Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with Meddy, Ma, Big Aunt, and Fourth Aunt finally reaching their hotel room. The relief of being behind a locked door is short-lived, as the aunts immediately squabble over the room's robes. Meddy breaks up the argument and insists they must deal with the cooler containing Ah Guan's body. Too many people have seen them carrying it, and the body will soon begin to smell.

Fourth Aunt suggests dumping the body in the ocean, and Meddy initially warms to the idea of weighing down a bag with rocks. But when the bellboy delivers their luggage, she realizes the plan is impractical—carrying a heavy suitcase to a cliff or stealing a yacht is beyond their abilities.

A series of texts from Seb changes everything. The maid of honor is confronting the hungover groom's party, giving Meddy more time. Inspired by the passed-out groomsmen, she proposes a new plan: disguise Ah Guan as a drunk guest, then push him off the pier during the reception. Big Aunt approves, though she calls it