Nine

Summary

• The narrator is criticized on Twitter for her insensitive actions at a Cambridge event, with users accusing her of being an oblivious White woman pretending to ally with Asian communities.
• Despite the negative comments, many people defend the narrator, stating that her critics are over-reacting or displaying reverse-racism.
• The narrator receives an invitation from Susan Lee, an events coordinator for the Chinese American Social Club in Rockville, to be a guest speaker about her novel, 'The Last Front.'
• Initially hesitant, the narrator accepts the invitation in hopes of proving her genuine interest in Asian American issues which have been under scrutiny by her critics.
• Susan picks up the narrator from the Shady Grove metro station, expressing confusion at finding out that the narrator does not speak Chinese and neither of her parents are Asian. The narrator feels it was racist of Susan to make these assumptions.
• At the Chinese American Social Club event, the narrator gives a reading and answers questions, mostly regarding her book and life as a writer. She feels guilty about being there under false pretenses, as many attendees believe her to be of Asian heritage.
• An elderly man, Mr. Lee, tells the narrator about his uncle who was part of the Chinese Labour Corps that her book was written about, expressing his gratitude for her work. The narrator, again feeling guilty, confesses her doubts about being the right person to tell that story.
• Mr. Lee reassures the narrator, appreciating her ability to eloquently retell their history in English, and pleads her to make sure their story is remembered.
• The narrator, overwhelmed with guilt and impostor syndrome, makes up an excuse to leave and rushes out of the event.