Uncle Wang
Uncle Wang, Guiying’s maternal uncle, serves as a warm, comforting sanctuary in her life, offering a stark contrast to the pressures of the palace. As a restaurateur who specializes in the crayfish delicacies Guiying cherishes, he provides a space of simple, genuine pleasure and unconditional support. He is a figure of gentle wisdom and kindness, twirling his thin, curly moustache as he listens with genuine interest to Guiying’s worries about her future, exams, and grandmother. Unlike her parents, he offers no criticism, only sympathetic understanding, reassuring her that merpeople have long lives and “plenty of time for everything.” His most significant act is giving her the ancient, patina-covered copper coin on a green string. This gift is not presented as mere superstition, but as a practical “trick” for navigating tough life situations—a simple tool to help her quiet the noise and listen to her own heart. He represents a different kind of guidance, one based on folk wisdom and emotional support rather than royal decree or social ambition. Uncle Wang is a grounding force, a reminder of a world where Guiying can be simply herself, loved and accepted without pretense or expectation.
