Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune(41)

“But we all want you to open. You’re not going to get any opposition.”

“I’m concerned about Old Wu,” I said, finally giving voice to my fear.

He was the only person who might block me from reopening, and he had enough clout to do it. Old Wu would be my competitor, and he’d never disguised his distaste for me. I didn’t have the financial means to fight him or the courage to do so. And yet Celia wanted to arrange a meeting with him. How could I face someone who could only see me for all my failures?

Celia scrunched her nose. “Technically, he’s part of the neighborhood, but he wouldn’t do that. He knows how bad it is for us, and blocking you would hurt the chances of reviving our businesses. He’s going to help you, not hurt you.”

“I hope you’re right.” I tried to be optimistic but I was still concerned.

“If he doesn’t, I’ll stand by you and so will the others. You’ll see,” Celia said. “Oh, I saw you take a walk with a very handsome young man earlier. How are things progressing with Daniel? Well, I hope.”

“I think so. We’re going on a date on Thursday when he comes back from his conference.”

Celia giggled and clapped her hands. “Excellent! I told you that you can have it all. Ah, and after the romantic drought you’ve suffered. Oh, that reminds me! I have news!”

“What is it?”

“I have a meeting with one of the tour companies later. I’m following up on my hunch. I know it’ll pay off.”

I pushed the fear of Old Wu interfering with the restaurant away for a moment to soak in Celia’s revelation. She seemed to have found her stride. She was definitely excited about her newest venture. And with the increased traffic, the rest of the neighbors would benefit as well.

After saying goodbye to Celia, I headed back to the restaurant. I remembered the kiss I’d shared with Daniel. Our date was in a few days. I couldn’t be happier as far as our relationship was concerned. Things were trending upward, imbuing me with hope and elation, yet part of me still worried I would ruin it all somehow.

Mr. Kuk Wah stood across the street with his prized erhu in tow. The colorful tattoos on his arms contrasted beautifully with the palette of muted grays of his wardrobe. The street musician’s smile illuminated his entire being, so much so that I couldn’t help smiling in return.

I let him into the restaurant.

“My wife is talking to me again, and I have you to thank,” he declared, following me inside.

“I helped you?”

“Yes. She’s talking to me now. It’s been years since we last spoke.”

“That’s excellent news!” I clapped my hands.

Mr. Kuk Wah tucked his erhu under the counter and took a seat.

“So, tell me everything.” I leaned across the counter with my chin resting on my hands.

“My wife is very superstitious. She tends to believe in curses, and that’s probably why she hasn’t spoken to me. She thought I was cursed somehow, but something has changed recently. I don’t know what, but all of a sudden she answered my calls. She spoke to me and remembered she loved me.”

My heart swelled, expanding in my rib cage as I listened to Mr. Kuk Wah’s story of love resurrected. My advice helped him. This was how Laolao’s recipes were intended—to heal, to repair relationships, and bring people back together.

“Now I want to help you. I want to repay the debt. Is there anything you need help with?” he asked.

“Yes, yes, there is,” I confessed. “I’m afraid I’ll self-sabotage this wonderful thing with someone special.”

He took off his flat cap and placed it on the counter.

“Is it possible that the past can repeat itself?” I asked. “I have a date with Daniel. I’m thrilled, but also afraid of committing past sins. Once I caused a great deal of pain to a good man, and now it’s almost like I don’t feel worthy of this new relationship.”

“Everyone is worthy and deserving of love. Look at me! My wife is talking to me again, and I thought I had screwed up my marriage a long time ago. You’ve proven there is always hope for redemption.” He asked, “What happened?”

“I was afraid and I left Emilio at the altar. I can never forgive myself for the pain I caused him,” I replied. “What if I’m not meant to be in love because I hurt the one I’m supposed to care about?”

“I sincerely doubt that.” Mr. Kuk Wah stroked the stubble along his jaw. “I’d like to think you have learned from your mistakes. We all do. That’s the only good outcome from making mistakes, isn’t it?”

“Is it fair that I ruined Emilio’s life, yet I get a second chance at happiness with Daniel?”

“It’s not mutually exclusive. I understand that we Chinese love misery and self-flagellation, but we also should seek every scrap of joy we can get. Allow me to put it this way: would you want Daniel to suffer because of this Emilio?”

I snorted. “Of course not.”

“Then go on your date. You will solve their problems afterward,” he advised. “Have some happiness for yourself. Go on your date, Xiao Niao.”

“I will.” I was nervous, but I would try. It seemed to be the time for new beginnings.

“If you need further advice, I will ask my wife. She has always been wiser than I will ever be. She’ll think of something.”