1930s, Tianjin. The Rungching Company, a Kun Opera troupe, has been invited to perform by the WEI family. During the stay the star of the troupe, LIN... More

1930s, Tianjin. The Rungching Company, a Kun Opera troupe, has been invited to perform by the WEI family. During the stay the star of the troupe, LIN Chung, gets friendly with WEIs' daughter Inger. Inger corresponds regularly with her fiance, Shaodung, who has recently completed his studies in banking. Though engaged, they have never met. Despite this separation, they feel very intimate at the first sight. The first time that Inger takes Shaodung to the theatre, he is enthralled by LIN Chung's performance in FLEEING BY NIGHT. The name of "LIN Chung" is a taken from the role that he plays in this piece. Shaodung becomes a frequent visitor at the theatre and gradually gets to know LIN. The friendship among the three flourishes gradually. HUANG Zilei, a playboy style wealthy man obsessed with LIN and a benefactor of the theatre, becomes jealous of LIN's association with Shaodung. One night HUANG confronts Shaodung with the relation between Shaodung and LIN. Some time later, LIN reveals his affection for Shaodung, which gives rise to consternation and torment in them both. Meanwhile, Inger is increasingly aware of the ambiguity of her relationship with the two men. After the public disclosure Shaodung's involvement with LIN, his family suffers from this scandal. At the same time, a scuffle between LIN and the troupe director leads to the latter's death, forcing him to flee. Shaodung, still uncertain of his feelings for LIN, decides to return to America. Abandoned by her two friends, Inger is left alone in despair. Close