Shen Ruzhi's adoptive father, who is aware that she is not his biological child. He is generous with money, handing Shen Ruzhi 500 yuan initially and later another stack when she requests 1,000 yuan. Shen Zhongguo has been transferring assets to Hong Kong in preparation for fleeing the mainland. He plans to have Shen Ruzhi branded as a capitalist and sent to a reform farm while he and his family escape. He is calculating and cruel, using his daughter as a sacrificial lamb.
