When We Were Orphans

Banks mishandles his interview with MacDonald at the British consulate, allowing the man to evade his questions. Mr. Grayson once again accosts him about the celebration of his parents’ safe return.

Banks has recently met with his former school friend, Anthony Morgan. He remembers him as a lonely and miserable boy, and it astounds and angers him to hear that Anthony remembers him in the same way. As they drive in a chauffeured car, Banks witnesses the crowds of homeless people outside the International Settlement. Morgan leads him to a strange and dark house, where a Chinese family is having dinner. Only then, Banks recognizes it as his old home. The owner of the home, Mr. Lin, greets him courteously, and gradually Banks understands that the family expects to hand over their house to him now that he is back in Shanghai, according to an old agreement.

Mr. Lin leads Banks through the old house, apologizing for the changes the family has made over the years and talking about his family’s history in the house. Respectfully, Banks indicates that if he comes to live again in this house, he too, will make many new changes. He mentions Jennifer, becoming momentarily emotional, and the old man says: “Blood is important.