In China in the mid-20th century, with the end of the civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 marked the dawn of a new era. During this period, Chinese society underwent profound changes, especially in the fields of culture and art. Cinema and theatre became important tools for promoting new ideas and showcasing social change. In this context, the fate of the individual is intertwined with the fate of the country, and the personal lives of many artists are also subject to political turmoil. The story of Cheng Shuyao and Shangguan Yunzhu is a life journey of ups and downs in the context of this era.
The spring breeze in 1948 was still cool, and Cheng Shuyao sat alone in a simple study in Beijing. The willows outside the window are still there, but his mood can't be relaxed with the wind. His first wife, Huang Zongying, a young widow, had given him everything he had, but eventually ended the marriage because of betrayal. Huang Zongying's disloyalty with the well-known actor Zhao Dan hit Cheng Shuyao deeply, but despite this, he still maintained a gentleman's demeanor and even continued to support the Huang family.
In Cheng Shuyao's study, the shelves are full of scripts for various plays and movies, which is his comfort and passion. He was an idealist who believed in the power of culture to edify people. Soon after, Cheng Shuyao was transferred to Shanghai and worked at the Lyceum Theater. His life seemed to have a new beginning, but his heart was still empty.
In the spring of 1950, the Lyceum Theater ushered in a special actress - Shangguan Yunzhu. Shangguan Yunzhu was once a rich girl, and later became a drama star, and her life is full of legends. When Cheng Shuyao first met Shangguan Yunzhu, she was rehearsing a new play. Her every movement and every line is full of power and charm, and Cheng Shuyao is deeply attracted to her.
The two soon fell into a passionate relationship. Shangguan Yunzhu confessed her past to Cheng Shuyao: her first marriage, her escape, her dreams and struggles. Cheng Shuyao was conquered by her frankness and charm and decided to tie the knot with her. This marriage is not without shadows. Shangguan Yunzhu's ex-husband Zhang Dayan was deeply dissatisfied with her acting career, and the relationship between the two eventually broke down.
Cheng Shuyao and Shangguan Yunzhu's married life is full of twists and turns. Shangguan Yunzhu's acting career is becoming more and more successful, but Cheng Shuyao encounters many problems at work because of his idealism and straightforward character. Cracks gradually appear in their lives, especially when Cheng realizes that he may be betrayed again.
Cheng Shu Yao's life in his later years was even more desolate. After his retirement, he lived a lonely and peaceful life, occasionally reflecting on the past years. Despite two failed marriages, he always maintained his trust in humanity and his love for culture and art. In his later years, although he witnessed his wife Shangguan Yunzhu getting rich when he got old, he preferred to keep his distance and live a simple life. It is said that he only saw Shangguan Yunzhu once before he died, and that meeting was full of indifference and alienation, but there was also a faint reluctance and relief.
Cheng Shuyao's life is a life script full of drama, with both years of burning passion and the haze of loss and betrayal. His story reflects the vicissitudes of an era and the ups and downs of individual fortunes. Through Cheng Shuyao's two marriages, we see the subtle relationship between personal choices and the tide of the times, as well as the interweaving of culture and personal life. In his stories, we see not only personal perseverance and sacrifice, but also a profound exploration of culture, love and humanity. Although Cheng Shuyao has experienced hardships, his love and commitment to life have filled his life with extraordinary meaning. This is a profound tribute to all those who have gone through the storm but still choose to persevere and love.