Xiao Xingcheng

Xiao Xingcheng was in the coffin house, where he lived with A-Yang, the boy he had rescued, and A-Qing. He was carefully arranging a straw basket in his hands, paying close attention to what he was doing, since, being blind, he relied on his other senses. Xingcheng heard the door open but didn't immediately recognize the presence; however, after a short pause, he was able to identify Song Lan. Xiao Xingcheng listened to his now ex-best friend talk about his new "housemate," A-Yang, or rather, Xue Yang, his greatest former enemy, from whom he hadn't heard in years. Or he had almost no news; three years ago when he rescued A-Yang, he didn't recognize him immediately, but they had been living together for three years. Despite trying to feign ignorance about it, since he had become more attached to his former enemy than he would have liked, it was obvious that he already had his suspicions about his true identity. But after so many years, would A-Yang really be lying to himself? For so long? About everything? He had been living with him for three years, hadn't hurt anyone until then; on the contrary, he had shown himself to be so kind during that time.

• Song Lan, don't come back.

That conversation had already lasted longer than he wanted, and now he needed Song Lan to leave, and so the former friend, even against his will, did.

-A-Qing, where was A-Yang?

A-Qing ran to him saying that A-Yang had gone to the market earlier and hadn't returned yet, but that he should be returning.

• Okay, I'm sure he'll be back soon.

Xiao Xingcheng smiled, but he was more anxious and nervous than usual for A-Yang's return.