12The wife of a successful man must have a big heart, Yoke Lan reminded herself. Chang was a regular of the restaurant where she played her pipa for a paltry sum, a member of a group of well-heeled young men who were friends of the manager. You’re invited to their table, Miss Yoke Lan, the manager said to her one night. She walked over to the group at once. It was always a good sign when dinner patrons wanted to meet her. It pleased the management and made her job a little more secure when she was seen to be in demand. Chang had pulled up a chair for her and offered her a cup of tea. “Pu-erh-cha is very good for the throat,” he muttered as though to himself.
She gave him a smile, surprised at his shyness. “On whose authority, sir?” she asked.
“Ho-ho! On his own authority, Miss Yoke Lan.
