Warm Jade, Deep Palm Lines

Outline for a Long Novel

I. Core Premise

Protagonist: Lin Mo in his previous life, Su Nian'an in this life. In his previous life, he was a 32-year-old male news editor. While staying up late reading a report about a car accident, his consciousness suddenly broke off, and he transmigrated into the body of a baby girl who survived the crash. In this life, she is an orphan from the accident, adopted by Su Guilan, a retired nurse.

Central Conflict: The physical and psychological struggle of an adult consciousness trapped in an infant's body; the desire to uncover the truth behind the accident clashing with his limited abilities; and confusion over his own identity: is he Lin Mo or Su Nian'an?

Key Clues: Half of a shattered jade pendant from the accident scene, which went with Su Nian'an when she was adopted; Su Guilan's casual mention that “a black sedan accelerated strangely on the night of the accident”; and an unsaved draft of a news article about the crash on Lin Mo's computer in his previous life.

II. Part One: Confusion and Awakening (Ages 0–3)

(1) Chapters 1–5: The Prison of the Body

Awakening: Lin Mo opens his eyes to the smell of disinfectant. His vision is blurry, and all he can manage are babyish sounds. He realizes in panic that he cannot control his limbs and that he has “become a baby.”

Early Observations: He senses the tenderness of the elderly woman caring for him, Su Guilan, and hears people nearby talking about “a car accident,” “both parents dead,” and “thank goodness the child survived.” Connecting this to the news he read in his previous life, he confirms that he has transmigrated into the surviving baby from the report.

Physical Torment: He experiences a baby's hunger, wetting the bed, and the misery of being unable to express himself. The clash between his adult thoughts and infant instincts brings him close to breaking down. He tries to “speak” several times, but only cries come out.