The Valley of Amazement

In 1897 San Francisco, Lu Shing announces his plans to return to Shanghai. Lulu formulates the desperate plan to follow him there. She wants to escape her suffocating, conventional life at home. Lulu says of Lu Shing, “He was from the fairy tale in my childhood, someone would save me and love me. I became infatuated with the painter, who could paint a place for me to live” (707).

Lulu and Lu Shing become lovers. The two accompany the Minturn family on an excursion to the Farallon Islands. While the others retire below decks because of rough weather, Lulu and Lu Shing discuss the future. Lu Shing seems taken aback by Lulu’s plan to relocate to Shanghai. He tells her that he is supposed to be married upon his return home. As a violent wave hits the boat, Lulu is nearly washed overboard, while Lu Shing falls and breaks his leg.

Lu Shing’s trip to Asia is postposed because of his injury. He returns to the Minturn house to recuperate for three months, during which time he and Lulu resume their love affair. He confesses he loves her but seems unwilling to change the plans his family has made for his future.