91
In a classroom of a fifth-grade class at Tamsui Elementary School, during break time, You-ji puts away his textbooks, takes out drawing paper and a pencil, and sits at his desk drawing. His classmate Li Zhongping runs over to tease him: “Qiu Youji, what are you drawing again?”

Seeing that Youji does not respond, Li Zhongping escalates his mockery: “Qiu Youji, what is that weird thing you’re drawing? It’s so funny, really ugly, show everyone.”

Li Zhongping snatches his drawing: “Everyone come look, Qiu Youji’s drawing some scribbles.”

Youji tries to take the drawing back, but Li Zhongping refuses. Youji pushes Li Zhongping. He manages to snatch back the wrinkled drawing, but unexpectedly Li Zhongping loses his balance, falls down, and hits his head on the corner of the desk, bursting into loud crying. Teacher Wang comes over to check: “Come, let the teacher take a look. Let’s go to the health room first. Everyone please stay quiet and wait for the teacher to come back. Class monitor, maintain order. Next class will be self-study.”

92
The teacher invites both sides’ parents to the school to handle the matter, and Yuling quickly apologizes to the other party.

Teacher Wang says: “While Youji was drawing, Zhongping snatched his drawing, so this is how this incident happened.”

Yuling says: “Mr. Li, I’m really sorry about this. Youji, why aren’t you apologizing to your classmate?”

Qiu Youji lowers his head and says nothing.

Mr. Li says: “Forget it. My child was at fault first in this matter.”

Yuling says: “It was wrong of him to push a classmate. I’m really sorry.”

Mr. Li: “Forget it, forget it.”

Mrs. Li enters the office. Upon hearing her husband say “forget it,” she rushes forward: “What do you mean forget it? Our precious son has a big bump on his head!”

Mr. Li says: “If he hadn’t bullied the classmate first, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Mrs. Li says: “What are you saying? Is he your son or not? Our son got injured, how can you just say forget it?”

Mr. Li says: “I said forget it, so it’s forgotten. Teacher, sorry for letting you see this joke.”

Teacher Wang says: “It’s alright. Mr. Li, how about this: you take Zhongping home to rest first.”

Mr. Li says: “Mm, I’ll take him back first. Teacher Wang, sorry for the trouble.”

Mrs. Li scolds: “Hey, you old man! You’re just leaving like that?”

After they leave, Yuling lets out a sigh of relief.

Yuling says: “Teacher Wang, our Youji has always been very well-behaved. This has never happened before.”

Teacher Wang says: “I know this. This child, Youji, has a lot of artistic talent. I was planning to send his works abroad for competitions. However, during recess he never plays with other children and only focuses on drawing. I worry he may have signs of autism, and that is not good for a child’s development.”

Yuling asks worriedly: “Autism!? Is that a serious illness? What should we do?”

Teacher Wang says: “Don’t be so nervous. I only suspect he may have such tendencies. You can take him to see a psychiatrist; the doctor’s opinion will be more reliable.”

Yuling says: “Oh, Teacher Wang, thank you.”

93
Inside a snack shop on Tamsui Old Street, there are a few scattered customers. Yuling and Yingming are talking.

Yuling says: “I was really sorry last time. I didn’t expect you would still be willing to invite me out for a-gei.”

Yingming says: “No, no, no. I should be the one apologizing. I was really too impulsive last time.”

The two fall into an awkward silence as the server brings over a-gei and fish ball soup.

Server says: “Be careful, it’s hot.”

Yingming says: “Let’s eat while it’s hot.”

After the two silently eat for a while, they speak at the same time.

Yingming says: “Um…”

Yuling says: “I…”

They fall silent again.

Yingming smiles and says: “Ah, we’re already this old, still being so shy. If our children saw us like this, they would laugh.”

Yuling also smiles: “That’s true.”

Yingming says: “Yuling, I still like you as before, but I will respect your thoughts. If you don’t want to be with me, it’s fine. I hope we can still be good friends like before. We can occasionally go out to eat and take walks together. Is that okay?”

Yuling says: “Of course. What I wanted to say just now was also this. I hope what happened last time didn’t affect our friendship.”

Yingming says: “We really do have good chemistry.”

They smile at each other. Then Yuling lets out a sigh.

Yingming asks: “What’s wrong?”

Yuling says: “My youngest son is really troubling me.”

Yingming asks: “Oh? What happened?”

Yuling says: “The teacher said he never plays with other classmates at school, only draws by himself. And last time he even had a conflict with a classmate and pushed him into a desk.”

Yingming asks: “Does he also act out physically at home?”

Yuling says: “No. At home he is very well-behaved. He quietly does his own things. As long as I give him pen and paper, he will obediently draw by himself without making noise.”

Yingming says: “From what you describe, I suspect Youji may have autism tendencies.”

Yuling says anxiously: “Oh my God! The teacher said the same thing. What exactly is autism? Is it serious?”

Yingming says: “It is a kind of psychological condition. Children with autism tend to lack interaction with others. But autism can be subdivided into many different types and symptoms. I suggest you take him to a psychiatrist for diagnosis.”

Yuling says in panic: “I always thought as long as he was obedient like this it was fine. I didn’t expect this to also be an illness. What should I do?”

Yingming says: “How about this—I will introduce you to a friend of mine. He is a well-known psychiatrist. You take Youji to see him; he should be able to help you.”

94
Youji is lying on the living room table drawing. Yonglai comes over and watches him draw.

Yonglai asks: “Ah Ji, what are you drawing? Tell grandpa, okay?”

Youji does not speak and continues drawing. Yuling opens the door and comes in.

Yuling says: “I’m back. Dad, you’re here?”

Yonglai says: “Ah Ling, my good grandson is really serious about drawing. No matter how I call him, he doesn’t respond. And what he is drawing, I really can’t understand…”

Yuling picks up one of Youji’s drawings from the table. The content shows some incomprehensible shapes, with very heavy colors, mainly red and black. At first glance it seems somewhat like a monster’s face. Yuling looks at the drawing, unable to hide her worried expression. In her mind, she recalls when the family first came back here, Da-fu snatched Youji’s drawing paper, and they once got into a physical fight.

Yuling says: “Tomorrow I will take Ah Ji to see a doctor, and bring these drawings for the doctor to take a look.”

Yonglai asks in shock: “What? Our grandson is sick?”

Yuling shakes her head and says: “The teacher said it is something called autism. I don’t know the details either.”

Yonglai asks confusedly: “From what I see, he is usually fine. What illness could he have? He just doesn’t like interacting with people.”

Yuling says: “That kind of situation is called autism.”

95
Yuling sits in the waiting room. The psychiatrist leads Youji out of the consultation room, holding a stack of Youji’s drawings.

Doctor says: “Ah Ji, you performed very well. Madam, I would like to speak with you alone now. Please let Ah Ji stay in the playroom.”

Yuling says: “Ah Ji, go play first. Mom will be done soon.”

Nurse says: “Little brother, come, I will take you to play.”

Youji nods. The nurse takes Youji into the playroom. Yuling follows the doctor into the consultation room.

Doctor says: “Madam, sorry to have kept you waiting. During psychological testing, it is better for parents not to be present, so we can better understand the child’s true thoughts.”

Yuling says: “So what exactly is wrong with Ah Ji? Is he sick?”

Doctor says: “Ah Ji does show a certain degree of autistic tendency. However, when I asked him to play games and perform certain tasks, he was still able to respond. Generally speaking, autism is a developmental disorder caused by congenital brain dysfunction. From the fact that Ah Ji is still able to interact with others, he does not have autism.”

Yuling says: “That’s great, so Ah Ji is just more introverted?”

Doctor says: “It should be called an emotional disorder. The next part is a bit difficult to say.” The doctor takes a drawing from Youji’s stack: “These drawings are all done by Ah Ji, correct?”

Yuling says: “Yes.”

Doctor says: “The colors in Ah Ji’s drawings are very heavy, and the compositions are very wild. I see a lot of anger and dissatisfaction in his drawings. Madam, I am not doubting you. I believe you are a good mother, but for Ah Ji’s sake I must ask clearly: did Ah Ji experience abandonment or domestic violence when he was young?”

In Yuling’s mind appears the scene of herself being abused by Zhao Dongping, the house in chaos, and the weak Ya-xin holding three-year-old Youji in her arms, taking him away from the violent scene.

Yuling silently nods.

Yuling says: “My ex-husband used drugs in the past. Whenever he was unhappy, he would hit me. Although he did not hit the children, I think Ah Ji must have seen it all.”

Doctor says: “I think this is the main cause of Ah Ji’s emotional disorder.”

Yuling asks: “Doctor, what should I do?”

Doctor says: “What Ah Ji needs most now is support and companionship from his family. Through care from his family, he can slowly feel that interacting with others is warm and safe. Then he will have a chance to come out of it, but this process is very long and requires patience.”

Yuling asks: “Then should I let him continue drawing?”

Doctor says: “Yes, of course. Drawing is actually a very good form of therapy, giving his emotions an outlet. And although I am completely an outsider in art, I can still see from his drawings that Ah Ji is very talented. I believe few children his age can draw such creative images. If he is intentionally encouraged and nurtured in that direction, he may have great potential in the future.”

Yuling says with mixed emotions: “Doctor, thank you.”

Doctor says: “You’re welcome. If you are worried, you can bring him here once a month and I will evaluate his psychological condition.”

Yuling nods and says: “Okay, I will.”

96
A-Ji was lying on the living room table drawing. Yu-Ling sat beside him, watching A-Ji, and could not help but feel overwhelmed with sorrow.
Yu-Ling asked: “A-Ji, do you feel happy when you draw?”
A-Ji did not respond. Yu-Ling wanted to reach out and hug A-Ji, but she stopped halfway as her hand extended.
Yu-Ling said in self-blame: “It’s all mother’s fault. I didn’t take good care of you. Mother is sorry to you.”
A-Ji paused slightly, then lifted his head as if somewhat understanding, and then lowered his head again to continue drawing. Yu-Ling silently shed tears.

A graceful, flowing piano sound came from the music room. A-Ji put down his pencil and lifted his head to listen attentively. Yu-Ling noticed A-Ji’s expression and also began to listen carefully to the music. After the piece ended, A-Ji revealed an innocent, pure smile and picked up his pencil again to continue drawing.

Yu-Ling asked: “Do you like listening to your sister play the piano?”
A-Ji nodded. Yu-Ling hugged A-Ji from behind, and her hair brushed against his face.
A-Ji giggled: “Mother, it itches, Mother.”

97
Si-Yang was performing at Fisherman’s Wharf. Around him were dozens of listeners. Ya-Xin moved through the crowd holding a hat, greeting the audience. Zhao Mu-Bai led Red Monkey and several small-time gangsters wandering on the road.

Red Monkey said: “There’s a crowd gathered over there. I wonder what they’re doing?”
Mu-Bai said: “Let’s go take a look.”

The group forcefully squeezed into the wall of people. Zhao Mu-Bai first saw Si-Yang, and then noticed Ya-Xin wearing a hearing aid. In his mind flashed the scene after the last piano competition ended: he was abandoned by Xue-Ye, while Ya-Xin and her family walked out of the venue laughing and talking.

Black Crow said: “So it’s a violin performance. So boring. Shall we leave?”
Wild Boar said: “It actually sounds pretty good.”
Red Monkey said: “Oh? Even Wild Boar knows how to appreciate music?”
Wild Boar said: “What are you crying about!”

Black Crow said: “Hey! That girl is the one we cornered before…”
Red Monkey said: “Seems like her. Look at her ear…”
Black Crow said: “Then there’s no mistake. What bad luck meeting again…”
Red Monkey said: “This time we’ll deal with her properly and make her scream…”

Except for Mu-Bai, the gangsters laughed loudly, drawing many contemptuous looks from the audience. Ya-Xin recognized them and shot them a look of disgust. Mu-Bai walked over. The other gangsters were confused by his actions but followed him.

Mu-Bai said arrogantly: “That playing is so terrible. This isn’t a performance—it’s noise, right?”
Si-Yang stopped and said: “Sir, if you don’t want to listen, please leave. Don’t disturb the other audience members, okay?”
Mu-Bai said: “The problem is your noise is already disturbing us.”

Mu-Bai turned to his underlings: “What do you think? Right?”
Red Monkey and the others began to jeer and shout.

Red Monkey said: “Yeah! We were even thinking whether we should call the Environmental Protection Bureau to report you!”
Black Crow said: “If you play this badly, don’t stay here pretending to be something you’re not!”

Si-Yang no longer wanted to let them continue causing trouble: “Please leave, okay? Even if you don’t want to listen, there are still others who do.”

Mu-Bai deliberately raised his voice toward the surrounding onlookers: “Are you sure anyone wants to listen? Do any of you want to hear this noise he’s making?”

The audience, seeing how arrogant and overbearing this group of gangsters was, did not dare to stand up for Si-Yang. Ya-Xin could not swallow her anger and stepped forward to face Mu-Bai.

Ya-Xin angrily pointed at them and said incoherently: “You… you’re going too far! I’ll call the police…”

Mu-Bai and his gang looked at each other and burst into laughter.
Red Monkey deliberately imitated Ya-Xin’s speech defect in a strange tone: “You… you’re going too far! Dumb girl, hahahaha…”

Mu-Bai mocked: “I really didn’t know that deaf and mute people could learn music. At this rate, even monkeys can play the violin.”

Red Monkey imitated a monkey jumping around while pretending to play the violin. The gang burst into laughter again.

Ya-Xin stepped forward and suddenly slapped Zhao Mu-Bai hard across the face. Everyone was stunned. The gangsters also stopped laughing.

Mu-Bai was instantly enraged and rushed forward to punch Ya-Xin: “Fuck! Crazy bitch, asking for a beating.”

Si-Yang stepped in front of Ya-Xin in a flash and took the punch for her, falling to the ground. He immediately stood up and punched Mu-Bai back. Seeing Mu-Bai being hit, the other gangsters all rushed forward and attacked Si-Yang wildly. Ya-Xin quickly picked up the violin that had fallen aside. Si-Yang was outnumbered and still got pinned down to the ground. Mu-Bai covered his face and walked up to him.

Mu-Bai kicked Si-Yang furiously: “Fuck! You’re pretty arrogant, huh!”

Mu-Bai turned his gaze to Ya-Xin, who was tightly holding onto the violin.
Mu-Bai stretched out his hand: “Give it here.”

Ya-Xin shook her head. Mu-Bai grabbed her and forcibly snatched the violin. Ya-Xin tried to take it back but was pushed to the ground. Mu-Bai walked over to Si-Yang holding the violin.

Mu-Bai said: “So you think playing the violin makes you great, huh? Fuck!”

He smashed the violin hard onto the ground. The violin snapped cleanly into two pieces.

At that moment someone in the crowd shouted: “The police are here! The police are here!”

Wild Boar said: “Boss, let’s get out of here!”

Before leaving, Mu-Bai spat on Si-Yang, who was lying on the ground. The gang then fled. Ya-Xin helped Si-Yang up. Si-Yang endured his injuries and carefully picked up the broken violin pieces with reluctance. Two police officers arrived and questioned them.

Police A asked: “Are you badly injured? I’ll call an ambulance for you.”
Si-Yang said: “No need, I can still walk.”
Police B asked: “Who injured you just now?”
Si-Yang said: “A group of local gangsters. I’ve seen them before, but I don’t know them.”
Ya-Xin said: “Officer, I know them. They bullied me before.”
Police A said: “Then I’ll call a taxi to take you to the hospital first. This young lady will come with us to give a statement.”

98
Si-Yang lay on the hospital bed. Teacher Candy sat beside him flipping through a magazine. Li Zi-Xuan was on the phone by the window.

Zi-Xuan said: “According to Big Brother Si-Yang’s description, it was Zhao Mu-Bai and his subordinate Red Monkey’s group. Ri-Xin, organize the club juniors into groups. After school, we’ll split up and search for them. Once we find them, we’ll call each other by phone. I want them to pay the price…”

On the other end of the line, Qin Ri-Xin said: “Got it, President.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Go arrange it. That’s it for now.”

Si-Yang advised: “Zi-Xuan, don’t cause trouble.”
Zi-Xuan said: “Big brother, a gentleman must take revenge. This debt must be settled with Zhao Mu-Bai.”

Candy said: “Si-Yang, you’re already injured like this. Their behavior is truly too arrogant. They should be taught a lesson.”

A knock on the door sounded.

Candy stood up and opened the door: “Come in!”

Qiu Yu-Ling said: “Teacher Tang.”

Yu-Ling and Ya-Xin entered the room. Si-Yang propped his upper body up.

Si-Yang said: “Mrs. Ya-Xin’s mother, Ya-Xin.”
Yu-Ling said: “Lie down quickly, lie down quickly. I already heard from Ya-Xin. Thank you for protecting our Ya-Xin.”
Si-Yang said: “Mrs. Ya-Xin’s mother, you’re too polite. Ya-Xin was helping me, so of course I had to protect her.”

Ya-Xin said: “Big brother, I’m sorry. It’s all because of me…”
Si-Yang interrupted: “Ya-Xin, that’s not your fault. Those people clearly came looking for trouble. Even if you hadn’t slapped him, I would have hit him anyway. Besides, your slap was so loud and satisfying—it was truly refreshing, hahaha… ouch, it hurts.”

Candy pressed on Si-Yang’s shoulder: “The patient should behave.”

Si-Yang said: “Ya-Xin, I know you’re going to take your exam this weekend. Candy, help me.”

Teacher Candy took the broken violin from the table and handed it to Si-Yang.

Si-Yang said: “I’ve already checked it roughly. The main sound box isn’t badly damaged. That’s fortunate among misfortunes. After I fix it, it should still be usable. So don’t worry. I will definitely repair it and hand it back to you before Saturday.”

Ya-Xin shook her head: “I’m more worried about you.”

Si-Yang said: “This little injury is nothing. I’ll be discharged soon. Ya-Xin, you still need to take the exam. Don’t let this affect you, understand?”

Candy said: “Ya-Xin, just do your best. You will definitely pass.”
Zi-Xuan said: “Ya-Xin, go for it! You can make it!”

Ya-Xin nodded.

99
Zhang Xue-Ye was playing the piano in the music room. Zhao Mu-Bai walked in excitedly.

Mu-Bai said: “Cousin, cousin, I have a huge piece of good news to tell you.”

Xue-Ye did not turn around and continued playing.

Mu-Bai said: “Listen to me, I helped you vent your anger. Yesterday at Fisherman’s Wharf, I ran into that deaf girl who humiliated you in the piano competition.”

Xue-Ye turned around and glared at Mu-Bai fiercely.

Xue-Ye said unhappily: “Ya-Xin did not humiliate me. Winning the championship was her ability.”

Mu-Bai said: “Is that so? Anyway, I saw her with a tall guy, performing violin on the street at Fisherman’s Wharf. I wanted to avenge you, so I brought my men to trouble them and even beat that guy up. Hahaha, how is it? Happy or not?”

Xue-Ye was shocked and furious, shouting: “Oh my God, you idiot! Do you even know what you’ve done?”

At that moment Zhang Ying-Ming entered the music room and heard the last part.

Ying-Ming said angrily, hands on hips and pointing: “Mu-Bai, what did you just say?”

Mu-Bai, still clueless, said proudly: “I said I went to trouble that champion deaf girl to help my cousin vent her anger.”

Ying-Ming said in rage: “Xue-Ye! How could you do such a thing? Haven’t I always taught you to have manners? Winning is winning, losing is losing. Your mentality of not accepting defeat is unacceptable. Call her immediately and apologize!”

Xue-Ye felt wronged and angry, and exploded: “I didn’t! Don’t accuse me! This idiot acted on his own! Ya-Xin is my good friend now. How could I possibly do that!”

Mu-Bai was stunned and stammered: “W-what… how could this be… I… I thought you would be happy if I did this.”

Xue-Ye slapped Mu-Bai hard: “Idiot! You ruined everything! Get out!”

Mu-Bai covered his cheek in shock: “You… what? Are you crazy?”

Xue-Ye pointed at the door fiercely: “Get out! Get out now! Get as far away as possible…”

Mu-Bai left in embarrassment.

Xue-Ye said: “Dad, I will call Ya-Xin now and explain that I did not instruct my cousin to cause trouble.”

Zhang Ying-Ming watched Xue-Ye leave the music room, and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

100
Si-Yang, lying in the hospital bed, endured his injuries while repairing the violin. Ying-Ming brought Xue-Ye and Yu-Ling to visit him.

Yu-Ling said: “Teacher Si, you are injured. Why aren’t you lying down and resting?”

Si-Yang said: “Mrs. Qiu, you’re here. And this is…?”

Yu-Ling said: “Let me introduce you. This gentleman Zhang is my old classmate. This young lady is Mr. Zhang’s daughter, and also Ya-Xin’s classmate.”

Ying-Ming said: “Mr. Si, let me introduce myself. My name is Zhang Ying-Ming. I came here specifically to apologize. I’m truly sorry. If it weren’t for my reckless nephew, you wouldn’t have been injured.”

Si-Yang’s emotions stirred upon hearing this: “The thugs who beat me were your nephew?”

Si-Yang shook his head with a bitter smile: “So even prestigious families can produce such delinquent children. That’s really absurd.”

Ying-Ming said: “All of this is our fault. Today I specially brought my daughter to apologize…”

Ying-Ming then carefully explained how his nephew Zhao Mu-Bai caused the incident in order to avenge Xue-Ye.

Si-Yang said: “I see.”

Xue-Ye said awkwardly: “Actually… it’s all my fault.”

Si-Yang said: “I’m glad you and Ya-Xin have become good friends.”

Ying-Ming said: “Medical expenses and all losses, I will fully take responsibility for. Please rest and recover with peace of mind.”

Xue-Ye noticed the unfinished broken violin on the table, and an idea had already formed in her mind…