Souvenir - Chapter 6.1

My home doctor, Wang Zhiyuan (Wan Ji-Yuan), a Chinese-American physician, introduced me to his apprentice, Hazaki Yo (Yo), a Japanese student who would act as a mentor for Suu, offering her guidance once a week.

Yo had spent his early years in Japan before moving here during high school. He was considered an exceptionally talented researcher in the field of psychiatry, with great expectations for his future contributions.

Originally, my home doctor was Takahashi, a man who had taken care of my family since my father’s time. However, due to his old age, he retired last year, passing on his patients to Dr. Wang, a long-time acquaintance.

During my time in law school, I had a professor—a Chinese-American man with a low, husky voice—who had a significant impact on me. He was strict with class performance and assignments, never going easy on anyone. But in my final year, just before the exams, he invited a select group of four students, all of Asian descent, to his home. He cooked traditional Chinese dishes for us, something that remains a fond memory to this day.

Compared to my favorite Chinese restaurant in New York, his food was mild and homely, but there was a nostalgic comfort to it. His wife, who wasn’t skilled at cooking, helped only with chopping vegetables and simple tasks.

After the meal, we sat on his couch, listening to him talk about the struggles of Asian immigrants—the discrimination they faced, the difficulties of life as foreigners in this country, and the unwavering determination to survive in a land they could no longer leave behind. His words deeply resonated with me, solidifying my decision to become an immigration lawyer.

Some of my classmates were moved to tears by his stories. Back then, I was particularly focused on helping the Asian community. However, after saving Suu, my confidence grew, and I expanded my scope, taking on cases regardless of ethnicity.

Initially, white clients were hesitant to approach me due to my Asian background. But after the incident with Suu, my reputation spread. People who had heard of my story or read about it in the local news started actively seeking me out.

In that sense, Suu had given me more than just purpose—she had expanded my experience, my career, and my understanding of the world. She was, without a doubt, the most precious and irreplaceable person in my life.

“Tommy, what kind of doctor will I be meeting today?”

“I’m not sure yet, but I hope he’s a good person.”

I had always had many Asian acquaintances and friends, and I had visited the Japanese-American community several times.

Yo had light-colored hair tied loosely at the back, and his demeanor was somewhat relaxed, even detached. However, there was something unreadable in his gaze.

“Nice to meet you,” Yo said, offering a gentle smile as he extended his hand to Suu.

Suu hesitated for a moment before cautiously placing her small hand in his.

His fingertips were slightly cold, sending a brief shiver through Suu.

“I’ll be back later to pick you up,” I said before stepping outside.

For a while, there was silence. Then, in a soft tone, Yo asked:

“Are you nervous?”

“Yeah…”

“I haven’t been here long, but I think worries of the heart are universal. So feel free to talk about anything.”

Suu blinked, tilting her head slightly.

“Um… Your voice reminds me of someone.”

“Oh? Who?”

“My papa…”

Yo chuckled softly.

“Is that so? I don’t know much about you two yet, but I hope you can tell me more.”

Suu frowned slightly, still skeptical.

“Hmm… but what’s the point of talking to me?”

“You’re adopted, right? That can be a complicated experience. If there’s anything on your mind, I want you to know that it’s okay to talk about it.”

“Is that so…? Alright.”

Yo observed her reaction carefully, his eyes unreadable.

“Suu, do you think adult feelings are complicated?”

Suu nodded slightly.

“Yeah… But is Papa hiding something from me?”

Yo exhaled softly before offering a small smile.

“That might be something you’ll have to discover for yourself.”

Suu bit her lip, then spoke with quiet determination.

“I want to know everything about Papa. If he’s lonely, then I’ll stay by his side.”

At that, Yo’s gaze softened.

“To Tommy, you must be someone very special.”

Suu nodded.

“Yeah. Papa is always so kind to me, and I love him.”

Yo studied her for a moment before placing a light hand on her shoulder.

“Then, you’ll need to prepare yourself.”

“Prepare…?”

“Yes. If you really want to know someone, you might have to change as well.”

Suu furrowed her brows, confused.

“I have to… change?”

Yo nodded.

“Understanding someone often means growing yourself. It’s not always easy, but if you’re ready, I’ll be here to listen whenever you need.”

Suu sat quietly, processing his words. Something unfamiliar stirred within her—a feeling she couldn’t yet name.

“I see… I’ll do my best.”

Yo’s smile grew slightly.

“Good. Hold on to that feeling.”

Suu nodded, as if making a silent promise to herself.

At that moment, a new awareness was born inside her—one she was not yet ready to fully understand.

A knock echoed at the door.

“Yes, come in,” I called out, expecting my secretary.

But when the door opened, the person standing there caught me off guard.

It was Kenny.

I had been so used to my secretary being the only one to enter after a knock that seeing her here, unannounced, took me by surprise.

“Kenny?” I said, blinking. “What brings you here?”

She leaned against the doorframe with a playful smile, her arms crossed. “Well, isn’t this a cold welcome? I thought I’d surprise you.”