Page 117 of Love Unlimited

They ate a fish course because the word for fish, yu, sounded like abundance. Lobster and chicken were served on the same spectacular platter to symbolize a dragon and a phoenix, which in turn represented male and female, balanced together. They ate vegetables to represent the bounty of mother earth, and a Peking duck because the red color combined with the duck meant joy and celebration together.

Landon’s personal favorite, though, was the beverages. He understood tea for tradition and alcohol for festivities. But the inclusion of 7-Up because it sounded like “seven happiness” cracked him up.

It was a fascinating combination of the sacred and mundane brought together, a sort of wish to the universe made visible through food. It helped him better understand how Zhong expressed his affection as well, constantly cooking for all of them and even suggesting different foods to balance out their energies. Zhong was always such a fascinating contradiction of a keen scientific observer of human nature, but there was also this fanciful side of him that enjoyed translating poetry. And of course, everything having to do with Ash’s delightful whims.

It seemed like they’d been eating for hours, and the servers even came around with containers for guests to take the excess food home. Mei Lin had already stopped by with her new husband. She was apparently supposed to eat a bite of food from each table, but she greeted both Ash and Landon with delight in fluent ASL. When Zhong told her he was hanging out more at Dustin’s house along with Ash, she waggled her eyebrows like she knew something was up. Zhong laughed and told her they’d talk later. It wasn’t quite the same as accepting their non-traditional arrangement with open arms, but he was pretty sure it would turn out that way.

Landon hoped it would go just as well when Zhong’s parents joined the table after some of the other guests left. His father looked so similar to him that it was uncanny. He lacked Zhong’s honed physique and was a few inches shorter, but his face was like looking into a picture of the future. His mother was soft and round, with shining eyes that Landon could see in Zhong as well. They were both dressed formally, their outfits covered in heavy gold braid.

They knew some basic ASL, and it was clear from their expressions that they were overjoyed to see Zhong and meet Ash. Zhong’s mother encouraged all of them to eat more and take home leftovers, and she told Dustin he was too skinny. It was kind of sweet seeing them fuss over all of them.

They wanted to know everything about Ash, nodding approvingly about their job as a nurse. Then they asked why they hadn’t become a doctor.

Landon froze, then put a hand on Ash’s leg. They hated when people said that, as if nurses were worthless because their credentials weren’t as prestigious and their pay was lower.

Ash smiled through their teeth, signing slowly and making sure they understood every word. I love my job. I get to spend a lot of time with my patients and form connections with them. I often notice problems before the doctors do. My work is important to me and my patients.

Ash’s parents nodded eagerly, agreeing that nursing must, indeed, be the best job in the world. They asked about Ash’s family, and Ash told them glowingly about how close they were with their mother.

Zhong watched his parents keenly. Because Ash had a single mother, perhaps? But his parents had only good things to say, praising both Ash and their mother for their strong ties and work ethic. Ash returned all of the compliments, for raising Zhong so well, and they denied each one of them. This seemed to have a deep cultural element to it, too.

Next, Zhong’s father asked Ash about their age.

Thirty in October, they signed easily. A few years younger than Zhong.

You should get married soon then, Zhong’s mother recommended. It is good that you met Zhong now. You will have energy when your children are small.

Landon felt an edge of panic in his chest, even though the conversation wasn’t directed at him. That intersection of gender identity and marriage and children sounded like it could be a minefield. But Ash looked to Zhong questioningly, apparently content to let him handle it.

Zhong was just as composed. He nodded his head deeply, not quite bowing but clearly giving a gesture of respect. I am forever grateful for the effort and sacrifice my parents made in raising me. From his expression, he meant this sincerely. I told you many years ago that I am asexual. That has not changed. Ash and I may live together but not get married. We may get married but not raise children. Zhong’s mother raised her hands like she was about to say something, then dropped them as Zhong continued. If we did raise children, they would not be from our bodies. Ash is intersex. They fingerspelled the word, then voiced something, perhaps in Chinese. They are a little bit male and a little bit female, so they cannot get pregnant.

Zhong’s mother scolded him. You should not say such things at a wedding.

Landon felt like he was missing entire layers of the conversation, but he never wanted Ash to feel like they were anything less for being exactly who they were. He rubbed Ash’s back, trying to convey his support and care.

Neither Ash nor Zhong looked upset, though. If Landon’s parents had ever responded to him like this he would be livid, but he also knew that he wasn’t understanding everything. He had to take his cues from them.

Zhong’s calm remained as he answered. I did not say anything unlucky. I thought for many years that I would be alone my whole life, but now I have Ash. I also have Dustin and Landon, who are very close to me.

Landon hadn’t expected to be mentioned in this conversation at all, so even those words meant a lot to him. Zhong wasn’t alone, at least in part, because of him.

My life does not look like you want it to, but I am happy. I have financial security, a harmonious home, and many people who I care about and who care about me. I hope that we will grow old together until our hair is white. In ASL, signing the word we always specified the number of people and who they were; Zhong indicated all of them. It was a beautiful speech, even though Landon knew he was missing some of the overtones.

But he understood one thing. Zhong wanted to live together, with him and Dustin, until his hair was white. Perhaps, if he had that assurance, little things like ceremonies weren’t as important.

Zhong bowed his head to his parents again. I hope that you will see my happiness.

For a long time, no one responded. Then Zhong’s father said something to his mother, his lips moving in a blur of unfamiliar shapes, gaze somewhere near her neck. She replied. Landon could only watch their faces, both of their expressions softening as they conferred.

You are happy? Zhong’s father finally asked.

Yes, Zhong agreed. Happier than I thought I would ever be. He was still looking a bit downward, but he let a bit of that happiness show on his face.

His mother sighed. Then I wish you happiness.

Zhong looked up sharply, like he couldn’t believe what he’d seen.

His father echoed the blessing. I wish you happiness. You and Ash should visit often.