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

"Teacher, I live too far from here; it takes me more than an hour to commute. Could you come later?"

"Yes, the earliest subway lines don't start operating until 5:10 AM..."

"The buses haven't even started running where I am at 5 o'clock yet..."

The newlyweds chattered about their difficulties.

Feng Yuanzheng did not interrupt, but listened quietly, his gaze sweeping over every face.

Those faces showed helplessness, anxiety, and even grievance.

Until his gaze fell on Zhang Qilin.

He was the only one who remained silent.

Holding a notebook, he was intently writing something.

Seeing this, Feng Yuanzheng found it somewhat interesting.

He felt that the person who was least able to endure hardship was actually taking notes diligently.

Meanwhile, those he believed should strive for art were there constantly complaining.

This greatly changed his impression of Zhang Qilin.

This is Feng Yuanzheng's first time leading a team independently.

To better guide these newcomers, he got to know each of them before the class started.

The other students' performance was similar to his assessment.

His initial assessment of Zhang Qilin was that he had an outstanding appearance and a good foundation, but his character was questionable.

The Beijing People's Art Theatre has recruited students like this before. They may have some talent, but they are often spoiled and none of them stayed in the end.

Meeting Zhang Qilin in person brought him quite an unexpected surprise.

This student did not have the arrogance that comes from talent or appearance; he dressed simply and was even a little too modest in his demeanor.

What's even more remarkable is that he knows how to assess situations and when to remain silent and when to focus.

Such composure and the ability to know when to advance and retreat were almost unprecedented among the outstanding young people he had encountered.

Today's society is rather restless, and outstanding newcomers often unconsciously carry some minor flaws such as arrogance, impetuosity, or being overly concerned about their appearance.

He hasn't discovered these things in Zhang Qilin yet.

This gave Feng Yuanzheng a glimmer of hope; this student was just like everyone else.

Perhaps, they can actually keep him at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

That's what he was thinking, but he didn't show it on his face at all, deciding to observe for a while longer.

He needs to finish dealing with the immediate issues first.

After everyone had finished complaining, Feng Yuanzheng finally spoke:

"Have you finished talking? The road is long, the train is late, and I can't get up. Is there anything else?"

His voice wasn't loud, but everyone could hear him clearly.

"Alright, then I'll say a few words," Feng Yuanzheng said with a smile. "What you're talking about are difficulties, but for me, at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, they are not reasons, much less bargaining chips."

"I know what many of you are thinking: Isn't this inhumane? Isn't this unreasonable?"

"I can tell you that the stage of the Beijing People's Art Theatre is the most focused on the principles of drama, but the most incomprehensible thing to you is what you think of as human relationships."

"The opening bell rings, the spotlight shines, hundreds and thousands of eyes are on you, and you tell me you can't go on stage because it's too far away? Will the audience listen? Will the play wait for you?"

"Do you think that entering the Beijing People's Art Theatre means you've stepped into the hall of art?"

"You're far from it. You've only got your admission tickets and are standing at the bottom of the steepest cliff on this mountain. Good morning! At 5:30, that's the first cliff you'll be climbing. This cliff won't test how beautiful your lines are or how graceful your figure is. It will only test one thing: how high you want to climb."

His gaze swept over Zhang Qilin, intentionally or unintentionally.

The latter still had his head slightly lowered, writing something in his notebook, so quiet it was as if he didn't exist.

Some of the others were deep in thought, while others frowned, their expressions varying.

Feng Yuanzheng's voice suddenly rose:

"Feeling bitter? Feeling it's unreasonable? The door is behind you, it's unlocked, you can leave now. The Beijing People's Art Theatre recruits people every year, and people leave every year. The Beijing People's Art Theatre doesn't need stars, it needs good actors and artists."

"Everyone wants to stand in the spotlight in the center of the stage, but that light is very heavy. Without the grit to grit your teeth and move forward step by step from the darkness, you simply cannot bear it or stand still."

"Too far to commute? Unsuitable rental? Those are issues you must address yourselves; they are costs you should have factored in when you decided to take this job."

"If you want to stay in Kyoto, if you want to stand on this stage, you have to figure out which night train you can catch, which corner you can rent a place closer to home, or whether there's anyone you can carpool with or share the cost. I'm not making things difficult for you; life and this profession are asking you what you're willing to give up and what you're willing to exchange for it."

He paused, giving everyone time to process the weight of his words.

After a while.

"The best thing the Beijing People's Art Theatre can give you," Feng Yuanzheng's voice rang out again, "is not a stable role, nor an easy path. It is precisely these seemingly inhumane rules that are the cliff that you have to climb with your own teeth. They sift out the sand and leave behind the real gold."

After he finished speaking, he raised his hand and glanced at his watch: 10:50.

That's all for today. Go back and think carefully about how to arrange your time. Classes will officially begin tomorrow.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Feng Yuanzheng's words.

The rehearsal hall was quiet for a few seconds, then the rustling sound of tidying up could be heard.

The newlyweds exchanged glances, some muttered under their breath, some sighed, and one after another stood up and walked towards the door.

Feng Yuanzheng remained seated, watching the students leave.

He noticed that most people left looking dejected.

Zhang Qilin was the last to get up.

He closed his notebook and walked up to Feng Yuanzheng:

"Teacher, what time does the cafeteria open for lunch?"

This question startled Feng Yuanzheng.

While other students are still worrying about accommodation, this person is already thinking about food.

interesting.

Feng Yuanzheng asked curiously:

"Aren't you going back to solve your accommodation problem?"

"Teacher, I've already taken care of the accommodation issue after receiving the notification. I'll be there on time tomorrow morning," Zhang Qilin replied respectfully.

This was the most satisfying sentence Feng Yuanzheng had heard today.

He suddenly felt like talking to the child.

So he began to speak:

"I'll take you there."

"Thank you, teacher," Zhang Qilin replied politely.

There was no one else in the rehearsal hall. Feng Yuanzheng walked out again, with Zhang Qilin following behind him.

The cafeteria is located on the north side of the theater, requiring you to walk through a slightly dimly lit passageway.

The cafeteria is small and simply decorated, but it is full of life and feels like home.

When the two came in, there was no one else inside except for the cafeteria lady serving the food.

Feng Yuanzheng led Zhang Qilin straight to the food serving window.

Steam rose from the window, and several large stainless steel basins were filled with a variety of dishes, including meat and vegetables.

After ordering his food, Zhang Qilin swiped his newly issued meal card to pay and then randomly found a seat to sit down.

At this moment, Feng Yuanzheng also sat down opposite him with his food.

During the meal, Feng Yuanzheng asked, seemingly casually:

"What are your thoughts on what Professor Wang Lei said about the two major disasters of the Beijing People's Art Theatre?"