The Family Chao

In a brief Prologue to the second part of the novel, the omniscient narrator reflects that the Asian newcomers to Haven were always noticeable, because of their features: “Visible, but invisible” (149). Now, after the death of Leo Chao, others view them all with suspicion. The narrator suggests every family has its secrets.

James sits at Skaer’s Diner in late March. After Winnie had a second, fatal stroke, James did not returned to university. He reads a magazine article sensationalizing Leo’s murder and Dagou’s upcoming trial, describing Leo and Dagou the “Dog Eater” as fighting over Brenda. Ming paid bail, so Dagou is not in jail.

The comments on the article focus mainly on perceptions of Asian Americans as a “model minority” as well as the rumor that Dagou cooked and served Alf. Joining James for dinner, Fang Wa reminds him that Gu Ling Zhu Chi told Leo he was in danger of a bad death. Fang tells James of a children’s book about five Chinese brothers with unnatural skills. Fang asks questions about the case, and James insists that Dagou is innocent. Fang wonders where Leo hid his money.

James visits the Spiritual House for Winnie’s memorial service.