offering Ben Loy a job and reprimanding Eng Shee for ostracizing Mei Oi, Wing Sim proves to be a genuine and caring character and the most accepting member of Ben Loy's family. Eng Shee Eng Shee is Wing Sim's wife. Although she came from the same rural background as Mei Oi, she is uneducated and snobbish to the point that her own husband states that she has a "limited knowledge of everything" (162) and possesses a "narrow point of view" (162). Her overtly rude treatment of Mei Oi reinforces these judgments. Wang Chuck Ting Chuck Ting is Wah Gay's cousin and Wing Sim's father. Chuck Ting possesses an impressive amount of power in the business world, as he is the president of the Wang Association as well as numerous other businesses. Chuck Ting has a high regard for the protection and reputation of his family and flexes his power in order to free Wah Gay of consequences when he attacks Ah Song. Although Chuck Ting's actions are not necessarily just, the devotion he has for his family is prominent and admirable. Mee King Mee King is an old friend of Wah Gay, as they attended Poy Ying Middle School and even visited whore houses (apparently this is quite the bonding activity!) together in their youth. Both friends are there for one another in their times of need (when Mee King was shot and when Wah Gay hides from the police) and the novel portrays Mee King as an understanding and reliable friend. Characters in China Lau Shee Lau Shee is Wah Gay's wife and Ben Loy's mother. Due to immigration laws, Lau Shee continues to live in Sunwei, China, busying herself with Christianity and fussing over her husband and son although they are many miles away. Her actual appearance in the novel is brief, as she assists Ben Loy in completing the traditional steps necessary to marry Mei Oi. Yet, her presence is felt throughout the novel as various characters, especially Wah Gay and Mei Oi, miss her companionship in America. Jung Shee Jung Shee is Lee Gong's wife and Mei Oi's mother. She also lives in China and represents traditional Chinese values. Although she has little effect on the story, Lee Gong's thoughts often dwell on his beloved wife, showing the resentment these immigrant men have for the laws that keep their families apart. Minor characters Kuo Ming –