[Angst First, Then Payoff + The Whole Family's Regrets + Never Forgive + Mutual Redemption]
Chu Zhao is flawed and troubled, gloomy and inarticulate. At seven, she is brought back to the wealthy Chu family in Hong Kong, where she never fits in. She goes from being the Chu family's only daughter to a useless, disgraceful failure, inferior to their adopted daughter in every way.
Her mother is frail and sickly, and faints in fright whenever she sees Chu Zhao. Her father despises her, believing she is a jinx who brings disaster to the whole family.
Her eldest brother is cold and rigid, and hates Chu Zhao for disturbing the peace of the Chu household.
Her second brother is gentle and courteous, warm to everyone. Yet to protect Chu Fu, he can conceal without hesitation the truth that Chu Fu nearly caused Chu Zhao's death.
Her younger brother, whom Chu Zhao has cared for since childhood, enjoys her attempts to "win him over" while thinking she is cheap, spineless, and shameless.
Every one of them regrets bringing Chu Zhao back.
They wish she would disappear at once.
So Chu Zhao really does disappear. When a sudden landslide strikes Wuan Mountain, she is separated from her family. The search-and-rescue team cannot find her, and no remains are ever recovered.
*Before the age of seven, Chu Zhao held an almost sacred longing for a home and family.
After seven, she repeatedly wonders if she was born unworthy of love.
At twenty, Chu Zhao no longer longs for things she has never had. She hopes for a new beginning, only to fall into despair.
The last image in Chu Zhao's eyes is her second brother reaching out to her, then pulling his hand back.
*"I'm sorry I came too late."
"I'm sorry I left you alone for so long."
In the darkness, a pair of arms holds her and lifts her out of the mire.
He loves her more than himself, and regards her as his one and only deity.
