In the second part, Aw addresses his grandmother directly, reflecting on her sacrifices, emotional strength, and laborious life. This section is deeply personal, highlighting the generational divide between her traditional values and his modern aspirations. Aw explores themes of silence, shame, and love within his family dynamics while questioning how to honor his roots without being constrained by them.

Through vivid storytelling that spans rural villages, bustling cities, and personal anecdotes—from eating KFC in 1980s Kuala Lumpur to navigating identity in Bangkok—Aw paints a rich portrait of modern Asia. The memoir captures the tension between preserving the past and embracing the future, offering insights into the universal immigrant experience.