Zhao Lu Si candidly states Duanwu isn't worth learning from (The Story of Pearl Girl)

Zhao Lu Si opens up on what it took to portray a woman born into slavery, trying to forge her path into the world of business in The Story of Pearl Girl.

The Story of Pearl Girl is adapted from Tan Tian Yin's novel "Kun Shan Yu Qian Zhuan" and tells the story of a pearl diver named Duanwu (Zhao Lu Si), who escapes from her pearl farm to be free from humiliation. The C-drama portrays how Duanwu overcomes struggles, including the loss of her beloved and betrayal by those she trusted, and how she, with her intelligence and courage, ultimately becomes a prominent businesswoman.

Recently, YOUKU released short interviews with actress Zhao Lu Si. where she talked about her thoughts on her drama character.

Here is the excerpt from the interviews.

Zhao Lu Si begins by saying, "The story is about a female lead's very realistic journey of growth. So, she transitions from an earlier version of herself to a more developed character later on. It mainly tells the story of a slave, who starts from nothing and becomes the biggest jewelry business owner in Yangzhou."

Q: What do you think makes Duanwu the most unique character you've played?

She's the most struggling one [I've played so far]. Duanwu's struggles aren't just physical suffering like abuse and bullying. I think it's more about something that resonates deeply in modern society. If you're born into the lower class, how do you bravely face the world? The thing that I find most admirable about Duanwu, that I'll never have in my life is that she's very brave. There's a saying: The brave enjoy the world first. I often think of her through the lens of modern women. I frequently wonder, like, 'After all she's been through, why not just let it go?' (Sometimes, giving up is the right choice). I often think, 'Just let it go.' Like, 'What's the point?' But with Duanwu, she doesn't believe in fate. She doesn't accept it. So I find that this girl is really cool. I don't think that all girls necessarily have to be exceptionally brave and resilient in order to face the world. I don't feel this way. I think we should just let it be [let things flow naturally, not pushing oneself to extremes].

Q: Duanwu has many underwater pearl-diving scenes. How did you feel after filming those?

While I was underwater yesterday, I actually felt that it gave me a different feeling. Yesterday was the first day of underwater scenes. Today, I even wanted to talk with the director about it. The story's background is that if a girl has her period, she can no longer dive for pearls. She would be sent to the birthing room to continually bear children. It's truly terrifying. But yesterday, I felt that when Duanwu is underwater, she should feel the safest, most peaceful and most protected. Because she knows that only underwater, her life is in her own hands.

Q: What did that feel like physically?

It's hard to endure. But I feel that if I were Duanwu, I would enjoy the process.

Q: Was that Duanwu's most challenging scene?

Actually, not really. It's in the first two episodes. I think it's just to give the audience a fresh visual experience. But in terms of the storyline, I don't think it's the most intense part. I think the most exciting part is still yet to come... Plus, she's very busy! [With] so many things in her life. This girl feels like she can never rest. It's like her mind is never truly at ease. She's a complex character. From beginning to end, she's not someone who can relax. In every scene, I feel afraid I'll miss some subtle emotion. Like in the previous scene, she might've just argued with a man, but now her younger brother [Shrimp] is getting hurt. In one scene, she might go through so many emotions. So, yes, it's all pretty challenging. That's what I worry about the most. And this is the project where I've cried the most in scenes. I'm really worried that when people watch, they'll think, 'Life is already so hard, and Zhao Lusi, you're showing me this?'

Q: How many crying scenes are there?

Pretty much every scene. Because the script is clever.  It never outright says, 'Duanwu cries now,' but the emotions build up in almost every scene. She carries hatred, resentment towards the world, and the [feeling of] unfairness. It'd feel strange if she didn't have emotions. You know? Her life is exhausting. I think watching a show is the audience seeking a connection with the character. So, I believe those who've lived through it can feel for Duanwu. She represents countless others like her.

Q: Duanwu's journey is full of hardships. Shrimp once advised her to run away. What keeps Duanwu going?

If Shrimp wasn't around, I think Duanwu would charge ahead without hesitation. But once she had a younger brother, and wanted to protect him, she learned to be cautious. When she first joined this convoy, it was all for a blood-stained pearl. She was ready to give her all just to get that blood-stained pearl. But once she joined this organization, she realized there was a chance for promotion. Then she thought, 'Can I work hard to move up? And then, once I actually learn some things, through my hard work, I'll be able to handle decent work. That would make me feel more confident. Whether it's opening a shop with my brother or anything else, I'd feel more secure.' That's how she envisioned the future.

Q: We could all learn from Duanwu in the workplace. What qualities of Duanwu are worth learning from?

I don't think she's worth learning from at all. I mean, it's unnecessary. I really like what they call 'the Gen Z office makeover [features offices need for Gen Z and younger generations].' I actually like it a lot. Because I think we should protect ourselves first, and make ourselves happy first. Take Duanwu, for example, even as the leading lady, she has it all but loses it all in the end. You won't actually feel that 'I have everything, and I feel satisfied. Ah, my wishes have come true!' You won't. You will think, 'If only things were like they used to be.' I think in the workplace, what matters is feeling comfortable and achieving what you want (Staying true to your original intentions). That's enough.

Watch the interviews here and here.