Cartethyia

Biodata

Background

Cartethyia grew up in poverty and was comforted by her grandmother when she was young. Her grandmother died almost three years before Cartethyia recalled her at the milk tea shop, leaving her without relatives. Cartethyia supports herself through part-time work and receives financial aid 13 64 65 66.

Appearance

Cartethyia is small and slender, with fair skin and long hair. Her hair is generally described as pale gold, although one account describes it as fading from pink to white 7 23 40.

• Eyes: Pale aqua-blue or ice-blue 8 23.
• Height: Wuling estimates that she is under 1.5 meters tall 64.
• Clothing: She wears plain, neatly washed clothes; Wuling notices that some are faded with wear 8 11.
• Hair clip: She wears a blue-and-white unicorn clip beside her temple, a gift from Wuling 65 66 67.

Personality

Cartethyia is extremely shy and anxious about drawing attention. Despite preparing her class introduction, she forgets what she planned to say and struggles to meet her classmates’ eyes. She is accustomed to leaving after others have gone and has difficulty accepting favors without feeling indebted 7 8 13.

She is gentle, attentive and sincere, but has a poor opinion of her own worth. Wuling’s reassurance helps her accept their friendship, though she later wonders whether she is worthy of him. Despite her fragile appearance, she shows determination during military training, standing through half an hour of formation while visibly swaying 63 71 75.

Story Role

Meeting Wuling

During their class introductions, Wuling quietly offers Cartethyia tissues when she is close to tears. She laughs at his unusually long introduction, then panics, but he reassures her that he does not mind. After class, he walks her toward the girls’ dormitory and gives her an extra pack of sunscreen for military training 7 8.

Cartethyia later offers Wuling a tissue when he arrives at class out of breath. At lunch, he finds her eating rice and greens and invites her to share his red-braised pork. They exchange WeChat contacts, and he subsequently introduces her to Xigelika and Danya 11 12 13 24.

Injuries and growing friendship

After Cartethyia trips over a schoolbag strap and sprains both ankles, Wuling asks permission to carry her to the infirmary. Doctor Lu confirms that the sprains are mild and advises her to ice them and avoid walking; she later tells Wuling that they have healed 40 41 63.

At a milk tea shop, Cartethyia admits that she thinks she has little to offer as a friend. Wuling praises her kindness and sincerity and assures her that they are already friends. His accidental head pat reminds her of her grandmother, and on their walk back to school he gives her a unicorn hair clip. They also confide in each other about losing their families 63 64 65 66 67.

Military training

Cartethyia faints during military training, and Wuling carries her to the infirmary. As he cares for her, she briefly daydreams that he kisses her; she then faints again when he leans close to check on her 72.

Cartethyia admits that she skipped breakfast to save money. Wuling urges her to eat regularly and offers to pay for breakfast until she receives her wages. Doctor Lu attributes her collapse to low blood sugar, malnutrition and prolonged standing, and encourages her to be open about her feelings for Wuling 74 75.

Relationships

• Wuling — Her classmate, deskmate and friend. His care helps her feel less alone, and she develops feelings for him while doubting whether she deserves him 7 63 72 75.
• Grandmother — Cartethyia remembers her affectionate head pats and her promise that someone would someday cherish and protect her. Her death left Cartethyia without relatives 64 66.
• Doctor Lu — The academy doctor treats her ankle sprains and later advises her on her health and feelings for Wuling 41 75.
• Xigelika and Danya — Senior students whom Cartethyia meets through Wuling over lunch 24.
• Changli — Encourages Cartethyia to take her time when she struggles with her class introduction 7.