Actor: Thank you.

Recently, Mr. Yuan Kuocheng heard something when he was having a party with friends.

"Uncle Yuan, I heard that kid named Zhang Yuan is looking for a master all over the world."

Said a fellow opera artist who was about the same age as him but of a lower generation.

"master?"

"Zhang Yuan?"

The handsome young face that always smiled in front of Mr. Yuan appeared in front of him.

"Doesn't he have a master?"

"The second son of the Hou family."

"Isn't the Hou family's master enough?"

Mr. Yuan thought to himself that I had met Hou Yuewen at the Chinese Folk Art Association and was quite interested in this guy.

It's not possible that the master and disciple would turn against each other just after they became acquaintances for a short time, right
"No, you misunderstood."

"I'm getting along well with the Hou family."

"I'm looking for a storyteller!"

"what!"

Mr. Yuan thought.

At my age, I still want to be cheated on?
The other party explained it to him.

Let’s talk about what happened at Brother Qian’s son’s 100-day party.

"This kid doesn't have the proper inheritance of storytelling."

"It is against the rules to accept apprentices of storytelling."

“But it’s mostly about who he is.”

"Think about it, what is the current situation of our industry?"

"It's not bad to be able to eat, but it's not as good as it used to be."

The last time storytelling was popular was in the 70s.

That is the time when the four great storytellers of today shine.

The fact that these people are very capable is one thing.

On the other hand, in the 70s, color TVs were rare foreign gadgets in China, let alone color TVs.

I've only heard of it but never seen it.

The earliest domestically produced television was the BJ brand produced in 58... Although it was produced by the Tianjin Radio Factory, it could be considered a wolf in sheep's clothing in a sense.

Even this black and white TV is not something that every family can have.

The necessary items for marriage in those days were not the money for a house like in later times.

At that time it was called "three turns and one ring".

It's a watch, a bicycle, a sewing machine and a radio.

It would be amazing to have these four things.

Having a radio is perfect for listening to storytelling.

Later, when television was first introduced and there were not so many programs, reading storytelling became a very fashionable thing.

It was also at that time that Mr. Yuan took the lead in reforming, moving storytelling away from tables and chairs and adding more body language.

Just for the convenience of the audience.

Among them, Yuan Kuocheng and Tian Lianyuan have many different figures.

However, Mr. Yuan's posture is both handsome and elegant, which is typical of folk art.

Tian Lianyuan is good at imitating various accents from both the north and south.

Mr. Tian performed Tai Chi, Baji, and even Hung Gar, and his postures were all very professional.

This was in the 70s. Going back further, it was during the Guangxu period of the late Qing Dynasty, when storytelling and folk art were very popular.

The four famous actresses, led by Boss Mei, also became famous throughout the country during the reign of Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Xuantong.

In those days, a top storyteller like Mr. Yuan could earn in one day what a rickshaw driver or a candy figurine maker could earn in a year!
Boss Mei's case is even worse. His appearance fee was ten large yellow croakers.

That is more than 3000 grams of gold!

This is just the appearance fee for one play.

In those days, a small courtyard house cost only a dozen gold bars.

Boss Mei buys one apartment a day.

Even after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Boss Mei's income was still at the ceiling level.

At that time, the teacher's salary was 600 yuan a month, which was the highest in the national administrative system. After all, his position was also the highest.

How much is Mr. Mei?
Monthly salary is 2100 yuan.

That was the salary in the 50s!
In those days, the average citizen's monthly salary was only around 2 or 30 yuan.

Fifty years later, most people still can't get the monthly salary that Boss Mei earned back then.

Old gentlemen such as Ma Lianliang and Zhou Xinfang also had a monthly salary of 1700 to 1800.

Compared with them, the 208 in later generations are all younger brothers.

It also shows the respect that the first generation of leaders had for artists.

But now?

What happened to the storytelling world after the last wave of enthusiasm in the 70s faded?
Just get the minimum living allowance, why do you need a bicycle?

But what these storytellers have to face is Zhang Yuan, the contemporary "208".

What the hell!

You make so much money every day, and you still come to show off to us. Do you have any shame?

Wouldn’t your eyes turn red when you saw him accepting a disciple?

it is good!
Now I have found the reason.

If you dare to accept disciples without any inheritance, we will scold you and hurt you to death!
Of course, all this was within Zhang Yuan's expectations.

He is not afraid because quyi is in decline and the voice of the quyi industry is very small.

Even if he is scolded every day, it will not affect his work in the film and television industry.

"I was scolded and bullied."

“It’s normal for young people to feel uncomfortable.”

"He is still on the right track. He plans to find a master to fill the gaps in people's minds."

"You're already honest enough by not taking any action."

"Ha!" Yuan Kuocheng thought to himself, if this kid was considered an honest man, the snow that day would have been coal black.

"Guess what happened when this news came out?"

"What's wrong?"

"Hey, those people who scolded him before are now eager to be his masters!"

"Hehe, they all went there for his apprenticeship gift."

Yes, I was jealous and swearing before.

Because Zhang Yuan is famous and rich.

Now the attitude is reversed.

Or because he is famous and rich!

The big gold locket he had given to Brother Qian's son had caused many people to secretly scold him for being attention-seeking and showing off.

Now it's the other way around.

They are so generous to their children and give them such a big piece of gold.

If you want to become my disciple, you can’t give me a golden Buddha on a jade throne as a gift!
It doesn’t matter whether he likes storytelling or not, or whether he tells storytelling or not.

Love to talk or not!

They all come here for the gold!

How many people have been deceived by paying a large sum of money to have a child?

If you pay a lot of money to a master, you can get a higher salary, so more and more people are willing to pay for it.

"Oh..." Mr. Yuan nodded, probably understanding.

Although the old man is old, he is not confused.

"Looking for a storyteller."

"I'm still looking for it all over the world."

"But you never mentioned this to me."

“This is me.”

Mr. Yuan sighed again.

This boy is quite honest.

But even going around Beijing three times wouldn't be enough for him to be smart.

If you don’t accept it, I’ll run away with someone else... Mr. Yuan understood the meaning of the message.

"You're trying to turn passive into active with me."

Mr. Yuan knew that Zhang Yuan must have seen that he liked him, but was hesitant and did not want to break his rule of not accepting disciples.

The older generation believes in keeping their word.

Many times people came to his door to ask for gifts, but the old man refused.

Now you have arrived, having accepted someone so young.

What did those people think and what did your peers say in the past?
The folk art industry is known for its bad mouths, and they say things that sound good or bad, but the old man also has to save his face.

But now he thought, everyone in the circle knew that he had guided this kid.

And I stood up for him.

If I really bow to others, it seems that I will not look good for my reputation.

Besides, if this were to happen, the little lion would also blame me.

It's a mess.

So after knowing this, the old man thought about it over and over again for a while.

So, after making up my mind, I called him.

"Mr. Yuan, there's nothing I can do."

"Those people make a living by eating. It's too mean."

"You scold me all the time."

"I'm not good at talking, and I can't win the argument."

Yuan Kuocheng: …

Are you still dumb?

Knowing that he was just trying to make himself feel miserable, Mr. Yuan sighed.

"Come on, don't act like a poor loser."

"Not only did he cheat on the girl, but he also sold me out."

After a few complaints, he got to the point.

"Okay, I understand what you're thinking."

"As for you, you do have talent."

"My mind is not on this matter."

"I also know that young people need to eat, and I can't let me throw away the golden rice bowl and sit on the broken clay pot."

"But you have to understand that there are differences between inside and outside the industry."

"Coming into this industry is no joke." "You have to make a real contribution to this industry."

"I understand." Seeing the old man give in, Zhang Yuan knew that he had finally succeeded in fishing after several months.

Caught an old man fish...

"Mr. Yuan, I'm still young now. I have to make money to support my family and save money to support my wife."

"But one day I will be tired and exhausted and will not make movies or TV series anymore."

"Storytelling can be considered a skill for the elderly."

“It can also help you cultivate your character.”

"Since I want to make a living as a senior citizen, I can't let this business die."

"The better the business, the better it is for me."

"Yes, yes." After hearing his statement, the old man felt relieved.

"Mr. Yuan, I just happened to have an appointment with Shishi's family before. Let's find time to have dinner together."

"How about you come together? I'll invite Mr. Liu Tianli as well so that you two can get together."

"Alright."

"Then it's settled!"

A dinner is essential for discussing business.

Zhang Yuan understood that as long as they had this meal, the matter would be settled.

The next day, he booked a table at Hongbinlou.

Mr. Yuan and Mr. Liu are both Han Chinese, but Little Lion's mother is a Hui Muslim, so they have to consider her taste and choose an old-fashioned halal restaurant.

In fact, Xiao Shizi and Liu Qianqian’s family backgrounds are similar.

My mother is a dancer, and my father's family is involved in politics.

It’s just that the little lion’s parents are weaker and their family conditions are not as good as Sissi’s.

"Uncle Liu, Aunt Liu."

"haven't seen you for a long time."

"Mr. Liu, I've heard a lot about you!" It was the first time Zhang Yuan met Liu Tianli.

The old man was walking very slowly with a crutch.

Obviously not in good health.

Zhang Yuan hurried forward to support him.

The seniors need to be taken care of, and this person is also an expert.

If you are not in good health, you have to get closer and pull it out quickly, otherwise it will be gone.

Seeing that he was nice to the old man, Liu's parents gave him approving looks.

"Shishi, what do you like to eat?"

"Wait until Grandpa Yuan comes and let him order."

"Your Grandpa Yuan is here, and he has to let you order. You might as well just watch first."

"Oh." The little lion, wearing a white princess dress, smiled lightly, took the menu and began to ponder.

Mr. Yuan arrived late today.

Because he didn't come by himself.

He also brought someone to the banquet.

It wasn't an outsider, but his own daughter Yuan Tian.

The two of them were about to arrive, but when they arrived outside the private room, they heard bursts of rap.

It’s not the kind of rap that Li Xiaolu likes.

It is a segment of Xihe Drum.

"The Cases of Judge Bao is what Lao Liu is best at."

Mr. Yuan knew it as soon as he heard it.

"Dad, Mr. Liu's voice is still so bright at his age?" Yuan Tian said in amazement.

"How could that be possible?" Yuan Kuocheng smiled and shook his head.

"Let me take you to see him."

After knocking a few times, he pushed the door open and entered.

"Mr. Yuan!" Zhang Yuan stopped talking and stood up to greet him.

"Who is this?"

"My daughter."

"Aunt Yuan."

"Hey, you look really energetic young man." Yuan Tian praised: "Were you singing just now?"

"Haha, Mr. Liu said he was training me." Zhang Yuan replied with a smile.

"Not bad, your voice is quite bright." Liu Tianli said in a hoarse voice.

Drum books rely on singing, so most artists have bad voices in their later years due to overuse.

"Xiao Yuan, it's a pity to tell a story under these conditions."

Mr. Liu is a few years older than Yuan Kuocheng.

It's a deliberate joke and an act of seniority.

Only brothers can talk like this if they have a good relationship.

"You can't do that." Mr. Yuan said unhappily, "Teach your little lion drum book."

"Let this boy tell a story, and we'll make a perfect couple, what a treat!"

"Grandpa Yuan..." the little lion said angrily with pink cheeks.

Yuan Kuocheng was also quite "carefree" when he was young, and he could always come up with witty remarks.

"Aunt Yuan, come here, please sit down." Zhang Yuan immediately pulled chairs for the two of them and poured tea.

"You don't often stay in the imperial capital, do you?"

"Yes, I'm in Yingkou on weekdays."

"Then you have to find a place to stay in the capital." Zhang Yuan said enthusiastically, "It's not appropriate to stay in a hotel."

"Come live in my house, I will take care of you."

Seeing this, Yuan Tian turned around and spoke to her father.

"Dad, you're right."

"His brain is sure to make it big!"

Because Zhang Yuan saw Yuan Kuocheng coming with his daughter, he thought about it as soon as he entered the door.

If the old man wants to take in a disciple, or meet up with old friends, why would he bring his daughter along?

Yuan Tian is already in his fifties, and it’s not like he needs to bring a child out to see the world.

Then there is only one possibility.

Yuan Kuocheng still had his old habit and was unwilling to "break the rules".

He didn't want to let Zhang Yuan, a good talent, go and let someone else pick him up.

What should I do if I don’t want to collect it?
Don’t you have a daughter?
Let my daughter adopt him, and he is a direct descendant of the Yuan family.

He also did not break his habit of not accepting disciples.

The old man still cares about his face.

But it's reasonable.

Because Yuan Kuocheng and Liu Tianli, if converted into crosstalk, they are both from the "Shou" generation.

Whenever Hou Yuewen saw them, he had to call them "Master".

If he had accepted Zhang Yuan directly, the remaining three of the four great storytelling masters would have been on the same level as him.

When Zhang Yuan met the current president of the Chinese Folk Art Association, Liu Lanfang, he patted her on the shoulder and called her "big sister". Is this appropriate?

The old lady is over 60 years old and she has to save face.

If Mr. Yuan, this great master, were to directly accept disciples, the Chinese storytelling community would have one more "grandfather" on the spot.

I don’t know how those colleagues would curse at each other.

Shao Ma Ye, also known as Ma Sanli's son Ma Zhiming, wanted to formally accept a disciple several times, but his colleagues came to stop him.

It’s because he is from the Bao generation, which is too high, so whenever he accepts a disciple, he always has a senior disciple.

Therefore, Master Shao Ma only had disciples who were verbally allied with him, or students, but he had never formally accepted any apprentices.

Even though Zhang Yuan usually calls Liu Shishi "senior sister", it seems like he is lowering his status and suffering a loss.

In fact, if we count from Liu Tianli and Xiao Shizi's father's side, Zhang Yuan should call Liu Shishi uncle master.

According to the crosstalk world, Zhang Yuan and Guo Degang are both from the "Ming" generation.

De Shou Bao is civilized.

As for Guo Lao Shi’s wife Wang Hui, if converted into the crosstalk circle, her generation is the Bao generation, which is a super old generation.

Because her masters Li Shusheng and Yuan Kuocheng are of the same generation.

The most troublesome thing in the folk art circle is seniority. If you are not careful, you will become a grandson.

Therefore, if Zhang Yuan became Yuan Tian's disciple, it would actually be considered a generational advancement.

It’s not a loss.

Zhang Yuan estimated that after he became Qian's apprentice, he would have to call him "Xiao Yu" a few times to satisfy his urge to do so.

Yuan Tian saw that Zhang Yuan had seen through this...

And I could tell as soon as I entered the door, within two minutes.

Otherwise, why would he invite me to live at his home?

It would be reasonable to invite the master to live in your home.

That's why I told my father this.

"You figured it out too." Yuan Kuocheng smiled proudly.

"I see it."

"You won't lose our family, will you?"

"She's a celebrity, isn't our family taking advantage of her?" Yuan Tian said politely.

"What do you mean by taking advantage?"

"We don't want anything from this kid."

"Not like Lao Liu." Mr. Yuan said playfully with a crooked mouth.

"It looks like he took advantage of their granddaughter."

“But we still don’t know who occupies whom.”

"Besides, the little lion is willing to be occupied."

"Grandpa Yuan!!!" Liu Shishi complained loudly with his nose wrinkled.

"Hehe, Xiao Yuan, you want to be taken advantage of, but you don't have such a beautiful granddaughter?" Old Master Liu didn't give in and retorted.

"I won't grind my teeth with you. I have to save my teeth to eat the vegetables." Yuan Kuocheng knew when to stop.

Turned his head and looked at Zhang Yuan.

"Let's get down to business."

"So……"

"Are you willing to visit our house?" (End of this chapter)