How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Growing up with only one parent—especially in a place where everyone goes to such great lengths to present a picture-perfect family—really sets you apart." (2.13.40)
Sophie Khoo names what we assume through most of the book. People will do nearly anything, like sabotaging their children's love lives, to maintain appearances.
Quote #8
"I tell you, old Dr. Gu is worth hundreds of millions by now."
Peik Lin stared with renewed wonder as the man with a shock of unruly white hair came hobbling out onto his porch in a brown polyester short-sleeve shirt that looked like it had been tailored in pre-Castro Havana and a pair of dark green pajama bottoms. (2.16.13-2.16.14)
Peik Lin doesn't take her own advice: she doesn't expect Dr. Gu, dressed in his simple, drab wear, to be a kabillionaire. Well, give or take a kabillion.
Quote #9
Outside on the east terrace, Astrid hid behind the dense row of Italian cypresses, waiting for Michael to arrive at her parents' house. As soon as she caught sight of him, she rushed to the front door to meet him so that it would appear they had arrived together. (3.2.9)
Poor Astrid, hiding behind plants to keep up appearances, but it's better than being the new subject of all the gossip.