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Description
Liu Xinhong, also known as Xin Hong Liu, is a supporting character in the anime Angel Heart. He was a childhood friend of Xiang Ying, the protagonist, and was designated as Number 36 during their training together in the Zhuque Corps, an elite unit of the Zheng Dao Hui organization. During this time, he developed deep feelings of affection for Xiang Ying. In the final exam of their training, the instructors forced Xiang Ying and Liu Xinhong to fight each other to the death. Xiang Ying believed she had killed him, but he survived and was later transferred to the Qinglong Corps, another branch of Zheng Dao Hui.

His primary motivation throughout the story is his desire to reunite with Xiang Ying and to protect her at all costs. After the Qinglong Corps was wiped out by the Xuanwe faction, Li Jiang Qiang, the leader of Zheng Dao Hui, allowed Liu Xinhong to live a normal life under the condition that he watch over Xiang Ying. This reflects his enduring loyalty and sense of duty toward her. He is also the assassin who sniper-killed Li Qian De, Li Jiang Qiang’s brother, but Li Jiang Qiang did not hold him accountable, recognizing that Liu Xinhong was trained to follow orders without knowing the identities of his targets.

In the story, Liu Xinhong first appears in Shinjuku as part of the Green Dragon Division, which has been sent to deal with Xiang Ying. In reality, his mission is to protect her, even if it means sacrificing himself. He eventually integrates into the daily life around the Cat’s Eye coffee shop, working there to stay close to Xiang Ying. His key relationships are with Xiang Ying, whom he loves and protects, and with Li Jiang Qiang, who grants him a second chance. His development involves moving from a conditioned assassin to a more independent individual who chooses to safeguard Xiang Ying out of personal devotion rather than merely following orders.

Notably, Liu Xinhong is a skilled sniper and a competent fighter, abilities he honed during his training and service in the elite corps. His willingness to sacrifice himself for Xiang Ying is a consistent trait, and he plays a crucial supporting role in the larger conflicts between Zheng Dao Hui and other factions, as well as in Xiang Ying’s personal journey toward a new life.