Actor: Thank you.

"Oh."

"Okay, I know."

Inside the Guo Family Cuisine restaurant, Teacher Guo handed the phone to Zhang Yuan.

Everyone around saw Teacher Zhao publicly confront him.

Everyone was whispering among themselves.

"See? We've been looking for him everywhere, but we still have to find him."

"Yeah, we're saying we're congratulating him, but actually we should be looking for that kid."

"That's right, it seems the actors are still the better ones."

Everyone felt that Zhang Yuan had stolen the spotlight.

Guo Qilin, the protagonist of today's story, or as many might think, cast an envious glance at his senior, Zhang Yuan.

Actually, the main character today is Teacher Guo.

Or rather, whenever Teacher Guo is around, he will try to make himself the main character.

This is how it is when making programs or organizing events.

It's normal for Guo Qilin, a young boy, to envy the more visible profession of acting.

He not only envied Zhang Yuan, but also Yu Siyang.

After all, he's Qian Ge's son; he can eat whatever he wants, drink whatever he wants, and hug older sisters whenever he wants...

Now she's ditched her mother, Sister-in-law Qian, and gone to Liu Shishi's side for a hug.

This is almost getting into ethical dilemmas.

"Here." After finishing the call, he handed the phone back to Teacher Guo.

"Is it something important?" the other party asked cautiously.

They were afraid it would be related to them.

"I have a bit of a problem, and Teacher Zhao asked me to help."

"Oh." Seeing that he didn't elaborate, she didn't press him further.

"Is it troublesome?" the little lion asked, leaning closer.

"It's alright, just generally troublesome."

"Don't worry."

Teacher Zhao asked him to help settle a matter.

It's not a big deal; even if something really big happened, it wouldn't be my turn.

Once you cross Shanhaiguan, you'll find Zhao Benshan; this isn't just a casual saying.

Teacher Zhao is a frequent guest of many bureau-level officials in Northeast China, and a close friend of many entrepreneurs.

So the matter you need to ask him about isn't big, but it's something he's suited to handle.

The apprenticeship ceremony ended shortly afterward.

Two more strings of electronic firecrackers were set off, and more than ten apprentices also set off colorful firecrackers.

This is to congratulate the restaurant on its opening.

Zhang Yuan glanced around and found several more apprentices he didn't recognize.

A little while later, Teacher Guo led the group over and introduced each person to someone.

"This is Yan Yunda, a student I recognized in Tianjin more than ten years ago."

"This is Cao Heyang, and Ma Heqi."

"This is Tao Yang, nicknamed the Peking Opera prodigy..."

Zhang Yuan smiled and nodded, greeting them one by one. He then instructed his assistant to retrieve red envelopes and cash from the car as a gift.

The other apprentices were alright, but Tao Yang, who was known as a Peking Opera prodigy, was criticized by his peers after being taken in by Master Guo.

You're a crosstalk performer, yet you're ruining our promising Peking Opera talents!

This child is remarkable. Before he was 10 years old, he had already appeared on opera competitions and programs on major television stations across the country, and was famous throughout the country.

They also appeared on the Spring Festival Gala and held a special performance.

So when Master Guo publicly announced that he would take this kid as his apprentice, the Peking Opera community in the north was in an uproar.

A bunch of experienced workers stomped their feet and cursed.

But there is a problem. This child became famous when he was 3 or 4 years old. Since your Peking Opera industry values ​​him so much, why hasn't a master or famous artist taken him as a disciple after several years?

This brings us to a major problem in the performing arts industry: social hierarchies!

In any market or industry, there is always a surge of talent when it is emerging, but once it becomes a system, the talent pool gradually dwindles.

Why is this happening?

Because powerful families control the channels for promotion, and they control the discourse power and the final interpretation of the rules in an industry.

This is also one of the reasons for the decline of many dynasties.

Peking Opera has clearly reached its "end times," but the smaller the market, the more those powerful families cling to their livelihoods.

Forget about sharing a bite with outsiders; if you just pass by and glance at him, he'll start cursing.

Tao Yang didn't not want to become an apprentice; it was just that no one wanted him.

It's not that they don't accept apprentices, it's that they only accept people with connections.

Even if someone is willing to take on an apprentice, then let's talk about the fee for taking on an apprentice first.

The amount ranges from tens of thousands to over one hundred thousand.

It's unrealistic to say that Teacher Guo had no ulterior motives in accepting him.

First, he said that boys go through a period of "voice change," which is the period when their voices change.

The child has a good voice now, but what if it gets ruined after a vocal change?

These are all things beyond our control.

Many of the older generation of Peking Opera prodigies suddenly stopped performing after puberty.

As Teacher Guo later said, Tao Yang's voice change was not very successful, and his voice was not as bright.

Teacher Guo said that even if you lose your voice, you can still make a living by learning crosstalk.

His personal motivation was that he loved Peking Opera and needed "proof".

Just like Guo Qilin and Yue Yunpeng can prove his level of "belief," his personality dictates that he needs a child from the Peking Opera world to prove himself.

Zhang Yuan glanced at it a few times and didn't say anything more.

From the perspective of life and income, following Teacher Guo is indeed the best policy.

No talent or prodigy can compare to the pressure of life.

So while the other apprentices received 200 yuan in red envelopes, this kid received a significantly thicker one.

"It's not easy to be a Peking Opera prodigy; we must protect him."

"Buy more food to replenish your body."

The other apprentices were all very envious of this.

Teacher Guo was also happy, after all, she had raised this child as her godson.

He was pleased that his godson was popular.

"There's something else. I went to Mr. Li Wenhua's funeral the other day. His grandson was a big fat boy."

“I know,” Zhang Yuan nodded.

"You know?" Teacher Guo's eyes widened.

"I saw them feeding elephants at the Beijing Zoo a few years ago when I visited."

"Oh, that's such a coincidence."

"This fat guy also formed a crosstalk troupe, but he's not making any money."

"I was thinking of simply having him come to the troupe."

"He said it's no problem for him to come, but he can't leave his brothers behind. If he's going to come, they have to come together."

If that's the case, then Fatty Sun is actually quite a nice guy... Zhang Yuan stroked his chin.

If I become rich and powerful, I will not forget you.

When a way out was found, not only did they not abandon their buddies, but they also thought about going together.

"I'm glad you think it's okay."

"Alright then, let them all come."

"And I also want to bring Hou's son to the troupe."

"We're all on the same side, it's only right."

"That's it, that's it..."

Seeing that he readily agreed, Teacher Guo smiled and said yes.

Zhang Yuan understood that both the fat Sun Yue and the talkative Hou Zhen came from families with a long history in crosstalk.

Teacher Guo also wants to absorb these people from prominent families to make himself stronger.

After finishing these things, we went upstairs to listen to crosstalk.

Teacher Guo put in extra effort today to support her son.

He was then pulled aside by his junior sister to whisper something to her.

"Chanel has recently released new bags."

"purchase."

"McQueen has new shoes."

“Buy… no, you don’t have any acting fees or endorsements anymore.”

"Yes, that's right." The little lion nodded with a smile: "I've taken on a lot of endorsements recently, and I've received quite a bit of revenue sharing."

"Then why don't you just buy it yourself?"

"What you bought is different from what I bought."

"Alright then." Zhang Yuan patted the back of her hand.

Her career has been on a rapid rise recently, thanks to the publicity and promotion provided by Jia Shikai.

Although I wasn't particularly interested in bags, shoes, or cosmetics, I still chatted with her for most of the time.

After the performance, when we returned downstairs for the banquet, she even pulled me aside to chat.

Clearly, she didn't just want me to spend money; she wanted me to keep her company.

Indeed, they rarely met, so he was willing to offer some other form of compensation.

"Xiao Zhang, I heard you bought a plane?" Liu's mother asked somewhat gossipyly halfway through the meal.

"No, no, it's borrowed, but I'll pay for all the usage costs myself." He didn't immediately agree to show off.

"You're too modest. At our age, we've never even seen a private jet, let alone ridden one."

As she spoke, Liu's mother glanced at Liu's father.

The lion cub's father looked helpless. Was it because I didn't earn enough?
Zhang Yuan noticed it and asked his junior sister.

Do you have a lot of engagements lately?

"Fortunately, I've already finished filming 'The Legend of the White Snake: The Sequel'."

"The company has arranged a new drama for me called 'The Weaver Girl of the Ends of the Earth,' which won't start filming for another few months."

"Recently, there have only been some sporadic announcements and business dealings."

"The Weaver Girl" is a self-made drama by Sugarman. I sent him the project information before, but he only glanced at it and then ignored it.

Although Liu Shishi is already the top star of the Sugar Man brand, Boss Cai feels that her ability is still not enough to carry the lead role.

So they cast Janine Chang, who was still quite young at the time, as the lead actress.

At this time, Miss Zhang had just lost her baby fat, and her cheeks were slightly thinner, making her look more spirited.

"Just treat it as practice, and take good pictures."

"Yes, I know, I've been learning."

"Since there's not much work lately, I might as well go out and have some fun."

“You have time!” The little lion’s eyes lit up.

"I don't have time. I still have a film to shoot and a lot of things to take care of."

"Ah..." She immediately showed a look of disappointment.

“But my plane is available,” Zhang Yuan added.

"Aunt Liu, Uncle Liu, why don't you two take a plane together for a vacation?" "Oh dear, no way, we can't use your..."

“It won’t be a waste of time,” he interrupted.

"Both Mr. Liu and Mr. Yuan are getting on in years and it's inconvenient for them to travel long distances."

"Taking a commercial flight is a hassle, but private flights are much better."

"I'd like to ask you to take Mr. Yuan out with you so that the two old men can relax and enjoy themselves."

"At the beginning of the year, I bought a vacation villa in Hainan and another in Yuhang. I will have my assistant hand over the keys to you tomorrow."

"You can use it as you please."

"Oh dear, how could I possibly accept this?" Mrs. Liu couldn't stop smiling.

They travel by private jet and even go to vacation villas.

When I send the photos to my girlfriends, they'll be so envious!
Women have a strong competitive spirit.

"Uncle Liu, you don't need to refuse. Consider it payment for taking care of Mr. Yuan for me."

“Taking care of Mr. Yuan is what we juniors should do, let’s not talk about it.” Old Liu was quite good at speaking.

After much persuasion and refusals, he finally accepted.

Liu Shishi was already breathing heavily with excitement, and she started planning what clothes to wear on her vacation.

Private jets are incredibly tempting, not just for ordinary people, but even for middle-class families like Little Lion's.

Not to mention their colleagues in the performing arts circle.

Everyone says that Mr. Yuan found a good apprentice, and the old man is now enjoying a comfortable life.

At the same time, her eyes were red with envy.

Before long, a long line of people came to offer their toasts.

"Master, I want to ride on a big airplane too."

"Don't even think about it."

"Why?" asked Yu Siyang, puzzled.

"Because my plane is only for pretty older women."

The boy thought for a moment, then nodded without any resentment.

He accepted it; after all, in his heart, the beautiful older sister was sacred and deserved everything.

After the meal, I took the family to their small courtyard house and told Mr. Yuan about the incident.

The old man asked and declined three times, and finally agreed with a reluctant expression.

He then turned around and used his old-fashioned mobile phone to call his friend.

"Hey, Lao Wang, how have you been lately?"

"Let me tell you, I'm going on a long trip in a few days. Guess how I'll get there?"

"It's not a train."

"It's not a private car."

"Have you ever heard of private jets? They're incredibly expensive!"

"Back in the early days after liberation, only people like Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou were qualified to sit there..."

After finishing one, he would move on to another and continue fighting, showing off to his buddies one by one.

What sets Yuan Kuocheng apart from other elderly people is that he retains a youthful spirit despite his advanced age; his mindset is not outdated.

Seeing this, Zhang Yuan felt comforted.

Whether it's a girl or an old man, I don't have time to spend with them, so I can only try to compensate them with material things.

Seeing them happy, he shared in their joy.

After settling this matter, he had to face the task assigned to him by Teacher Zhao.

A day or two later, Zhang Yimou's new film "A Simple Noodle Story" held its opening ceremony in Beijing.

Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weiping, Xiao Shenyang, Ya Dan, Yan Ni and other main cast and crew members all made an appearance.

And of course, there's also the male lead, Sun Honglei!

This film is Zhang Yimou's comeback work after the Olympics, so theoretically, reporters should be surrounding the great director and taking pictures.

But all the spotlight today belongs to Xiao Shenyang and Sun Honglei.

Xiao Shenyang became an overnight sensation.

Sun Honglei has also made considerable progress in recent years.

But this is not enough for the two to overshadow Zhang Yimou.

The reason for this situation can be traced back to Sun Honglei, who was answering questions from reporters.

Sun Honglei's outfit today is quite different from what you'd expect.

It wasn't that he looked strange, but rather that his right hand was in a cast and wrapped in thick gauze!
Before filming even started, the lead actor was already injured.

Furthermore, it's rumored that Xiao Shenyang broke Sun Honglei's bones.

That doesn't sound believable at all.

With Xiao Shenyang's physique, how could he be Liu Huaqiang, who came from a dance hall and a life of crime?

The real "Honorable Brother Lei" only knows how to dance in Northeast China.

The claim of a fight is unfounded.

But the two did have a conflict.

After the press conference, Zhang Yuan waited backstage early.

"Director Zhang, General Manager Zhang."

"You've arrived." Zhang Yimou greeted him and went up to chat.

Zhao Benshan has already asked him to settle the matter.

Ping was referring to the matter between his apprentice and Sun Honglei.

Teacher Zhao has recently recovered from a serious illness and is currently recuperating.

He has already called Sun Honglei and mediated the dispute.

But he knew that because of his high status, even if Sun Honglei nodded and said it was nothing, he might not really think so.

Maybe they think you, as the master, are superior to the apprentice, and are forcing me to back down.

Making a mistake would be detrimental to Shenyang's future development.

Making enemies with veteran actors right after starting out is definitely not a good thing.

"I'll talk to them."

"Alright, I'll leave it to you. I have other things to attend to." After giving a few instructions, Zhang Yimou boarded a plane and headed to the film set.

Teacher Zhao sought him out because he was involved in favors from both sides.

Both sides would certainly be willing to give him face and sit down to talk.

To avoid further conflicts on set.

What exactly is the conflict between the two?

First, the amount of screen time.

Sun Honglei is the male lead, and he even lost weight beforehand for the role, which was quite tough for him.

However, after Zhao's troupe joined, their roles increased significantly, resulting in a shift in power dynamics.

In addition, what Teacher Zhao is most worried about is those who drift to Shenyang.

His concerns were valid; Xiao Shenyang did seem a bit lost after his sudden rise to fame.

It's human nature to be confused when you're in this position.

So lately, I've been forgetting the slickness and restraint I learned when I was in the underworld, and I've started to reveal my true nature.

It's not that he's inherently bad, it's just that he's the kind of person who's stubborn and a bit headstrong.

As a result, during the pre-filming training, the conflict between him and Brother Honglei became increasingly apparent.

During their most recent dinner together, the two got into a fight over signing autographs for fans.

They were all drunk when a fan walked by and barged into the private room asking for an autograph.

Sun Honglei was unhappy to see people barging in and refused to sign, so he tried to coax them out.

Xiao Shenyang, being cheeky, said, "What if they're not asking you to sign?"

They had already drunk quite a bit, and now things have gotten even worse, with them making a huge fuss.

There was no fight, but their exaggerated body language was certainly intimidating.

They're both from Northeast China, and it's common for them to drool and mumble after drinking too much.

Eventually, they started throwing bottles.

Sun Honglei's arm wasn't injured by Xiao Shenyang.

Instead, he lost control of his strength and smashed the marble coffee table when he threw the bottle.

Not only did the broken bottle cut my hand, but it also fractured my little finger.

In everyday life, it would just be two drunkards causing trouble.

But it's different for these two; they've made up their minds.

They will be working together on an entire film afterward, so both Mr. Zhao and Mr. Zhang attach great importance to it.

In other words, he damaged it himself. If Xiao Shenyang had really hit him, Sun Honglei would have turned on him long ago, and there would be no need for them to sit together and hold a press conference.

It was getting late after the press conference ended.

Even if you're trying to reconcile two popular celebrities, you can't do it in public.

So Zhang Yuan planned to find a suitable venue.

Just then, Old Wang wanted to play cards with him again, apparently wanting to give him some pocket money.

He doesn't have time to play cards anyway.

I told the other party about the things I needed to deal with.

Old Wang casually remarked that she had never met Xiao Shenyang before, and wanted to get to know this famous person.

It's not that I like listening to Errenzhuan (a type of folk opera).

The main reason is that Xiao Shenyang and his wife have exceptional vocal qualities and vocal cord function; they are naturally gifted with good voices.

The reason their daughter was able to debut is because she inherited this trait.

Many people in the music industry are wondering how someone who used to sing Errenzhuan (a traditional Chinese folk art form) became famous by singing in a Spring Festival Gala skit.

Wang Fei doesn't care about the saying "different industries are like different worlds," as long as he finds it fun.

So he invited them to go drinking.

Zhang Yuan thought that with so many people, it would be good to have a big name like Lao Wang in charge. Even if they didn't care about him, they would have to consider the face of so many big names present.

They then arranged to meet at her friend Na Ying's bar.

Actually, Lao Wang had previously run a bar in Beijing.

However, it was managed by Li Yapeng, so it went bankrupt not long afterward.

Brother Li is really not cut out for business; he basically loses money no matter what he tries.

Upon arrival, Ying specially arranged a private room.

Not only were the two "Meet in '98" present, but also many students from Class 1, Grade 6, such as Yang Kun, Wang Xuebin, and Li Jing, came.

Zhang Yuan greeted each of them in turn.

"Let me introduce you, Xiao Shenyang, the big star." He pointed to Scotland and flirted.

Upon meeting these idols, Shenyang immediately became much more polite.

He also has a dream of becoming a musician, and these were the people he could only see on television before.

"Where's Brother Hong Lei?" After introducing him, Zhang Yuan turned around and looked around.

"He went to pee, he peed before even drinking, that kind of person is a sly one." The eagle said in a rough voice after taking a sip of wine.

She and Sun Honglei had known each other for a long time, and he was known for his "outspokenness".

"Did you take that long to go to the toilet?" Zhang Yuan waved to his bodyguard, signaling him to take a look.

Could they have run away?

Brother Honglei isn't that clueless.

A short while later, the bodyguard rushed back.

"Boss," he whispered in her ear, "something's happened to Sun Honglei!" (End of Chapter)