Zhang Yuanqing

Biodata

Background / History

Zhang Yuanqing's father died in a car accident while Zhang was in elementary school. His mother never remarried; she resettled in Songhai City and left him in his maternal grandparents' care while pursuing her career. Although she later bought her own apartment, Zhang remained with his grandparents because he disliked living in her empty home and her work kept her frequently absent. 234 240

He develops an unexplained condition that causes recurring symptoms and headaches. Hospital examinations cannot identify its cause, and a doctor suggests psychiatric consultation. His mother obtains a miracle medicine from abroad that suppresses the condition when taken regularly, but Zhang realizes its effects are weakening and considers increasing the dosage. 235 267

A package from Lei Yibing introduces a potentially life-changing mystery. It contains a black metal card and a letter stating that Lei once believed he could use the item to change his own life, but could not control it; he believes Zhang can. 252 315

Personality

Zhang is lazy enough to consider sleeping in on a spring weekend essential, but quickly gives in when his hot-tempered grandmother threatens to wake him with water. 235 285

He has a sarcastic, teasing sense of humor, particularly with Jiang Yu'er, yet worries privately about his deteriorating health. His willingness to involve himself in Jiang Yu'er's unwanted blind-date arrangements reflects his protective and close relationship with her. 235 245

Condition

Zhang suffers from an undiagnosed illness whose symptoms worsen as his medication loses effectiveness.

• Medical examinations have not determined its cause. 235 237
• His mother's imported medicine keeps the condition suppressed only while its effects remain strong. 235 290
• He experiences worsening symptoms and considers increasing his dosage. 235 297

Equipment / Items

• Black card — A warm, smooth, metal-like card approximately the size of an ID card. It bears faint silver cloud patterns around its edges and a detailed black full moon in its center. Lei Yibing describes it as an item Zhang may be able to control. 252 315
• Lei Yibing's letter — Accompanies the card and frames it as a gift from someone who calls Zhang a brother. 315

Relationships

• Jiang Yu'er — His younger aunt, four years his senior. They have a playful, sibling-like bond; she visits him to play games and tries to bring him along to disrupt her blind dates. 235 245
• Grandmother — His strict, fiery-tempered guardian. Zhang lives with her and his grandfather; despite their banter and her threats to keep him in line, she actively manages his daily life. 235 240
• Mother — A career-focused businesswoman who raised him alone after his father's death. She provides financially and brought medicine from abroad to control his condition, but her work leaves their relationship emotionally distant. 234 235
• Father — Died in a car accident during Zhang's elementary-school years. 234
• Lei Yibing — A longtime friend who refers to Zhang as a brother and sends him the mysterious black card after failing to control it himself. 252 315