Xu Qing

Biodata

Background / History

Xu Qing, Natasha, and Zhang Mengmeng studied together through their master's degrees, lived together, and later started businesses together. Having grown up in boarding schools with parents who were largely absent from their daily lives, Xu Qing and Zhang found lasting emotional support in their friendship with Natasha. By the time of the villa incident, the three had known one another for nearly ten years. 48

Natasha introduces Xu Qing to Yang Xuan as one of her two closest friends in China when the group begins arranging a self-driving wilderness trip. Xu Qing helps determine the group’s plans and confirms that two additional travelers will join them on the departure date. 43 44

Appearance

Xu Qing is introduced as a tall and attractive woman. 43

Personality

Xu Qing is direct and practical. She voices concern over Natasha's eating habits, asks Yang Xuan about his work, and helps organize the group's travel arrangements. 44

She is also playful and thrill-seeking, agreeing that life needs excitement before joining the group’s pool gathering. 46 Despite her usually composed demeanor, she becomes embarrassed and distressed after the alcohol-fueled events at Yang Xuan's villa, particularly because of their potential effect on her friendship with Natasha and Zhang Mengmeng. 48

Xu Qing ultimately prioritizes remaining with her longtime friends. After Natasha proposes that the three women live together with Yang Xuan, Xu Qing agrees to the arrangement. 48 49

Relationships

• Natasha — One of Xu Qing's closest friends and longtime emotional supports; they studied, lived, and started businesses together. Xu Qing initially apologizes to Natasha following the villa incident, then accepts Natasha's proposal that they continue living together. 43 48
• Zhang Mengmeng — Close friend since their student years; the two share the same friendship circle and support one another during the aftermath of the villa incident. 43 48
• Yang Xuan — Initially meets him while planning Natasha's road trip. After an alcohol-related misunderstanding, she becomes part of the household arrangement proposed by Natasha; Yang Xuan agrees to support all three women. 43 48 49
• Wang Yi and Fu Zimo — Friends who discover the unusual living arrangement at Yang Xuan's villa. Xu Qing asks them not to reveal it to others. 50

Story Role / Major Arcs

Wilderness Trip Preparations

Xu Qing meets Yang Xuan through Natasha and joins the initial planning for a self-driving trip to a wilderness area in Yunnan. She discusses destinations, confirms additional travelers, joins the visit to Yang Xuan's villa, and helps create private time for Yang Xuan and Natasha. 43 44

Villa Gathering

Xu Qing joins Natasha, Zhang Mengmeng, and Yang Xuan for a pool gathering and KTV party at the villa. The group drinks heavily, and Xu Qing later awakens confused and distressed by the consequences of the night. 46 48

Living Arrangement

Xu Qing apologizes to Natasha and fears losing the bond she shares with Natasha and Zhang Mengmeng. When Natasha suggests that they all live together rather than separate, Xu Qing ultimately agrees. 48

Yang Xuan gives Xu Qing medicinal treatment after the incident, and she is impressed by its effectiveness after learning that it was refined through his alchemy furnace. 49

Discovery by Friends

When Wang Yi and Fu Zimo arrive at the villa, Xu Qing attempts to conceal the group's arrangement and asks them to keep it private. She later states that she and the others have not considered the distant future, focusing instead on their current happiness together. 50