Shui shang piao, a senior Sichuan Opera artist with a consummate skill in "changing faces," travels in his small boat along the Yangtze River, bringing the art to the people along the two riverbanks. But the old man is frustrated with his life mission to entertain audiences since he has no heir to continue his tradition.

In the hope of finding a proper heir, Shui shang piao buys Gouwa from a human trader and adopts him as his grandson. With Gouwa traveling alongside him, the artist teaches his "grandson" the skills of the trade; but soon Shui shang piao discovers that his "grandson" is, in fact, a girl. However, he keeps the girl as a "helper."

Having been bought and sold seven times in her life, Gouwa feels very indebted to the old man. But after she accidentally damages Shui shang piao's boat, the devastated girl leaves her keeper silently with the dream of one day repaying his great kindness.

Gouwa secretly sends a three-year-old son from the Gao family, who has escaped from the human trader, to Shui shang piao. But things go awry when the little boy puts Shui shang piao behind bars to await the death penalty.

Gouwa offers her own life to save the old man, but she is too late. Her gesture, however, deeply touches the old man, who finally accepts Gouwa as his grandchild when he is dying.