Zhang Yunyi

Biodata

Background / History

Research and Betrayal

Zhang Yunyi belonged to a scientific team developing a neural tissue necrosis inhibitor, intended to reduce suffering from sensory impairments, paralysis, and related conditions. After more than twenty years of research, the team succeeded. Just before submitting its findings, however, traitors within the team attempted to sell the inhibitor to foreigners—an act she condemned as treason 18.

She later faced another betrayal among the people protecting her. On the third day after Yu Yang’s departure, one of her protectors attempted to take her captive. Rather than submit, she jumped from a cliff into the sea 18.

Life in Hiding

A fisherman whom Yu Zeqi later knew as Grandpa Lu rescued her. Only afterward did she discover that she was pregnant with Yu Yang’s child. To evade pursuit and safely raise her son, she settled in a small fishing village under the name Zhang Yun 18.

Although she initially wanted to return with her son, she learned that the Yu Family’s internal situation was extremely dangerous. Believing that its members would prevent Yu Zeqi from surviving to adulthood if they discovered him, she kept his existence secret 18.

Raising him alone required exhausting work. Yu Zeqi remembered her leaving early, returning late, and sometimes eating bread in the dark when he woke during the night. Both mother and son endured malicious gossip about his absent father 21.

She continued to react emotionally to Yu Yang, crying when she saw him on television while denying to her son that she knew him. She eventually died of illness 4 22.

Appearance

• Graceful, gentle beauty: Her photograph depicts a cool, moonlight-like beauty whom both Yu Yang and Yun Qishan immediately recognize 16.
• Free-spirited expression: In a beach photograph, she smiles mischievously and makes a peace sign while holding pictures of baby Yu Zeqi and the young Yu Yang 18.

Personality

Yu Zeqi remembers his mother as gentle and beautiful, with encouraging words of wisdom. Her decision to remain hidden was driven by concern for his safety, though she acknowledged that it had also deprived him of a father and apologized for that consequence 4 18.

Her final message combines affection with respect for her son’s independence: she leaves the decision to acknowledge Yu Yang entirely to him. She also retains a playful streak, instructing him not to help his father find something she left in her room, calling the search a small punishment 18.

Abilities & Skills

Scientific Research

• Participated in the successful development of a neural tissue necrosis inhibitor after more than twenty years of research 18.
• Described herself as an outstanding scientific researcher; her recorded message opens with footage of her conducting an experiment in a laboratory coat 17 18.

Relationships

• Yu Zeqi — Her son, whom she raised alone while concealing his parentage for his protection. Her death and the hardships she endured remain central to his initial resentment toward Yu Yang 18 21.
• Yu Yang — Her former romantic partner and Yu Zeqi’s biological father. She retained photographs of him and left something for him to find if their son chose to bring him home. He is devastated when he learns of her death 18 21.
• Grandpa Lu — The fisherman who rescued her after her fall into the sea; deceased by the time Yu Zeqi watches her message 18.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Discovery of Yu Zeqi’s Parentage

Shang Shujue sends Yun Qishan photographs of Zhang Yunyi and Yu Zeqi, a letter, and a sample of Yu Zeqi’s hair. Recognizing Yunyi and his own resemblance to her son, Yu Yang immediately suspects the truth. A DNA test confirms that Yu Zeqi is his biological child 16.

Final Message and Family Reconciliation

Yu Zeqi discovers a locked video on his phone, protected by the date and time of a shared trip to Ice and Snow World. In it, Zhang Yunyi explains her research, escape, concealed identity, and reasons for raising him away from his father. The recording ends with family photographs documenting his childhood and his parents’ relationship 17 18.

The message helps Yu Zeqi understand that his father had not knowingly abandoned him. Nevertheless, his memories of his mother’s suffering initially prevent him from accepting Yu Yang. He later reconsiders, worries whether reconciliation would upset her, and ultimately begins calling Yu Yang “Dad” 18 21 36.

Notable Quotes

“Now that you're an adult and know where you came from, whether you want to find your father is entirely up to you.” 18

“My darling son, Mommy loves you.” 18

Trivia

• Shang Shujue imagines a scenario in which Zhang Yunyi faked her death and returns with powerful military relatives. This is explicitly his speculation, not her actual history; he subsequently confirms that she truly died of illness 22.