(A gag chapter; skipping it won't affect the story.)
"When you see your grandpa in a bit, don't say anything careless. Whatever you do, don't provoke him, understand?"
Qingjiang City Third Mental Hospital.
In the corridor, a man walked forward holding his son's hand, speaking earnestly.
"Got it."
The boy, Wu Cheng, nodded.
"..."
His grandfather, Wu Youwei, had been a boxer who retired in the last century.
Thirty years ago, he had fought an opponent in an underground boxing match until dawn and claimed victory.
Though he had ultimately KO'd his opponent, Wu Youwei had developed severe persecutory delusions from that day onward.
Whenever he heard firecrackers, he would be so frightened that he hid under the bed.
Whenever he saw bloody scenes on television, he would clutch his head and scream.
Every day, he was suspicious of everything, always feeling that someone was coming to harm him.
Wu Cheng's mother, Wu Youwei's daughter-in-law, was a violent woman. Unable to stand him, she often resorted to violence against Wu Youwei. Wu Cheng's father was weak and powerless, too afraid to resist, so in the end, they could only send Wu Youwei to live in a mental hospital.
In the blink of an eye, many more years had passed.
"..."
Knock, knock, knock!
When the door opened, an old man was sitting alone on his hospital bed, watching television.
"Grandpa!"
Wu Cheng walked over carrying some fruit.
"Oh, you're here."
A kind smile quickly appeared on the old man's face as he held out his hand toward Wu Cheng.
Wu Cheng placed his hand atop his grandfather's wrinkled one and began chatting with him about everyday matters.
The grandfather and grandson enjoyed a warm, happy moment together.
When he looked back at the man, however, his expression became somewhat subtle.