A 16‑year‑old orphan adopted by the Xiang family. After the adoptive parents have their own biological son, Xiang Zhihang is neglected, forced to do the hardest farm work and never given enough to eat. He is tall but thin from chronic malnutrition. In the original novel he is a supporting character who is severely beaten by his adoptive parents (one ear deafened, one leg broken) before being rescued by his wealthy biological parents. Du Qingyang divines that he has a promising future. After she gives him a piece of candy, he is deeply moved and later presents her with wild fruits. He develops a fondness for her, asking if she would be willing to sit on his bicycle one day, implying a budding romantic interest.
