Struan is eating dinner alone in the dining room of his offices in the Canton Establishments.
Struan observes the merchants in the garden below and the bustling Chinese square beyond.
European traders can only move freely in the English Garden, while Chinese people who are not servants are prohibited from entering the garden and the traders' buildings.
There are 13 establishments in the European enclave, and only two narrow streets: Hog Street and Old China Lane.
Struan and Brock have their own buildings, while the other traders share space in the others according to their needs, usually paying rent to the East India Company.
Struan sees Brock talking animatedly with Cooper and Culum.
Struan goes to bed with May-May, and they discuss the state of Struan's business and the fact that he owes money to Brock.
A servant interrupts them to bring food, and May-May scolds the servants in Cantonese before they leave.
Struan and May-May continue their conversation, and May-May suggests that Struan take a concubine to bear him a son.
Struan rejects the idea and they argue about it.
Struan receives a message from Lim Din, asking for a meeting.
Struan agrees and plans to meet with Lim Din the following morning.