SECOND LEAD

Drawing largely from Deng’s own experiences, this captivating upmarket novel not only resonates many modern women but also reveals the unknown and harsh realities of the entertainment industry with rich details.

This is the story of a second-born actress, with a 12-year gap from her elder sister. Inspired by her sister, she enters the acting world as an indistinct double. Growing up without her father’s presence, she witnesses her sister’s forbidden affair, a circumstance that becomes entangled with her own acting dreams. Naive and inexperienced, she stumbles through the path of a newcomer, exploring stage plays and studying acting in London, only to have a golden opportunity shattered. Ultimately, she makes the choice that allows her to hold on to the most.
From leaving home to emerging as a leading actress, she undergoes transformative experiences that lead her to seek her true self. Carrying the weight of her mistakes, she learns to withstand the cruelties of the demanding entertainment industry. And when glory finally embraces her, she realizes that her failures have served as stepping stones, guiding her to the triumph.