Lunar Love (21)

When I was younger, both the inside and outside of the building felt old-fashioned, as if all the shops in Chinatown were supposed to look a certain way. Now I appreciate the parts of the neighborhood that still exude tradition among a growing influx of trendier eateries and art galleries. To the right of our building, what used to be a bookstore is now a to-be-determined renovated office or retail space. The construction hasn’t started yet for the day, so I’ll have some quiet time to myself.

It was only a year ago that the inside of Lunar Love looked completely different than it does now. Since Day One, the walls and ceilings were painted a deep crimson. The furniture was dark and heavy, and there was an overabundance of stuff: boxes filled with client documents from decades prior, books and torn posters, and bags of donations. It took me eight months to convince Auntie to let me redesign the place.

My design goals were simple: clean and aspirational, yet still traditional. When clients visit, I want them to feel like anything is possible. That a new chapter is just beginning. This meant repainting the walls off-white and hanging local artists’ work that reflected the tangled, abstract, beautiful emotions of love. Clunky chairs were replaced by the minimal sets of mid-century modern ones I scored at flea markets. Finding love is stressful enough. The place you go to find it should be calming and reassuring.

Even the name Lunar Love is simple and straightforward yet full of significance. The lunar horoscope was created because of the moon’s movements and phases, which people interpreted and assigned meaning to. Each of the twelve animal signs and its accompanying personalities rules a lunar year. The lunar calendar, based on the moon’s phases in a month, is the guide for determining the most auspicious dates for momentous events.

When Pó Po chose the name, she wanted her business to reflect the power of the moon, both physically and figuratively. More than just making the name modest, Pó Po also simplified the business concept in an attempt to keep it alive. She realized that Westerners were more interested in zodiac matchmaking when it wasn’t too complicated. She figured out how to streamline the magic of it all in order to avoid losing intimidated clients.

Just as she did, I need to figure out which changes to make that feel right for Lunar Love. The speeches and toasts and gold necklaces are special, but that’s not what any of this is about. I’m carrying Pó Po, Auntie, and Lunar Love’s legacy into the future. What I do from now on is the true test of what I’m made of and what the business can withstand in these changing, challenging times.

I walk toward the rear of the space where one of the three rooms in our building is designated as an office. Across from the waiting area is the Session Room, where we meet with clients.

I flip through the pile of mail, assessing the damage. Some marketing, some wrong address, but mostly bills. I drop them onto the teetering pile of mail Auntie left on my desk, which I discover contains even more bills. Before I have the chance to tackle my emails, I hear the front door close, followed by the sound of a woman calling out into the waiting area.

“Hi there. Can I help you?” I ask, rushing out of the office to greet the unexpected guest.

“Yes, I’m looking for Lydia. Is she here?” the lady asks. She looks professional chic in her baby blue pantsuit. Inside her oversized leather bag, I spot two eyes shining back at me and then hear a small yip. The woman lifts the bag to her face and coos into the small opening. “Don’t mind Poppy. She’s friendly.”

“Lydia’s not here. Did you have an appointment?” I ask, thinking I might have overlooked one of Auntie’s clients. “We’re transitioning all of her clients over to me and my colleague. Sorry if we—”

“Oh, no,” she says, furrowing her eyebrows. “Quite the opposite.” The woman hands me a business card accompanied by a dazzling smile. “I’m Carol.”

I review the shiny silver words on the card: “Carol Rogers, Realtor, Silver Linings Real Estate.”

“So you’re not a client?” I confirm.

“Darling, is Lydia here? I have some important business matters to discuss with her. I tried emailing but didn’t get a response.” She lifts loose fuzz from her sleeve and lets it float through the air until it finally lands on the carpet.

I bend the business card back and forth between my fingers. “Lydia’s actually no longer with Lunar Love. If there are business matters to discuss, you can do so with me. I’m the new owner.”

Carol’s eyes flicker in disappointment. “Oh. I didn’t know you were…are you Korean? I thought this was a Chinese company.”

“I’m half-Chinese,” I say hesitantly. It’s the answer that will satisfy her. An easy categorization. When she dips her head in a nod as though she’s had an epiphany, I feel like I’ve failed at something.

“In that case, I wanted to discuss this property. As you may know, this area is very popular,” she says with a wink. She hands me a slip of paper before grabbing my business card from the reception desk. “Here’s what I think this land is worth.”

I scan the surprisingly high number on the paper but maintain a look of neutrality. This is what Mae Yí-Pó had warned me about.

“Let’s set up a time to chat. I’ll email you! Stay silver!” Carol sings as she heaves her purse up her arm and waves goodbye. The head of a brown Pomeranian pops out. “Say bye, Poppy!”