Huayu: This celebrity doesn't follow the rules.

Chapter 61 Finding a Teacher for the Egret (New book seeking support from readers, please vote, give monthly tickets, and follow along)

Tian Zhuangzhuang did not refute, silently rubbing the cigarette between his fingers.

Laughter came from the kitchen again; it was Yu Lan being amused by Jiang Ye.

He paused, then said in a low voice, "This kid is smart, sensible, and definitely capable. The things he produces... I don't like them, but he can capture the market; he's a promising talent."

Seeing the undisguised approval in his eyes, Li Xuejian stopped teasing him.

It seems Zhuangzhuang wants to help this child out...

Just then, the kitchen door opened, and Jiang Ye came out carrying a plate. When he saw Li Xuejian, he quickly stopped.

"Teacher Li?!"

"What, you only recognize your advisor, but not this old man?"

Li Xuejian smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes forming warm folds.

His wife is Yu Lan's niece, and is Tian Zhuangzhuang's cousin. The two have always had a good relationship!
"How could that be!" Jiang Ye wiped his hands on his apron and warmly shook his senior's hand. "My grandmother has watched your performance in 'Jiao Yulu' more than twenty times, and every time she sees the scene where you're eating a cornbread..."

"So you're going to cry, huh?" Grandma Yu chimed in, patting her nephew's arm. "Xuejian, you've always been good at making people cry since you were little."

"Auntie, you can't say that..."

The four sat down around the stone table.

Jiang Ye quickly poured tea for everyone, and when it was Li Xuejian's turn, he held the cup with both hands: "Teacher Li, I've been studying the scene in 'Water Margin' where Song Jiang drinks the poisoned wine repeatedly, using it as a teaching material..."

"Stop flattering me," Tian Zhuangzhuang interrupted him, somewhat speechless.

This kid is the kind who'll take any opportunity to climb the ladder incredibly fast. If we keep talking, he's afraid this guy will ask his cousin to "guest star" for him again!

He was well aware of how his student was making this film.

What the heck? Are all film directors like this nowadays?

But you have to admit, this kid's mind really works fast.

Jiang Ye wasn't embarrassed by Tian Zhuangzhuang's retort. He turned to Li Xuejian and said, "Teacher Li, I just heard from Teacher Tian that you've been directing a play recently? I watched a recording of your early performance in 'The September 13 Incident' the other day. Your delivery of lines was truly impressive! Our company signed a newcomer who isn't formally trained, and her delivery of lines is always a bit lacking. Do you think she could..."

Before he could finish speaking, Tian Zhuangzhuang glared at him: "Can't even a meal shut you up?"

Jiang Ye chuckled and didn't say anything more, but he looked at Li Xuejian with expectant eyes.

Li Xuejian paused in her chopsticks, put them down, and wiped her mouth.

He wasn't oblivious to Jiang Ye's meaning. It was a good thing to give newcomers a chance to broaden their horizons through play rehearsals, but the theater's rehearsal space had strict rules, and not just anyone could enter.

He looked at Tian Zhuangzhuang with a hint of helplessness in his eyes, as if to say, "Your student is really pushing his luck." Just as he was about to politely refuse, Yu Lan came over with a bowl of soup.

"Xuejian," the old lady said, placing the soup on the table. Her voice was gentle yet weighty, "It's a good thing that the children want to learn. When you're rehearsing, let them watch from the sidelines, even if it's just to learn how to stand on stage. That would be a good improvement."

She turned to Jiang Ye, "But there's one condition: once you go, you have to follow the rules and not cause trouble for your teacher, Mr. Li."

Seeing that her aunt had spoken, Li Xuejian immediately agreed: "Since Aunt has spoken, what else is there to say? Let the child prepare and come to the theater to see me next Monday. Let him watch for two weeks first, and if he performs well, we'll talk about other things."

Jiang Ye was overjoyed, but kept a straight face. He quickly stood up to pour tea for Li Xuejian: "Teacher Li, don't worry, I will make sure that child behaves himself and won't cause you any trouble!"

He was originally worried about how to improve Bai Lu's acting skills. After all, the new play was about to be prepared, and if the female lead couldn't carry the role, even the best script would be useless.

Enrolling in a class? Most of the performance training classes on the market are overrated; they teach formulaic performances that are simply not up to par.

But stage plays are different.

There are no retakes or edits on the stage. Every line, every movement, and every emotional outburst of the actors must be precise and on point.

Two months of play rehearsals, even if it's just observing, is a qualitative leap for a newcomer like Bailu who knows nothing.

Moreover, she was accompanied by Li Xuejian.

A towering figure in Chinese drama, a grand slam winner of the Golden Rooster, Hundred Flowers, Flying Apsaras, and Golden Eagle awards, with representative works including "Jiao Yulu," "Water Margin," and "Yang Shanzhou"...

Any one of them is a textbook example of acting.

This kind of opportunity can't be bought with money.

Jiang Ye decided to elevate the importance of Old Master Li and cultivate a good relationship with him.

If we sign any young actresses in the future, we can send those like Xiaotian, Yezi, and Seven over to hone their acting skills...

Dudu should actually go too...

Li Xuejian waved his hand and laughed, "Alright, kid, don't just get excited. Rehearsing a play is no joke. It's at least eight hours a day. You can't be careless with the lines, blocking, or emotions. If your newbie can't handle the hardship, he shouldn't come."

“I’m not afraid of hardship!” Jiang Ye immediately assured her. “Although that girl is a newcomer, she’s willing to put in the effort. She just needs a good mentor.”

Tian Zhuangzhuang sneered from the side, "You certainly know how to take advantage of a situation."

Jiang Ye chuckled, not refuting, and turned to Grandma Lan, saying, "Grandma, your pickled cucumbers are absolutely delicious! Can I pack another jar to take home?"

The old lady was amused by him and laughed: "Okay, I'll pack you two cans later!"

……

Just before leaving, Tian Zhuangzhuang called Jiang Ye back. Standing under the jujube tree in the courtyard, he looked the young man up and down by the moonlight, his tone gentler than usual: "Kid, it's a good thing you got a spot in drama school today, you have to make the most of it."

Jiang Ye's playful expression faded, and he nodded seriously: "I understand, thank you, teacher."

“I’ve already spoken to Lao Li, and he’ll do his best to bring it to you,” Tian Zhuangzhuang said slowly. “But you have to remember that opportunities are rare in this industry. Being able to stand on that platform is not only due to your own ability, but also thanks to the people around you who have helped you.”

He raised his hand and patted Jiang Ye's shoulder, the force neither too light nor too heavy: "Move forward, and stop thinking that you're the only one who's capable!"

"Occasionally things going smoothly is just luck, but real skills have to be honed day by day!"

Jiang Ye listened attentively and nodded emphatically: "I've remembered everything, teacher."

Tian Zhuangzhuang pulled a gold-embossed invitation from his pocket and handed it over. "There's a salon at the No. 1 Theater in Chaoyang District on January 15th. I recommend you attend. Getting to know more people will benefit your future!"

Jiang Ye was somewhat moved this time!
He knew about this salon; it was the first offline event after the launch of the global call for submissions for the 2015 FIRST International Film Festival, and it was co-organized by the Youth Working Committee of the China Film Association.

Those who participate are usually second- or third-tier actors, or current students and graduates of Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama.

There are also second-generation rich kids and people with connections in the industry.

(P.S.: It will be available soon, and next week will be the last time to try and climb the charts.)

The current results are not bad, all thanks to the support of you guys, I'm so grateful!
The rankings are updated on Monday. I'm asking for more monthly votes. I hope we can make a push forward in the last week and get more favorites.

The better the book does, the harder Xiao Wu will work to get it on the shelves so everyone can enjoy it! Thank you!
(End of this chapter)