**December 10, 2010 – Hong Kong**
On a frigid night, heavy rain poured down relentlessly. Xiaochen had just completed her music lessons and was preparing to head home, but the downpour reduced visibility significantly.
Grabbing her umbrella, she started walking. Suddenly, she found herself standing in front of the old house belonging to Chen Yanzu.
As she stumbled just outside the mansion, she noticed lights glowing on the second floor, stirring memories of her classmates' tales.
"Xiaochen, you have to remember that there's something peculiar about the old house near our university. It looks shabby during the day, but at night, it transforms into a magnificent structure," explained Classmate A.
"Exactly! I heard a handsome man lives there. A few years ago, the government planned to demolish it, but strange occurrences prevented that. They say it's haunted. It's terrifying!" added Classmate B.
Brought back to the present, Xiaochen pondered, "Is it really that frightening? But with this rain, if I fall again, I'll certainly get soaked. It's already nine o'clock; I should seek shelter in the old house."
Xiaochen knocked vigorously on the door.
"Is anyone there? May I come in to escape the rain?" she called out.
There was no verbal response, but the door creaked open.
Using her phone's flashlight, she stepped inside cautiously. Suddenly, all the lights on the first floor flickered to life, startling her. A captivating oil painting caught her attention.
"Wow! This painting is exquisite. The artist must have been a remarkable talent. But the decor seems to be from the 1970s—definitely antiques," Xiaochen mused.
Continuing her exploration, she ascended to the second floor. There, she faintly heard music from the early 1970s. Following the sound, she approached a room illuminated by soft light and opened the door.
Inside, she was embraced tightly by Chen Yanzu.
"Xiao Qin! I finally found you! I've missed you so much!" he exclaimed, tears in his eyes.
Xiaochen felt a chilling sensation envelop her. She sneezed loudly.
"Ah-Choo! Why are you so cold? Who are you?" she asked, surprised.
"I am the owner of this grand house, Chen Yanzu," he replied gently.
"Wow, he has a lovely voice, and he looks so familiar," Xiaochen thought.
"This rain isn't going to stop anytime soon. You can stay here for the night. There are several rooms available," Azu offered.
"Thank you. This mansion is enormous! Do you live here alone? What about your family?" Xiaochen inquired.
"My family? Perhaps they've forgotten me. I trusted the wrong people and made poor choices in life," Azu said sadly.
**1965 – Guangzhou (Dongguan)**
A group of children played merrily by the pond, shedding their clothes in the process. Only Yanzu stood apart, lost in thoughts of his mother and Chen Amei's warnings.
"Azu, remember this: you must not go into the water. There's something unique about your body, and if others see it, they will mock you. Your father will be furious," Amei cautioned.
Back to the present.
"Azu! Come play in the pond! It's so much fun!" called Child A.
"No, I... I can't swim," Yanzu replied hesitantly.
Suddenly, a splash of water hit him.
"Hey! It's shallow, come play!" shouted Xiao Qin.
Forgetting his mother's warning, Yanzu approached the pond.
After a while, a boy yanked down Yanzu's pants.
"Oh my god! His private parts are so small and funny! Disgusting!" a boy laughed loudly.
Yanzu quickly pulled up his pants and ran home in tears, with villagers staring at him.
At home, he faced his father and grandmother's anger.
"What did I tell you? Didn't I warn you against being naked? You're a disgrace! Your body is so strange and filthy!" Chen Guang shouted.
"Guang! Throw him out of the village! I don't want such a grandson! It's a disgrace!" Chen Lao added furiously.
That night, Yanzu fell ill and cried uncontrollably, while his mother stayed by his side throughout the night.
**June 10, 1965 – Yanzu's 5th Birthday**
The entire village gathered to celebrate Yanzu's birthday, oblivious to the unique aspects of his body that only his parents knew.
Following the festivities, Yanzu busied himself with cleanup and overheard a conversation between his parents. He hid outside their room, listening intently.
"I heard Azu will be sent to a theater troupe in Foshan tomorrow. It's better for him to stay there among others like him. If he remains in the village, it'll be a significant shame for us!" Chen Guang said angrily.
"Azu is your son! How can you say that? He's a handsome and well-behaved boy! I can't bear to abandon him!" Amei responded, tears in her eyes.
"Don't worry, dear. We can have more children later. Just forget about Yanzu," Chen Guang insisted.
Heartbroken, Yanzu stepped outside to cry alone.
**-End of Chapter-**