Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

At this moment, the taxi arrived at the gate of the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Zhang Qilin paid the fare and got out of the car, then began to wander around the neighborhood.

See if there's a suitable courtyard nearby to rent, so I won't have to rush when I come to the theater to practice every day.

After wandering around the area for half a day, I discovered that the alleyways in this area still retain some of the old Beijing life atmosphere.

The shops along the street are not large, but each has its own unique characteristics.

The small café is tucked behind an old wall covered with withered vines, and its window displays rustic pottery.

Steam rose from the doorway of a small restaurant specializing in old Beijing cuisine, its signboard yellowed with age.

Occasionally you might come across one or two independent bookstores, with narrow storefronts and quiet interiors, each quietly cultivating its own artistic vibe.

There weren't many people in the alley, and occasionally a bicycle bell would ring as it passed by.

Zhang Qilin felt this place was suitable; it wasn't far from the theater, and the atmosphere was nice.

After walking for a few more minutes, Zhang Qilin saw a real estate agency and went inside.

The shop was darker inside than outside, and the air was filled with the smell of old paper and dust.

Several rows of iron racks stood against the wall, densely covered with yellowed rental information.

Behind the counter sat a woman in her fifties, knitting with her head down. She only looked up from above her reading glasses when she heard the noise.

"Looking for a place?" Her hands didn't stop working, but her voice was crisp and efficient.

"I'd like to rent a small courtyard nearby, somewhere quiet."

She sized up Zhang Qilin:

"You live alone? What do you do for work?"

"At the Beijing People's Art Theatre," Zhang Qilin answered simply.

The older sister nodded, took a hardcover notebook from the drawer, and said as she flipped through it:

"You've come at the right time. An old courtyard house just became available a couple of days ago. It's not a big courtyard house, just two rooms in the north-facing house and a small kitchen in the east-facing house. But it's a private courtyard house and it's been decorated quite elegantly. If you're interested, I can contact the owner."

"You can take a look," Zhang Qilin nodded in response.

The older sister immediately called the landlord.

Ten minutes later, the eldest sister led Zhang Qilin around two corners and stopped in front of a dark red wooden door with mottled paint.

The door was narrow, hidden among a row of gray walls, and inconspicuous.

Not long after the two had stood still, an elderly man in his sixties slowly rode up to them on a tricycle.

The eldest sister greeted her warmly:

"Uncle Li, why did you come in person?"

The old man nimbly got off the tricycle, clutching a bunch of polished brass keys in his hand.

He was wearing a slightly worn dark blue Zhongshan suit, and although he was thin, his eyes were very bright. He first looked Zhang Qilin up and down before a smile appeared on his face.

"My son took his grandson on a trip. I don't like to move around, so I'll just look after the house myself," said Grandpa Li with a smile, turning to open the door.

The door creaked open, and he led the way in, followed by Zhang Qilin and Sister Zhong.

It was a small courtyard with a single entrance, paved with square bricks, and a pomegranate tree that looked quite old in the corner.

The courtyard was smaller and more orderly than I had imagined. The west wing room was bright and clean, while several pots of hardy flowers and plants were placed under the east wing window.

In the center of the courtyard, an old jujube tree stretched out its vigorous branches, and two unswept leaves lay on the stone bench beneath it.

"I used to rent it to an opera singer, but he became a famous actor and moved to a bigger house," said Grandpa Li, his hands behind his back, a hint of感慨 in his voice. "Young man, what do you do for a living?"

"I just got into the Beijing People's Art Theatre as an intern actor," Zhang Qilin answered honestly.

The old man's eyes lit up:

"The Beijing People's Art Theatre is a good place, a respectable place. I'll rent this courtyard to you. The price is negotiable, just one condition: don't bring any shady characters to cause trouble, and don't spoil the peace of the courtyard."

"Don't worry, I found this place for peace and quiet," Zhang Qilin replied with a smile.

"That's good then," Grandpa Li's smile deepened, and he turned to walk towards the main room in the north wing. "Come on, let's go inside and see if we need anything."

The main house has an old-fashioned wooden lattice glass door. The house is very clean, with square brick floors, whitewashed walls, and the old-fashioned wooden beams still on the ceiling.

There wasn't much furniture—just a table, a chair, and a cabinet—all in a dark, natural wood color that exuded a warm glow.

The most eye-catching thing is an old-fashioned elm wood desk placed against the east wall. The tabletop is empty, but it seems to be waiting for its owner.

"That actor used to love practicing his skills and reading scripts here," Grandpa Li pointed to the empty space in front of the desk with his chin, then pointed out the window, "facing that jujube tree, saying that you could see the essence of the play there."

Zhang Qilin looked around and was quite satisfied with the place.

He looked at Grandpa Li:

"Sir, how is the rent calculated?"

The older woman chimed in at the opportune moment:

"8500 a month, one month's deposit and three months' rent in advance."

Grandpa Li smiled and didn't say anything.

Zhang Qilin thought for a moment and said:

"Make it cheaper, 8000, I'll rent it for at least six months."

Just as the older sister was about to speak, Grandpa Li waved his hand:

"Let's make it 8000. I think this child is clean and won't mess up the yard."

"make a deal."

Seeing that Mr. Li had said that, the older sister stopped insisting and immediately took out the contract from her bag and filled in some information.

Zhang Qilin and Grandpa Li signed their names respectively.

The real estate agent standing next to him was smiling happily.

Regarding the payment, Zhang Qilin said he would send the money tomorrow.

Grandpa Li handed him the key and left.

Zhang Qilin asked his older sister to help him find a housekeeper to clean the house so he could move in the next day or the day after.

Everything was agreed upon, and Zhang Qilin bid farewell to his eldest sister and walked outside.

He took out his phone and dialed his father's number.

As soon as the call connected, Zhang's father's nervous voice came through:

"How did the exam go?"

"Transfer 50,000 to me."

Zhang's father's voice suddenly rose:

"Why do you need so much money again? Do you know how difficult things are at home? I work hard from dawn till dusk to earn money, is it easy for me? Can't you be a little more frugal...?"

Zhang Qilin interrupted his father's rambling:

"I passed the interview and I'm about to start my internship at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. The rent near the theatre is 8000 yuan a month. If you don't pay me..."

Hearing his son's words, Zhang's father's voice turned to surprise and delight:

"What? You passed the interview?"

"I passed! The Beijing People's Art Theatre told me I can start my internship the day after tomorrow. If I don't have money..."

"Is 50,000 enough? How about I transfer you 80,000? Your internship is a crucial time, so you should take care of things when necessary, get along well with your colleagues and seniors, and don't be stingy..."

Zhang Qilin interrupted his father's rambling again:

"Dad, I understand. Fifty thousand is enough. I'm busy moving these next few days, so I'll talk to you later."

"Okay, okay, I'll go check it out right now. You do a good job!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Qilin began preparing for the move.

The next afternoon, he took his luggage to the real estate agency and paid the rent to the agency first.

He dragged his luggage and walked once again to that inconspicuous maroon wooden door.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, a refreshing breeze wafted over me.

The housekeeping service hired by the agency was clearly very capable; the courtyard was cleaned and looked brand new, yet it retained its original charm perfectly.

After a quick tidying up, it was completely dark.

He ate something casually, then washed up and went to bed early.

Tomorrow morning, I'll officially report to the theater.

He must ensure he is in top condition for his first day at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.