My Asian Dragon: A BWAM Romance Story

by R S Holloway

  "That's okay," Joy replied. "I think anyone would be surprised by what you showed me."

  Longwei sighed. "Which leaves me in a difficult position."

  "Oh?"

  "Most of the world does not believe in my kind any longer. This is a good thing, as I think my kind was hunted down by normal human beings over hundreds of years, leading to the current situation. The only people who really know are certain members of the Triads, and the higher ups of the central government."

  "And I'm a journalist," Joy said, sighing. "You're worried that I'm going to tell the world about you."

  "The thought has crossed my mind. I can tell from the way you talk, the way you conducted yourself, you're an inquisitive person, and it’s in your nature to report the truth."

  "I'll take that as a compliment."

  Longwei chuckled, and started walking down the steps towards the main gate of the temple. "It was."

  "So what are you going to do? I don't suppose you'll just let me go?"

  Longwei turned, an amused look on his face. "Miss Roberts, you are not a prisoner. And I am not a man who is in the habit of harming innocent people. That's what the Triads do, and I am no Triad."

  "So what do you want me to do?"

  "That is totally up to you, Miss Roberts. What would you like to do?"

  Joy thought for a moment, then smiled. "Well first, I'd like to see the rest of your village. Then, if you don't mind, I'd like to stick around a while."

  Longwei nodded approvingly. "Of course, Miss Roberts."

  "Joy."

  "Excuse me?"

  Joy smiled shyly, and tucked her hair behind her ear. "My name's Joy. If you don't mind."

  Longwei returned her smile, and held out his arm for her. She trotted down the steps, entwining the offered arm. "Joy. A beautiful name. I shall enjoy using it."

  *****

  Two days later, Joy walked up the main street towards the edge of the village. She had her phone in her hand, looking for a reception signal. As she walked, she reflected on the past few days. In many ways, they had been idyllic. Waking up every morning, she was still slowly adjusting her body clock to the sunrise to sunset pattern of the village, but it left her feeling better than she had in years. The constant exercise of walking everywhere, the healthy food, and the clean air left her feeling relaxed and energetic.

  Best of all though was spending time with Longwei. He had been her constant, patient guide, showing her the entire village. He had helped translate for her as various villagers invited her into their homes, showing her how they lived.

  To say the standard of living in the village was simple would be an understatement. She had seen only two buildings with electricity so far, the village school house and the doctor's house, both of which had small generators. "I insisted on getting a generator for both," Longwei had explained, "because I want the children to have the best schooling available. We actually have three computers too. No Internet, but I try to make sure the children have DVD's and computer programs. Some of them are rather good typists."

  "And the doctor's?"

  "I have insisted that all of the children get the important vaccines. We've cut the childhood disease rate by half in the past two years. But many of those require refrigeration."

  "How do you fuel them?"

  Longwei smiled. "Naturally. You saw the windmills, and I am surprised you did not smell the still."

  "Still?"

  "Yes. We use the refuse from the animals and such to make a liquid fuel. Not suitable for vehicles, but it does well enough to run a steam generator."

  "I see. Maybe that's a thing I might not want to see," Joy joked, holding her nose.

  Her entire time had been like that. Pleasant surprises and quiet happiness. It felt strange to her, but she realized she was happy. It was why she was walking up the road right now, looking for a cell phone signal. It took her over an hour of walking, but finally she got two bars, and she dialed Billy's number. "Hey, Billy!"

  "Joy! I was just starting to get worried. How is the village?"

  "I'm enjoying it here, Billy. That's why I called. I was thinking I'd like to stay a while."

  "Really? I didn't think you would go for the hayseed life."

  Joy laughed. "Billy, I think you're the first person to use the word hayseed with me in forever. But yeah, for some strange reason I'm comfortable here right now. Listen, can you do me a favor?"

  "If I can. What do you need?"

  "I need you to go by the AER offices and file a leave of absence for me. I can take up to three months no pay and still keep my job. I don't think I'll take the full thing, but yeah, I'm going to stay a while."

  Billy sounded confused over the signal, but Joy thought it may have just been the bad connection. It sounded like Billy was yelling down a hallway. "All right, I'll stop by the offices early next week. I'm in Hong Kong tonight."

  "Thanks, Billy." Joy hung up the phone, and turned around. There was still an hour or so of daylight, and she wanted to get back to the village quickly. Tonight Longwei said the village was having a birthday party for one of the people in town, and there was pork tonight.

  Chapter 3

  The weather was perfect, and Joy stretched as she took a break from her work. After being a "guest" of the village for a week, the urge to do something to help out became overwhelming, and she asked Longwei what she could do. It had been a challenge, learning some of the basics that the villagers had known since childbirth, such as how to pick certain vegetables and how to milk a goat (the village currently had only three cows, all of which were calving, so bovine milk was currently unavailable). It was a unique and subtly challenging opportunity.

  Today, her job was to help the school in chopping vegetables for lunch. This was her third day doing the work, and she thought she finally had the hang of it. The first day, she noticed that her supervisor would quietly re-chop everything she did, so she swore to get better. The second day had shown some improvement, but today she thought she had been doing a decent job. The supervisor, a wizened old grandmother who had perhaps ten teeth and therefore whose speech was unintelligible by almost everyone, had at least been making pleasant sounds when she brought over her bowls of vegetables to be stirred into the school's soup.

  Joy still felt like she was making little headway in understanding the villager's spoken words, however. Thankfully, her limited writing ability combined with smiles, pointing, and Longwei's assistance had made things easy for the past two weeks. Every morning, she would work next to the villagers, whether it be in the fields, or in the village itself. She had even taught English lessons to the schoolchildren, who were all fascinated by her Western clothes and mannerisms.

  Thinking of her clothes, Joy fingered the loose t-shirt that Longwei had lent her. After wearing her initial clothing for the first week nonstop, even she had to admit that washing the same pair of pants and shirt every night was getting a bit difficult. Longwei had talked to some of the people in the village, and the next morning she had found three pairs of work trousers and four t-shirts folded neatly and laid next to her bed. "Unfortunately, none of the women in town wear undergarments that would fit your body," Longwei informed her that morning as they shared breakfast. "The next time the traveling merchant is in the area, I will arrange for you to get the goods you need."

  "Wait a second," Joy said before he could leave the room, "how do you know my size?"

  Longwei smiled his enigmatic smile. "I would pretend that I have dramatic powers of observation or such, but really all that happened was that you left your clothes out to dry last night. You're a size six in US sizes, according to your jeans. I didn't concern myself with your bra."

  Joy shook her head, chuckling. "You're funny, Longwei. Has anyone ever told you that?"

  Longwei shook his head. "Only you. It is one of the things I appreciate about you staying for a while."

  For Joy, Longwei's words warmed her in ways she was co
ming to appreciate. It wasn't just that he was sexy, she could see past just that. Longwei also had a quiet sense of intelligence, confidence and humor that often had her laughing while at the same time pondering things he would say to her.

  Joy thought about the weeks since she had called Billy, and the changes she had undergone. The warmth of the sun helped her smile, and she rolled her shoulders, looking around the schoolyard as the children played before lunchtime. As she watched two little girls jump rope, a sudden crash and scream from inside the kitchen caught her attention. Running inside, she saw fire blooming along the wall near the stove. Today's lunch had included deep fried dumplings, and somehow, the pot of oil that was meant for frying had turned over, spilling hot oil over the wood stove and the rear wall of the kitchen. The oil was already catching fire, and the other kitchen assistant was holding her hand, which Joy could see was blistering and smoking. The cook, a pretty young woman, who Joy called "Ying-ying," was screaming in a high pitched voice, horror written on her face.

  Not considering the risk, Joy grabbed Ying-ying and dragged her out of the kitchen, pushing her towards the water pump that was in the corner of the yard. Pushing Ying-ying to her knees, Joy madly pumped the handle, until a torrent of cold water gushed from the outflow pipe over her hand. Joy yelled for two of the older children, pointing and gesturing, crying out "here! here!"

  Thankfully, the two children followed instructions, and took over the pumping. Joy sprinted towards the kitchen door, which now roiled with black, stinking smoke. She grabbed a bucket next to the door, scooping up dirt from the ground to throw on top of the oil. She knew that she couldn't use water, it would just spread the burning oil. The dirt seemed to make no difference, but she kept at it, running outside and getting another pail full of sandy dirt.

  Running back inside, Joy threw the dirt again in a wide fan, hoping to smother the flames. The heat was intense as the flames licked up the wall, and the smoke was making her cough. She was driven to continue as she couldn't imagine the village being without the school. Hacking and coughing, she got a third pail full, and then a fourth. Soon she heard voices, and saw Longwei and two other men of the village come running. Longwei carried a chemical extinguisher, and unleashed it on the flaming stove, quickly snuffing out the fire. The emergency taken care of, Longwei turned towards Joy. "What happened?" he asked, his voice shaky.

  "I don't know," Joy replied, her breath quavering as the fear and adrenaline flooded her body. "I went outside to stretch after cutting the vegetables, when I heard a scream. I found Ying-ying burned, and got her out. I...."

  Joy's body began to tremble, and she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. Longwei took her in his arms and led her out into the playground, where the two teachers had the students gathered for safety. He exchanged words with the teachers and students, reassuring their fears, before leading Joy away and under a nearby tree. "Sit," he said, helping her to the ground. Joy collapsed, her breath coming in harsh sobs. "You were very brave."

  Joy sobbed, the sobs interlaced with hacking coughs as she cleared the smoke from her lungs, and let Longwei hold her. "Is the school damaged?" she finally asked, as the coughs subsided. "How is Ying-ying?"

  "She is being taken to the doctor's now," Longwei replied. "How are you?"

  "Just a bit of smoke, I'm fine," Joy replied.

  She moved to get up, but felt Longwei's arms wrap tighter around her. She turned to look at him, and was shocked when she felt his lips kiss her. She resisted for a moment before she relaxed into the feeling, enjoying the sensuous play of his mouth against hers. When it stopped, she sat back down next to him, catching her breath. "Well now."

  Longwei sighed, and let go of her shoulders. "I'm sorry."

  "What for?"

  "I should not have done that. You just had a shock, you're vulnerable, I reacted out of my own stress and...."

  "And it was a very nice first kiss," Joy finished for him. "Longwei, you don't know as much about American women as your education may have led you to think. If I didn't want you to kiss me, I would have stopped you, regardless of whether you can change into a dragon or not."

  Longwei laughed. "I think that's why I kissed you, too. You're the first woman in a long time who has acted like I am a normal man."

  Joy chuckled. "Well, other than that one little thing, from what I can see you are a normal man. Unless you're hiding something else from me?"

  "Hmmmm..... well, there is my dragon mate and our three little hatchlings, and the fact that I enjoy dressing up in women's clothing on festival nights, but I think that is it."

  Joy's smile at his over the top silliness caused Longwei's face to break into a grin. "Longwei, are you trying to be a comedian?"

  "Only with you, Joy."

  "So? You spend two weeks calling me 'Miss Roberts,' and one little kiss and suddenly we're on a first name basis?" Joy asked saucily, a twinkle in her eyes. "All right then. But, as much as I'd like to kiss you again, let's check on Ying-ying."

  Joy let Longwei help her to her feet, and brushed the dirt off her pants. Longwei did the same. "You know, that's not her name. Ying-ying. That's a name the government would give a panda they are sending to a zoo in the West."

  Joy smiled bashfully. "I know, but she only told me her name once, and I couldn't understand it. I heard a sound like Ying in it, and she has a quirky habit of doubling almost everything she says to me, it sounds like. I would appreciate it if you could help me more with my Chinese."

  "Of course. And her name is Yingtai. So you weren't too far off."

  The two walked to the doctor's office, where a small group of villagers were gathered outside. Longwei approached the group, which parted without him saying anything. Still, Longwei smiled his thanks and stepped inside the doctor's office. Joy followed, and inside could see Yingtai laid out on a bed, her hand immersed in a cold water bath. The water was already cloudy with coagulated oil, but still Joy could see the deep burns and blisters on her hand. The doctor gave her an injection, and her eyes fluttered shut. He turned and spoke to Longwei in rapid Chinese, Joy picking up a little. The doctor was not born in the village it seemed, and his accent was easier to understand. Still, Joy was a bit lost.

  "How is she?" she asked quietly.

  "She'll be scarred, but you most likely saved her hand," Longwei replied. "It will be a long process before she can use the hand again, but he thinks she can eventually use it without pain."

  "Can you send her for treatment, skin grafts and such?"

  "No," Longwei replied. "The government would not approve such things for someone from her economic status. She's just a peasant in their eyes, not deserving of such expensive medicine."

  Joy felt tears come to her eyes as she looked down on the pretty girl's sweating face. Even with the injection, she moaned thickly in her drug induced sleep, her eyes squinting against the pain. "Is there anything we can do?"

  "Not right now," Longwei replied. "But her family will need help to take care of her during the rehabilitation process."

  Joy nodded. "Tell her when she wakes up that I will do what I can to help her family, and she should just concern herself with getting better and listening to doctor's orders."

  Longwei turned to look at her. "Let's talk outside."

  Longwei led her out of the doctor's office, and towards the temple. "Joy, what you offer is a very serious commitment. Much more than a typical American offer."

  "I know," Joy said, reaching out and taking Longwei's hand. They walked down the dirt road together, quietly enjoying the simple pleasure of the hand hold, before Joy spoke again. "Longwei, what do you think of me staying here long term?"

  "I think you would be out of a job," Longwei said. "Can you really be happy being a village girl?"

  Joy thought deeply. "For the rest of my life? I guess I can ask you the same question. You have a Master's Degree. Can you be happy being a dragon shifting village leader for the rest of your life?"

/>   "Yes and no," Longwei replied. "The villagers expect much of me, much more than just being a village leader."

  "What do you mean?"

  Longwei shrugged. "The villagers expect me to lead a Renaissance of sorts. They truly believe that I, or perhaps my children when I have them, will fight the Triads and the corruption in the Chinese government, destroy them, and lead our country into a new golden age. I'm supposed to be the father of this great dragon army, springing forth from my loins to cleanse Asia. Considering that I'm the only dragon I know, it's a tall order for a man who doesn't even have a girlfriend."

  "Oh really? And I thought here I was, holding your hand and walking with you after you kissed me just an hour ago."

  Longwei looked over at her, his eyes questioning. "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

  Joy laughed. "That sounds very junior high school, but from what I've known of you over the past weeks, yes. Or at least, I'd like the chance to find out more."

  Longwei smiled his soft smile, the one Joy was coming to think about so often. "I would like that to. I suppose then I'm to ask you out on a date?"

  "Well, that's normally supposed to happen before the first kiss, but yeah."

  Longwei chuckled. "I hope you do not expect a five star dining experience."

  *****

  It had been a long time since Joy had felt so nervous on a first date. She fidgeted as she smoothed her hands over her shirt, aware this was not typical first date attire. She had no dress with her, so she hoped her button down shirt and jeans would be fine. She waited in her room, before a soft knock came on the door of what she now thought of as her "room" in the village temple, which she now realized doubled as a town hall and as Longwei's private residence. The door slid open, and Longwei stood there, handsome in a pair of jeans and a button down silk shirt with Mandarin collar. "I see you brought out the fancy dress," Joy said, eyeing the shirt.