003

In 1988, the Thatcher government in the UK enacted Section 28, which prohibited the promotion of homosexuality. During the same year in June, the Hong Kong government introduced three regulations stating the maintenance of existing laws, decriminalization of private homosexual activities for men over 21, and reduced penalties for consenting adult males engaging in private homosexual activities.

Five months later, young Master Lude was escorted to Chung Ying Street with bound hands. Although he had heard of the street a few times before, it was not until he turned 22 that he set foot there for the first time. With a stern expression, he sat in the car looking out the window, observing the appearance of the street. Passing by the gatehouse of the Bai's Drama Troupe, a newly replaced plaque hung on the lintel, its bold words reminding Lude of Lian Pu. 

There were still some things left unsaid to him, and his current situation remained a mystery.

Parked outside a building in Sha Tau Tok, Mr. Xing did not step out of the car, but solemnly observed his son, Lude, who appeared resolute. He left with the words, "When will you change your ways, and when will you come home."

Lude, seemingly indifferent, stared at the words on the door sign mockingly, then smirked, spat out his chewing gum, and looked down at his father sitting inside the car through the lowered window. He remarked, "The Bible says it isn't a sin." 

Subsequently, he walked away without looking back, followed by two elderly gentlemen acting as bodyguards sent to prevent him from escaping halfway.

The building, which bears the sign "Disease Consultation Clinic" and appears to be a typical northern courtyard, is actually a "Gender Reassignment Treatment Centre." 

Upon entering the clinic, one is greeted by a reception hall. Two nurses in "Peter Pan-style" uniforms warmly welcomed Lude. He walked around the reception hall in Rococo style, glanced at the two nurses, smirked, and displayed an air of nobility on his handsome face. He raised his hand towards his bodyguard, who approached and removed the black band from Lude's wrist. Xing Lu rotated his loosened wrist, looked at the reception nurses, and remarked, "Temporary shortage of normal items." He then tossed a badge behind him, saying, "Go back and tell the old man that this place is awaiting my judgment." Lude paused, lightly exhaled as he flicked his fingers, and said, "Xing Family, I am not going back." 

The bodyguard caught the object thrown by Lude, and upon seeing it, trembled from heart to hands, speaking with a quivering voice, "Young Master, please reconsider..." The emblem in the bodyguard's hand was a family crest, with each Xing family member having one. Each unique crest symbolized the core of the Xing family and their status within the Hong Kong territory. 

"Convey my words back," Lude instructed. 

At 22 years old, Lude had shed his youthful innocence, exuding a mature and resolute demeanour that brooked no refusal.

In February 1989, just after the Spring Festival, Bai Ting and Lian Pu arrived in front of the courtyard. 

Bai Ting held Lian Pu's hand, which was trembling involuntarily. However, Lian Pu still turned to Bai Ting and asked, "Mama, when Mr. Mei Lanfang plays and sings as Consort Yu, do you think he loves Xiang Yu?" 

This question had been on his mind for a long time. 

Bai Ting's hand paused, tears welled up in her eyes as she heard Lian Pu calmly continue, "I understand your thoughts, so this is my final compromise, as well as my insistence. I was born not having seen my father, but I have heard from others about his resolute character. I also know about your mutual respect. However, I have never loved anyone, never experienced the taste of feelings. I think this is perhaps my greatest regret." 

Lian Pu's gaze fell on Bai Ting's other hand, holding a piece of paper, a consent form stating, "Not to be discharged until sexual orientation is resolved." This consent form could be effective without the consent or knowledge of the party involved; a relative's signature was sufficient. 

Bai Ting signed it in front of Lian Pu, who remained silent with red eyes. Following that, they entered a lively year that was unlike any other before.

Lian Pu released Bai Ting's hand, holding a light luggage bag, and said, "Mama, I watched you leave, as we agreed." 

Bai Ting gazed at Lian Pu as if the night sky obscured the moon. The winter wind chilled through Bai Ting's coat as she turned and walked away, finally letting the tears in her eyes fall.

After passing through the reception hall was the inspection room, a dimly lit and narrow space. The male nurse confiscated all personal items, stored them in the respective lockers, and then brought a set of all-black underwear and a tracksuit. The tracksuit had the number 0012 printed on the left chest. 

After changing into the uniform in the inspection room, Lian Pu followed the male nurse and proceeded forward. At the next door, the male nurse gestured for him to enter alone.

In contrast to the cramped previous room, this living space was spacious and more dimly lit, resembling a hall. The hall was divided into two sides, with a grim-looking Yama on the left high platform and a crucifix and Jesus on the right. Below each high platform stood a Taoist priest and a pastor, their gazes towards Lian Pu seemed to have everything figured out.

Walking towards the left side of the reeds, Lian Pu knelt down in response to the Daoist. "Next, let 0012 swear to the Ten Kings of Hell." 

Lian Pu raised his eyes to the ten fierce and evil Kings seated on the platform, wondering who had deceived people into believing that deities and evil spirits were meant to frighten their hearts. The Ten Kings preside over life and death in the human realm, as well as greed, anger, ignorance, good and evil punishments, and karmic retribution. Whether born in a prosperous era and bowing to the Kings to do good deeds for a better reincarnation, or living in an age dominated by materialism, believing in deities, and kneeling before the Kings, only ignorance and absurdity remain. Isn't the world incredibly absurd nowadays? 

Disregarding the Daoist's words, Lian Pu nonchalantly made an oath. "0012, Lian Pu, swears before the Ten Kings of Hell to accumulate virtues, recognize oneself, seek harmony between man and nature, endure the five sufferings, and escape the cycle of reincarnation through dual cultivation of men and women, in pursuit of the righteous path." 

"By swearing before the Ten Kings of Hell, if unfulfilled, life and death will be judged by the deities." The Daoist's words were solemn. 

Lian Pu did not even glance at the false Daoist, took a few steps forward, and pushed open the door. 

Suddenly, a bright light shone, making Lian Pu shield his eyes until he adjusted. Lowering his hand, he saw a man on the sandy playground drenched in sweat collide into his line of sight.