Synopsis
This is the story of Xiao Hong, one of the most influential figures of Chinese literature and known as one of the “Four Talented Women” of the Republic of China (1912-1949), as she survived political turmoil and loved with an open heart, until harsh turns of fate ended her life after 31 years.
Xiao Hong’s childhood was much inspired by her grandfather, who taught her about classical songs and poems, thus setting the foundation of her path as a writer. She sympathized with poor neighbors, who later became characters in her works.
During the 1930s, having just graduated from junior high school, Xiao Hong went against her family’s wishes and ran away to Harbin. The father of her unborn child followed her there but soon abandoned her. Pregnant and penniless, she was locked in by the hotel for not paying the bills.
Feeling close to death, Xiao Hong wrote to the local newspaper for help, and the man sent to help her was the young writer Xiao Jun. It was love at first sight. Saved by Xiao Jun, she left the hotel and escaped a flood disaster. Soon after, she gave birth to a daughter and put her up for adoption. Now, Xiao Hong and Xiao Jun were ready to take on the world together.
The young couple succeeded as a writing team. They got published and became well known in the literary circle of Harbin. But because of some anti-Japanese words, they were threatened with arrest and ran away to Shanghai.
In Shanghai, Xiao Hong was fortunate to have Lu Xun as a mentor. After the publication of Life and Death Fair, the couple became stars of Shanghai culture. But while improving financially, their relationship was falling apart due to Xiao Jun’s repeated infidelity. Xiao Hong eventually left him for another young writer Duanmu Hongliang, with whom she escaped to Hong Kong. In January 1942, Xiao Hong passed away at age 31 in an abandoned hospital as the Japanese bombed Hong Kong.