Xiang Qing

Biodata

Background / History

Upbringing

Xiang Qing grew up with very little contact with boys because her mother prohibited it. She attributes her mother’s intense loathing of males to circumstances involving her biological father, but the family history remains unexplained: when she offers to write it out, Zhang Zhaomu declines 38.

Her mother previously arranged for her to sit away from boys and in the front row. Because of her height, Xiang Qing felt unable to sit upright without blocking classmates’ view of the blackboard. She also recalls receiving an anonymous insulting note whose contents she can still reproduce from memory 38 39.

Transfer to Xinxi No. 1 High School

Xiang Qing transfers from No. 3 High School at the beginning of the semester. Her previous academic record leads Chen Yongchao to appoint her as Class Nine’s study representative, a position she accepts after a brief hesitation 6.

Her mother repeatedly confronts the school over her placement in Class Nine, arguing that it harms her future. Chen Yongchao considers Xiang Qing hardworking and well-behaved and is willing to let her change classes, although another teacher suggests her mother’s confrontations have made the leadership less inclined to help 36.

Xiang Qing boards at school and struggles to adjust to dormitory life. Her mother separately arranges three daily meals at a nearby restaurant, choosing it after inspecting several establishments to ensure nutritious food 40 41.

Appearance

• Tall, slender build: Her height draws audible reactions during roll call; Zhang Zhaomu later notices her long, shapely legs 4 43.
• Facial features: Very pale skin, a high nose with a slight curve, exceptionally long eyelashes, and naturally rosy lips 4 43.
• Hair: Long and black 15.
• Clothing: Regularly wears a blue-green and white school uniform, without accessories 4 41.
• Overall impression: Zhang Zhaomu compares her classical beauty to an ink-wash painting. Chen Zhenzhen thinks she would look like someone from ancient times in hanfu 4 11.

Personality

Xiang Qing is diligent, quiet, and uncomfortable with direct conversation. She previews textbooks and spends nearly all her classroom time studying, often answering attempts at conversation with only a nod or a few words. Her avoidance of eye contact initially makes her seem aloof, but her later exchanges with Zhang Zhaomu reveal that she struggles to speak rather than simply disliking company 12 13 15 39.

In writing, she is strikingly expressive and eager to share. She offers lengthy accounts of her family and everyday life, draws a disappointed face in a note, and enthusiastically embraces the chance to exchange messages during lessons. She distinguishes written communication from “talking,” allowing her to insist on not chatting in class while continuing to pass notes 37 38.

She is sensitive to being a burden and apologizes when she fears her writing has wasted Zhang Zhaomu’s time. His reassurance visibly delights her. Her inexperience with boys also leaves her uncertain about intimacy: she becomes flustered over accidentally sharing chopsticks, yet subsequently accepts food directly from his hand without recognizing the apparent inconsistency 40 41 43.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Becoming Zhang Zhaomu’s Deskmate

Xiang Qing occupies the back-row window seat when Zhang Zhaomu asks to sit beside her. She agrees with a slight nod. Although their early interactions are minimal, she later reveals that she deliberately kept his gender from her mother: he respects her boundaries, and she wants to try sharing a desk with a boy for the first time 4 38.

Opening Up Through Notes

Under the influence of his [Cat] persona, Zhang Zhaomu impulsively touches her moving hair. Xiang Qing silently shifts toward the wall and becomes too tense to follow the lesson. His written apology starts an exchange in which she asks why he touched her hair 35.

The notes become an opportunity she has long wanted. She asks about his visit to the teachers’ office, explains her unfamiliarity with boys, and admits that she has envied classmates who pass notes. His apology gives her a reason to begin doing so herself 37 38 39.

When she cannot verbally explain her transfer, she instead gives him a densely written note of roughly eight hundred characters covering the transfer and dormitory life. After she apologizes for its length, he tells her that it was sincere and that he does not mind getting to know her. He then invites her to write whenever she wants, prompting the first smile he has seen from her 39 40 41.

Sharing Food

After offering to bring him restaurant takeout, Xiang Qing secretly gives Zhang Zhaomu a container of warm ribs. They eat together, accidentally use the same ends of the chopsticks, and continue alternating pieces after he reassures her. Their growing ease carries into the afternoon, when she supplies most of their written conversation 41 42 43.

Relationships

• Zhang Zhaomu — Deskmate and the first boy with whom she has shared a desk. Written exchanges turn their initially distant relationship into one where she freely shares her thoughts and offers him food 38 40 43.
• Mother — Closely controls her schooling and contact with boys while taking considerable care over her nutrition. Xiang Qing quietly departs from her rules by concealing that her deskmate is male 36 38 41.
• Biological father — Connected to her mother’s loathing of males; the underlying circumstances are not disclosed 38.
• Chen Yongchao — Homeroom teacher who appoints her study representative and refuses to blame her for her mother’s conduct 6 36.
• Kang Hao — Classmate who announces his intention to win her over within a month, then complains that she will neither converse with him nor meet his eyes. No reciprocal interest is shown 8 19.