Also referred to as He Jinshan in the text. A young man who returned to Huagou Village after ten years in the military, covered in blood and injuries including gunshot wounds and wolf bites. He was once the village heartthrob at 18, tall and broad-shouldered. He had an engagement to a Jiang family girl that was broken off. He claims to be staying at the foot of the mountain in an old hut rather than living with his family. He displays a natural aura of dominance and authority that suggests he was more than just a mess cook in the military. His recovery from severe injuries has been unusually fast, which causes suspicion. He appears to be faking his limp in public. He shows concern for Jiang Henian and protects her from his grandmother's wrath.
