This means that the story is told from the perspective of a single character, but we are not inside their head. We see the events through their eyes, and learn about the world through their understanding, but we don't experience their thoughts and feelings directly.
In "Jade Peony", the narrator is a young boy named "the boy". We follow his experiences, observing the world through his eyes. He is young and innocent, which gives the story a unique and poignant perspective.
While we know that the boy is the narrator, his name is never explicitly stated. This choice further emphasizes the innocence and universality of his experiences.
The third-person limited perspective allows Choy to create a powerful and intimate portrayal of the boy's journey. We experience his confusion and curiosity as he navigates the complexities of family, identity, and loss. The reader connects deeply with the boy's emotional experiences without ever truly knowing his thoughts and feelings completely.