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In 1978, mainland China implemented the reform and opening-up policy. The following year, the central government officially approved Guangdong to implement special policies and flexible measures in its foreign economic activities, abolished Bao'an County, and established Shenzhen City. In the same year, the Hong Kong government began to open the Sha Tau Kok control point. By 1980, Shenzhen had become the first special economic zone established in China. At that time, no one could have predicted that this small town with nothing would achieve the world-renowned "Shenzhen speed" 30 years later. 

Despite the continuous years of reform, innovation, and development, the awkward position of Chung Ying Street remained unchanged. Eight Boundary stones are placed on this street, where stepping back leads to Hong Kong and moving forward leads to the mainland. 

After Lian Pu was born, Bai Ting's most common activity was standing at the boundary stone, gazing towards Shenzhen and looking through Shenzhen towards Guangzhou. 

Even though Lian Bing never returned, she still gazed day and night, looking towards the brightness of her hometown.

The Bai family initially opened a grocery store like other households when they moved to Chung Ying Street. After Liang Pu was born, they renovated the storefront, hanging a signboard that read "Bai's Drama Studio". 

During times of war or unrest, unable to join the fight as theater practitioners, they did not indulge in self-appreciation either. Their only option was to lie low temporarily, silently safeguarding the theatrical culture, awaiting the moment to resurface and pass it down for generations. The studio is an extension of the Bai's Drama Troupe, performing not only traditional Cantonese opera tales of love and separation but also expressing the joys and sorrows of this era. Apart from performances, the studio also sells cultural products related to Cantonese opera, such as makeup powders, clay figurines of characters, and original drama sketchbooks.

In that year, Lian Pu attended the fifth grade at St. Dode's School in Tai Po District. Unlike other Chinese residents living in Chung Ying Street who directly enrolled their children in Chung Yiing Street School, when Lian Pu was born, Bai Ting made up her mind to have her son complete his education on the island. Despite being born into a family of traditional Chinese opera, she was well-read from a young age. If drama is about heritage, culture is the essence. While it remains uncertain when she will return to Mainland China, the son of the Lian family will undoubtedly use his knowledge and skills to make a mark in the world, not necessarily following his father's high moral standards, but hoping for his independent character and intellectual liberty.

On the other hand, the textile industry under the Xing Group started its expansion in 1961, with its textiles and ready-to-wear garments being exported to Europe and America. Following the introduction of innovative technologies, Xing established the local clothing brand X's in Hong Kong, leading to a transformation of the local clothing industry in terms of line, style, and concept. 

Through the X's brand, the journey of transitioning the "Made in Hong Kong" clothing manufacturing industry from low to high quality was successfully initiated. 

In the mid-to-late 1970s, Xing Group fully invested in constructing Xing Shopping Mall, with the centre being occupied by the X's brand. The mall was officially completed in 1983, and brand invitations began. By the end of the summer of 1985, all brands were successfully invited to join the mall.

During the golden autumn season, Bai's Drama Troupe was invited by the Xing Group to perform Cantonese opera "The Purple Hairpin" for the grand opening of Xing Shopping Mall. At that time, the reputation and popularity of Bai's Drama Troupe had already extended beyond the Chung Ying Street and into the heart of the island.

On that day, Bai Ting took the stage personally to perform, while Liang Pu watched his mother attentively from the audience. 

At the age of 16 that year, Liang Pu, a young man just coming into his own, possessed the fine features of the Bai family along with the distinguished demeanor of the Lian family. With remarkable literary talent and an increasingly outstanding temperament, he was a striking figure.

The front of troupe housed the stage and theatrical craft shops, while their residence was located in the backyard. His favourite pastime was sitting in the study by the window with a book in hand, accompanied by the sounds of rehearsals from the yard and his mother's guidance.

Over the years, his mother and the seven descendants of the Bai family opera troupe had revived the troupe, nurturing several renowned performers. However, Liang Pu had never seen his mother perform on stage. Inside the prop room left by his grandfather were black and white photos of his mother's first performance when she was young. His mother was exceptionally beautiful, with a captivating presence that mesmerised all who saw her in costume on stage.

Pu leaning against a column, clapping in rhythm with the singing and recitation on the stage, she was entranced. Every movement she made illuminated the stage, her every expression and gesture bringing the story to life. At that moment, she was not Bai Ting, nor was she Lian Pu's mother; she was simply the storyteller within the story. 

"Comrade," a voice behind her called out uncertainly.

Lian Pu snapped back to reality to find a young man standing behind her.

The corridor was narrow, and he was blocking the way.

The young man, slightly older than him, had a handsome face and was dressed impeccably, exuding an air of sophistication. However, there was a mischievous glint in his smile, indicating he was likely a young master with ties to the Xing family, here to show his support.

"I heard she is from the Bai family, once renowned in Guangdong. I see you enjoy the opera she performs," he remarked while glancing at the stage.

Without a response from Lian Pu, he simply gestured to the side, "Please."

Seeing Lian Pu's lack of response, Lude did not appear offended. As he passed by, he asked, "Hey, what's your name?"

With a straight back, Lian Pu turned to the stage and replied, "She hails from a family of opera performers, named Bai Ting. She is my mother, and I truly enjoy her performances."

Having said that, Lian Pu didn't spare him a glance and walked away.