Key Player

Content Warning: This section of the guide features depictions of racism, gender discrimination, and bullying.

Mia looks for Hank to see if he’s excited about the Pasadena Grill serving his burger, but she can’t find him. She calls a few Chinese restaurants to ask for any leads on the Chinese team. One restaurant owner tells her that business is way down, which he attributes to people choosing sides between Team USA and Team China. Hank comes back and reveals that the Pasadena Grill never called. Mr. Yao interrogates Hank about leaving. Hank has not forgiven Mr. Yao for how he treated Hank in the past. Mr. Yao apologizes and acquiesces to Hank’s demands.

Mia tries to ask Mr. Yao about his childhood, but he doesn’t want to talk about it. When nobody answers the phone at the Pasadena Grill, Hank, Mia, and Jason set out to talk to the manager in person.

Jason feels bad about the way Mr. Yao puts him down. Mia tries to comfort him. They read another note from Mr. Yao’s childhood where he writes about getting teased for his lunch at school and the way his dad has injured his back. Young Mr. Yao dreams of a future where he doesn’t have to work all the time and he can enjoy his life.