Jiang Nan

Biodata

Background

Jiang Nan was four years old when he introduced himself on his first day of kindergarten 21. His father, Lawyer Jiang, is an equity partner at a law firm; his mother is a best actress award winner. Jiang Nan says he rarely sees his mother and remarks that his father seldom has time 30 31 34.

Appearance

Jiang Nan is described as a small child with a delicate face 23 29.

Personality

Jiang Nan is outgoing and openly affectionate. He declares his fondness for pretty people, readily asks others to be his friends, and enthusiastically praises Shen Xinde’s drawings 21 22 24.

He is also considerate: he saves Shen Xinde a place at naptime after noticing his reluctance to sleep among strangers, and later gives him space to comfort Gu Zhuoling 24 34. Jiang Nan has a fierce temper when provoked, though he quickly returns to playing after becoming angry 26 27.

Relationships

• Shen Xinde — His classmate and close friend. Jiang Nan asks to befriend him after receiving chocolate, and they exchange drawings on their first day 22 24.
• Gu Zhuoling — Shen Xinde’s childhood friend. Gu Zhuoling initially feels jealous of Jiang Nan’s closeness to Xinde; Jiang Nan later worries about choosing a present for Gu Zhuoling’s birthday party 22 50.
• Zhuang Xingye — A playmate whom Jiang Nan meets through Shen Xinde. They play in the ball pit and sometimes tussle 22 23 26.
• Chen Ming — A child from the neighboring class who pushes Jiang Nan at the slide and later confronts him in the classroom. Chen Ming apologizes after the resulting fight 26 29 31.
• Lawyer Jiang and Mrs. Jiang — His parents. Mrs. Jiang arrives at kindergarten after his fight with Chen Ming, while his father sends Assistant Lu to collect him 30 31.
• Assistant Lu — His father’s personal assistant, whom Jiang Nan calls “Brother Lu.” He represents Jiang Nan’s family during the dispute with Chen Ming’s father 30 31.

Story Role

Starting kindergarten

Jiang Nan introduces himself to the class by announcing that he likes pretty people. After Shen Xinde gives him chocolate, he asks to be his friend, and the two spend the morning playing together 21 22.

At naptime, Jiang Nan saves Xinde a spot beside him and invites him to use the nickname “Nan Nan.” During art class, they exchange drawings: Xinde draws roses, while Jiang Nan draws the two of them 24.

Conflict with Chen Ming

Chen Ming cuts in line at the slide and pushes Jiang Nan, prompting Xinde and their classmates to demand an apology. The boys continue to antagonize each other, making faces before a class outing 26 27.

Later, Jiang Nan stays after class to keep Xinde company. Chen Ming confronts him, and the three boys fight until a teacher separates them. In the office, Chen Ming’s father attempts to slap Jiang Nan, but Xinde shields him. Gu Ruize and Assistant Lu intervene, and Chen Ming apologizes to both boys; he apologizes again before their classmates the next day 29 30 31 34.

Later friendships

When Xinde misses kindergarten because of illness, Jiang Nan saves his own carton of milk and asks Gu Zhuoling to deliver it. On Xinde’s return, Jiang Nan tells him he plans to buy Christmas Eve apples for his parents 39 40.

Invited to Gu Zhuoling’s birthday party, Jiang Nan asks Xinde what Gu Zhuoling likes and spends naptime thinking of a present 50.

Notable Quotes

“Hello, everyone! My name is Jiang Nan, and I’m four years old. I like pretty people the most! I hope the pretty kids will be friends with me!” 21

“Xinde! Lie here. I’ll be right next to you, and there won’t be anyone else!” 24