Gu Zhuoling

Biodata

Background

Gu Zhuoling grew up in Orchid Garden. His parents’ demanding careers left him in a nanny’s care during the day. By the time he was five, they had noticed his reluctance to speak and taken him to a psychologist, who found that he had psychological issues 1 2.

When the Shen family moved next door, Gu Zhuoling showed unusual interest in their younger son, Shen Xinde. He invited Xinde to play in the garden, beginning a close friendship that made him increasingly cheerful and expressive 2 3 35.

Appearance

Gu Zhuoling has a delicate, doll-like appearance. When Shen Xinde first meets him, he wears a white short-sleeved shirt and black overalls 2.

• Very fair skin, dark eyes and jet-black hair 2.
• A slightly chubby face that often flushes when he is embarrassed 2 3.
• Long, thick eyelashes, a high nose bridge and sculpted features 19.

Personality

Gu Zhuoling is quiet and independent, preferring to keep his thoughts to himself. He initially finds other kindergarten children too noisy, but makes an exception for Shen Xinde. Although his replies to Xinde are often brief, he listens and acknowledges what the younger boy says 5 7.

He is thoughtful and protective, especially about Xinde’s fragile health. He is also sensitive and prone to blaming himself: after Xinde falls ill, Gu Zhuoling cries despite not being responsible for the illness. He later worries that Xinde’s other friends might replace him 16 19 32 33.

As their friendship develops, Gu Zhuoling becomes more willing to express what he wants. His parents notice that he smiles more, and Xinde is pleased when Gu Zhuoling begins to hint directly at his wishes rather than silently sulking 35 39.

Interests

• Gardening: He tends small potted plants, including sunflowers and lisianthus, and enjoys digging and planting with Xinde 3 16.
• Puzzles and reading: He enjoys both and works on a map puzzle with Xinde 5.
• Drawing: He draws himself and Xinde beneath lisianthus. Later, he begins learning more about drawing so he can share Xinde’s interest 35 47.
• Origami: He folds a paper rose in class and gives it to Xinde while he is sick 39.

Relationships

• Shen Xinde — His neighbor and closest friend, whom he treats as a younger brother. Xinde calls him “Dolly,” a name reserved for him alone. They promise to remain best friends and share their worries and happiness 10 23 33.
• Zhou Jingyi — His mother, a luxury-brand chief designer. She recognizes his interest in Xinde and encourages their friendship 2 3.
• Gu Ruize — His father and the president of Gu Corporation. After Xinde is hurt at kindergarten, he accompanies Gu Zhuoling to confront Chen Ming’s father 2 30.
• Zhuang Xingye — A fellow child Gu Zhuoling plays with and invites to his birthday. They also join Xinde in a snowball fight 23 43 50.
• Jiang Nan — Xinde’s kindergarten friend. Gu Zhuoling is initially upset by their closeness, but later agrees to try making more friends and includes Jiang Nan among his birthday invitees 22 34 50.

Story Role

Friendship with Shen Xinde

After their first afternoon planting sunflowers, Xinde kisses Gu Zhuoling’s cheek and calls him “Dolly.” Curious about the name, Gu Zhuoling searches an English dictionary and asks his mother what it means. He later accepts it as Xinde’s special name for him 3 10.

Gu Zhuoling looks after Xinde during their visits and outings. At Z University, he plans a route through the botanical garden and souvenir shop before they wait for Xia Wanqing at a coffee shop 11.

Illness and kindergarten

After the boys carry a lisianthus pot inside during a downpour, Xinde develops a high fever overnight. Gu Zhuoling alerts his parents, helps bring water and stays anxiously nearby. He visits Xinde as he recovers, bringing food and keeping him company 16 17 18 19.

At Orchid Pavilion Kindergarten, Gu Zhuoling reassures Xinde on his first day and promises to bring him a familiar doll for naptime 21 23.

When Xinde is injured in a fight involving Chen Ming, Gu Zhuoling arrives with his father and checks his injuries. Although angry that Xinde fought, he later admits that he fears being replaced by Xinde’s other friends. Xinde reassures him that they are the best friends in the world, and they promise to share their feelings with each other 30 32 33.

Promises and holidays

During a hot spring resort trip, the boys visit an art exhibition and promise to support each other: Xinde wants to become an artist, while Gu Zhuoling promises to earn money and hold an exhibition for him 35 37.

They watch the first snow together and promise to do so in the future. When Xinde visits his grandparents for New Year, they stay in touch by phone and celebrate with fireworks over a video call. After Xinde returns, they exchange red envelopes 42 44 45 46.

For Gu Zhuoling’s birthday, Xinde prepares a handmade doll charm and helps make a cake. Gu Zhuoling spends the school day anticipating his friend’s surprises 50.