Liu Mei

Biodata

Background and History

Liu Mei lived at Zhang Mansion as Zhang Hong’s concubine. Zhao Yuzhu, Zhang Hong’s wife, opposed her presence and bullied her; Zhang Hong later sent Liu Mei and their young son, Zhang Yang, away. Liu Mei settled in Long’ao, where she raised Zhang Yang alone. She kept their earlier life and Zhang Yang’s parentage from him, even as villagers speculated about her background 41 42 145 271 283.

In Long’ao, Liu Mei grew vegetables and managed the household frugally. Her past illness and their inability to pay for treatment contributed to Zhang Yang’s marriage into the Cheng family. After recovering and paying off their debts, she urged him to leave the marriage rather than endure further mistreatment 41 146. She changed her mind about the couple’s prospects as Zhang Yang and Cheng Dongxue grew closer, welcoming Dongxue as a daughter-in-law 44 146.

Zhang Yang later bought Liu Mei a car and invited her to live with him and Dongxue at Villa No. 82 in Gong City’s Wolong Villa. She initially resisted imposing on the couple, but accepted their invitation and helped prepare for the move 144 147 151 152.

When the family traveled to Kyoto, Liu Mei’s history with Zhang Mansion resurfaced. Zhang Hong’s children and Zhao Yuzhu confronted her at the hospital, but Zhang Yang defended her. Liu Mei urged Zhang Yang to treat the injured Zhang Hong, and the two former lovers reunited after his recovery. Although she wanted no share of Zhang Mansion’s wealth, Zhang Yang asked that her place in the family be acknowledged. Zhao Yuzhu later apologized, and Liu Mei accepted 270 271 274 276 280 283 301.

Appearance

Liu Mei is described as beautiful and youthful-looking despite being over forty. Years of farmwork kept her figure trim, while her bearing could make her seem more like a wealthy lady than a vegetable grower 41 146 215.

• White qipao — A lotus-embroidered silk dress she had custom-made in Shanghai before Zhang Yang was born. She preserved it for years and wore it publicly to celebrate his success 215.
• Farmwork-worn hands — Her hands had grown rough from years of work 232.

Personality

Liu Mei is protective of Zhang Yang and values his happiness over money or family status. She worried that his sudden wealth might come from wrongdoing, and she was willing to give up any claim on Zhang Mansion if it meant a peaceful life with him 145 283.

She is thrifty without being unfamiliar with luxury: she questions unnecessary expense, yet remains composed in high-end settings. She also shows warmth toward Cheng Dongxue and affection for Mibai, the dog who kept her company while she lived alone 146 198 203 233.

Skills

• Driving — Liu Mei retained a valid license despite years away from the wheel. She had driven and owned luxury cars in her younger days, and soon regained confidence after Zhang Yang gave her a car 145 233.
• English — She can read the English labels on a car’s controls 145.
• Household and farmwork — She maintained a vegetable plot in Long’ao and managed her household carefully while raising Zhang Yang 41 146 151.

Notable Possessions

• Jadeite bracelet — Her valuable bracelet was given to Cheng Dongxue on Dongxue’s wedding day, despite being Liu Mei’s best possession 233.
• Lotus-embroidered qipao — A custom-made dress that cost 8,000 yuan before Zhang Yang was born; she kept it in excellent condition 215.
• Car from Zhang Yang — She initially declined the luxury car, arguing that he needed it more, but eventually accepted it 146 148.

Relationships

• Zhang Yang — Her son, whom she raised alone. They are mutually protective; he works to free her from farmwork and secure a home for her 41 144 147.
• Cheng Dongxue — Her daughter-in-law. Liu Mei welcomes her as family, and the two later grow close enough to shop together arm in arm 44 233.
• Zhang Hong — Zhang Yang’s father. After more than twenty years apart, Liu Mei wants him saved and the two begin reconnecting 276 280.
• Zhao Yuzhu — Zhang Hong’s wife and Liu Mei’s longtime adversary. Liu Mei stands up to her at the hospital and later accepts her apology 271 301.
• Mibai — The family dog and Liu Mei’s close companion during her years living alone in Long’ao 198 203.
• Old Great-Uncle — A Long’ao elder who defended Liu Mei and Zhang Yang when they first settled there. She continues to trust him and consults him about their moving date 151 152.
• Lin Xiaofei — Cheng Dongxue’s best friend and a familiar visitor to Liu Mei’s home, where she calls her “Auntie Liu” 44 152.