As the oldest child, Lydia flaunts her authority over Adeline (though she hints that part of Lydia’s authoritative behavior may be overcompensation for her visible deformity, as she has a semi-paralyzed left arm). Gregory has a warm, cheerful, fun-loving personality but feels too old to play with Adeline. Edgar bullies and torments both James and Adeline, which unifies them in shared adversity. James, however, never intervenes when Edgar picks on Adeline but runs away and returns to comfort her when Edgar’s violence is finished. James always tells her “‘Suan le!’(Let it be!)” (36), a platitude that becomes his lifelong philosophy.

Adeline is considered “bad luck” (36) because her birth resulted in her mother’s death, and she is either neglected or mistreated at home. She takes comfort in school, building friendships and achieving academic success.

When the Japanese look more closely at the books of Joseph Yen & Company, Adeline’s father secretly absconds to Shanghai. He sends for Niang, temporarily leaving Aunt Baba in charge of the family. Adeline, her siblings, and Ye Ye experience a period of respite and happiness wherein they enjoy a variety of interesting foods, listen to music, and see films—activities Niang would never allow.