Episode Summary
In episode 5, a creative dispute over the ballet "Legend of the White Snake" leads to principal dancer Yang Yun taking a leave of absence and being replaced by the novice Wen Xiaoyao. While Wen Xiaoyao struggles with the role, her new romance with Zhou Tong hits a snag after a date at the Palace Museum ends unexpectedly, prompting him to confess his feelings but also pull away. Realizing his new lead is not ready, Director Zhao Gang persuades Yang Yun to return, leading to a tense confrontation at the next rehearsal.
Spoiler Alert
The Wonderful World: Episode 5 Spoilers
A sharp disagreement over the artistic direction of the ballet "Legend of the White Snake" creates a rift between principal dancer Yang Yun and Director Zhao Gang. Yang Yun pushes for a contemporary interpretation that explores the emotional bond between the two female leads, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing, arguing that modern audiences want fresh takes on classic stories. Zhao Gang, however, remains committed to the traditional telling.
When the conflict is put to a vote among the cast, the majority sides with the director. Frustrated, Yang Yun requests an indefinite leave of absence. In a swift, retaliatory move, Zhao Gang immediately promotes the inexperienced Wen Xiaoyao to the lead role of Bai Suzhen. However, Wen Xiaoyao struggles to embody the character during rehearsals, much to Zhao Gang's dismay. He later learns from the male lead, Yin Ye, that Yin Ye and Yang Yun are dating, though their relationship is strained.
Meanwhile, a romance blossoms between Wen Xiaoyao and Zhou Tong, who plans a special date for them at the Palace Museum. Using his connections, he gets them inside after closing time. After some playful teasing, Zhou Tong hides and gives Wen Xiaoyao a remote video tour, but his prank is cut short when he suffers a leg cramp and falls. As staff begin to clear the grounds, a frightened Wen Xiaoyao is escorted out alone. Later, Zhou Tong sends her a text with photos he secretly took, confessing that his feelings for her have become real and, overwhelmed, he is calling off their plans.
In a subplot, Qiao Mi discusses her father's romantic interest in Zhou Tong's mother, Song Guanwang, but Song Guanwang dismisses the idea of a new relationship. Qiao Mi then advises Wen Xiaoyao to be cautious with her budding romance, warning that it could jeopardize her career just as she has landed a major role.
Realizing that Wen Xiaoyao is not ready for the lead, Zhao Gang visits Yang Yun. He swallows his pride, explains the situation, and appeals to her by saying this will be his final production, asking her to return and help him make it a success. The next day at rehearsal, Yang Yun is back but uses Yin Ye as a mouthpiece to voice her artistic suggestions. Seeing right through the tactic, Zhao Gang asks Yang Yun to meet him on the rooftop for a private conversation, temporarily placing Wen Xiaoyao back in the lead.
