Seeing Red

Every night before I go to sleep I log on to AOL to see if Wei, my friend and future Chinese hostess happens to be online. Usually, she is and, for a few minutes, we chat excitedly about my upcoming trip to Beijing. After we dispense with important travel details such as wardrobe selection, this particular night Wei and I talk about the subject that most occupies single women's minds--

Boys.

The last time I ventured to discuss Wei's personal life, she was happily coupled with a Greek businessman living in China. With many a connection to embassies around the city, "The Greek" (as he has always been known to me) had manage to nab both Wei and I an invitation to a western New Years Eve party at an embassy. I was so excited-- imagining just what a party with foreign diplomats might be like. I spent many a night perusing my closets for the perfect Audrey Hepburn-type outfit.

It was only natural, then, for me to bring the subject of "The Greek" up through the course of our conversation.

Me: "How's the Greek?"
Wei: "Greek is out of the picture. There is a new guy...hahaha"
Me: "Oh?"

I tried not to seem disappointed, but my heart sank with the words, "Greek is out of the picture." Did this mean my fabulous New Years Eve embassy party had also gone the way of "the Greek"? Suddenly my mind drifted longingly to visions of a swanky gathering laden with James Bond-like emissaries offering me a martini or perhaps the finest of wines...

Wei: "A French"
Me: "A French what?"
Wei: "A French MAN, silly. His name is Nico."

What? A NAME??!!?! Wei gave me his name? We had talked about "The Greek" for months. No name had ever been dropped. I couldn't help think that this thing with "The French" must be serious.

Me: "Nico, huh? Sounds as if you like this guy. Tell me more."
Wei: "Well, he's wonderful and makes me very happy. He's five years younger, but that is not the problem..."

A problem??? My hopes were beginning to brighten that the Greek, along with my fabulous embassy party, might not be out of the picture yet.

Wei: "Well, he's poor. And, I would have to keep us in the lifestyle I've grown accustomed. Hahahaha..."

Please, understand. For me, poverty would not be an issue. But Wei is a diva among high-maintenance women, not to mention very practical about such matters.

Me: "Poor? So what? This doesn't have to be a deal breaker, Wei. You need to be looking at other more important qualities. Is he industrious? Is he wise with the money that he does have? Does he have ambition?"
Wei: "Yes... yes...yes. He is all of those things. He's a teacher, but it doesn't pay much."
Me: "But teaching is a worthy profession."
Wei: "Yeah, he's a teacher/communist/humanitarian. Nico spends his summers helping in Africa. I admire him so much."

Woa! Let's back this sentence up a few words. Nico is a teacher/communist/humanitarian. Obviously for Wei, Nico's communist activities aren't a problem, only the fact that he is poor. Although I am a live-and-let-live sort of person, this concept boggles my mind. Wei, although Chinese, is a capitalistic American citizen working for a Fortune 100 company.

But then I remember, Wei lives in China. Her country is full of communists. And if you are going to date in China, chances are you'll land a communist from time to time. I guess it's not such a stretch after all.

Me: "I wonder what Nico, your French, teacher/communist/humanitarian, boyfriend is going to think about you're all-American, capitalist, girlfriend?"
Wei: "Somehow, I don't think you two will have a problem."

Yeah, one thing is for sure--this trip to China will be filled with all sorts of unique characters and new experiences. However, I do fear that instead of a swanky embassy party, my New Years will be spent in some dark, red, hole-in-the-wall shack with pipe-smoking communist philosophers, who will have no appreciation for Audrey Hepburn dress that I'll be sporting. Maybe I should go out and purchase a red beret?

Nah, I don't think it will go with the dress.