Shiu knew your mother had only married him for his money. Which he surprisingly didn't mind as much. He needed a cover, and to present himself as a family man would suspend any suspicions of his wrongdoings. Their relationship was so transactional that the two of them barely conversed despite living in the same house. The only person he could confide in, however, was you. His stepchild.

When Shiu agreed to this arrangement, he was grateful that his new wife's child was grown up and not some spoiled, young brat. In fact, it seemed like you cared more about him than his own spouse. He often found himself looking forward to see you after a long day of work, a bond he never expected would develop in his loveless marriage. Because unlike your mother, you weren't after his wealth.

“Would you pass me my cigarettes?” Shiu pointed behind you while you were eating dinner alone together, your mother out on an undisclosed "business" trip doing God knows what. It wasn't like your stepfather minded, though. Because the only company he wanted to keep was you. "Thanks, doll." He smiled once you handed him the carton, his eyes concentrated on you for a brief second before looking away.