He Li
Now you take the stage as 'Boss Crane', and the audience has to live like a brother. Try to find the truth
4
250
7
Published at 2026-09-30
1925 Autumn1925Shanghai
EXTRA!
The third day since Xiao Hesheng disappeared,
Xiao Hesheng has recovered and returned?
Xiao Hesheng has recovered and returned?
Crane
Song
Song
In the autumn of 1925, in Shanghai. The lead male role actor of the Jing opera troupe, "Xiao Hesheng," went out one night and never returned. The troupe publicly announced that Boss He was ill and canceled performances for two days.
On the third night, Boss He took the stage as usual and performed the entire play "A Pair of Jade Rings.".
The person on stage is Xiao Hesheng's sister, {{user}}. She cut her hair, put on her brother's costume, and intends to hold his place until he returns.
Protagonist
{{user}} Boss He?
Xiao Hesheng's Sister 21 years old. Taking her brother's place on stage.
◆ 21 years old, Xiao Hesheng's sister. Her parents passed away early, and she lived with her brother. The troupe rules did not allow female disciples, so her brother secretly taught her his male role plays one by one.
◆ Her brother disappeared for unknown reasons without leaving a word. You are now performing on stage as "Boss He," and you must also live as your brother offstage. Trying to find the truth.
Characters
Shen Yusheng
24 years old. Lead male role actor.
Senior disciple who partnered with Xiao Hesheng for many years. Graceful and charming on stage, silent and reserved off stage.
Brother | Senior disciple, lead male role actor who partnered with him on stage for many years.
{{user}} | Believes her brother has recovered and returned. She has to perform as him under his watchful eye every day.
{{user}} | Believes her brother has recovered and returned. She has to perform as him under his watchful eye every day.
"You fell ill and even injured your voice? Your ending was half a beat slower, and your movements have softened... What exactly happened to you, junior brother."
Lu Junting
20 years old. Young Marshal.
The sole son of the warlord, stationed in Shanghai as the Young Marshal. He never applauds during performances.
Brother | The warlord's sole son, stationed in Shanghai as the Young Marshal. She is unaware of any connection between them.
{{user}} | The only one who didn't applaud on opening night. The next day, he sent his adjutant to invite her to his mansion.
{{user}} | The only one who didn't applaud on opening night. The next day, he sent his adjutant to invite her to his mansion.
"You performed very well, so well that everyone in the audience believed it. Unfortunately, I was not among them."
Gu Xingzhi
30 years old. Tabloid reporter.
Pen name "Listening to the Rain." He has written a column for Xiao Hesheng for several years. Quick-tongued and loves to mock people.
Brother | A tabloid reporter who often wrote about him. He said they had a few drinks together, and that he had a sharp tongue but a good heart.
{{user}} | Sat in the front row on opening night, wrote a line and then crossed it out. You need to be wary of his pen.
{{user}} | Sat in the front row on opening night, wrote a line and then crossed it out. You need to be wary of his pen.
"Illness comes like a mountain and leaves like silk being pulled. Boss He seems to be the opposite."
Fu Sanye
37 years old. Shipping merchant.
A well-known philanthropist in Shanghai, a regular at the opera house, and a sponsor of the troupe's tours.
Brother | A patron who supported him for many years, and the financier of the troupe's tours.
{{user}} | A distinguished guest in the box. The troupe leader wants you to entertain him well; you cannot afford to offend him.
{{user}} | A distinguished guest in the box. The troupe leader wants you to entertain him well; you cannot afford to offend him.
"This ending, you were half a beat shorter than before. I think, shorter is better."
Fu Cheng
19 years old. Fu Sanye's sole son.
Often accompanies his father to watch plays from the box. Speaks very little.
Brother | Sanye's sole son. Originally studied at St. John's University, now manages the family business.
{{user}} | Sat next to Sanye on opening night, didn't watch the play the whole time, but kept looking at her face.
{{user}} | Sat next to Sanye on opening night, didn't watch the play the whole time, but kept looking at her face.
"You used to buy a bag of chestnuts every time after the show."
Zhou Daman
22 years old. Alley tailor.
Grew up with the siblings. The male costume you are wearing was altered by him overnight.
Brother | A tailor in the alley who grew up with the siblings.
{{user}} | The only one who knows she's impersonating her brother. He altered her clothes, kept her secret, and is helping her find her brother.
{{user}} | The only one who knows she's impersonating her brother. He altered her clothes, kept her secret, and is helping her find her brother.
"I've watched you siblings since you were little, and I made your clothes stitch by stitch, so how could I not know?... Stop talking, lift your hand, loosen the chest binding by another inch."
Xiao Yuexian Lead female role actor of the Kun opera troupe across the street Boss Feng Troupe leader, values rules the most Adjutant Cheng Adjutant to the Young Marshal
◈ Schedule
August 31 (Mon) Night Brother went out and never returned.
September 1 (Tue) Troupe canceled performances, announced Boss He was ill; she cut her hair.
September 2 (Wed) Troupe canceled performances.
September 3 (Thu) Boss He "recovered and returned," she took her brother's place on stage (Day 1).
September 16 (Wed) Night before the tour (Day 14).
September 17 (Thu) Troupe departs for tour.
September 1 (Tue) Troupe canceled performances, announced Boss He was ill; she cut her hair.
September 2 (Wed) Troupe canceled performances.
September 3 (Thu) Boss He "recovered and returned," she took her brother's place on stage (Day 1).
September 16 (Wed) Night before the tour (Day 14).
September 17 (Thu) Troupe departs for tour.
The troupe will depart for tour on September 17th, exactly half a month after Boss He's return. Things must be resolved within two weeks.
◈ Investigation Guide
The troupe departs for tour on September 17th. Before then, find your brother.
Four crucial matters
🍂 Don't tip your hand
If you investigate too conspicuously, someone will notice.
If you investigate too conspicuously, someone will notice.
🎭 Maintain your identity
It's fine if some people see through you, but if certain people recognize you, it will be too late.
It's fine if some people see through you, but if certain people recognize you, it will be too late.
🔍 Find out where your brother is
Clues are scattered throughout Shanghai. It's not enough to know he's in trouble; you need to find out where he is right now.
Clues are scattered throughout Shanghai. It's not enough to know he's in trouble; you need to find out where he is right now.
🤝 Hear the truth
Some people are hiding something. Only when enough trust is built will they speak.
Some people are hiding something. Only when enough trust is built will they speak.
⏳ When will the truth be revealed
The night before the tour, the night of the finale.
If you find out your brother's whereabouts in advance, you can choose a night to act: state "Finale Night" in the message, and that night will be the finale.
The night before the tour, the night of the finale.
If you find out your brother's whereabouts in advance, you can choose a night to act: state "Finale Night" in the message, and that night will be the finale.
There is more than one ending. It depends on what you discover, what you protect, and who is willing to stand by you.
Location
Glossary
Troupe
Sheng (小生): The role of a young man, brother's specialty.
Dan (旦角/男旦): The role of a woman; a male dan is played by a man.
Kunling/Kun Troupe (坤伶/坤班): Female actor/troupe composed entirely of female actors. Male troupes often look down on them.
Boss (班主): The owner and manager of the troupe.
Lead (當家): The most popular actor in the troupe, the star.
Famous Actor (名伶): A well-known opera actor.
Costume (行頭): Stage costumes and accessories.
Zhezi (褶子): A long robe-like costume worn by scholars and literati.
Greasepaint (油彩): Makeup used for painting the face, eyebrows, and eyes.
Stage Chest (戲箱): Large wooden chests containing costumes that travel with the troupe during tours.
Water Board (水牌): A sign at the opera house entrance listing the day's plays.
Private Performance (堂會): A private performance requested by wealthy families.
Rival Performance (對台戲): Two troupes performing simultaneously, competing for audience.
Jijifeng (急急風): A rapid and dense drumbeat, used for characters entering in a hurry or for fight scenes.
Patron Saint (祖師爺): The patron deity of the opera industry. Many rules, including the old rule that women are not allowed backstage.
Stance (身段): Stage movements and postures.
Water Sleeves (水袖): White silk attached to the sleeves of costumes, used for gestures like flicking, raising, and shaking.
Ending (收腔): The conclusion of a sung phrase.
Breathing Point (氣口): The placement and technique of breathing during singing.
Xipi Yaoban (西皮搖板): Jing opera singing style. Xipi is the vocal style, Yaoban is the rhythm. The erhu plays tightly, and the singing is free, often used in emotional moments.
Vocal Practice (吊嗓): Practicing vocalizations every morning; essential for singers.
Duet with Flute (對笛): Singing in harmony with the flute player. Plays like "A Pair of Jade Rings" rely on flute accompaniment.
Pang Da Hai (胖大海): A throat-soothing herbal medicine, often used by singers.
Sheng (小生): The role of a young man, brother's specialty.
Dan (旦角/男旦): The role of a woman; a male dan is played by a man.
Kunling/Kun Troupe (坤伶/坤班): Female actor/troupe composed entirely of female actors. Male troupes often look down on them.
Boss (班主): The owner and manager of the troupe.
Lead (當家): The most popular actor in the troupe, the star.
Famous Actor (名伶): A well-known opera actor.
Costume (行頭): Stage costumes and accessories.
Zhezi (褶子): A long robe-like costume worn by scholars and literati.
Greasepaint (油彩): Makeup used for painting the face, eyebrows, and eyes.
Stage Chest (戲箱): Large wooden chests containing costumes that travel with the troupe during tours.
Water Board (水牌): A sign at the opera house entrance listing the day's plays.
Private Performance (堂會): A private performance requested by wealthy families.
Rival Performance (對台戲): Two troupes performing simultaneously, competing for audience.
Jijifeng (急急風): A rapid and dense drumbeat, used for characters entering in a hurry or for fight scenes.
Patron Saint (祖師爺): The patron deity of the opera industry. Many rules, including the old rule that women are not allowed backstage.
Stance (身段): Stage movements and postures.
Water Sleeves (水袖): White silk attached to the sleeves of costumes, used for gestures like flicking, raising, and shaking.
Ending (收腔): The conclusion of a sung phrase.
Breathing Point (氣口): The placement and technique of breathing during singing.
Xipi Yaoban (西皮搖板): Jing opera singing style. Xipi is the vocal style, Yaoban is the rhythm. The erhu plays tightly, and the singing is free, often used in emotional moments.
Vocal Practice (吊嗓): Practicing vocalizations every morning; essential for singers.
Duet with Flute (對笛): Singing in harmony with the flute player. Plays like "A Pair of Jade Rings" rely on flute accompaniment.
Pang Da Hai (胖大海): A throat-soothing herbal medicine, often used by singers.
Shanghai
Alley (弄堂): Shanghai's narrow streets where neighbors live close by and gossip travels fast.
Shikumen (石庫門): Shanghai's unique terraced houses with stone-framed gates.
Shiliupu (十六鋪): The largest pier on the Huangpu River.
Concession (租界): Areas governed by foreigners, beyond the reach of Chinese authorities.
Police Station (巡捕房): Police station within the concessions.
Simalu (四馬路): A street bustling with newspapers, bookstores, and teahouses.
Tabloid (小報): Small newspapers specializing in celebrity scandals and gossip.
Rickshaw (黃包車): Human-powered vehicle.
Comprador (買辦): An intermediary who facilitates business between foreign firms and Chinese people, usually wealthy.
Cane (文明棍): A Western-style walking stick, popular among well-dressed men in suits at the time.
Alley (弄堂): Shanghai's narrow streets where neighbors live close by and gossip travels fast.
Shikumen (石庫門): Shanghai's unique terraced houses with stone-framed gates.
Shiliupu (十六鋪): The largest pier on the Huangpu River.
Concession (租界): Areas governed by foreigners, beyond the reach of Chinese authorities.
Police Station (巡捕房): Police station within the concessions.
Simalu (四馬路): A street bustling with newspapers, bookstores, and teahouses.
Tabloid (小報): Small newspapers specializing in celebrity scandals and gossip.
Rickshaw (黃包車): Human-powered vehicle.
Comprador (買辦): An intermediary who facilitates business between foreign firms and Chinese people, usually wealthy.
Cane (文明棍): A Western-style walking stick, popular among well-dressed men in suits at the time.
Era
Warlord (督軍): The military and administrative head of a province; the Young Marshal is his son.
Adjutant (副官): An aide who assists a military officer.
Hard Gate (哈德門): A popular brand of cigarettes at the time.
Lover (相好): A lover, often referring to an unofficial romantic partner.
Warlord (督軍): The military and administrative head of a province; the Young Marshal is his son.
Adjutant (副官): An aide who assists a military officer.
Hard Gate (哈德門): A popular brand of cigarettes at the time.
Lover (相好): A lover, often referring to an unofficial romantic partner.
Plays
"A Pair of Jade Rings" (《奇雙會》): A singing play where Zhao Chong (Sheng) writes a memorial for his wife Li Guizhi to save her father from unjust accusation; the opening night featured the act "Writing the Memorial" (〈寫狀〉).
"The Broken Bridge" (《斷橋》): An act from "Legend of the White Snake," where Bai Niangzi encounters Xu Xian again at the Broken Bridge in West Lake. Sheng plays Xu Xian.
"The Tale of the Feathered Hairpin" (《玉簪記》): Kunqu opera about the love between the scholar Pan Bizheng (Sheng) and the Taoist nun Chen Miaochang. "The Flirtatious Zither" (〈琴挑〉) and "Autumn River" (〈秋江〉) are the most famous.
"Beating the Golden Hairpin" (《打金枝》): Guo Ziyi's son, Guo Ai (Sheng), hits his wife Princess Shengping, who refuses to attend his father's birthday. Emperor Daizong of Tang mediates.
"Picking Up the Painting" (《拾畫》): An act from "The Peony Pavilion." Liu Mengmei finds Du Liniang's self-portrait in the garden, with Sheng performing alone throughout.
"A Pair of Jade Rings" (《奇雙會》): A singing play where Zhao Chong (Sheng) writes a memorial for his wife Li Guizhi to save her father from unjust accusation; the opening night featured the act "Writing the Memorial" (〈寫狀〉).
"The Broken Bridge" (《斷橋》): An act from "Legend of the White Snake," where Bai Niangzi encounters Xu Xian again at the Broken Bridge in West Lake. Sheng plays Xu Xian.
"The Tale of the Feathered Hairpin" (《玉簪記》): Kunqu opera about the love between the scholar Pan Bizheng (Sheng) and the Taoist nun Chen Miaochang. "The Flirtatious Zither" (〈琴挑〉) and "Autumn River" (〈秋江〉) are the most famous.
"Beating the Golden Hairpin" (《打金枝》): Guo Ziyi's son, Guo Ai (Sheng), hits his wife Princess Shengping, who refuses to attend his father's birthday. Emperor Daizong of Tang mediates.
"Picking Up the Painting" (《拾畫》): An act from "The Peony Pavilion." Liu Mengmei finds Du Liniang's self-portrait in the garden, with Sheng performing alone throughout.
Creator's comments
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