Chapter 28: Bảo – First Kiss and a New Beginning

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Bảo arrives at Chef Lê’s restaurant to paint the column, knowing Chef Lê bought supplies hoping Linh would accept the mural commission. Bảo doesn’t reveal that Linh is already busy. When Linh appears, she is captivated by the illuminated white column, and Bảo is captivated by her. They share their first kiss, and Bảo feels weak-kneed. After pulling away, they both acknowledge the reality outside this moment: their families hate each other. Bảo tries to prolong the private moment, suggesting they pretend to be just food reviewer and artist. They joke about being Romeo and Juliet, but Linh’s laughter is tinged with sadness. Chef Lê and Saffron interrupt, having witnessed the kiss. Chef Lê bear-hugs them both, celebrating. He explains his vision for the column—to complement the red wall and serve as a statement piece. He gives Linh family photos, especially those of his mother, and wants his family incorporated. Linh immediately begins planning, excited by the artistic challenge. She asks Bảo if he’s free on Thursdays to join her while she paints; Bảo agrees, despite being clearly not a painter. Saffron reassures him he can just do homework. Chef Lê finger-guns his approval, and Bảo feels a sense of commitment.

Key Events

Bảo and Linh share their first kiss in the restaurant.
They acknowledge the conflict between their families but decide to delay discussing it.
They jokingly compare themselves to Romeo and Juliet.
Chef Lê and Saffron discover them and celebrate the relationship.
Chef Lê presents Linh with photos of his mother, explaining his vision for the mural.
Linh accepts the commission and plans a schedule.
Bảo agrees to join Linh while she paints on Thursdays.

Character Development

Bảo Nguyễn

Bảo moves from being mostly passive to actively claiming a role in Linh’s life. He initiates the kiss, then tries to shield their moment from reality. His decision to be present while Linh paints shows his willingness to support her art, even if he can’t contribute directly. He also confronts the weight of his parents’ history, wondering if answers from the past could change the present.

Linh Mai

Linh is torn between joy and anxiety. After the kiss, her eyes “clear up” as reality returns, but she allows herself to be held. She accepts Chef Lê’s commission enthusiastically, demonstrating her professional growth and confidence as an artist. Her teasing about Romeo and Juliet reveals her awareness of the stakes.

Chef Lê

Chef Lê is openly supportive, hugging them both and sharing his family photos. He represents an older generation who understands the pain of unresolved family history, yet chooses to create new traditions. His trust in Linh’s artistic judgment shows respect for her skill.

Saffron

Though present only briefly, Saffron acts as a pragmatic voice, smoothing over awkward moments and recognizing the couple’s need for space.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Love versus family loyalty: The kiss is a private rebellion against their parents' feud. Bảo and Linh choose each other, even if only “here” and “for a little while.”
Art as a bridge: The column mural becomes a space where Linh can express herself and honor Chef Lê’s family. Bảo’s presence while she works reinforces art as a shared activity.
Time and suspended reality: Bảo wants to “freeze” the moment after the kiss. The restaurant provides a temporary sanctuary away from family pressures.
Romeo and Juliet parallel: The couple uses the classic story to name their predicament, but with ironic humor. Unlike Shakespeare’s tragedy, they express determination to “figure it out.”

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks the emotional turning point of the novel. The first kiss solidifies Bảo and Linh’s romantic commitment, even as their families’ hatred looms. It also introduces Linh’s first major professional art commission, setting up her creative journey. Chef Lê’s trust in Linh and his willingness to share his mother’s photos deepen the theme of healing through art. Bảo’s decision to attend the painting sessions shows him stepping into a supportive role, moving beyond his earlier passive stance.

Study Questions and Answers

Question 1: Why does Bảo avoid telling Chef Lê that Linh is already busy? Answer: Bảo doesn’t want to disappoint Chef Lê, who clearly hoped Linh would accept the offer. He also wants to preserve the possibility that Linh might choose to take on the project.

Question 2: How does the Romeo and Juliet comparison function differently for Bảo and Linh than for Ali? Answer: Bảo and Linh use the comparison knowingly and with humor, emphasizing their agency rather than doom. Ali would turn it into a dramatic metaphor; they reclaim it as a shared joke.

Question 3: What does Chef Lê’s desire to include his mother’s photos reveal about him? Answer: It shows that Chef Lê is still processing his family history and wants to honor his mother publicly. It also indicates he trusts Linh to handle those precious memories with care.