Mermei and Lin John's parents brought them to the United States, but both parents contracted a fever on the steamer and passed away soon after arriving in America. Their uncle Lin Wan took in his brother’s children, taking good care of them, but at some point Mermei had a tragic fall that left her permanently disabled. Lin Wan eventually passed away, but he knew that Lin John would take care of his sister and always put her needs before his.

Mermei leads a solitary life. She lives in a boarding house in Chinatown, and although her brother visits her almost every evening, she spends her days alone. Every day she looked forward to the time when he would come visit her, so when Lin John fails to show up one evening, Mermei cries alone in her room.

Mermei is surprised when she hears a soft knock on the door because her brother is the only one who visits, and he knocks loudly and immediately enters. Mermei struggles to get to the door, and when she opens it, she sees a beautiful young woman holding out a lily to Mermei. The young woman’s name is Sin Far, and she had recently moved into the boarding house with her sister and her sister’s new husband.