn’t there another one somewhere?” Daisy turned a full one-eighty, scanning the walls.
“Someone said it was upstairs,” Phil answered, “There is only a small fee to get in to see it.”
“Phil, I still don’t trust your definition of the word small ,” May said.
“Ten yuan -hardly more than a dollar,” Phil told her.
“Where is it?” Daisy wondered aloud, eventually pulling out her paper map and studying it, regretting that she had chosen the Mandarin one in an effort to practice the language.
“It’s right there, Daisy.” May said patiently, pointing to the tower that was sketched on the map, “We need to go this way.” As she headed off, disappearing into the crowd, Daisy and Phil both sighed with annoyance, Phil looking mildly exasperated at May’s tactics of travel.
“Duìbùqǐ, Duìbùqǐ, Duìbùqǐ, Duì-.” Phil apologized left and right, failing to not bump into anyone , only getting glares shot in his direction as he ambled through the crowd he was inept to navigate.
“ Měiguó rén Zhàngfū ma.” American husbands . An old woman patted May’s arm in sympathy and shook her head. Daisy winced as May jumped at the unsolicited human contact. The elderly woman smiled a big gap-toothed grin at May, and Daisy was shocked to see May smile back.
“ Shì .” May agreed, causing Daisy to smile. May looked down at the shorter woman.
“Tāmen shì baichi.” The woman laughed. They are idiots. May’s eyes darted around in amusement, as a half-smile appeared on her face again. The woman looked to Daisy, “Nǐ de dǚ'ér ma?” Your daughter?
May nodded, and the woman spoke too quickly for Daisy to understand, but she saw May nod softly, and decided it must have been good.
“Oh, um, Xie Xie !” Daisy burst out her thanks, and the woman grinned.
“Ting hao!” Very good! The woman exclaimed, and reminded Daisy to respect her mother before she hobbled off to a shrine, studying it. May placed a hand on Daisy’s shoulder, “She said you were very beautiful.”
“Awe, how sweet of her,” Pausing, Daisy added, “What else?” she asked with fake fear.
“She called you a white girl. Apparently you resemble your father, but speak better. However, she also said we would have no problem finding you a husband... so Phil and I have to marry you off soon. You're getting old.” May teased.
“Hey!” Daisy protested, trying to escape May’s hold.
“What is this about husbands I hear?” Phil appeared, his arms folded.
“An old woman said I had to be married off soon.” Daisy said.
“ Actually , she said she was sorry I was stuck with an American man long before she said you were pretty.” May corrected.
“So what if I’m American?” Phil pretended ignorance on the situation as they walked toward the small tower, passing courtyards and well-pruned trees and red paper lanterns strung up on criss-crossing lines, hanging just low enough that the crimson fringe would brush Phil’s head.
“Don’t you get me started on white people.” May said with a sarcastic tone.
“Don’t forget I’m half white.” Daisy joked.
“Ah yes, one half to be easily offended and sunburned, the other to be honored.” May quickly said.
“I feel so loved.” Phil’s voice dripping with petulance, shoulders hunching in a pouting manner as they walked, finding the line to the stairs.
“This help?” May turned quickly, stepping up on her toes, pressing her lips to Phil’s in a chaste kiss. Her fingertips on his chest balanced May’s teetering position before she broke away, separated once again by their vastly different heights. Daisy was never unamused by their real gap in height difference, considering May’s wise choice in running shoes to fit their long distance walking needs revealed her true height. Melinda’s usual high heeled boots gave her a couple extra inches. But now? May’s full 5’4 was sheerly overshadowed by Phil’s 5’9.
“A little, but it's going to take more than that to heal my wounded heart.” Phil said theatrically, continuing to pout. Finally the three agents were selected along with a small group of people in the line to follow a worker, who took their money and lead them up circling steps and into a dark room. Almost twelve feet of floor separated tourists from the shrine, cloth rails guiding people at a required distance. The Buddha was seated, as it’s name suggested, and carved necklaces dripped with stones and jade. The Buddha stared forward, one hand rested in blessing of all who passed before it. May once again said, “It’s not as big as I expected.”
“What, is nothing ever as big as you expected?” Daisy jokes.
“I’m a small person, Daisy.” May gives her a look. “I usually expect things to be bigger.”
“Well, I think you're just the right size.” Phil interrupts.
“Usually things are boasted to be bigger than they really are.” May shrugged.
“I swear, you two.” Daisy crosses her arms, “Be respectful. This is a spiritual space, no more risqué jokes.” Daisy groaned, head turning to check if anyone had heard or understood her.
“Yes ma’am.” Phil saluted sarcastically, saying,“There will be absolutely no more discussion or phrases alluding to what Mel and I do alone.”
“Thank you.” Daisy nodded and turned away. She read a plaque with information on the statue. Daisy was disappointed to discover that photography was prohibited, and she put away her phone. “Hey, May, what does this mean?” She pointed to a character, 运输 , and May examined it.
“Travel, transport, the act of moving something from one place to another.” May explained, setting her hand on Daisy’s shoulder, and Daisy bit the inside of her mouth with concentration.
“But the second character means ‘to lose’ .” Daisy frowned, “I don’t get it.”
“Well, losing something is sort of like transporting it somewhere else. It’s no longer with you, or it has left you.” May understood Daisy’s confusion, and she seemed happy to explain their native language to her.
A small commotion disrupted the moment. A Monk was softly yelling at Phil, who looked more confused than terrified. His phone in his hand, May was already guessing what happened.
“Don’t take pictures of people without asking first.” She said to Phil, assessing the bald man dressed in orange robes who was scolding Phil.
“I wasn’t taking a picture of him, -or the statue, I was just trying to get a picture of you and Daisy.” He quickly said, and May turned, telling the Monk what Phil was doing, and the Monk listened, then told May to tell Phil that no cameras whatsoever should be out in such a spiritual place.
May politely translated the message to Phil, who nodded and put his phone away, the Monk sighing exasperatedly and walking off, disappearing into the crowd.
“No more messing up.” May said to Phil, who seemed embarrassed.
“Come on, they're about to bring in the next group, we should get out.” Daisy poked Phil’s arm to get his attention.
“Yeah, yeah, we’re coming.” Phil touched May’s lower back as they were once again guided through the building to the stairs, until they spilled back into the courtyard, now filled with more people.
May stared at the crowds, relishing the experience of being in her home country. Here, with the ornate arches and the swinging red and gold lanterns, Melinda could feel the wind as it sifted through her hair. She could just stop and breathe .
Melinda strode over to a small statue, smiling when she found her mother’s favorite Buddha. Daisy was soon behind her, watching Melinda’s moment of peace.
“Give me your backpack.” May said. Daisy swung the light bag off her shoulders, handing it to May, who unzipped the front pocket, pulling out two incense sticks. “I bought you one too.” May smiled, handing the girl one of the slim six-inch-long rods.
“When did you...” Daisy shook her head.
“You’re not much of a spy on vacation, you know that?” May lifted the pack back to Daisy, who slung it back over her arms. “I bought them earlier, and didn’t want to break them, so I put them in your backpack.” May elaborated.
“Cool.” Daisy nodded, and copied May, who lit the tip of the incense on another smoking stick, let it burn for a few seconds, then blew out the flame. “My mother used to leave offerings at every temple she visited. This Buddha was always her favorite.” May told Daisy, poking the nub end of the stick into the offering bowl sand, letting the light scent of spicy incense waft around the two. “Your turn. You can say a prayer if it feels better for you. I don’t, but you can.” May added. Daisy was beside her, Phil over her shoulder, and Melinda was more relaxed than she remembered being for a long time.
The two waited a moment before turning around, leaving behind the small shrine. Phil was waiting, arms folded as he leaned on a red column. “Hey, am I the only one who’s hungry?” Phil asked them.
“I could have a snack.” Daisy agreed.
“There is a restaurant attached to the temple.” May pulled her map from the back pocket of her jeans. “It’s vegetarian too.” She added.
“So no chicken nuggets?” Daisy joked.
“No.” May answered, and pretty soon they arrived at the small quaint restaurant. Their early lunch was good, Phil enjoying a mushroom soup, Daisy and Melinda shared a large, oily noodle dish. They left refreshed and ready for the next place.
The three travelers found the silk factory to be only a fifteen minute taxi ride, getting off on Jiangsu Road. The streets were busy during the early noontime, and the factory that was before them welcomed in the other tour groups. “This one is busier than I expected.” Phil commented, holding the door for the two women.
“Oh wow.” Daisy said, looking at the large machines before her.
“Are you here to visit?” A woman in a white shirt asked.
“Yes, how much is the tour?” Phil asked her.
“Free, but I can show you around. Are you touring with a guide or travel agency?”
“No.” Melinda answered, “We’re here to see how this all happens.”
“Well, I can’t give you any discounts on products without a travel agency’s name, but I can give you a small tour.” The woman shrugged as she turned to lead them into the room. “These machines have troughs of cocoons in hot water, which loosens the silkworm filaments until they unravel easily. Then, a worker can swirl the water and collect a considerable layer of silk around her finger, and thread it up and around this spindle. When I turn on the machine, it makes the silk thread.”
A low rumbling purr filled the room as the machine kicked to life, the cocoons dancing in the water as they twirled away their precious silk armor.
“This board shows the lifecycle of a silkworm-” The woman referenced to a large panel hanging on the wall, both Chinese characters and English lettering describing each image.
“Great. I failed science class.” Daisy whispers to Phil, “I’ll bet Jemma would find this fascinating.” May waved a hand and shushed them.
Phil snapped a picture of the silk cocoons as the woman turned the wheels off before leaving the room. “Here is a display on how we dye the threads,” The guide waved them through.
The following room was permeated with the strong smell of dye, the sharp scent of vinegar stinging their noses. “What colors are easiest?” Daisy asked.
“Red is most popular. Gold, Blue, and Black are common colors bought in bulk. But dark purple is the hardest to achieve with natural dyes.” The woman answered, and let Phil take another picture before she said, “This is where I leave you. Thank you for visiting.”
“Xie Xie!” Daisy waved with a smile.
Phil looked around at the huge room before them, silk products filling wooden shelves, clothes and dressing rooms one one side, sheets and curtains on the other. “Well, that tour was short. We still have five hours until we need to get back to the hotel. Is there anything els-”
“Shopping!” Daisy declared, dodging racks until she sat down on one of the example beds in the back. “It’s really comfy!” She told them, hands running over the spread.
“Melinda…” Phil looked to the woman beside him, Daisy’s antics fading into the background. “Now that Daisy is busy…” He paused, taking her hand, “Is there anything you want to do?”
“Yes. There's somewhere I want to take you,” Melinda answered. “But I’m sure we can send Daisy out with a thousand yuan and she’ll be busy all afternoon.”
Phil laughed, “That's true.”
“I booked us a cooking class.” May smiled.
Phil stared, dumbfounded. “A what?”
“Dumplings. You and me, learning how to not make them into mushy blobs.” She added.
“You didn’t have to.” Phil grinned.
“Maybe.” Melinda turned, shaking her head as Daisy flopped back onto another bed. “That girl is going to be the death of us.” She sighed sarcastically.
“Not so soon, hopefully.” Phil agreed. “Hey, May, try this on for me?”
“What?” May stared down the shirt in his hand. It was red silk, embroidered with black dragons. “No. I’m not getting anything.”
“Why not?” Phil argued, holding out the shirt for her to see. It was elegant, with a small collar and shirt sleeves, ribbon clasps. Traditional and classy.
“Phil, I don’t wear those.” She refused.
“Please?” Phil tried again.
“No.”
“Maybe?”
“Fine.” May rolled her eyes and took the shirt from his hands, marching off and disappearing into a curtain-shrouded changing nook. Phil waited outside until she pulled open the curtain. Phil’s eyes went wide. She was beautiful. Phil’s mouth went dry as he looked at the snug shirt, turned up neckline, shimmering red dragons twisting over the fabric. It was fitted, all right, her strong, tanned arms standing out against the dark silk.
“What?” May waited for a reaction. Phil gaped, and May noticed his thumb picking at his fingernails. Nervous, was he? “How do I look?” She asked.
“...Asian?”
May replied with the deadest stare Phil had ever seen from her. As if that was the only suggestion his brain was giving him. “Well,” he tried again, “Like really, really good? Hot? Busty? Gorgeous?” May snorted. Phil added, “Like a model. Sorry, ok? My blood’s not in my brain right now.”
“I can see that,” Melinda snorted, and she smiled, turning around to go back in to change.
Phil looked down, biting his lip. She had been absolutely stunning . Frick, if only he could get her to wear it again. His phone buzzed. ‘If May is getting that black and red one, have her try the blue and purple one’ a message read, adding a picture of said shirt, and Phil would only believe it was from Daisy.
‘Stalker’ . He shot back, followed with, ‘Go back to testing out those beds’ , Phil glanced around the store to try and spot the inhuman. She was currently off the radar.
May was suddenly there beside Phil, back in her grey V-neck again. The silk shirt was draped over her arm. “Here. Where did you find this?” She asked.
“Here, I got it.” Phil said, taking the shirt from her. “Daisy is probably looking at the scarves now. That was on the list from your mother.” He told her, and Melinda took the suggestion, letting Phil slip off.
When the three emerged from the store fifteen minutes later, Phil had snuck two paper-wrapped packages into Daisy’s backpack with the girl’s help, and Daisy was taking a selfie with her new scarf.
“Here, one thousand yuan for shopping. I expect you back to the hotel at six o’clock sharp so we can pick up our bags and be at the train station at six thirty.” Phil pulled out his wallet, counting out the red bills.
“What?” Daisy blinked, taking the money with confusion.
“Go, shop to your heart’s content.” May shortened Phil’s words.
“No way, you’re turning me loose?” Daisy teased.
“If we hear anything about ‘Quake spotted in Shanghai’ , we’ll know to come get you.” Phil joked, “No semi-natural disasters, okay?”
“Got it.” Daisy confirmed, and turned around, then glanced back, “Hey, where will you two be going?”
“We have somewhere to be.” May said quickly.
“Alright. No taking down any crime families, alright? Not like last ‘vacation’ .” Daisy joked about the first time they had gone on vacation, when May had found one person suspicious, which lead to a whole personal investigation. The two veteran agents eventually left all the information to solve a five year old case at a local police station.
“Yeah, yeah.” Phil laughed, and they saw her off, the girl independently disappearing down the street. “Now, what was it you said earlier about dumplings?”
“Okay, but where did you learn that?” May whispered, struggling to eyeball the right amount of meat to put in the pocket of dough laying on her hand.
“Your mom.” Phil answered, “She showed me when you brought me home for Christmas in ‘89.” Phil told Melinda, crimping the dumpling.
“She allowed you in the kitchen?” May was mildly surprised.
“It was Christmas morning, and you were still upstairs sleeping.” Phil remembered, a soft look washing over his features, “I was waiting to help where I could, but then your mom gave me those cookies. Remember the little red sugar cookies? They were the same kind my mom used to make… It was the first Christmas without my mom and I cried. So your mom pulled me into the kitchen and said, ‘Phillip, I know it has almost been a year, but do not be afraid of moving slowly. Be afraid of standing still. You will grow. So come on and help me with these dumplings’ .” Phil set down the newly formed dumpling and reached for another circle of dough.
“That was the year right after your mom passed?” May waited for affirmation, and Phil nodded. May echoed, “ ‘ Do not be afraid of moving slowly. Be afraid of standing still .’ That’s her favorite proverb.”
“Well, she knew plenty of them. That entire week she was spouting out her wisdom.” Phil laughed, and glanced down at May’s hands. “Mel, you don’t have enough flour on your fingers. That's why the dough keeps sticking.”
“Cooking is not my strong suit.” she agreed.
The chef interrupted them and spoke loudly, “Alright, now I will teach you how to fry them. If you prefer to steam the dumplings, just wait and I will demonstrate that next.” The chef announced, and the other couples in the room obediently finished whatever they were working on.
“How many of you are married?” One of the assistant cooks asked. May elbowed Phil and shrugged. They raised their hands alongside several others. “Husbands, would you consider your wife the perfect wife?”
All the men nodded.
“Good! Then I’ll remind you that the perfect wife here in China cooks, cleans, takes care of the children, is funny, smart and beautiful, can sew and garden. Is she still perfect?” The cook laughed, trying to bring some humor to the atmosphere.
Several men whistled their agreement. Phil kissed the side of Melinda’s forehead, “Every day of my life.” He whispered. Melinda folded her arms with a small smile. Her mother had always thought her too modern, Lian was always leaning on the older traditions. Melinda hardly stood up to the high standards, but Phil didn’t care.
The chef began, turning on the small stove and prepping her wok. “Ladies, you need to show your husbands how to do this.” She paused, “Frying your dumplings will require a medium heat wok, oil, and a third cup of water. Place your dumplings in the wok and pour in the water. Cover the wok to steam them before we fry them. This will take about five to six minutes…”
“Whatever food you two brought back, I want some. It smells amazing,” Daisy barged through the hotel room door, several shopping bags on her arms.
“We made dumplings. You can have the rest for supper if you’d like.” Phil offered, holding out the plastic covered container the restaurant had let them keep. Daisy swung her bags to the floor beside her suitcase and thanked Phil.
“You guys made these?” Daisy opened the top, smelling the contents. “Wow.”
“I’d avoid the little withered grey ones. Those are May’s.” Phil said.
A loud, “Hey!” Came from the bathroom.
“May’s taking a shower right now, but we have two hours until we need to leave.” Phil told Daisy, “So pack up, relax a bit, eat the dumplings. Mel and I already ate, so I hope this holds you till we get to Beijing. It's a four hour trip, so I suggest you sleep on the train.” Phil advised.
“Got it.” Daisy pulled a sanitary wipe from her purse and cleaned her fingers before picking up a dumpling. “Don’t tell May that I don’t have chopsticks.” She grinned, biting the crescent moon shaped dumpling. “Mmmmm.” She sighed, “This is good.”
“Why thank you.” Phil zipped up his suitcase, “I mean, Xie Xie .”
“So, how was the cooking class?” Daisy plopped down on the floor, her legs crossed while she ate dumplings and unpacked her shopping bags.
“Mostly uneventful.” Phil answered.
“ Mostly ?” Daisy perked up with interest.
“May still sucks at cooking. She caught a piece of the cooking paper on fire. I don’t know how she managed it. She somehow got it too close to the wok and fwoom! It was up in flames.” Phil recounted the story.
“Only May.” Daisy laughed. They sat in silence for a few moments, Daisy folding her souvenirs up in her packed clothes to keep them safe while traveling.
“Hey, Daisy, Do you have the shirts?” Phil whispered suddenly.
“You mean the red one and the purple one?” Daisy asked dramatically.
“Yes.” Phil confirmed.
“Yeah, here they are.” Daisy pulled the paper-wrapped package out of one of her bags and handed it to Phil, who stuffed it into the pocket of his suitcase.
“If May doesn’t like them, why did you get them?” Daisy asked.
“I, uh,” Phil stuttered, “She wears them, just not a lot.” Phil answered, “May would like them if it weren't for the fact that Andrew hated them. They're too hard to get off, he said.”
“Whatttt?” Daisy frowned.
“Daisy, a bit of Andrew still stays with May. He will never stop influencing her, and she will never stop loving him. Even if we’re together, Andrew was still her husband.” Phil said with a softer tone. “My opinion is that May looks downright freaking sexy in these. In fact, May used to wear shirts like this to formal events with her family, but Andrew never liked them, so she stopped.” Phil told her.
“Too bad, I agree. She looks good.” Daisy sighed, and pulled out a panda keychain from amongst her purchases. She held it in her hand, letting it turn and sparkle with the dark glitter in the glossy paint. She loved the way it just seemed so content and cute. Daisy knew she would get it when the keychain caught her eye, hanging on a vendor.
“Just like May.” Phil shook his head with a smile.
“What, the panda?” Daisy pulled off the plastic wrap and clipped the keychain to her backpack zipper, letting the enamel painted panda hang free.
“May loves pandas. You should have seen this old one she used to have. The poor thing was threadbare and the right arm fell off three times, but Mel always fixed it.” Phil was broken from his reverie by May emerging from the bathroom, twisting her wet hair up into a towel. She was in fuzzy socks and pants, a soft T-shirt thrown over her.
“We finally broke May.” Daisy opened and closed her mouth.
“I wear comfy clothes too, you know.” May told her, shuffling across the room in her sweats and a loose T-shirt that Phil was pretty sure was in his size. May unceremoniously threw everything of hers except a second outfit and a few toiletries into her suitcase, forcing it shut with a small grunt and a fight to get the zipper closed. May closed the locks on her suitcase and stuffed the key in her pocket. “How long do we have?”
“About an hour till we should be at the station.” Phil answered.
“Is everyone else ready?” May asked.
Daisy spoke up. “I am, but I don’t want to go out yet because I don’t want to have to take my suitcase with me.”
“True.” May sighed, sitting down on the bed next to Phil. She took down the towel, squeezing her hair till water dripped from the ends. May ran her fingers through her hair until Phil spoke, “How about I stay back here with the bags, and you two go somewhere?”
“Like what?” Daisy asked.
“The waterfront. The nighttime skyline is gorgeous with all the lights.” May suggested.
“Yeah, that sounds fun. You sure you want to stay behind, Coulson?” Daisy asked again, eating the last dumpling and tossing the container in the trash.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. You two go on ahead, I’ll be here when you get back.” Phil smiled. This was perfect.
While May changed into more presentable clothes and pulled her hair back into a ponytail, Phil checked the room for anything left behind before heading down to check them out, and wait in the lobby, which was filled with small seating areas. Phil found a couch and sat down, watching Daisy and Melinda leave through the large glass doors.
As soon as the women were gone, Phil waved over one of the workers. “Watch the bags please?” He asked, pressing a tip into the young girl’s hand, who nodded and moved the bags behind the front desk. Phil scanned the lobby to make sure the bags were safe before heading quickly into the hotel store. He had something else to get.
“Excuse me, do you sell the purple pearls?” Phil asked the man behind the counter, who looked up and nodded. “Perfect, I was wondering if you might have any ideas to help me..."