**October 10, 1968**
Ah Hua accompanied Yan Zu on a train journey to Beijing.
**Inside the Train Compartment**
"Master, why do you insist on booking a private room for me? I could have purchased a regular ticket instead," Yan Zu inquired.
"Azu, the journey from Foshan to Beijing takes two days. This way, you can rest and enjoy the scenery through the window," Ah Hua explained.
"Thank you, Master. This is my first time traveling such a long distance," Yan Zu replied with excitement.
"You're just a silly boy. Soon, you'll be so renowned that you'll be flying to countries all over the world," Ah Hua said, embracing Yan Zu affectionately.
**At the Beijing Theater Academy**
Lin Yuanhai, 28, was instructing students in Peking Opera when he became frustrated, tossing the script to the floor in anger.
"Sing it for me again! What kind of Peking Opera is this!?" Yuanhai shouted furiously.
Afterward, he stepped into the restroom, where he was met with familiar monthly discomfort.
"Damn it! Why does this happen to me!?" Yuanhai exclaimed in frustration.
Just then, a student knocked at the restroom door.
"Teacher! A friend from Foshan has come to see you!" the student announced.
"Foshan!? Could it be Taipan Chen?" Yuanhai wondered aloud.
"Okay! I'm coming!" he responded loudly.
**In the College Lounge**
"Wow! Master, this college is enormous!" Yan Zu exclaimed animatedly.
"Do you like it here? I plan to have you study Peking Opera for three years, alright?" Ah Hua asked.
At that moment, Yan Zu's demeanor shifted abruptly.
He pushed Ah Hua away in distress.
"Even you want to abandon me! What's wrong with me!? Why does no one want me!?" Yan Zu cried out, agitated.
Yuanhai approached,
"It's been a long time, Mr. Chen! How have you been...?" he began, but his gaze shifted to Yan Zu.
Yan Zu also turned to look at the distance.
"Why aren't you worried?! Go confront your own master!?" Yuanhai said, irritated.
Seeing Yan Zu about to storm out, Yuanhai quickly restrained him, recognizing a reflection of his own childhood in Yan Zu.
"I am still here! I won't abandon you!?" Ah Hua insisted, his voice rising in frustration.
Yan Zu collapsed to the floor.
"Why do you want me to stay in Beijing!? Everyone says I look like a woman and that I'm not worthy!?" he cried.
"I genuinely want you to learn Peking Opera. I have no ulterior motives," Ah Hua replied earnestly.
"Chen Daban, do you think I'd accept him if you're preparing him to study here? My dear, gaining admission to this college is no small feat. I'm merely one of the instructors; your uncle brought you here because he saw your potential," Yuanhai remarked.
Gradually, Yan Zu calmed down.
Yuanhai handed Yan Zu scripts for both Cantonese and Peking Opera.
"Go backstage and practice these two pieces. You'll be performing in two hours. Make sure you prepare well; many students will be watching," Yuanhai instructed.
Yan Zu made his way to the backstage area.
"Master Chen, come into my office for a discussion," Yuanhai called out.
**In Yuanhai's Office**
"Yuanhai, it's been five years since you left Foshan. I still cherish the memory of us performing 'Farewell My Concubine' together; it's unforgettable," Ah Hua reminisced.
"Brother, you're not only here to reminisce; you have other reasons for visiting. This must be about your nephew," Yuanhai replied perceptively.
At that moment, Ah Hua noticed Yuanhai adjusting his clothing.
"Is it uncomfortable to wear?" Ah Hua asked.
"Oh, it's been over ten years, and you still remember?" Yuanhai replied with a smile.
"Of course, I remember. I was the only one who noticed your costume had a hint of red. Eventually, I discovered you were intersex. I truly admired your perseverance," Ah Hua said, taking a picture of Yuanhai.
"Are you suggesting I inform him about his intersex condition? Does he even know?" Yuanhai queried.
"He has no idea. His parents and I both want to shield him," Ah Hua responded.
"What you're doing may only harm him, turning him into another version of me—neither fully a man nor a woman," Yuanhai warned.
"But if he learns too early, it might shatter him," Ah Hua countered.
"Shatter? Why would he be unable to cope with being like me? Only five percent of the population has this condition. I consider myself unfortunate, and from a medical standpoint, there's no treatment available for people like me. I am left with no options," Yuanhai argued.
Taking a drag from his cigarette, he concluded, "End of chapter."