Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 109 The famous actors in the capital are the real deal!

"Farewell My Concubine? What kind of play is that? I've never heard of it before." This is the common thought among ordinary people and new theatergoers.

"Is he crazy? At a time like this, instead of performing his signature Peony Pavilion, Boss Chen is putting on a completely new play that nobody has ever heard of? Isn't he just courting death?" This was the hot-tempered man shaking his head and sighing.

"Changing the play at the last minute, especially at this crucial moment, is too risky!" This is the pessimistic sentiment expressed by a seasoned and prudent theatergoer.

But no one was optimistic about Chen Ye's decision this time.

Even the most die-hard fans who had faith in Chen Ye were starting to feel uneasy.

Those who were optimistic about Yu Fengxian were even more gloating, and published comments in the newspapers, asserting that Chen Ye's move was a desperate measure, that he knew he was no match and had simply given up.

The external turmoil did not affect the Qingchun Class.

In the courtyard, all the members of the Qingchun Class were gathered together.

All eyes were on Chen Ye, awaiting his instructions.

Chen Ye's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Tie Dan.

"Since this new play is titled Farewell My Concubine, it naturally has two main characters."

Chen Ye's voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, "I will play Yu Ji in the play, and the Overlord..."

He paused, then said, word by word, "Tie Dan will play the role."

Upon hearing this, the entire courtyard fell silent.

Everyone froze in place.

Tie Dan's eyes widened, his honest face instantly turning bright red, then deathly pale.

"I...I?" He pointed to his nose, stammering, unable to utter a complete sentence.

What a joke!
Let him play the King of Chu? Act alongside Senior Brother Chen? And compete against the top female impersonator in Beijing?
Although he was a bit simple-minded, he wasn't stupid. He knew his own limitations very well, so he simply couldn't believe it was true.

"Nonsense!"

A furious shout broke the silence as the troupe leader, Guan Sihai, suddenly stood up, his face ashen.

"Chen Ye, I know you have your own ideas, but we can't let you do things your way! Tie Dan is still a child, how can he shoulder such a heavy responsibility? Besides, we're not short of people. Which of your senior classmates isn't better than him? Even picking any one of them would be more reliable!"

Guan Sihai was really anxious.

Because this is no longer a simple opera performance, but a life-or-death situation that gambles on the reputation of Chen Ye and the entire Qingchun Troupe, and not a single wrong step can be taken.

Faced with his master's questioning, Chen Ye simply smiled and shook his head.

“Master, I understand your concerns.” He walked up to Guan Sihai, his voice still calm.

"But this is a new play, a completely new play unlike any of the previous pieces. My senior brothers are skilled, but their style is already set, and it's too difficult to change course and accept something entirely new in just two days."

His gaze shifted to Tie Dan, who was completely flustered and at a loss.

"But Tie Dan is different."

“Master, please don’t underestimate him. You may not have noticed how hard he has been working these days, but I have seen it all.”

Upon hearing this, Tie Dan was first stunned, then his nose tingled, and he almost shed tears.

Ever since Chen Ye soared to fame and became the envy of everyone, Tie Dan, though he didn't say it, harbored a deep-seated ambition.

He was no longer as playful and lazy as before. He would get up before dawn every day to practice his skills. Even when his voice was hoarse and his legs were swollen from kicking, he never complained.

He was already quite talented, otherwise Guan Sihai wouldn't have taken him as his apprentice. Now that he has put in a lot of hard work, his skills have naturally improved by leaps and bounds.

However, his progress was so insignificant under Chen Ye's dazzling light that no one noticed it, not even Guan Sihai.

He felt inferior because of this, thinking that he was a hopeless case.

Unexpectedly, Chen Ye had been watching him the whole time, remembering all his efforts.

How could Tie Dan not be moved by this?

Guan Sihai was taken aback by Tie Dan's reaction, but although he was touched, he was still worried.

"But...but the time is too short, only two days. How can we possibly put together a new play?"

"Master, don't you believe in me?" Chen Ye's smile was full of confidence. "As long as everyone works together these next two days, we will definitely be able to finish this play."

He then changed the subject, saying, "Besides, this play is mainly about me, so as long as they don't make any major mistakes, things won't fall apart."

It turns out that Chen Ye had already modified the script for "Farewell My Concubine".

There was no Chu-Han Contention in this world, and there was no Xiang Yu.

He then sought out a hero with a similar tragic fate from the country's history books, using him as a blueprint to fabricate the entire story.

Therefore, he drastically increased the role of Yu Ji, focusing all the emotional outbursts and climaxes on the character he played.

The Overlord, played by Tie Dan, is more like a symbol that carries tragedy, a fulcrum that makes the image of Yu Ji more complete and three-dimensional.

Hearing Chen Ye say this, Guan Sihai's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed a little.

He looked at his disciple, who had undergone a complete transformation, and finally sighed and nodded.

"Okay, then we'll do as you say. The whole class will be at your beck and call for the next two days!"

As soon as Guan Sihai spoke, the entire Qingchun troupe sprang into action.

And this strict old troupe leader, who had been stern his whole life, also changed his ways and put away all his harsh criticism.

Faced with the various mistakes made by the apprentices and the percussion troupe when they were getting used to the new play, he no longer scolded or beat them, but patiently taught them again and again.

Although Guan Sihai never made a name for himself in the Peking Opera world, he was very experienced and knew that if he used high-pressure methods when time was too tight and the pressure was too great, it would only backfire.

As for Tie Dan, Chen Ye personally took charge of him.

In the break room, Chen Ye taught him word by word, meticulously refining each movement.

Tie Dan put in his utmost effort, studying with unwavering seriousness, to the point of neglecting sleep and meals.

Under the lamp, he held the script, muttering to himself, his hands and feet moving unconsciously, completely entranced.

In just over a day, he memorized all the lines and gestures perfectly.

But he was still afraid.

"Senior Brother Chen, I'm afraid that when I get on stage, my mind will go blank and I'll forget all my lines..." Tie Dan's palms were sweaty with nervousness as he voiced his deepest concern.

Chen Ye smiled upon hearing this and then patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

Although Chen Ye said that, Tie Dan was still uneasy. Seeing this, Chen Ye didn't say anything, but just told Tie Dan to get some rest.

As dawn approached, Tie Dan finally fell into a deep sleep on the floor of the training room. At the same time, Chen Ye sang a short line of opera lyrics.

Chen Ye immediately sensed Tie Dan's inner voice. It was a very strange feeling. Although he was alone and asleep, Chen Ye was still able to touch Tie Dan's inner voice through the senses given to him by his professional talent.

I want to play this role well, even if it costs me my life.

Sensing Tie Dan's determination and resolve, Chen Ye smiled, and then an invisible spiritual force enveloped Tie Dan. *Buzz!*
While still asleep, Tie Dan suddenly felt his head sink, and the scene before him instantly changed.

No longer the familiar lounge, but an ancient battlefield strewn with corpses and rivers of blood.

The wind howled, and the setting sun was like blood.

He heard mournful songs he couldn't understand coming from all directions, each note and phrase pounding against his heart.

Those were the enemy's troops, singing songs from their hometown.

His troops scattered.

His empire has fallen.

Endless sorrow and despair overwhelmed him like a tidal wave.

He became that unparalleled hero, yet utterly defeated.

He saw his beloved horse weeping, and he saw the stunning beauty gazing at him longingly from inside the tent.

Finally, he witnessed the woman who loved him deeply, who, not wanting to be a burden to him, drew the sword from his waist and, with a smile, committed suicide before him.

Blood stained her white dress and his entire world.

"what--!"

Tie Dan let out a heart-wrenching howl, abruptly waking up from the illusion.

He was panting heavily, tears streaming down his face. The grief and despair of a hero's end kept him from calming down for a long time.

"What's wrong?" Chen Ye asked with a smile.

"No...it's nothing, just a nightmare." Tie Dan was still reeling from the impact of the dream and said in a daze.

"Okay, take a break and then continue practicing." Chen Ye patted his shoulder, then turned and left.

Tie Dan was somewhat dazed; he couldn't even tell whether it was a dream or a scene he had actually experienced.

Having had this immersive experience, when he put on the costume, painted his face, and played the role of the Overlord again, he was a completely different person.

That look, that demeanor, that desolation and domineering aura in every gesture—it was a perfect blend of form and spirit, as if the Overlord had been reborn!
Guan Sihai, standing to the side, stared in disbelief, almost unable to believe his eyes.

Guang Le Lou's manager, Deng Ming, has been extremely anxious these past two days.

He went to Qingchun Troupe eight times a day, almost wearing his lips out, trying to persuade Chen Ye to replace Tiedan and hire a famous martial arts actor from outside to fill the role.

After all, this not only concerns Chen Ye, but also his own future.

Therefore, he felt that Chen Ye was simply making a fool of himself by casting Tie Dan as the Overlord.

But when he saw the figure on the stage, he froze.

The man on the platform was dressed in black armor with gold trim, wearing a helmet that pointed to the sky, holding a long halberd, and his figure was as tall and imposing as a mountain.

Although he didn't speak, just one glance from him exuded an aura of dominance over the world, a domineering presence that showed no discouragement even in defeat, making it hard to breathe.

This...this really is that simple-minded boy, Tie Dan?

Deng Ming rubbed his eyes, opened his mouth wide, but couldn't utter a single word.

Time quickly came to the last night before the performance, across from Guang Le Lou.

On the brightly lit new stage, Yu Fengxian was making her final preparations.

Although he was narrow-minded, he was extremely proud and never stooped to using underhanded tactics.

His motto is to let the performance speak for itself.

I will use my strongest skills to defeat you fair and square, on your turf, in front of everyone.

I'll make you accept your defeat wholeheartedly.

This is the style of a master that he believes in.

Moreover, in Yu Fengxian's opinion, although Chen Ye has some talent, especially his appearance, even she had to praise him as amazing.

Unfortunately, they were too arrogant and ignorant.

If someone dares to call himself a master performer after less than a year in the industry, then he shouldn't be surprised if I teach him the rules of the opera world.

Thinking of this, Yu Fengxian narrowed her eyes slightly and exhaled a breath of stale air.

He neither smokes nor drinks, and to maintain his figure, he hasn't eaten dinner for ten years. Even when he's hungry, he'll just drink some ginseng tea.

All he wanted was to enjoy that moment of being adored by thousands on stage, so he valued the play more than anything else and wouldn't tolerate anyone trampling on it.

Just then, Yan Xun approached with a fawning expression, "Boss Yu, everything is ready. Is there anything else you need?"

"That's all. You should get some rest too," Yu Fengxian said dismissively, then got up and left.

Yan Xun was used to Yu Fengxian's aloofness and didn't take it seriously.

Even if he wanted to take it seriously, there was nothing he could do, because Yu Fengxian had the powerful Prince Yu behind her, someone he simply couldn't afford to offend.

He simply looked up at the Guang Le Tower not far away, his eyes filled with the satisfaction of his impending revenge.

Chen Ye, I told you to come with me back then, but you didn't appreciate it.

Now that's settled, when you're utterly defeated and your reputation is ruined, let's see how high you can still be!
Yan Xun's personality has always been so extreme. He will get what he wants no matter what, and if he can't get it, he will destroy it himself rather than leave it to others.

The next day, before dawn, the open space between Guang Le Lou and the new stage opposite was already packed with people.

Yan Xun spared no expense, not only inviting reporters from all walks of life in Zhenhaiwei, but also arranging the best seats for celebrities and opera enthusiasts from Pingjing.

The entire new stage was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and a red carpet was laid out on the ground, exuding an air of luxury and already overshadowing the Guang Le Lou in terms of grandeur.

Just as the hour of Si (9-11 AM) arrived, the sound of gongs and drums resounded loudly.

Amidst thunderous cheers, Yu Fengxian made her entrance.

Adorned with kingfisher feather headdress and dressed in an incomparably luxurious palace gown, his dignified demeanor immediately drew cheers from the audience upon his appearance.

When he opened his mouth, his gorgeous and melodious singing voice shocked everyone.

Even Chen Ye's most loyal opera fans had to admit that the title of the number one female opera singer in the capital was indeed well-deserved!
Yu Fengxian perfectly captured Yang Guifei's coquettishness, anger, resentment, and intoxication.

Every movement, every glance, is as precise as if measured with a ruler, a textbook example of pure skill.

The seasoned opera enthusiasts in the audience listened with rapt attention, nodding and swaying their heads, exclaiming, "This is a true star! Absolutely amazing!"

"A famous actor from the capital is truly authentic!"

As the performance reached its climax, the atmosphere at the venue was completely ignited.

Many viewers who were originally neutral, and even some Chen Ye opera fans who were not so steadfast, couldn't help but start cheering for Yu Fengxian.

The scales of victory seemed to be tipping quietly in Yu Fengxian's favor.

(End of this chapter)