Old Yu

Biodata

Background / History

Before the Examinations

Old Yu served in the army in Chongqing for several years. By the time the examinations began, he was living in Harbin, where You Huo visited him during the National Day holiday. You Huo had returned to China less than two months earlier, and Old Yu was supposed to take him to the airport the following morning 1 31.

After drinking heavily at a farewell gathering, Old Yu stumbled into a pile of silver-foil spirit money outside a children's hospital. He, Yu Wen, and You Huo were abruptly transported to a snowbound cabin. Still dizzy on arrival, he vomited on You Huo and became too embarrassed and frightened to speak to him 1.

Cockcrow Mountain Examination

Old Yu and Yu Wen searched the surrounding woods for an escape route, but every direction brought them back to the cabin within ten minutes. They returned shortly before the examination's 18:00 starting time, having found neither other people nor buildings 1.

When the invigilators arrived over the use of unapproved stationery, Old Yu protested that the candidates had not been told what they were allowed to use. He became furious when You Huo was taken away. Afterward, Yu Wen explained You Huo's clue about a knife that could write on the answer wall, and Old Yu eagerly offered to help find it 5 6.

During the first paper collection, Old Yu narrowly escaped death when You Huo returned and carved “Solution” onto the wall, earning two points. Yu Wen held onto his father's leg as Old Yu's head nearly reached the doorway; the incident stripped the hair from the top of his head and scraped his scalp bloody 9.

His recollection that two equipment hooks had already been empty before the exam helped establish that the missing hunting gear had not been concealed by another candidate. Later, he was the first to announce that he could see a hidden name after You Huo poured wine into a goblet 13 24.

Rest Stop

After the physics examination, Old Yu asked the invigilators how candidates could return home without a Guaranteed Admission Card. He learned that they needed to complete the required subjects and meet the score requirement 26.

At the rest stop's general store, he recognized the regional term “cangmai” and discovered that shopkeeper Zhao came from his hometown. His attempt to establish a friendly connection was rebuffed: Zhao warned him against getting attached to people who might die the following day 28.

Chasu Village Examination

Before the foreign-language exam, Old Yu befriended Chen Bin by mentioning his army service in Chongqing, Chen Bin's hometown. At Black Granny's house, he drew the Death card before the listening test 31 37.

Although frightened by the graveyard surrounding Chasu Village, Old Yu refused to let You Huo investigate it alone and followed with Yu Wen and Yu Yao. When You Huo asked what appeared on tombstones, Old Yu's answer included the person who carved them—supporting the deduction that Black Granny's name could be found in an inscription 43.

The next morning, Old Yu discovered the blood-soaked house where Chen Bin and Liang Yuanhao had stayed. His military training helped him compose himself and prepare to investigate, although You Huo entered first. After learning that the Judgement card represented resurrection, he immediately wondered whether Liang Yuanhao could still be saved 45 46.

When You Huo later chose to remain indoors to test the nighttime danger, Old Yu offered to stay too. Ultimately, he joined the others at the edge of the woods, close enough to watch You Huo's house rather than retreating deep into the forest 47 48.

Appearance

• Broad face and heavy build: His broad face is visible through the cabin window; Zhao later remarks on how fat he has become since his military days 1 28.
• Scalp injury: The first paper collection leaves the top of his head bald, with part of the scalp scraped raw and bleeding 9.
• Shaky hands: His habitual drinking is explicitly linked to a hand tremor that makes threading a needle difficult 39.

Personality

Old Yu is sociable and quick to look for common ground. He tries to bond with Zhao over their hometown and with Chen Bin through his former posting in Chongqing. He is also patient with children, explaining the meaning of “cangmai” to the twin girls 28 31.

His concern for others frequently outweighs his fear. He encourages the pregnant Yu Yao to warm herself by the stove, protests You Huo's punishment, and follows his nephew into the graveyard despite wanting to avoid it. Nevertheless, he is unusually intimidated by You Huo and often holds back from scolding him 3 5 22 43.

Heavy drinking is a persistent flaw. He blames his drunkenness for the accident that brought his family into the examinations, while Yu Wen openly criticizes both his drinking and its effects on his health 1 39.

Abilities & Skills

Military Composure

His army experience helps him regain control in a gruesome emergency 46.

• Prepares to inspect the blood-soaked bedroom while other candidates are close to vomiting.
• Remains cautious about disturbing the apparently occupied bed before assessing the situation.

Observation and Recall

Old Yu contributes practical details rather than academic solutions 13 43.

• Remembers that two hunting-gear hooks were empty before the examination began.
• Identifies gravestone inscriptions as a possible source of the carver's name.

Relationships

• Yu Wen — Son. Their exchanges are blunt and quarrelsome, but Yu Wen protects him during the first paper collection and helps thread his needle when his hands shake 2 9 39.
• You Huo — Nephew. Old Yu fears his temper but admires his competence and repeatedly tries to protect him from punishment and danger 1 6 18 43 47.
• Yu Yao — Fellow examinee. He comforts her, encourages her to stay warm during her pregnancy, and notes that they share a surname 3.
• Chen Bin — Fellow examinee. They quickly become friendly through Old Yu's connection to Chongqing 31.
• Shopkeeper Zhao — Fellow townsman. Zhao rejects his attempt to establish camaraderie at the rest stop 28.
• Qin Jiu — Invigilator 001. Old Yu distrusts him as a representative of the system and worries about leaving You Huo alone with him 47.