Xu Bai

Biodata

Background / History

Xu Bai learned that his remaining time was short and immediately began settling his affairs. He divorced Zhou Ying so that she would not be burdened by his impending death, deliberately speaking harshly during the separation to make it easier for her to leave him. He asked his longtime friend Li Han to help transfer the house to her. 149 150

Before his death, Xu Bai visited Xu Gu, initially striking him after mistaking an interaction with Xu Gu's sister-in-law for infidelity. Once the misunderstanding was resolved, he accepted the explanation. He also met his daughter's boyfriend, expressed faith in her judgment, and asked him to treat her well. 151 152 Aware that he would not live to see his daughter marry, he later sought to entrust her future to Xiao Qi. 153

Xu Bai had a history with Liang Xiaojie's father, Mr. Liang. During a past citywide emergency, Xu Bai supplied masks and protective suits, then volunteered at the hospital alongside Mr. Liang. When Xu Bai later became critically ill, Mr. Liang donated his liver to save him. 164 Xu Bai thereafter secretly supported Liang Xiaojie as he grew up, regarding him as the child left behind by his benefactor. 165 166

When Liang Xiaojie required a liver transplant, Xu Bai chose to donate his own liver despite knowing the operation would end his life. The surgery saved Liang Xiaojie, while Xu Bai died as planned. 165 166

Appearance

Xu Bai is a refined, weathered man whose ordinary dress conceals considerable wealth. He carries himself with the bearing of a scholar or poet, though his gaze retains a resilience sharpened by age and experience. 155 156

• Weathered temples and a gentle, usually smiling face 156 163
• Deep-set, calm eyes compared to an ancient still well 156
• Often appears in plain, unbranded clothing despite his assets 155
• Wore a protective suit with practiced familiarity when visiting Liang Xiaojie in intensive care 163

Personality

Xu Bai is selfless, composed, and deeply conscious of obligation. Rather than use his final days to seek comfort, he prepares his family for life without him, honors his debt to Mr. Liang, and gives his life to save Liang Xiaojie. 150 165 166

He places character above status or wealth. Although he possesses nearly 100 million Yuan, he does not pursue vanity; instead, he purchases a second funeral package to be given to a future person worthy of it. 154 155

His gentleness can give way to forceful protectiveness. His anger at Xu Gu was unusual enough to alarm both his son and Li Han, but it arose from a mistaken belief that Xu Gu had betrayed Xiao Ya. 151

Funeral Arrangements

• Ordered a 50,000 Yuan funeral package for himself, scheduled for two and a half days later. 155
• Prepaid a 500,000 Yuan package to be gifted or donated to a future person he considered worthy. 155
• Requested cremation, with his ashes placed in the family ancestral hall. 169
• Requested that his clothing and coffin be buried separately. 169
• His funeral included an eight-stage suona procession led by Li Hongzheng's Li Family Band, who performed Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix. 169 172

Relationships

• Zhou Ying — Wife whom Xu Bai divorced before his death, believing that separation would spare her further hardship. 149 150
• Xu Gu — Son. Their relationship is strained by Xu Bai's divorce and briefly worsened by a misunderstanding, but Xu Gu ultimately takes responsibility for carrying out his father's funeral wishes. 151 169
• Xu Jin — Daughter. Xu Bai trusts her judgment in choosing a partner and regrets that he will not attend her wedding. 152 153
• Xiao Ya — Daughter-in-law. She cares for Xu Bai and supports Xu Gu during the family’s grief. 151 166
• Li Han — Longtime friend who accompanies Xu Bai through his final arrangements, mediates difficult conversations, and helps transfer Xu Bai's house. 150 152 153
• Mr. Liang — Doctor, friend, and former colleague during the medical crisis. Mr. Liang donated his liver to save Xu Bai years earlier. 164 166
• Liang Xiaojie — Mr. Liang's son. Xu Bai quietly supported him for years, then sacrificed his life through a liver transplant to save him. 165 166
• Su Chen — Funeral provider. Xu Bai entrusted Su Chen with his own funeral and left a prepaid package for a worthy future client. 154 155

Notable Quotes

“There are so many people in this world, there are bound to be great sages who deserve this package.” 155

“I've dragged her down my whole life. Now that I'm dying, I can't keep dragging her down.” 150