Love can't be undercover

Chapter 3

Today was the first day of the mission. Or was it the first real day? Amber couldn't remember, that tea made her sleepy.

She shifted in her bed to look at the time and noticed Tony wasn't there. Her bed was to next to the window and his was closer to the door. Almost like a hotel room remodeled in a home. Cozy, really.

But where was Tony? It was still 6 A.M., so why would he be up? Geez, she thought, finally pushing herself up. Then the door opened, and she was a bit frightened but it was just Tony.

"Oh, you're up?" He questioned, a attaching the back of his neck with a sorry look. "Sorry, it must've been the noise I made downstairs." He apologized.

"Oh. No you're fine, internal alarm I guess." She muttered, half chuckling while rubbing her eyes, getting adjusted to the lighting and temperature of the room. Then she looked up at him. "Why are you up?"

His eyes widened, and his jaw twitched. What the fuck? Then he shook his head a bit and blinked, finally responding after what felt like hours. "Practice. Uh, Kung Fu to be exact. Usually I wake up much earlier, because the drive from my apartment to town is longer, but I got the chance to wake up later since it's around the corner," he explained. It made sense honestly, but practice that early? Was anyone else up?

"I see, is your master there?" She asked. He just giggled at the comment.

"I am the master," he told her. Ambers eyes widened. Damnn.. sexy and accomplished, she briefly thought before collecting her thoughts a bit. "Well, a master anyways," he finished. "I get paid to open the Wu-guan up. It's about $150 a month, but I really do it to be courteous. Y'know, memories and all," he sighed. A bit disappointed. But just enough for her to see his nostalgic look. Amber understood. It was reasonable, and nice of him to help out the community that raised him.

"That's nice of you. Well," Amber sighed, "I don't want to inturupt you any longer. Are your parents up?"

"Ah, no, but they should be in about 30 minutes. Breakfast is ready at 7, if you're wondering." He said. She appreciated him.

"Okay, I'll be down. Will you be back by then?" Amber inquired, a small smile playing on her face. It was involuntary, honestly.

"You'll have to check for yourself," he chuckled, before leaving and shutting the door behind him. And he was gone.

Amber didn't have time to think any longer, she had to get ready for the day. The things on her planner were... wait what are we doing? Oh, that's right, she had to go last minute dress shopping for the gala. She also had an interview at her new Job. Which one came first? Definitely the interview. What time? 11:00 A.M. Perfect. Amber got up, brushed her teeth, and got dressed.

She wore a fit that screamed business casual; a pastel-colored blouse paired with high-waisted ankle pants, complemented by a fitted blazer and closed-toe black heels. Along with that, she wore her favorite necklace handed down by her mother, and gold medium sized loop earrings. She felt and looked good, so there wasn't anything to worry about. Except for the fact that she wasn't sure if Tony would be back for breakfast so she might have to deal with his parents. It can't be that bad, she concluded, willing the bit of sweat off her face. She washed it and put on some quick makeup.

She took a deep breath in before heading into the small kitchen and dining area. "Good morning Mrs Wu. Is there anything I can help with?" She said, eying the small mess, mostly under control. They definitely ate well over here.

"Oh no dear, it's fine," Mrs. Wu told her, an over-patient expression on her face. Then she spoke to her husband, who was sitting down at the dining table. "She's such a dear, really. Tony could actually marry her or somebody like her if he wasn't so stubborn," she spoke, in fluent Chinese while cleaning the counter and preparing the rest of the breakfast.

"Tony will find somebody someday. I'd hope this little raft they have going on isn't just for the cover. She'd make a nice wife," he replied. They didn't know she understood everything they had just said, but she didn't want to spoil it either. She wanted to hear more. But she also remembered her manners and got up on her own, asking how she could help.

"Aunty, are you sure you don't need help? I can clean if you're cooking," Amber explained, feeling a bit underwhelmed.

"Ah— if you insist. Could you wipe down the counter?"

"Of course. Are you making Cantonese porridge?" Amber asked, as politely as possible while wetting a towel to wipe down the wood countertop.

"Oh! Yes, I am, how do you know?" Mrs. Wu asked, a smile on her face. She was impressed.

"The smell. I spent some time in Hong Kong and we ate porridge for breakfast every morning," Amber clarified, hoping she didn't have a rude tone.

"Ah, you're very cultured. Congming de nu-hai*."
(*smart girl)

"Thank you, Aunty," she replied, chuckling a bit at the compliment. The door opened, and everyone looked back, but it was just Tony. He was sweating, but glamorous still. Amber just stared until she realized second had passed by and she should probably continue cleaning. He put his clothes away and placed his bag in front of the couch.

"It's about time you're home. Master Dong-shi still has you opening the wu-guan?" His father asked.

"Yes, he does. Also you do realize we have a guest. We should probably speak English. It's not polite to speak your language in front of foreigners in their land. She will think we are bad-mouthing her," he finished, the last line in perfect Chinese. He must've been sent to Chinese school as a kid, because last she checked, he was born in the U.S,.

His father grunted. "My apologies, Emily," he said, English much more accented as compared to his wife.

"Baba, it's Amelie. 'Ah-me-li,'" he pronounced, sounding it out in front of his dad.

"Tony, no need to be so hard on him. You can call me whatever you want, sir," Amber turned to him, explaining that she didn't mind. But Tony just sighed, picked his bag up, and headed for their room.

"Tony, food is ready. Please come quick," his mother yelled, to which he slightly speed-walked and replied with what seemed like a half yes half grunt. She expected him to treat his parents with a bit more respect, but this attitude wasn't normal. Something must've happened at the wu-guan.

All four sat, and munched on the porridge. The family began talking in Chinese again, as if Tony hadn't just told them to speak English. Amber, a bit overwhelmed with the language.. may have.. accidentally.. complimented the food in Mandarin.