Chapter 43 Cultural Expert

Next to the Chinatown archway, Daisy dismounted the motorcycle and surveyed the street ahead. "Wow, this is Chinatown? I've heard about it a lot, but it's my first time here."

Luke parked his Harley and extended his right hand. "Miss Daisy, may I be your guide?"

Daisy laughed, "I don't give tips."

"My pleasure."

After a moment's hesitation, Daisy placed her left hand in Luke's right.

As the sky darkened, red lanterns illuminated Chinatown, enhancing its traditional charm.

Chinese faces filled the bustling streets, their expressions, clothes, and behavior easily distinguishing locals from tourists.

Daisy looked around with fascination but didn't seem eager to delve deeper.

Not far away, a stage had attracted a crowd. Cheers erupted occasionally, and some foreigners shouted, "Good, good."

"Chinese Kung Fu."

Luke led Daisy closer, where a performer with a big blue painted face and a red fan took center stage. With a wave of the fan, his face transformed into a big red clown face in the blink of an eye.

The crowd cheered again.

The performer turned, and with another wave of the fan, his face turned bright yellow.

"Wow..." Daisy's eyes widened. "Is this Chinese magic? It's my first time seeing it."

Luke explained, "This is Sichuan Opera face-changing. They say the performer can change fourteen faces instantly."

Daisy asked, "How does he do that?"

"It's a national secret, taught only from master to disciple," Luke replied, piquing Daisy's curiosity further.

They applauded enthusiastically until the performance ended.

Sichuan Opera face-changing sparked Daisy's interest in Chinese culture, shifting her from mere curiosity to a desire to learn more.

At a nearby store, Daisy pointed to the items inside. "Are these made of wood?"

"No, it's bamboo weaving, all crafted from bamboo."

"Really?" Daisy asked, examining an intricate bamboo vase in disbelief.

"Bamboo is strong yet flexible. Artists split it into thin threads and thick branches, using the branches as a framework and the threads to weave various patterns and tools."

Daisy browsed the store and eventually bought a vase.

Luke tried to pay, but Daisy refused.

A bit further on, they found a candied haws shop. Luke instinctively bought two skewers.

Daisy looked at the bright red candied haws, blinking. "What is this?"

"Hawthorn coated in syrup, a traditional Chinese snack."

Daisy took a bite, nodding approvingly. "Sweet and sour, I like it."

Eating candied haws, they felt like a young couple out shopping.

Passing a cheongsam shop, Luke paused. "Daisy, do you want to take a look inside?"

"I've seen this style somewhere..."

"Cheongsam," Luke reminded her.

"Yes, in a movie."

"Want to try one on?" Luke was eager to see her in a cheongsam.

"Not now, maybe some other time," Daisy said, touching the fabric.

"Okay, let's get something to eat," Luke suggested, pointing to a nearby restaurant called 'Hua Yue Ju.'

Daisy nodded. "I love Chinese food."

"What dishes do you like?"

"Kung Pao Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Chow Mein, and Spring Rolls."

Luke smiled, taking her hand and leading her inside. "I'll introduce you to some different Chinese dishes."

"Looking forward to it."

They sat by the window, with a view of the street. An Asian waitress in a cheongsam handed them menus. Daisy glanced at the waitress, perhaps regretting not trying one on.

"Daisy, what do you want to eat?"

"Aren't you choosing for me?" she teased.

Luke scanned the menu. "Roasted pigeon, Mushu pork, ants climbing a tree, chopped pepper fish head, mushrooms with rapeseed, Buddha jumps over the wall, and a pot of Longjing tea."

The service was prompt, and soon, the roasted pigeon arrived.

"I like roast duck, but this... isn't it a bit small?"

"It's pigeon."

"What? Pigeon!" Daisy exclaimed.

"It's delicious."

"No way," Daisy protested.

"Try it." Luke picked up a pigeon leg and chewed it.

Daisy hesitated, then took a small bite, savored it, and began eating slowly.

"How is it?" Luke asked.

"It's... okay."

Daisy tried more dishes, some she liked, others she couldn't accept. She refused the chopped pepper fish head despite Luke's efforts.

To his surprise, Daisy's favorite was Ants Climbing a Tree, resembling pasta. She also enjoyed the roasted pigeon, though she didn't admit it.

Overall, dinner was delightful.

Afterwards, they spotted a paper-cutting shop. The skilled Chinese artisan quickly crafted a cutout of Luke and Daisy.

Daisy admired the lifelike paper cutout. "It's amazing, almost like a sketch."

"Daisy, this is my gift to you."

"Thank you, I love it," Daisy said, placing the paper cutout in her bag.

The cutout of them holding hands felt like a perfect end to their date.

Luke walked Daisy to her doorstep. She returned the helmet, "Thanks for dinner, I had a great time."

"Won't you invite me in for coffee?"

"I'll treat you to a big meal another day. Bye," Daisy waved goodbye.

Luke watched her walk to her door, started his Harley, and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, Daisy ran back, flustered. "Luke, wait."

"Changed your mind?"

"No, I noticed something strange." Daisy looked nervous.

"What's wrong?"

"I set a thin string on my door before leaving, like you taught me. It's gone now."

"Are you sure you set it?"

"Yes, I checked before leaving. If the door wasn't opened, the string wouldn't fall."

Luke parked the Harley and walked into the yard. Shining his phone's light on the door, he spotted the thin white line on the right side.

"Is this the string?"

"Yes."

Luke placed his right hand on his gun and signaled Daisy to step back. The fallen string indicated someone might have broken in...