**June 9, 1968, Foshan**
On the eve of Yanzu's birthday, Amei penned a letter to Ah Hua, which Hao later delivered to the theater.
"Master, you have received a letter today," Hao announced.
"A letter?! It's been ages since anyone wrote to me. Who is it from?" Ah Hua inquired, visibly surprised.
"It's from Dongguan," Hao replied loudly.
Nearby, Yan Zu, engrossed in his studies, paused to eavesdrop as he heard the conversation.
"Wang Ling! Come here and read this letter for me!" Ah Hua called out.
"Dear Brother Ah Hua, how is Yan Zu? It's hard to believe he is already eight years old. Has he caused you any trouble? If so, I sincerely apologize. Chen Guang and I have a baby boy named Yan Ming. He is so handsome and adorable—already two years old! I hope you can come to Dongguan to visit us in the coming years. Honestly, I worry about A Zu. Due to his physical differences, Chen Guang is unwilling to accept him. I feel such guilt, but for the dignity of our village, we must let him go. It's for his own good and for the welfare of our village, Chenjiacun. As village chief, Chen Guang fears that if the villagers learn our eldest son is neither fully male nor female, it would be a source of ridicule. I hope you will love and raise Yanzu as your own. Best regards, Amei Chen."
Yan Zu, hidden in a corner, overheard the entire exchange. Overcome with emotion, he ran to his room in tears.
From that day forward, Yanzu never mentioned a return to Dongguan; he found happiness in Foshan.
**One Month Later**
Ah Hua formally began Yanzu's training in martial arts and singing. Yanzu displayed remarkable dedication and resilience. Unfortunately, due to his physical condition, he struggled to learn male roles, regardless of his efforts.
**Two Years Later**
At the age of ten, Yan Zu mastered the role of Huo Xiaoyu in the Cantonese opera *The Purple Hairpin*. One late evening, he practiced in the pavilion.
Ah Hua, rising for a glass of water, was captivated by a beautiful voice emanating from the pavilion. Concerned, he stepped outside and was taken aback.
"Azu!? At just ten years old, his voice already has such a feminine quality?! No, I must go to Beijing and seek out Lin Yuanhai," Ah Hua thought anxiously.
Yan Zu, hearing footsteps, called out, "Who is it?"
"It's me! You seem so lonely singing *Purple Hairpin*. Let me join you for the chorus," Ah Hua replied.
"Okay! I've never sung a duet with you before!" Yan Zu exclaimed joyfully.
They began to sing together:
*"On a misty moonlit night, tears fall like petals, shattering the dreams of Dengchai..."*
Ah Hua watched in astonishment as Yan Zu's expression and voice mirrored that of a girl.
Yan Zu gently patted Ah Hua on the shoulder. "Uncle! Are you alright? Is my singing that bad? Everyone says my voice sounds like a girl because I'm only ten and my voice isn't mature yet," he said sadly.
Overcome with emotion, Yan Zu cried out, "I know I'm not good at anything, which is why my parents don't want me. I long to study, but they can't afford it. I've worked hard these past years to master Cantonese opera. I want to be like my Master and play the leading role, but my voice is too soft and I can't measure up!"
"There, there, silly boy! You have a wonderful voice! Your birthday is coming up soon—how about a special gift?" Ah Hua proposed.
Still in tears, Yanzu buried his face in his hands.
"Here's the plan: In October, I'll be invited by the Beijing Peking Opera Troupe to perform *Farewell My Concubine*. This month, Master will teach you the role, and in October, you'll accompany me to Beijing to sing it as your birthday present. What do you say?" Ah Hua asked with a smile.
"Yes! Yes!" Yan Zu replied excitedly.
"But Yanzu, you must promise to live happily. Despite any setbacks or negativity you may face, never lose heart or give up. As you grow, you might become a famous actor with many fans, but also face criticism. You need to be strong," Ah Hua said earnestly.
"I understand, Uncle! I will always stay by your side!" Yan Zu said, embracing Ah Hua with a bright smile.
**The Next Afternoon**
At the theater troupe's performance stage, Ah Hua announced, "Everyone gather around! Today is Yan Zu's birthday, and I will be performing *The Purple Hairpin* with him. Wang Ling, please help with his makeup."
"But Master, I only sing casually in the evenings. I'm not ready to perform," Yan Zu replied shyly.
The other members of the troupe exchanged glances, feeling uneasy.
Despite their concerns, the audience's applause echoed throughout the theater.
"Wow! Yan Zu truly belongs in the troupe! His voice is so refined after just a year of practice!" exclaimed Hao Zai.
"Absolutely! His voice is reminiscent of Bai Xuexian—so beautiful! I believe in you, Chen Yanzu! You will undoubtedly achieve fame," Wang Ling added enthusiastically.
After dinner, as Yanzu was heading back to his room, he overheard some juniors mocking him.
"Some people really should reconsider. If you're a man pretending to sing like a woman, you might end up being neither a man nor a woman!" they laughed as they passed by.
Yan Zu felt the sting of their words.
**December 11, 2010, Hong Kong**
The following morning, Yan Zu left a tape on the dressing table.
"Good morning, Miss Li. It's a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps you look like a friend of mine, so our meeting seems destined. I hope to see you again," Yan Zu recorded.
Xiaochen hurried out of the large house.
Upon returning home, Xiaochen was greeted at Li's mansion in the Mid-levels area.
"Xiaochen! Did you sleep late and end up at the old mansion again?" scolded Li Peipei, the elderly matriarch, who was 85.
"Grandma, I stayed up all night studying at the university library. I need to take a shower," Xiaochen replied.
"Quickly, take a shower! You have to accompany your mother to pick up your father from prison," Peipei instructed.
"I know!" Xiaochen responded.
Xiaochen placed the recording in her bag.
**-End of Chapter-**