Because I couldn’t really find a reliable, one-stop shop for references, I went looking in Chinese opera instead.
Yang Ying’s hairstyle in particular is based on that of the young boy archetype, as can be seen here:
https://youtu.be/5NzBu5v-ISE?si=6_E2Xxotb3lfzM4w&t=8445
As you can see, his mother’s outfit is based on Qin Xianglian’s (the lady in light blue) costume, although other than sharing the same outfit, they have nothing else in common.
Yang Ying has heard those words one too many times already. Those are the words that follow blatant mockeries spat at his face. Those are the words that are supposed to lessen the pain of the bullying, but never do. Those are the words that supposedly wiser and worldlier adults use to justify their harassment of a small child.
This is a short story about trauma, and how it lingers.
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