As the play progressed, the audience witnessed Qin Zhao’s character’s son dying in battle. Ji Fei, playing the role of the grieving mother, brought home Xiao Qi, the injured and retired dog.

Ji Fei looked at Xiao Qi, who hung his head and whimpered, as if apologizing for failing to bring her son back safely.

Choking up, Ji Fei stepped forward, gently patting Xiao Qi’s head. “Good boy, welcome home.”

Accompanied by the passage-of-time BGM and lighting shifts representing the four seasons, Ji Fei led Xiao Qi slowly to the front of the stage. Her back gradually hunched as she …