American Panda

Later, Mama Lu asks to meet with Mei in secret; Mei resents having to hide their meeting from her father. Mama Lu tells Mei that she must submit to her parents’ wishes to be accepted again. She compares Mei to Ying-Na, and Mei makes a mental note to research what happened to the real Ying-Na, who over time transformed into a mythical failure used as a warning amongst their community. When Mei confronts her mother about her subservience to her husband, Mama Lu claims that it’s her place to obey him. She tries to order a salad for Mei, but Mei orders pizza. Mei asks her mother to consider what she (Mama Lu) wants. Mama Lu believes that Mei will eventually change her mind and accept their demands. Mei is adamant that her father doesn’t know what’s best for her.

Mei has discovered that Ying-Na is a comedian at a local comedy club who now goes by the name Christine. Mei notes that Ying-Na seems happy and confident on stage. She jokes about strict Chinese cultural traditions and her shameful reputation amongst the community. Mei feels a deeper connection with Christine, who acknowledges Mei’s laughter in the