Xi Shi was a famous beauty of the State of Yue during the Spring and Autumn Period.
Among her neighbors was a very ugly woman whom everyone disliked and called "Dong Shi."
Dong Shi was intensely jealous of Xi Shi's beauty. Unable to change her own appearance, she could only imitate Xi Shi in every way.
One day, Xi Shi suffered a heart pain and called for a doctor. After taking medicine, she went out for a stroll. After a few steps, a sharp spasm of pain struck her heart. Quickly pressing her bosom and knitting her brows, she sat down on a garden chair.
Dong Shi, who had long awaited to see Xi Shi, did not realize Xi Shi was ill. She only felt Xi Shi looked exceptionally beautiful that day. Therefore, she imitated Xi Shi by pressing her own bosom and deliberately knitting her brows, hoping to attract attention.
However, seeing her ugly and grotesque appearance, all the passers-by gave her a wide berth.