So she asked her teacher, veteran opera star Xu Qianyun, to watch the rehearsal.

For the scene when the two lovers part, Xu suggested Cui not speak the line in the original script, but simply weep.

The change was a stroke of genius. Cui expressive face and gestures conveyed her deep sorrow and loyalty to her lover better than any words.

Xu Qianyun, Cui’s teacher, said, "She's learned to sing the opera from me since she was 13. I've suggested her to learn from more teachers. But I'm her main teacher. She calls me "mom", not "teacher". She didn't consider getting until last year, being whole-heartedly devoted to her career. The role of Zhu Yingtai suits her. She's very beautiful in costume and makeup. She's what we call a little beauty in Sichuan.