Li Guiqin

Biodata

Personality

Li Guiqin places her son’s well-being above academic success. During Jiang Fan’s final year of high school, she avoids pressuring him despite his declining grades because she sees how hard he studies. When she fears that his examination results have harmed his mental health, she offers to let him leave school and promises that she and his father can support him for life 2 3.

Normally outgoing and fond of joking with her neighbors, she becomes unusually withdrawn while worrying about Jiang Fan. Her sociable side returns as his circumstances improve: she chats enthusiastically with Chu Ruoxi and later greets neighbors cheerfully while shopping for her son’s homecoming meal 2 10 43.

She is openly sentimental but does not want her attachment to restrict Jiang Fan’s future. Although she cries before his departure for the Capital, she lets him go and reminds him to eat properly and avoid overworking 22.

History

Jiang Fan’s Examination Difficulties

Jiang Fan had been Li Guiqin’s pride since childhood, earning numerous certificates and consistently ranking among the best students. His increasingly isolated behavior and repeated scores of around 300 during his final school year leave her distressed. After he finishes last in a school examination and refuses to eat or speak for two days, she unsuccessfully tries to coax him out of his room. She welcomes Chu Ruoxi’s visit in the hope that a classmate can reach him 2.

Li Guiqin and Jiang Jingguo are present when Jiang Fan checks his college entrance examination results and receives another total of 300. His unexpected excitement—caused by the activation of his Technology System—makes her fear that he has suffered another breakdown. She is relieved when he speaks normally and asks her to prepare food 3.

The following day, both parents take time off work to stay with him. Li Guiqin initially suspects that his cheerful behavior conceals disappointment, but watching him play The King of Fighters with his father makes her smile at the return of their lively family atmosphere 9.

Police Lockdown and University Recruitment

After a day of shopping with Jiang Jingguo, Li Guiqin returns to find Happiness Residential Complex sealed off by armed police. Officers surround the couple after identifying them as Jiang Fan’s parents, leading them to fear that something terrible has happened to their son 15 16.

Inside their home, officers remove Jiang Fan’s computer and search his room. The family receives a cover story explaining that he has developed a material for solar photovoltaic panels; his controlled nuclear fusion research remains a national secret 17.

The alarm gives way to astonishment when representatives from leading universities compete to recruit Jiang Fan. A Dragon Country Peking University representative directly approaches Li Guiqin with an offer including a one-million-yuan reward and a monthly stipend of ten thousand yuan 21.

Departure for the Capital

Before Jiang Fan leaves with Zhou Huaide, Li Guiqin tearfully urges him to take care of himself. Jiang Fan thanks his parents for supporting him through the previous year and kowtows three times; she immediately helps him up 22.

Zhou Huaide hands over a bank card containing Jiang Fan’s one-million-yuan national reward. Li Guiqin accepts it, thanks both him and the country, and tells her son to serve his country well. She and Jiang Jingguo accompany Jiang Fan to the complex entrance to see him leave by helicopter 22.

Jiang Fan’s Return and Public Recognition

When Jiang Fan returns home, Li Guiqin buys chicken, duck, fish, and meat to cook for him. Her neighbors now praise the same son whose examination results had previously prompted ridicule 43.

She initially doubts Jiang Fan’s announcement that he has earned second-class merit, believing such recognition normally goes to military personnel who have suffered injuries. He attributes the award to his solar photovoltaic work, following the official cover story. Once convinced, she changes into a beautiful outfit so that she will not embarrass him at the ceremony and reminds Jiang Jingguo to bring cigarettes for the neighbors 44 45.

Relationships

• Jiang Fan — Her son. She supports him through his apparent academic failures and celebrates his scientific recognition. Jiang Fan acknowledges the ridicule his parents endured and resolves to make them proud 2 22.
• Jiang Jingguo — Her husband. They jointly watch over Jiang Fan after his examination results. He also prompts her to give Jiang Fan and Chu Ruoxi time alone when her enthusiastic conversation keeps monopolizing the visit 9 10.
• Chu Ruoxi — Jiang Fan’s classmate and Li Guiqin’s favored prospective daughter-in-law. Li Guiqin warmly welcomes her, gives Jiang Fan 1,000 yuan to take her out for lunch, and later supplies Jiang Fan’s contact information. She also messages Chu Ruoxi when he returns home, prompting another visit 10 26 46.
• Old Wang’s wife — A neighbor on poor terms with Li Guiqin’s family. She repeatedly compares Wang Gang favorably with Jiang Fan, first through military honors and later through his girlfriend’s appearance 43 46.

Notable Quotes

“Son, from now on, we won't go to school anymore. As long as our family is safe and sound, that's all that matters!” 3

“Son, you've made something of yourself. You must serve your country well in the future.” 22