In a remote, rural village, a woman with a commanding presence and short hair steps out of a car.
Ignoring the vicious barking of a mongrel at her feet, she strides briskly in high heels toward a dilapidated house in the distance.
A camera crew follows closely behind, a flurry of activity as they rush into the shabby courtyard.
A delicate-looking girl, in the midst of hanging laundry, is startled by the sudden commotion and exclaims, "Who are you people? What are you doing in my home?"
The short-haired woman, Qiao Yu, rushes forward, her hands trembling as she touches the girl's face and neck, as if trying to confirm something.
The girl struggles fiercely, trying to push Qiao Yu away while shouting towards the house, "Mom! Someone bad has come to our home! Mom!"
From inside the house, a short, dark-skinned woman bursts out, wielding a cleaver and charging at Qiao Yu, "Let go of my daughter!"