28th of February, 1892

Dear Quiyang,

You may remember I've never been very good at being indirect and delicate. So I'll just come out with it: it has been a long time since we last spoke, hasn't it? Your mum thoughtfully sent me a hóngbāo for Lunar New Year, she remembered it is my last year at Hogwarts. Every time I see it on my vanity, I think about you, and wonder how you are. I wish you a very happy year of the dragon.

If memory serves, the last time we were all together we were celebrating your debut over dinner. I will never forget how they still placed us at the smaller kids table, and our knees were almost up to our chins. My brother still hasn't lived down the embarrassment of having been caught necking with the maid by your littlest brother, and how the boy went screaming to everyone about how his cousin was eating the maid's face. Have you spoken with my brother lately? He's been abroad for the better part of a year, sorting something with the business.

I remember how at the time, the idea of graduating from Hogwarts still felt a lifetime away. And now here I am, in the blink of an eye, in your shoes. It's been... a lot to think about, and to worry about. For example, I went for a dress fitting a few weeks back and it felt like an absolute nightmare. I don't think I appreciated very much, all the pressure that goes into a debut. I am sorry if I was not a better friend or listening ear if you had needed it. Or was your experience perhaps not so bad? More importantly, how has life after your season treated you?

You must be quite busy, so I will end my rambling letter here. I do hope that we can be back in touch again, I've missed our after-dinner conversations on the porch.

Sincerely,
Ai Mei

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Queenie Shu

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stefanie made this beautiful set <3

2nd March 1892

Ai Mei –

It has been a while, though that is as much on me as it is you. Between balls and work, I keep busy so you'll have to forgive me. I'm glad mother thought to send you one as well. You are a part of the family.

And speaking of family, I've heard from -- a bit ago. He wrote to wish me a happy birthday back last month. He's doing well and thinks the deal will go through soon.

You needn't worry yourself. I hold nothing against you. I had support from my friends and other family.  Life after my season? You make me sound like a spinster far past my prime Ai Mei. I'm hardly old. But I am doing well. I've enterned my second year of training and mother and I have reached a happy balance between my healing and social life.

You'll have to tell me, then about your fittings and everything and do let me know if you are in need of something.

Sincerely,
Quiyang

  

6th of March, 1892

Dear Quiyang,

It's so good to hear back from you! For the record, surely you know I did not mean to imply that you are a spinster. It's just for me, debut season hasn't even started and I cannot wait for it to be over. I should like to skip to the part where I've already met and danced with and eschewed everyone away, so I can slip back into my books. 

Which do you like better, balls, or work? Has any gentleman been so lucky to catch your eye at either...? 

The very thought of a spinster is so terribly insulting anyway. As if a lady can "expire" from one year to the next like a fruit cake after the holidays.   

My coming out ballgown is sorted, somehow, though Madam Rose must've thought me a complete airhead. More importantly, I'm nervous about all these 'conversations' I need to have with my Professors and father about future prospects. I very much admire the agreement you made with your family and could use some advice if I hope to follow suit. 

Perhaps we can meet at Hogsmeade weekend or during my upcoming break? Headmaster Black decided to leave our trip canceled from last weekend... I will be around next one in late March?

Sincerely,
Ai Mei

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Queenie Shu

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stefanie made this beautiful set <3

8th March 1892

Ai Mei –

Oh don't worry little AI Mei, I only tease. I know you didn't mean anything by it.

I do implore you, though, to give the season a chance. Yes, I work, but I still like balls, and going to parties. If you give them a fair chance and go into it with an open mind rather than being dragged along, you might not find them as horrible as you so seem to think they will be. Besides, even if you don't treat every event as a husband hunt, you are bound to see some of your school friends at events that you might not see otherwise. I truly enjoy both and do not think I could be brought to pick a favorite.

Oh, there is someone I have my eye on, but that is all you'll get to know I'm afraid. If something ever happens you'll be in the know. Momma would never forgive me if you all didn't know.

Ai Mei, what did you ever do to make Madam Rose think you an airhead? I mean I'm sure she doesn't, but whatever gave you that idea?


We can meet then, over the weekend, at the tea house. We'll speak over it all then.

Sincerely,
Quiyang