Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon | The Story of the Cherry

Description

Xiao Taohong lived with her father and brother by the White Stone Bridge, making a living by selling musical instruments. Her brother, Xiao Huaiya, was determined to leave their poor village and seek a better life elsewhere. During his journey, he saved a rich man's son, Kong Guifen, and married his sister, Yanfang. When Huaiya returned home in fine clothes to visit his father, Guifen fell in love at first sight with Taohong. With her heart stirred and acting on Yanfang's suggestion, Taohong married Guifen and returned with him to the Kong family home. However, because of their humble backgrounds, Huaiya and Taohong were looked down upon by the entire Kong household. Moreover, Huaiya's failed business ventures and his blaming of Guifen for not helping him caused Guifen to become discontent. The two brothers-in-law eventually had a falling out and decided to divorce their wives and sever all ties.

After leaving the Kong family, Huaiya and Yanfang had to support themselves by singing along the way. One day, they coincidentally met a famous musician, Zhao Zhujie, who was very impressed with Taohong and took her under his wing. Taohong eventually became a renowned songstress. Just as she was about to marry Zhao to repay his kindness, her ex-husband Guifen came to beg for her back, touching her heart with their past love as husband and wife, and the love between mother and daughter. Taohong decided to confess her hidden past to Zhao and expressed her willingness to repay him as a humble servant. However, Zhao had already overheard the truth and, unable to bear the shock, passed away from the exhaustion of the years he had spent mentoring Taohong.

To make amends for her mistake, Taohong decided to raise Zhao's orphaned son, Ji Zhu, on her own. More than a decade later, with Ji Zhu now grown up, Taohong wanted to test his talents and asked him to play a musical instrument. Unfortunately, Ji Zhu lacked innate talent, which left Taohong disappointed. Unable to bear this blow, Taohong passed away with resentment in her heart.

Artists
Koi Ming-fai as Zhao Zhujie (early scene) and Zhao Jizhu (later scene)

Leung Sum-yee as Xiao Taohong (early scene) and Kong Xiaohong (later scene)

Chan Hung-chan as Xiao Huaiya

Lai Yiu-wai as Kong Guifen

Chan Ka-ming as Kong Yanfang

Leung Hung-kwong as Xiao Yazhi