Deputy Leader Zhang, also referred to as Deputy Troupe Leader Zhang, is a male character who holds a leadership position in the art troupe. He is described as favoring Su Niannian and placing her in the lead dancer position for the upcoming autumn tour. His orders are followed by the troupe members, and Liu Tao reminds Jiang Xiaofei that Su Niannian is currently under Zhang's orders and that everything Su Niannian does directly reflects upon them. Deputy Leader Zhang's trust in Su Niannian is significant to the plot, as Su Niannian does not want to let him down despite her personal circumstances. He is not physically present in these chapters but is frequently referenced as an important authority figure in the troupe.
