If you edit this into the show later, won't it generate buzz?
The cameraman gave an "OK" sign, rubbed his hands together, and went back to prepare for the candid shots.
Zhang Chaohe, unaware that he had been set up, noticed that none of the audience members were wearing masks, so he openly showed his face and waited for the show to begin. Because the audience seating was dimly lit and everyone was focused on the recording, no one actually noticed that Mr. Zhang had skipped work to come here.
The host on stage was filming his announcements when the lights dimmed and crew rushed onto the stage to set up. Filming officially began.
First up is the Jing-style actor, also known as Bao Qingtian, who plays a painted-face role. Today, he will be performing a selection from the well-known play "The Case of Chen Shimei".
It must be said that the painted-face performance is indeed in line with most people's impression and concept of Peking Opera. The characters played by painted-face actors are mostly unrestrained and rugged, so their singing is magnificent and powerful, like a waterfall cascading down from the sky, exhilarating and unrestrained.
Just now, the "Bao Zheng" was pretending to grab the imperial son-in-law with one hand. As soon as the Xipi clapper sounded, he pointed to the presented petition and said in a dragon voice: "Imperial Son-in-law, come closer and take a good look. It says that Qin Xianglian is thirty-two years old and is suing the current imperial son-in-law!"
The old actor playing the role of "the prince consort" also looked surprised and uncertain.
"Deceiving the emperor and the king, breaking off an engagement and taking a son-in-law, killing his wife and children with a broken conscience, forcing Han Qi to his death in the court, and pressing the petition against me in my hall!"
Bao Zheng shook off the prince consort's hand, and the prince consort staggered back, looking panicked. Bao Zheng spoke, his voice deep and resonant: "Why are you clenching your teeth for this!"
Zhang Chaohe clapped along, thinking to himself that this kind of scumbag who abandoned his wife and children and broke his promise should be killed!
The camera secretly shone on Mr. Zhang, and the cameraman risked his life to capture his cold and stern expression, which was tinged with a hint of hatred.
The next performance was an excerpt from Cheng Jixue's "Legend of the White Snake," which was another chaotic scene. Zhang Chaohe couldn't help but feel nervous—his mindset was probably like that of an old father watching his son perform on stage for the first time. As a result, he leaned forward slightly.
The cameraman rushed up and snapped a picture!
As the lights came on, Xu Xian, forced to sit back on the ground by the sorrowful yet furious White Snake, finished his lines, and Cheng Jixue raised his hand in a gesture of authority: "You—"
The White Snake's voice was like weeping tears, low and melodious: "How could you bear to hurt me, on this Dragon Boat Festival you urged me to drink realgar! How could you bear to deceive me, you just made a vow to the Twin Stars, and then you followed Fahai into the meditation hall!"
Zhang Chaohe then realized that this was also the first time he had seriously heard Cheng Jixue sing. He had signed a ticket that Cheng Jixue had jokingly left behind, and it had actually come true by sheer accident.
He couldn't help but smile, a gentle yet wistful smile appearing on his face. This happened just two months ago, but now it seemed like a distant memory.
Who would have thought that he could become friends with the person who held his life and death in their hands?
The slight tenderness that flickered in his mind's eye during that moment was precisely captured by the cameraman. On stage, Cheng Jixue was still singing: "How could you bear to see me defeated and killed? Pity me, facing the divine generals with sword and spear, only to have the clouds of sorrow and fog dissipate, the waves surging and the war drums resounding to the heavens—"
He clutched his chest, staggered backward, his voice hoarse and sorrowful, just like Bai Suzhen, who was heartbroken and devastated!
The emotions of resentment, love, pity, and pain were so infectious that the entire scene fell silent. Then, the White Snake cried out in a mournful voice, "You—stood idly by on the hillside!"
The words "stand idly by" were tinged with tears. Zhang Chaohe clearly heard a little girl in front of him sniffling and cursing Xu Xian: "Idiot!!"
"Think about it, how can you face your wife now?"
The lights went out, and the next performance was "Dingjun Mountain" by veteran actors.
Zhang Chaohe had no interest in listening anymore and secretly slipped away from the edge to go backstage to pick up Cheng Jixue.
Cheng Jixue was being praised by a group of senior brothers. Zhang Chaohe didn't know their seniority, but most of the people standing here were direct disciples of masters from various schools, and they all knew that Cheng Jixue was a disciple of Master Qian Xiurong.
Just then, Zhang Chaohe came backstage, and Cheng Jixue happened to turn around suddenly in the crowd—her face, which had just been filled with sorrow and lamentation, seemed to light up in an instant. Cheng Jixue looked at him with sparkling eyes, her voice filled with surprise: "You're here! How did I sing?"
The senior students teased, "Hey, who's this?"
Just as Zhang Chaohe was about to say "boss," he suddenly saw Cheng Jixue push through the crowd and rush towards him, firmly taking his hand—in that instant, all sounds seemed to vanish as if blown away by stars, and he seemed to see countless clusters of flowers surrounding him, the world reduced to the soft yet strong touch of Cheng Jixue's hand.
"He is my friend."
The senior students let out another long "Oh—", and Bao Zheng, with his big black face still sullen, actually looked a little comical and cute. He hissed loudly, "Oh!!"
A domineering CEO who could easily amass millions fled in disarray.
A note from the author:
Cameraman: Look what I captured! (jpg)
The last excerpt from "The Legend of the White Snake" is adapted from Zhang Huoding's singing! However, the pom-poms on the heads of the Cheng school are green, while I think the red ones of other schools look better, so I selfishly changed them to red pom-poms XD I highly recommend everyone listen to Zhang Huoding's "How could you bear to hurt me!"
Today's thank-you list! I get angry late every day, so I wake up early in the morning to read everyone's comments, hehehe!
Bubble bubble bubble!
Chapter 38
President Zhang, a man of considerable wealth and cool demeanor, personally drove his Volvo, and the two sped towards Wantaihui.
Cheng Jixue said she wanted to drive, but Zhang Chaohe ruthlessly stopped her—he firmly disagreed with letting the beauty suffer, how could Cheng Jixue, who was so delicate and weak, drive!
The two sat awkwardly in the car, the air thick with an inexplicable sticky, stringy atmosphere. Zhang Chaohe broke the silence, asking, "Was your martial arts training tough when you were a kid?"
“It was tough,” Cheng Jixue sighed softly. “Back then, I was learning opera from my master. I had to practice hard from a young age, and my knees were often swollen by the end of the day.”
"Then why do you want to learn to sing opera?"
Cheng Jixue thought for a moment: "A family tradition of scholarship?"
Zhang Chaohe pricked up his ears because he hadn't finished reading the novel. His understanding of Cheng Jixue was limited to a very one-sided "beautiful, strong, and tragic" character. He didn't know where Cheng Jixue came from, what his hobbies were, or where he was going.
Oh, he's going to get into Master Ji's arms and start a sweet and romantic storyline.
Zhang Chaohe coldly snorted in his heart. Experience told him that wise people don't fall in love, and as long as he doesn't fall in love, he won't lose his mind.
But what if Cheng Jixue gets completely infatuated with that idiot surnamed Ji and her intelligence drops drastically?
He gritted his teeth in hatred—if it weren't for the protagonist's overwhelming aura, that idiot surnamed Ji would have been sacked by him sooner or later!
And what if the novel later contains some old-fashioned tragic plot elements, where the two people have a misunderstanding and end up with broken legs and kidneys removed? Cheng Jixue comes from a poor family and lost her parents at a young age, so she would definitely be the one being bullied under the power of the authorities!
No, I have to help this person to the end, and see it through to the end.
Cheng Jixue was telling stories about his experiences from childhood to university when Zhang Chaohe suddenly grabbed his hand while they were waiting at a red light!
Cheng Jixue paused, and her earlobes quickly flushed crimson.
“I’ve thought of something,” Zhang Chaohe said domineeringly and intently—his deep pupils were filled with an unyielding coldness and sincerity!
"What do you think?" Cheng Jixue had a bad feeling... After failing to observe the mental patient before, although Cheng Jixue was unable to analyze the other party's behavior pattern, he gained a sixth sense that was not based on reason!
If he could, he hoped Zhang Chaohe would shut up immediately and fall into a deep sleep; he had a strong premonition—a goose's beak can't produce ivory.
“Living alone must be so hard for you.” Although Zhang Chaohe held his hand, there was no hint of intimacy in his expression. Instead, his demeanor was solemn and dignified, as if he were swearing an oath under the national flag: “I think…”
Cheng Jixue raised an eyebrow tentatively, silently urging him to speak quickly.
"I want to become sworn brothers with you!" Zhang Chaohe's expression was upright and unyielding, his posture as sturdy and unapproachable as a young poplar tree! "From now on, Brother He will always be your second home!"
Cheng Jixue: He slowly typed a question mark in his mind?
Zhang Chaohe was also a little nervous—it was the first time he had asked his brother to become sworn brothers, and he really didn't know what posture to use to make it seem more sincere. He couldn't very well kneel on one knee like he was proposing marriage, could he?
Just then, the traffic light changed, and Zhang Chaohe, as if granted a pardon, let go of his hands and obediently placed both hands on the steering wheel, behaving like a model student.
“I still hope you can think it over carefully,” Zhang Chaohe patiently persuaded—it was completely understandable that Cheng Jixue was terrified!
After all, who wouldn't need time to process and come to their senses after being asked to become sworn brothers by a handsome, wealthy, domineering, and considerate guy?
Cheng Jixue's expression was unusually stiff: "Hmm... I think it's unnecessary, right? President Zhang doesn't really like me. What if President Zhang gets angry with you if we become sworn brothers?"
Who the hell wants to become sworn brothers with you?
Cheng Jixue was internally screaming in frustration!
Zhang Chaohe waved his hand and said, "We'll pray secretly without telling him, and lie to him that we didn't pray!"
Cheng Jixue suddenly had a flash of inspiration, her expression turning somber: "I can't go back on my word after making a vow to Lord Guan, Mr. Zhang..."
Zhang Chaohe's expression also stiffened—he had just had a sudden inspiration, how did it escalate to the level of worshipping Guan Yu?
Isn't this like having a secret relationship and the other person suddenly wanting to get a marriage certificate?
He was shocked: "You really want to get a marriage certificate with me... Oh no, no!"
Cheng Jixue stared blankly: "..."
While merging with another vehicle, Zhang Chaohe broke down and said, "What I mean is, does registering with Lord Guan mean you've passed the imperial examination? That's all feudal superstition, and it must be eradicated!"
Cheng Jixue suddenly looked aggrieved: "How am I being superstitious? I..."
Zhang Chaohe: "No, what I mean is..."
Cheng Jixue suddenly seemed to have a flash of inspiration, his confidence returned, and his speech became much smoother! With a new direction for his sophistry, even his speaking speed increased dramatically: "Do you look down on us Peking Opera actors who are deeply influenced by traditional opera? Worshipping Guan Yu is an old tradition, why don't you dare to worship him? You must not be sincere!"
Zhang Chaohe was speechless. He was like a wronged person who was being bombarded with insults after arguing with his girlfriend. She wouldn't listen to him and kept talking like a turtle. He not only had no way to deal with her, but he couldn't even utter a complete sentence.
He tried to calm Cheng Jixue down, but Cheng Jixue seemed to have no intention of calming down at all, and even continued to list his eight major crimes!
Zhang Chaohe finally gave in despair: "Fine, I won't worship! I won't worship!"
Cheng Jixue's eyes were sparkling, as if they were about to burst into tears. Zhang Chaohe looked at her with increasing regret and hurriedly apologized, trying to turn the page over.
After much coaxing, Cheng Jixue finally showed a genuine smile—the two appeared to be having a good time, but inwardly they were both exhausted, thinking, "Finally, we've managed to get through this mess."
While waiting at the next traffic light, the two of them leaned out of their respective car windows and sighed secretly.
This is so damn hard!
⚹
Today, Wantaihui held a pre-May 20th festival promotion event, and the venue was bustling with activity. Children running around with balloons and couples holding hands were everywhere. Zhang Chaohe and Cheng Jixue were wearing masks and fisherman's hats, and dressed casually, looking no different from other people who were just out shopping.
The Nan Guan Xiao Guan restaurant's dinner promotion is extensive, with promotional posters plastered all over the building. It's said that the head chef is a disciple of a master chef specializing in state banquets in Beijing. Because of his impressive resume, the price for a single person at the dinner is also very attractive—3888 RMB per person plus a 20% service charge.
Zhang Chaohe, who had never eaten at Haidilao for more than 388 yuan in his life, secretly gasped, but then thought that it was a limited-time offer and could be understood.
However, such a high price also made the limited number of seats seem less limited – there weren't many people queuing outside the restaurant. They waited for more than twenty minutes, and Zhang Chaohe even secretly counted, realizing that according to the posted number of diners, he and Cheng Jixue should be able to grab one of the last two spots?
Zhang Chaohe secretly turned around and gave Cheng Jixue a "it's all set" gesture, waiting expectantly for the waiter to guide him. However, the entry speed was getting slower and slower. At this moment, a couple suddenly stepped forward and showed their mobile phones to the front desk.
After a brief exchange, the receptionist seemed to say something to his communicator, and soon another waiter came out of the restaurant and led the couple inside.
The girl glanced back at the crowd waiting outside with a proud yet secretive look, then snuggled up to her boyfriend and went inside.
Zhang Chaohe sensed something was wrong: "Wait a minute, aren't these two behind us?"
Cheng Jixue also realized that there seemed to be two people blocking their way. He frowned slightly, but still comforted them softly, "It's okay, let's line up first."
Sure enough, Zhang Chaohe's worst fears came true—when it was their turn, the waiter at the front desk politely and courteously said, "I'm sorry, sir, thank you for your love and support of Master D•M, but we are full for today's dining. Please come again tomorrow. We sincerely wish you a wonderful day!"
At this point, Zhang Chaohe was still in a relatively good mood, and the people queuing behind him didn't have much of a problem—although there seemed to be two people cutting in front of him, they wouldn't get to the front anyway, so there was no point in arguing.
Everyone dispersed as soon as they said they would, but Zhang Chaohe had no intention of leaving. He asked the receptionist in a gentle tone, "Your restaurant doesn't have any other online reservation methods besides on-site reservations, right?"