Possibilities

Cheng Zhi had known since childhood that he wasn't a child anyone had been looking forward to.

Though he'd never met his parents, it wasn't hard to guess.

What mother who loved her child would abandon him as soon as he was born?

His life was mediocre and dull.

He didn't need a past, and he didn't look forward to the future.

In those few seconds when he was held close, Cheng Zhi thought, detached and self-mockingly,

So I... am afraid of dying after all.

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Reading Guide:

1. First person narration

2. The protagonist dies; the ending is tragic.

3. The story's timeline is fragmented and spans five years, so there may be subtle variations in the writing style.

4. A short story, so it won't be too long.

Updates whenever inspiration strikes. It's something I've wanted to write, but why does it feel like it has all five poisons? (muttering)

Theme: A carefree life like a sparse shadow; I return the dream to you