Chi Yongliang

Biodata

Background / History

Childhood and disability

Chi Yongliang spent his early childhood in the south, where his father was stationed in the military. When he was one year old, his father was demobilized. During the train journey home, Yongliang developed a fever and did not receive proper treatment; polio left his right leg disabled 9.

His father, formerly a battalion-level cadre, repeatedly postponed reporting to the Armed Forces Department and eventually lost his opportunity for a government position. Yongliang’s mother later obtained an opportunity for his eldest brother to work in the city, but no job could be arranged for Yongliang because of his disability 9.

Supporting Chi Qing’s education

Yongliang and Yue Meifen gave up a thriving village shop and a recently purchased red-brick house to move to the county town when Chi Qing was seven, primarily so she could attend school there. They rented the east wing of a shabby shared courtyard house, without running water or heating, and returned to the village after she began university 7.

Despite his many practical skills, Yongliang’s disability limited his earnings. Paying for Chi Qing’s university education placed a considerable strain on the family 9.

Left-leg injury

In his fifties, years of physical labor caused a cyst in his otherwise healthy left leg. Medical malpractice during what should have been a straightforward removal operation left him permanently dependent on two crutches. He and Yue Meifen continued hoping that rest would restore his mobility; they only learned something had gone wrong when Chi Qing returned from working elsewhere and questioned his condition, six or seven years after the operation 9.

Appearance

• Shaved head: He shaves his own head at home to save money 12.
• Mobility aids: Initially shown using two crutches; later scenes describe him walking with a cane 9 37 39.
• Gold jewelry: His new gold necklace, plain gold ring, and shaved head prompt Chi Qing and Yue Meifen to joke that he looks like a gangster 12.

Personality

Yongliang is naturally optimistic, easygoing, and good-natured. Chi Qing inherits this disposition from him, helping her grow up confident rather than insecure about the family’s poverty. His practical skills also make him popular in the village 8 9.

He is frugal but enjoys his daughter’s gifts once reassured about their cost. Usually uninterested in clothing, he eagerly tries on his new clothes and shoes and admires his gold necklace. His humor is affectionate: when Yue Meifen praises their daughter for buying her a bangle, he jokes that Chi Qing bought it on his behalf 12.

His easygoing nature sometimes leaves him slow to recognize serious problems, most notably the lasting damage from his operation. Nevertheless, he is firm about retaining his independence: he rejects an electric wheelchair because sitting in one would make him feel that he could no longer walk 9 13.

He initially worries about Chi Qing’s spending and urges secrecy about her supposed lottery win. After realizing that his and Yue Meifen’s repeated concerns are troubling her, he agrees to trust her financial decisions. Both parents also avoid challenging her in public, even when they disagree 11 39 40.

Abilities & Skills

Repair Work

Yongliang teaches himself numerous trades to earn a living despite his disability 9.

• Watch repair, formerly his main occupation.
• Vehicle repair.
• Electrical-appliance repair.
• Sewing.

Vehicle Modification

He modifies his own small mobility car, converting some foot-operated mechanisms to hand controls 9.

• Drives the vehicle to collect Chi Qing and her purchases from the village entrance 7 8.
• The adaptation allows him to drive despite his impaired legs 9.

Equipment / Items

• Crutches and cane — His regular walking aids. Chi Qing offers to buy better crutches after he declines a stair-climbing electric wheelchair; the purchase itself is not confirmed 9 13 39.
• Modified mobility car — A small, battered vehicle adapted by Yongliang himself 7 9.
• Gold necklace and ring — Gifts from Chi Qing; the plain band is his first gold ring 12.
• New smartphone — Chi Qing replaces his old, slow phone, and he happily examines the new device 49.

Relationships

• Chi Qing — His only daughter. He and Yue Meifen relocate for her schooling and struggle to finance her university education. She later provides money, gifts, and accessible housing for them 7 9 34 39.
• Yue Meifen — His wife. Their affectionate teasing accompanies a shared concern for Chi Qing’s future. They eventually agree to stop second-guessing their daughter’s spending and enjoy retirement together 12 39.
• His father — An unnamed former military cadre whose failure to report after demobilization costs the family a potential source of financial security 9.
• His eldest brother — Receives an opportunity to work away from the village. His example helps prompt Yongliang and Yue Meifen to consider moving for Chi Qing’s education 7 9.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Chi Qing’s Claimed Lottery Win

When Chi Qing returns with expensive jewelry and other gifts, Yongliang’s first reaction is concern over the expense. She explains her sudden wealth by claiming a five-million-yuan lottery win; he is stunned and insists that the family keep a low profile 10 11.

Chi Qing sends money to his account to reduce her parents’ workload and provide for their old age:

Preparing for Life at Imperial Bay Villa

Chi Qing chooses a renovated townhouse with a garden and indoor elevator to suit her parents. They had previously felt unwell while staying in her high-rise apartment and preferred the sunlight and ground-level surroundings of village life 35.

On the journey to show them the villa, Chi Qing revises her lottery story to twenty million yuan to explain her costly car and house. Yongliang is astonished by the home and asks its price, but ultimately accepts her reassurance that she can afford it 38 39.

Chi Qing subsequently buys the neighboring property and decides to put it in her parents’ names. Yongliang eagerly anticipates moving in and is relieved when the family agrees they can divide their time between the villas and the village home rather than abandon either 40 41.

He and Yue Meifen supervise the professional cleaning of both properties. Afterward, they return to Chi Qing’s apartment while awaiting an auspicious moving day 41 49.

Notable Quotes

“Keep a low profile. We absolutely have to keep a low profile.” 11

“I haven't done you proud, but I have a daughter who does, and she bought it for you on my behalf.” 12

“No need. I'm still young. We can talk about it when I'm older.” — Declining an electric wheelchair 13