The Fiery Actress Sees Through the Actor’s Fake Innocence

Shen Yuniang became a star of the capital’s opera scene with her performance of The Peony Pavilion, but because she bears an uncanny resemblance to the late wife of a Vice Minister of Revenue, she catches the attention of Gu Yanzhi, a “sweet, innocent leading man.” Gu Yanzhi shows up at the troupe every day with soup and hides behind her, acting helpless whenever trouble arises, winning praise from everyone for being “gentle and considerate.” But Shen Yuniang has a keen eye and sees the scheming in his gaze. He doesn’t want her, but the value of having her as a “substitute.” Faced with an exploitative troupe leader, a greedy landlord trying to force her into marriage, and a mistress hiding behind Gu Yanzhi who provokes her, Shen Yuniang gathers up her costume and snaps, “You want to use me as a substitute? Better think carefully about whether you’re good enough!” Watching her fiery temper, Gu Yanzhi’s eyes crinkle with amusement beneath his innocent act. This substitute is more interesting than he expected.