“In that moment I understood that the cruelest words in the universe are if only.”

“So many mistakes. So many errors. So much tragedy as a result. In that moment I understood that the cruelest words in the universe are if only.”

“I am still learning about love. I thought I understood it--not just mother love, but the love for one's parents, for one's husband, and for one's laotong. I've experienced the other types of love--pity love, respectful love and gratitude love. But looking at our secret fan with its messages written between Snow Flower and me over many years, I see that I didn't value the most important love--deep-heart love.”

“Only through pain will you have beauty. Only through suffering will you find peace. I wrap, I bind, but you will have the reward.”

“As I speak, I’m reminded of the old saying that diseases go in through the mouth, disasters come out of the mouth, meaning that words can be like bombs themselves.”

“I finally understand what the poets have written. In spring, moved to passion; in autumn only regret.”

“My heart is empty & my life has no value anymore. Each moment a thousand tears.”