The Intimidation That Gwen Ruined

At noon, the sky over New York was a clear, pale blue. The winter sun shone brightly, though there was still a chill in the air.

Carrying a large stack of carefully chosen gifts, Lin Hai walked through an upscale neighborhood in Queens.

Even by New York standards, the neighborhood was lovely and safe. Detached houses in a variety of styles stood along its orderly streets.

Lin Hai was no stranger to Gwen's home. Back in high school, Gwen had invited him over a few times when her parents were out.

Today, he was visiting the family officially as Gwen's boyfriend.

Before long, Lin Hai stood before the familiar door. He set down the gifts in his right hand and pressed the doorbell.

"Ding-dong!"

The bell rang clearly. Almost at once, Gwen's cheerful voice came from inside. "Coming!"

A few seconds later, the door opened. Gwen stood there in pale pink loungewear, her long blonde hair falling over her shoulders and a smile lighting up her face.

"Come in!" Gwen stepped aside, took a pair of slippers she had clearly prepared for him from the shoe cabinet, and set them by his feet. Then she reached for the gifts he was holding.

Lin Hai handed over what was in his right hand and changed his shoes.

Once he was done, Lin Hai took the gift boxes back from Gwen. He knew they would do the most to draw attention away from him if he carried them in himself.

As Gwen led him inside, she called out, "Dad, Mom, Lin Hai's here!"

Her voice rang through the house like an announcement.

Lin Hai entered the living room just as Helen Stacy emerged from the kitchen at Gwen's call.

She wore an apron with a simple floral pattern, and there were still