Actor: Thank you.

How could someone as clever as Zhao Benshan not understand Zhang Yuan's meaning?

And they came directly to me...

Uncle Benshan understood that this meant a strong interest, not just a desire to get to know or talk about it, but a great willingness to do so.

Otherwise, you can just find a greenhouse directly. Why come to me, the master craftsman?

Looking at Zhang Yuan's sincere gaze, Teacher Zhao was at a loss.

"Your apprentice isn't from the Errenzhuan (a traditional Chinese folk art form) background," Zhang Yuan said, taking the initiative to start a conversation when he saw the other party hesitate.

"Your main job is hosting, but you also want to be an actor, right?"

In Zhang Yuan's mind, the person in the greenhouse was basically synonymous with Xiao Yang.

They are all all-rounders who can write, direct, and act, and they can also make music.

The current situation is the same; with an average appearance, it's difficult to stand out.

But he's talented, and he's a decent person.

He has secured an important place among directors who did not come from professional backgrounds in later generations.

These non-professionals in later generations clearly understood the market better than the professionals.

Talented individuals need to be recruited, so it's essential to plan ahead.

Finding Zhao Benshan was also to take advantage of his position as a mentor.

The other party could tell too.

This isn't the first time Zhao Benshan, a former TV host, has taken on a disciple.

Yu Yang, who previously appeared on the Spring Festival Gala with Teacher Zhao, also became his formal disciple last year.

Isn't Zhao Benshan also making moves in the entertainment industry, while simultaneously seeking more opportunities for his troupe?

If some of your fellow apprentices are hosts or actors, then it's much easier for others to appear on shows and make movies.

Managing dozens of apprentices is no easy task.

Not only do they have to provide meals, but the meals have to be good, otherwise someone is sure to start cursing.

Just like with Teacher Guo, there are quite a few people who smash pots and go out to curse if they are not given enough.

What makes Zhao Benshan more impressive than Guo Degang is that he can make every variety show or TV series he does a hit, providing his apprentices with numerous opportunities for advancement.

In comparison, the TV series and movies that Teacher Guo has directed...

Another point is that, according to Teacher Zhao, if any of his apprentices or their families encounter problems and need financial or logistical support, he stipulates that all his fellow apprentices must contribute money, which is almost mandatory.

This is the only way to strengthen the bond between the apprentices; otherwise, dozens of people might only see each other a few times a year.

Mutual help is essential for building team cohesion.

Of course, there are also stingy ones. For example, when Zhao took Cheng Ye, who had acted in several movies with him, he didn't pay him once. As a result, Zhao deliberately ignored him for many years and didn't include him in any big productions.

These are all methods of managing subordinates, and folk wisdom.

The same applies to the greenhouse. Teacher Zhao would feed them right away, and he would give them a big mouthful before they would willingly become his apprentice.

However, Teacher Zhao is indeed the "King of Northeast China," and he almost exclusively accepts students from the three northeastern provinces.

Huang Shengyi's move was a clever little trick played by Yang Zi. She knelt down in public without warning, making Zhao Benshan lose face.

"Since you're a host, you also want to act."

"If we're talking about acting, whether it's TV series or movies, I definitely have more opportunities here."

"Moreover, Da Peng's abilities are not only in acting, but also in directing; he has potential."

Teacher Zhao nodded gently as he listened to his words. With his sharp eyes, he certainly noticed.

He also knew he wouldn't let his own people down.

"But they have jobs and organizations now."

“I know, I can also connect with online platforms.”

“He can do what he wants to do anywhere. A talented person can shine even in a different place.”

Zhao Benshan glanced at him sideways; this was exactly what he was afraid of.

The old master had long heard about the conflict between Zhang Chaoyang and Gu Yongqiang.

Zhang Chaoyang was determined to make Sohu Video the largest in China, but...

Why did Sohu, a major portal, get up early but arrive late?

The four major early internet portals in China were Sina, Tencent, Sohu, and NetEase.

Why did only Sohu eventually fall behind, fading into obscurity and being swept away by the next generation?

Although NetEase and Sina are not as big as Tencent, they are still making a good living.

The problem ultimately lies with the boss, Zhang Chaoyang; his character flaws are too great.

Too arrogant, acts without considering others' feelings, only cares about what he wants, and doesn't consider other people's feelings at all.

Why did Dapeng eventually break off its relationship with Sohu and leave?

Because Zhang Chaoyang insisted that all of Dapeng's works could only be exclusively broadcast on Sohu Video, even the movies.

They even forbade his films from being shown on the big screen.

He only cared about making his own Sohu Video videos and didn't care at all about Dapeng's personal development.

This is even after "Jianbing Man" grossed over a billion yuan after its release, and he's still like this.

In addition, the contract for "Jianbing Man" stipulated a 10% share of the box office revenue, but this was never paid.

Contrary to popular belief, Dapeng did not become successful; instead, he either got carried away and switched jobs or started his own company.

He was fired by Sohu after he disagreed with Zhang Chaoyang's ideas.

Furthermore, Sohu has been using the excuse that it's an artist contract, not a formal employee contract, to renege on its severance pay for so many years.

I received no compensation whatsoever when I was fired.

With people leaving and the tea growing cold, who wouldn't feel disheartened?

Zhang Chaoyang believes that as an employee, you should obey the company's business direction; otherwise, you should leave.

Dapeng was a pillar of Sohu Video for many years. After he left, will anyone still care about Sohu Video?

Normal people wouldn't do something so idiotic, but many big business owners do the same thing—cutting their own major arteries.

They always think you're popular because the platform is awesome, and the platform is awesome because I, the boss, am awesome.

Ultimately, you're amazing because I'm awesome.

So Zhang Chaoyang should stick to teaching physics.

What Zhang Yuan particularly couldn't understand was why these big companies always refused to pay the directors and employees their share of the profits.

This is when we should talk about the spirit of contracts. How could you guys be so despicable?

So, working at Sohu is not as good as working for me; at least I won't be short of profit sharing.

However, Teacher Zhao did not want to offend Zhang Chaoyang, after all, the other party was a big boss, and his TV series and programs also cooperated with the other party's platform.

But he wouldn't say that, even though Zhang Yuan could tell.

This person then came up with a fairly reasonable excuse.

"He's not alone in this greenhouse project; his wife also works at Sohu, you know that?"

"If he leaves, do you think his wife will be able to face the world?"

Zhang Yuan rubbed his chin.

That's true. Da Peng got married and had children early on, and his wife followed him to Sohu, where she works in the wireless music department.

The business I was responsible for was connecting Sohu Music with musicians and handling copyright matters.

"Teacher Zhao, I heard that many of your apprentices came in groups."

"The man bows to you, and the wife bows to you too."

The green Errenzhuan was popularized by Zhao Benshan, which is why Errenzhuan has been able to gain mainstream popularity in recent years.

In the early years, folk Errenzhuan (a type of folk performance) was truly vulgar, especially shockingly obscene.

Therefore, most of them are couples, and they don't mind joking around or having physical contact.

If it were a stranger, the husband would have fought back.

As soon as he said this, Zhao Benshan gave him a half-smile.

Use my spear to break my shield.

Here, it's common for couples to take on apprentices together; I can too.

No wonder he learned storytelling from Mr. Yuan; he's quick-witted and eloquent.

"I think you should first invite the couple to dinner in the capital and have a talk."

"Let's see what they think first." Teacher Zhao still didn't want to interfere too much.

If he were an employee of Benshan Media, that would be one thing, but this apprentice works for another company.

Zhang Yuan smiled and glanced at him.

You're a master at poaching talent yourself, don't try to impress me.

Xiao Shenyang was poached by him from Changchun. His original boss was Lin Yue, who is Yan Xuejing's ex-husband.

Later, they even incorporated the theater where Xiao Shenyang used to work into Liu Laogen Grand Stage.

Old people are cunning, and old horses are slippery. It is precisely because he is good at this that we are wary of him, fearing that Zhang Yuan might cause trouble if he doesn't handle things properly.

Beep beep beep... I was just about to continue grinding my teeth with Teacher Zhao.

Zhang Yuan was determined to get the other party to relent.

Because the person in the greenhouse is quite loyal to Sohu, the chances of him succeeding if I go there rashly are not high.

Furthermore, his status as a shareholder of Youku could easily provoke a backlash from Sohu.

But then his phone rang, interrupting his train of thought.

When I picked it up, it was Liu Shishi calling again.

He frowned and thought for a moment, but still didn't answer.

He's thought about it carefully these past few days, and to say he hates the other person, he doesn't.

After all, I didn't actually suffer any loss.

But to say that you don't care at all would be a lie.

There's still a sense of depression lingering in my heart.

As for how they should get along in the future, he hadn't fully thought it through.

His idea was to calm down for a while, keep some distance, and observe the consequences.

So he deliberately didn't answer; no matter what the other person wanted to say, he didn't want to listen for the time being.

For the past few days, he'd been leaving several like that, one a day.

However, today was a bit different; he let his phone ring, only turning down the volume.

Normally, finishing one would be enough.

The call only stopped for a short while today, and it came back again.

He didn't answer three or four of them in a row.

"Why aren't you answering the phone?" Teacher Zhao found it strange and wondered what he was up to.

"I've had some disagreements with some people recently."

"Male and female?"

Why are you so gossipy?

“That’s a woman,” Teacher Zhao said, cracking sunflower seeds.

In the short time it took to say those few words, another phone call came in.

This time it wasn't Liu Shishi calling, but Mr. Yuan Kuocheng's old-fashioned mobile phone.

After thinking about it for a while, he took it to Mr. Yuan's side.
But I couldn't ignore the call.

"Why aren't you answering the phone?" came Mr. Yuan's complaining voice.

"I'm currently busy with something."

"What do you want to see me about?" "Sigh!" Yuan Kuo let out a sigh of relief, and Zhang Yuan's heart tightened upon hearing this.

He was afraid the old man would scold him.

But if it was really Liu Shishi who came to him to complain, he would be even more unhappy.

A young girl can talk to her parents when she throws a tantrum. You are an adult, and you are primarily responsible for this problem. It would be excessive to talk to your parents again.

If they try to use their elders to pressure me, I will not submit to them; it will only make them seem annoying.

But things did not go as he had imagined.

Mr. Yuan let out a breath, his voice trembling with sorrow.

"Old Liu is gone. Come over when you have time."

He put down his phone, his mind still a bit foggy.

"what happened?"

Seeing that his expression was off, Teacher Zhao put down the melon seeds and asked him a question.

Mr. Liu Tianli has passed away.

"I need to get back to the capital as soon as possible."

"Then I'll go with you." Teacher Benshan also got up to get his clothes.

"You don't need to."

“That won’t do. Funerals aren’t announced to the door, but if you hear about it, you have to go.”

"Moreover, he is also a senior figure in the performing arts."

"I know I won't go, that's not right."

The two returned to the capital together.

Zhang Yuan went directly to the Liu family's house.

"Zhang Yuan is here, come in quickly."

Many family members and friends have arrived.

The old man's health had been poor for several years, and he should have been nearing the end of his life.

However, he used his connections to get himself hospitalized at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, which allowed him to stay there for a few more years.

The old gentleman's body has been sent to Babaoshan Cemetery for preparations for the upcoming farewell ceremony.

An altar, eternal candles, and a photograph of the elderly person have already been prepared at home.

Some of the wreaths and elegiac couplets have already arrived.

"Aunt Liu, look, I just came from Northeast China and I didn't prepare anything."

"The clothes are also inappropriate."

"It's alright, it's good that you're here."

"Shishi!" Mom called out to her junior sister.

Where is Mr. Yuan?

“The old man is getting on in years, so I’ll have someone take him home to rest,” Liu’s father said, coming over to greet him.

Just then, the little lion came up to him.

She wasn't wearing makeup, her cheeks were thin, and she looked quite tired; she must have come all the way back from Hengdian.

Her upper eyelids and nose were red, clearly indicating she had just been crying.

Upon seeing him, she was no longer conflicted as she had been a few days ago. She blinked her eyes, bit her lip, and stepped forward.

"You've come." The voice was soft, tinged with caution.

To be honest, she looks better without makeup than with makeup, especially with those pitiful looks, which make her even more endearing.

"Yes, please accept my condolences."

"The old man is almost ninety years old, so it should be considered a happy death."

"Life is not easy. Mr. Liu has achieved so much, it's time for him to take a break."

The old man was born in 23. He lived through the Republic of China era, the founding of the People's Republic of China, and even visited North Korea to offer condolences. He has lived all the way to the present day.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it an intangible cultural heritage.

Artists forged in the hardships of the old era are completely different from those born in times of ease.

"I'll go home, change my clothes, and then write something for Mr. Liu and bring it here."

Has the Chinese Quyi Artists Association issued a notification?

"I already know."

"Okay, I'll go over there and discuss it again, especially how many people are expected to come for the business, and I'll arrange transportation."

"Thank you for your concern."

"Shall we let Shishi go with you?"

"No need, I can go by myself." After saying goodbye to each of Liu's relatives, he went home to rest.

He came and went like the wind, barely speaking to her.

Even if she did say something, it would only be polite words. Liu Shishi lowered her head, feeling indescribably sad.

The pain of losing a loved one makes it even more difficult.

When the actual day arrived, there were so many people!

There were as many as 3 to 400 people from various performing arts circles who came.

More than ten leaders from various departments, especially the cultural departments of the capital, also attended.

Many people came from other places, and once they arrived, they cried their hearts out.

Zhang Yuan took the initiative to take on the task of signing in and receiving guests, and picked up a calligraphy brush to write.

He hates people who wail and cry.

Pshaw, I've never seen anyone like that before. On a day like this, they cry more heartbroken than anyone else. They're just putting on an act.

Guo and Yu arrived with a group of apprentices. Instead of pretending to cry, they respectfully presented flowers and bowed.

Many people saw him helping with the matter and then looked at Old Liu's granddaughter, and they understood what was going on.

Everyone was talking about it, and some even went to Liu's parents in a cheeky manner to ask them questions.

"These are all children's matters; today we're dealing with the elderly's affairs." The parents, being dignified, didn't elaborate.

Seeing these people asking her questions with delighted expressions, and many even praising them as a good match, Liu Shishi felt even more envious.

What do you mean by "matched"? He won't even answer my calls anymore...

He came back today and even helped out, probably because of Mr. Yuan and Grandpa's influence... she thought to herself.

And it was obvious that Zhang Yuan still barely spoke to her.

This situation had never happened before since the two met, making her extremely upset.

Every time I turn around and see him, it feels like countless thorns are stuck in my heart.

But he didn't dare to go forward, because he was afraid.

I had to muster up my courage to go up to him, give him a bottle of water, and say thank you for your hard work.

Zhang Yuan merely glanced at her indifferently.

She wore a pure black dress, and her hair was simply tied back.

As the saying goes, if you want to look good, wear mourning clothes.

Black and white outfits are the most demanding in terms of one's own physical attributes, and clearly, she looks good in them.

When it came time to eat and drink the funeral wine after the ceremony, Liu's mother pulled him to sit at the main table next to the little lion.

The other party seemed used to it, but the daughter was somewhat at a loss.

She was delighted; she finally had a chance and a reason to get closer to him.

Yet, it was tinged with fear.

After hesitating for a long time, she secretly tugged at Zhang Yuan's sleeve.

He even dropped the piece of sweet and sour pork rib he was trying to pick up.

"Don't be angry anymore, okay?" she whispered as she leaned closer.

"Today is your grandfather's funeral, let's not talk about anything else." Zhang Yuan didn't give her a chance to speak, but his tone softened slightly.

"I'll go and toast Mr. Yuan."

"Then I'll go too."

She got up and followed.

Yuan Kuocheng was quite sad, but his health was still okay.

But at this age, the most precious thing is watching old friends pass away one by one.

In the end, all the familiar people who understood me were gone.

People are always lonely in their later years.

"Seeing Lao Liu leave, I felt a void in my heart," Mr. Yuan said with emotion, having long since stopped drinking.

"But seeing how handsome and beautiful you two are, I feel a little more at ease."

"With you taking care of Shishi, Lao Liu can rest assured."

Upon hearing Mr. Yuan's words, Liu Shishi glanced nervously at the person beside her.

Zhang Yuan replied politely as always.

"Definitely, you can rest assured."

"Mr. Liu asked me to take care of him, and I will definitely do so."

Zhao Benshan, who had come with them, glanced at the two of them and then remembered that he hadn't answered the phone a few days ago.

“I just hope you two won’t be so busy, and that you can come to my place for a meal when you have time.” Yuan Kuocheng became increasingly attached to his family, trying to use this to offset the loneliness of his old friend’s passing.

"Yes, we will come whenever we have time," Zhang Yuan solemnly agreed.

After he finished speaking, he saw Teacher Zhao looking at him and Liu Shishi with a meaningful smile.

He had an air of "I see through this, let's see how you pretend now."

His smile was so sly.

Is he tired of the girl and wants to dump her?

Let's see how you explain this to the old man.

Zhang Yuan got angry when he saw him like that; he hated people who gloated over others' misfortunes.

And the way you look at me, it's like I'm a bad guy.

He then opened his mouth and said.

"Mr. Yuan, please eat first."

"I happen to have something to discuss with Mr. Zhao Benshan."

"I need his help with something, something related to work."

"Oh." Mr. Yuan didn't take it seriously, nodded, and spoke up for his own people.

"Please take good care of our child as well."

"Provide more support when needed."

“Yes!” Zhang Yuan immediately perked up: “Teacher Benshan, we should help each other.”

Zhao Benshan: ...

You're really good at taking advantage of situations.

"You must listen to the old man."

"Hehehe, listen, listen." Zhao Benshan nodded helplessly.

I should have known better than to come… (End of Chapter)