THE LAST CONCUBINE by LESLEY DOWNER

EXTRACTED:
"It seems Lord Amida summons me," he wrote. "I will not see you again. I think of you with great fondness. You are young and innocent. Your life is before you. Do not weep for me. Life is harsh. Learn to be strong and resilient like bamboo that bends but never breaks, no matter how fierce the wind. Pray that we may meet again in the Western Paradise."

LET ME JUST WISH EVERYONE
A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR & VALENTINES DAY! :)