In discussing the characters in the book "Taipei People," Xianyong Bai mentions a term - "marginalized individuals." These characters are strangers who have wandered to Taiwan, abandoned by society as marginalized figures. Perhaps they once had decent backgrounds and family situations, but at this moment, they are forsaken by society. They live on the edge, enduring constant neglect from society, and sinking into oblivion. Despite being abandoned, they strive to find their own worth, seeking to prove that they too have had moments of brilliance.

Just like Mingsheng Lai in " New Year’s Eve," he is a stranger gradually marginalized in Taipei. In the past, he was a hero with a glorious history. He was spirited and held a prominent position. As a soldier, he fought alongside the revolutionary army against Chuanfang Sun, marking a vivid chapter in his life. At that time, in his prime, he even caught the eye of the company commander's wife, enjoying unparalleled prosperity. Driven by youthful vigor, he was subsequently sent to the battlefield in Taierzhuang. A military veteran with extraordinary experiences, who should have enjoyed a distinguished status in his later years, was dealt a heavy blow by reality. Upon retirement, he took on the role of a head chef in a hospital kitchen. Unwilling to flatter or bow down, he became a target of hostility. However, when looking at his former subordinates, they all held remarkable positions. Even compared to his past self, he fell short by every measure.

It is precisely this contrast and sense of disparity that led Mingsheng Lai into his own tragedy. As a stranger in a foreign land, the feelings of being on the periphery and the sense of disparity made him doubt the value of his self. He was unable to confront his current fate, let alone change it. Therefore, he could only live in the past, seeking that meager sense of personal identity. This is the sorrow of Mingsheng Lai and also the sorrow of the era.

However, in "Taipei People," the process of seeking self-identity is not exclusive to Mingsheng Lai. Faced with the contrast between the past and present, many individuals, like Xiong Wang in "The Blood-Red Azaleas," become trapped in the tragedy of indulging in the nostalgia of the past. While Xiong Wang may not have a past as enviable as Mingsheng Lai's, he too had his own moments of beauty. During that time in his hometown, he had family and a younger sister, leading a fulfilling and delightful life. However, when he arrived in Taipei, everything gradually changed. Alone and marginalized, he struggled with a sense of displacement, unable to anchor his emotions to his past and homeland. He made efforts to find self-identity and sought solace in like-minded individuals. Yet, as ridicule from others led Er Li to distance herself from him, the self-identity he painstakingly built collapsed. Bereft of self-identity, he eventually spiraled towards his own demise.

In works like "The Eternal Snow Beauty," Xueyan Yin's pursuers, in their eyes, derive their self-identity from a recognition of their status, wealth, and reputation. Consequently, they either linger in the beauty of the past, unwilling to confront reality, or incessantly chase material desires at the expense of their souls. However, upon comparing their fates, it is not difficult to observe that the outcome for each of them is invariably tragic.

Therefore, self-identity has never been about dwelling in the past or chasing desires. We live in the present, engaging in meaningful pursuits, striving to make the most of every moment. The true significance lies in living well in each fleeting instant. Our destiny, bestowed by the times, may be challenging to alter, and a sense of powerlessness often stems from avoiding reality. To witness the era through the words of Xianyong Bai, to savor the experiences of fellow beings, and to seek the uplifting forces within – that is the essence.