The fantastic nature of this scenario has something of the fairytale about it, bringing to mind the near-impossible task or quest set for a suitor to gain the hand of a princess. But here the dragon that must be slain is Ms Chao's adamant lesbianism and devotion to her partner. This would appear to discount a convenient "lavender marriage" like that of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who pursued their own homosexual affairs, no matter how much this Bloomsburyesque solution might gladden her father's heart.

One hopes that Gigi's life will not be too blighted by the fallout from the old man's folly, and that the outcome of her story, just as with the fictional Gigi, will be the victory of love over meddling family members.