Actor: Thank you.

Beijing, Dashilan, Deyuanshe Theater.

This was the earliest theater used by the crosstalk troupe. It used to be a miserable place, just as the old saying goes: "When the wind blows, it's half gone; when it rains, it's all over."

There have been times when there were more actors backstage than audience members, and there have even been times when not a single ticket was sold and we had to leave work early.

But there were also times when the crowds were so large that they almost collapsed the ticket booth, and times when it became the most popular sight for scalpers in the entire capital, with people queuing up every day.

The hardships involved can only be truly understood by those who have experienced them firsthand.

But now, to outsiders, those passing by just seem to think...

I watched him build a red mansion, I watched him entertain guests, and I watched his mansion collapse.

This passage from the Northern opera "The Peach Blossom Fan," which has existed since the Qing Dynasty, describes Nanjing after the fall of the Southern Ming Dynasty, and also reflects the current state of crosstalk troupes.

Not only did outsiders see the Deyuan Society as having "collapsed," but even its own people saw it as having collapsed.

In the deserted theater, the long benches were all overturned and placed on the square table.

Only one was as neat as usual, and a fragrant aroma of tea wafted from it.

Zhang Yuan and his wife, Teacher Guo, sat at the only table that was "open for business".

"Sigh..." Teacher Guo sighed.

After Zhang Yuan arrived, he barely spoke, mostly just sighing.

What is a company most afraid of when it faces a crisis, especially a public relations crisis?
The boss jumped out and started spouting nonsense!

The root cause of many corporate crises is the boss's big mouth and arrogance.

That's exactly what Xibei does.

As it turns out, the success of many businesses has little to do with the personal abilities of the boss. In a favorable environment, even a pig can take off, but relationships and connections can propel a pig to the forefront of a trend.

Although Mr. Guo is riding the wave of opportunity, he is not a fool.

He and Brother Qian are undoubtedly the strongest supporting and leading comedians in the Chinese crosstalk world today, both artistically and commercially.

But the saying that character determines destiny is absolutely true.

It is his personality that has led to all of this.

The public confrontation with the reporter caused such a stir that it attracted excessive attention.

Actually, this matter wasn't that serious at first. After Li Heibiao assaulted someone, it was reported that he was detained for seven days and fined 200 yuan. The administrative process was already underway.

If you're still not satisfied, then you can file a lawsuit and go through the proper procedures.

But the problem lies in Teacher Guo's personality and his sharp tongue.

Just like Xibei, once the boss goes on a rampage, things get out of hand.

Teacher Guo, whenever he resorts to sophistry and uses eloquent words, ultimately has only one core purpose.

That is to prove that you are "right".

Whether it's a matter with his apprentices or the education of his children, he has to prove himself "right".

To maintain his sense of rightness, he will stop at nothing and pay any price.

And then... we were defeated by a dimensional reduction attack.

The cultural authorities in the capital came to his door, ordering him to suspend operations and conduct a self-examination.

There are no documents, and they don't admit that it was required by higher-ups.

This requirement was obtained through connections by certain individuals.

At the same time, Mr. Guo's words did indeed provoke dissatisfaction among many people, especially journalists.

Teacher Guo's remarks about the reporter were too sweeping, almost like making sweeping generalizations.

It would be strange if they didn't team up to increase your strength.

Asking you to do your own investigation is already giving you face.

If you don't close your business, that's not respectable.

If you're respectable, then we'll let you be respectable. If you're not respectable, then the city management officers, firefighters, and market inspectors will take turns coming to your door to help you maintain your dignity.

That's why it's now closed down.

It's not just one business that's closed down; all of Deyuan Society's related businesses have shut down, including Mr. Guo's restaurant.

Furthermore, the person who sent the informal notice did not tell Mr. Guo the specific duration of the business closure.

Now everyone in the crosstalk troupe, young and old, is in a panic!

In their eyes, this is an indefinite rectification period, which is tantamount to bankruptcy.

Zhang Yuan knew that this was a time-limited event, and it would only take about a month to pass.

First of all, this is a company that contributes millions of dollars in taxes to the local area every year and employs hundreds of people.

Moreover, it's a "star" company.

Although the cultural department raised concerns, the cultural and tourism department, the tax department, and the district government were all unwilling to actually close down Deyuan Society.

Furthermore, even CCTV and Beijing TV have differing opinions on the issue of "beating reporters."

Hitting a reporter is wrong, but forcing your way into someone's home is also wrong.

The public, especially netizens, reacted strongly, which eventually prompted the Supreme People's Court to issue a clarification, stating that even if a reporter has a press card, they cannot trespass on private property, and made a public statement on this matter.

These are all things to be discussed later; things will get better in the future.

But the rest of the xiangsheng troupe didn't know!
These days, the apprentices feel like the sky has fallen.

Dozens of people took turns going to the master and his wife's house to complain.

Some expressed their loyalty, some asked us what to do, and some couldn't even finish their sentences.

Of course, some are already making other plans.

Moreover, those who are secretly making other plans are very likely to be the ones who cry the loudest and desperately pledge their loyalty.

It is in such "times of crisis" that human nature is truly revealed.

Yue Yunpeng and Kong Laosan were both sobbing and unable to say anything.

Li Yunjie brought his former gangster brother to their master and said that their group might not be doing well anymore.

Our family received three apartments as compensation for our demolished property. My brother and I each received one, and we'll give you the last one as a way of repaying your kindness in guiding us.

The eldest apprentice, He Yunwei, went to his master's house several times and cried, saying that he would follow his master to the death and would even help his master carry the bowl if he had to beg for food.

Then he turned around and contacted the Beijing TV station...

These are all people, people you'll encounter in life, some good, some evil, some genuine, some fake.

What determines a person's fate and reveals their true nature is the choice they make in times of crisis.

Now, Teacher Guo called him here so that Zhang Yuan could also make his own choice.

Zhang Yuan deliberately kept drinking tea and didn't say anything.

This is what the martial arts world is like. He speaks first, so what can he possibly say?
There's no one to blame but myself for how things turned out this way.

If you blame others first, the couple will join forces, leaving you with no grounds for judgment.

So we have to let them speak first.

"Junior brother," Teacher Guo glanced at him and said in a low voice, "you should know the current situation."

"Our group has encountered the biggest crisis in its history."

"It's difficult."

"I've called you here today to discuss your thoughts."

Zhang Yuan put down his teacup, leaned back, and gazed at the empty stage, saying softly.

"Adults must be responsible for their own actions."

"Arguing about right and wrong is pointless."

"After all, it has already happened."

Mr. and Mrs. Guo exchanged a glance, their expressions not very pleasant.

Zhang Yuan said this because he had foreseen their purpose, and by saying that arguing about right and wrong was meaningless, he actually pointed out where the right and wrong lay.

I wasn't involved, so how could I be wrong?

It's definitely you!
“Brother,” Wang Hui said in his Tianjin accent, “you are knowledgeable and have a wide circle of friends.”

“We’re all family here, so we don’t need to stand on ceremony. You’re also part of the group, so could you help me find someone to ask around?”

"Is there a way to handle this?"

Zhang Yuan glanced at her sideways.

When your child dies, you come to nurse; when snot drips from your nose, you know to wipe it away; when the US military arrives at your doorstep, you realize that might makes right.

You never contact me unless you need something, so what do you take me for?
Zhang Yuan had known this would happen, and had been holding back his actions.

His plan was to remain still and watch everything unfold.

You caused this mess, so I'll clean it up. If you were a pretty older woman, I might accept it...

Now you remember I was a shareholder of Deyuan Society?
Zhang Yuan remained unmoved, his expression cold, and he uttered even colder words.

"Besides being an actor, I am also a businessman." "As a businessman, I do business like buying stocks; it's human nature to chase the highs and sell the lows."

"The way to deal with non-performing assets is to abandon them in order to avoid greater losses later."

Zhang Yuan turned his head, his cold gaze fixed on the couple.

"To me, the current situation of Deyuan Society is that of a real non-performing asset!"

Teacher Guo licked her lips, her fingers trembling.

He didn't expect Zhang Yuan to make trouble at this time!
What is meant by handling non-performing assets?

Lose money.

Buy back my shares and use the money to compensate me for my investment losses.

You are responsible for the losses you caused.

From a business perspective, this kind of opportunistic act of kicking someone when they're down and then offering Häagen-Dazs as a gift is perfectly normal.

What's wrong with businessmen protecting their own interests?
“So, theoretically speaking, what I should do now is to liquidate my shares in Deyuan Society, recover as much capital as possible, and minimize losses,” Zhang Yuanming said.

After hearing this, Mr. Guo and his wife both had tears in their eyes.

Zhang Yuanjian was quite satisfied with the condition of the two men.

This is why he didn't stop it from happening.

Having everything go smoothly all the time can make people arrogant and even forget that they are not the only ones in charge.

“But I am not just a businessman.” At this moment, when the two were in despair, Zhang Yuan’s tone and attitude suddenly softened.

"All things in the world are nothing more than human emotions."

"Besides making money in business, I personally still believe in feelings."

"Moreover, we are proper fellow disciples, and as fellow students, we should not kick someone when they are down."

"So let me state my position first: I have no intention of selling my shares, nor will I withdraw my investment at this time."

How much money can they get by forcing the two to buy back their shares?
It's not even enough to pay off my loan for a few months, so it's pointless.

His goal was never to sell shares.

"Brother, I feel relieved to hear you say that!" Wang Hui cried out, tears streaming down her face.

"Please don't worry. Now that I'm here, I must have a solution."

"Now let me share my thoughts."

First, give them a strong "show of force," clearly define your "bargaining chips" and what you can and cannot do, then you can speak more effectively and your words will carry weight.

"Senior brother, sister-in-law."

"Actually, whether it's you, me, or Brother Qian, we've all saved up a lot of money over the years."

"It's a pity that this sign has fallen, but we won't go hungry."

"The house and savings are enough for us to live on, right?"

You live in a big villa, so stop complaining about being poor.

The two nodded helplessly.

"But we won't go hungry, what about our apprentices and students?"

“Many people have left their families and homes to study here, and they have no income.”

"Many children rely on performing on stage to make a living, earning a few thousand yuan a month in performance fees. How do they survive?"

"If we stop working, we'll stop eating; we can't let them starve to death."

“I’ve already planned it out. During the shutdown, we’ll pay them their basic salary,” Teacher Guo replied immediately, sounding quite proud.

"Is the so-called basic company based on the minimum wage standard in the capital?" Zhang Yuan immediately replied.

Ten years ago, the lowest-paid employee in Beijing only made 960 yuan...

In Beijing, a shared basement room costs 2-300 yuan a month.

A bowl of ramen costs more than 10 yuan, what can you do with 960?
"This amount of money is manageable for a month or two, but how will they survive for a year or two?"

"Let's not even talk about them. There are over a hundred people. Even if they are paid the minimum wage, they would still earn more than 100,000 a month, which would amount to over a million a year."

How long can you send it?

"So this statement is unrealistic and will not last."

"So what do you mean?" Teacher Guo seemed to understand a little.

"What I mean is to find a way out for the children."

"What's being blacklisted now is actually you and the Deyuan Society brand, not all the company's artists, right?"

"If one door closes, another opens. My idea is to bypass Deyuan Society and you, and I will establish a separate company on my own."

"Renting a venue may seem like starting anew, but it's actually a way to provide food for these kids."

Zhang Yuan's goal is simple: he was originally in charge of two things, so he wanted to establish Sun Wo Luen Shing!

Moreover, he couldn't do anything reckless; he had to take advantage of the closure of the crosstalk club to get Mr. Guo's approval and consent to let him do it.

Only in this way can power be truly divided.

He kept suppressing Cao Yunjing, indirectly "protecting" him, preventing him from rebelling. Only when he himself allowed Cao Yunjing to rebel could Cao Yunjing do so.

He wanted Jinzi to start his own business, but he couldn't afford to fall out with Teacher Guo.

This way, he can manage both ends and rationally coordinate the artists.

Otherwise, if Cao Yunjing rebelled and he funded the establishment of a new troupe, given Teacher Guo's personality, he would definitely be eager to turn against him.

And this is just the first step; they're taking the opportunity to dismantle the crosstalk club.

In the face of this crisis, we need to adjust our organizational structure.

"On one hand, I'll find a way out for my apprentices. On the other hand, I'll inquire and, like you said, try to find some connections."

"I'll go to the Chinese Quyi Association first. At least I'm still a council member and can speak up."

Zhang Yuan presented his own solution.

Let's start from scratch, I'll help with that.

If you don't agree, then I won't care anymore, and you should refund my money.

You can choose.

There was really no choice.

Moreover, Zhang Yuan's proposal was reasonable and they couldn't refute it.

If I disagree, and the disciples find out that their master gave them a chance but stopped them, what will they think?

After talking for a long time, Professor Guo basically agreed to the plan.

Just survive first.

Zhang Yuan then suggested that Cao Yunjing's skill level was quite good among his apprentices, and that he should take the lead in selecting a group of people.

Of course, you also need their consent to go to the new group with him.

Let's all stay out of the spotlight and support each other discreetly.

Wang Hui, who was standing to the side, felt more and more uneasy, but there was nothing she could do.

This is already the optimal solution at present.

Furthermore, if the Deyuan Society truly cannot reopen, it can be "reincarnated" and directly possess a new organization, which is also convenient.

After discussing everything, Zhang Yuan asked Teacher Guo to treat his apprentices to a meal to boost morale and to mention the matter.

He immediately took action, starting a new company and finding a location.

Before leaving, when Teacher Guo was seeing him off, she suddenly asked a question.

"Junior brother, do you think we were right or wrong in this matter, specifically regarding blocking the reporters?"

Zhang Yuan was still agonizing over right and wrong, and shook his head helplessly.

"Stopping someone is right, being tricked and falling into a trap is careless, and hitting someone is wrong."

He left a relatively fair answer.

Everyone has their own moral compass; an outsider's perspective is clearer, and they naturally understand right and wrong at that moment.

But he won't publicly express his support or opposition.

I support Teacher Guo; the Beijing TV station will definitely come after me.

Opposing Professor Guo would lead to internal instability.

So these days he's deliberately hiding, refusing interviews and answering these kinds of questions.

Staying out of it is best, that's what Brother Qian does.

This was a strategy he had planned long ago, and it was being implemented flawlessly according to plan.

However, a film crew suddenly approached him, causing him to change his mind... (End of Chapter)