Zhang Qilin hesitated for a moment:

"In Majuqiao, I mainly observed and integrated myself into the community, waiting for work alongside everyone, listening to their stories, and also trying to do some short-term jobs within my capabilities."

"Those few days made me realize that life itself is far more complicated than any script. It taught me that the most important thing is understanding and respect. As an actor, what I need to do is to transform this understanding into believable breathing on stage."

His tone was calm and unpretentious, without any deliberate attempt to evoke emotion.

There was a moment of silence; even the girls in the back row stopped whispering and stared intently at him.

Another female reporter then asked:

"I'm a reporter for the Kyoto Youth Daily. Some people online are saying that your rise to fame is yet another example of 'good looks equals justice,' and some are even questioning whether the Beijing People's Art Theatre is using this as a gimmick. What's your opinion on this assessment?"

The questions were more direct, even somewhat harsh.

If Zhang Qilin doesn't answer this question well, he could easily leave the public with the impression of being just a pretty face.

Once this impression is solidified in the public's mind, his acting career will be greatly affected.

Removing such labels often requires a hundred times the effort.

For example, Huang Xiaoming became popular in his early days because of idol dramas, and successfully transformed himself through self-destructive roles.

Even now, he is still often jokingly referred to as having the image of a domineering CEO.

As Zhang Qilin was pondering how to answer, Song Dandan, who was standing next to him, smiled and took the microphone.

Her cheerful voice instantly drew everyone's attention.

"I'd like to say a few words about this. When did the Beijing People's Art Theatre start selecting actors based solely on looks? As the old saying goes, 'One minute on stage requires ten years of practice off stage.'"

"The audience has discerning eyes. Can a pretty face alone hold its own on the theatrical stage?"

"As for the hype," she smiled, turning to Zhang Qilin, "kid, let's slowly reveal the answer through more roles we take on later, okay?"

Zhang Qilin nodded sincerely:

"Teacher Dandan, I will answer with my hard work and my artwork."

Feng Yuanzheng added:

"The reputation of Beijing People's Art Theatre is built up over decades through countless plays and roles. We cherish our reputation and will not use the fundamentals to create gimmicks and ruin our name."

"Artistic creation takes time. Zhang Qilin is a promising talent. We hope everyone will give him time and room to grow, and pay more attention to his works."

He Bing said jokingly:

"Beauty is justice? That sounds like an amateur's statement. The audience in the last row of the theater can't even see your nose and eyes clearly. What are they looking at? They're looking at your posture, your rhythm, and the aura you create."

"Audiences like actors because they like the characters they play, but if they insist on attributing it to their looks, look at my face—it's not exactly handsome—but I'm a lead actor on the stage of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Can you say that's because of my looks?"

Seeing that He Bing's words were somewhat blunt, Yang Lixin quickly interjected:

"The old gentlemen taught us to truly listen, truly see, and truly feel. An actor can stand out on stage because of his observation and refinement of life. This skill is much more important than appearance."

"Comrade Zhang Qilin's trip to Majuqiao to experience life is a practice of this tradition. What he needs now is time and opportunity to accumulate experience, rather than being misled by superficial discussions."

Listening to the teachers' words, Zhang Qilin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

This is a difficult question for him to answer; it could easily offend someone.

Because he really has a handsome face, whatever he says may be taken out of context or misinterpreted maliciously.

The following questions, guided by several teachers, mostly revolved around drama creation and the training of young actors, and the atmosphere gradually shifted towards professionalism and peace.

He Bing shared his expectations for young actors, while Feng Yuanzheng gave a detailed introduction to the internship training mechanism of Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Zhang Qilin listened attentively most of the time, answered concisely, and always maintained the humility and sincerity of a newcomer.

Soon after, Yi Yangbo checked the time and picked up the microphone:

"It's almost time. This press conference is now over. We have prepared refreshments in the conference room, so please take a short break."

The reporters packed up their equipment and headed towards the conference room.

The girls who came to the scene surrounded the one who was clearly the leader, and they were talking about something.

Teachers Feng Yuanzheng and the others left after thanking Zhang Qilin, as they still had work to do.

Zhang Qilin walked to Yi Yangbo's side:

"Yi Chu, I'd like to go and say hello to the reporters. Is that convenient for you?"

Yi Yangbo was somewhat surprised, but then smiled and nodded:

"I'll take you there to meet them."

Led by Yi Yangbo, Zhang Qilin entered the conference room.

Inside, there were more than a dozen reporters, some drinking tea and having snacks, while others were talking with staff from the Beijing People's Art Theatre and signing for their travel expenses.

Yi Yangbo introduced the reporters to Zhang Qilin one by one.

Zhang Qilin warmly shook hands with each person and handed them a red envelope.

Yi Yangbo was initially surprised, but he did not step forward to stop him.

When a reporter declined, saying they had already received it, Zhang Qilin smiled and explained:

"This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope we can stay in touch and cooperate more in the future."

He then exchanged contact information with each reporter.

When Zhang Qilin approached the reporter from the Kyoto Youth Daily, he also presented him with a red envelope.

The other person took it, gave it a gentle squeeze, and their smile deepened.

"Mr. Zhang is young and promising; I will definitely write my article well when I get back."

"Thank you for your hard work. I hope we can cooperate happily in the future," Zhang Qilin said with a smile.

Although the reporter presented him with a difficult situation at the press conference, he did not intend to fall out with the reporter.

He's still a newcomer, so if he handles his relationship with major media outlets well, he'll avoid a lot of trouble.

Besides, the media are all paid to do their jobs; they'll speak for whoever pays them the most.

After adding all the reporters' contact information, Zhang Qilin walked outside.

A staff member from the Beijing People's Art Theatre walked towards me:

"Zhang Qilin, those girls at the door say they're your fans and want to take a picture with you. Is that alright with you?"

Zhang Qilin did not hesitate:

"Where is it convenient to take the picture?"

"Right at the main gate."

Zhang Qilin nodded and followed the staff outside.

For him, these are extraordinary times, and he needs to be careful with every word and action.

He couldn't refuse to take photos with these people, whether they were real fans or not.

If you refuse, it's inevitable that negative comments will spread.

Before his identity as an actor is fully defined, he needs to avoid being led astray by more malicious voices.

Zhang Qilin arrived at the theater entrance with the staff. The girls had already lined up and were waiting for him to stand in the middle.

His appearance was met with a soft cheer.

A girl wearing round-framed glasses led the way and came forward:

"Zhang Qilin, I am Shen Ya, the leader of your fan club."

Zhang Qilin was slightly taken aback. He had only become known to the public yesterday, and now he already had a fan club?

He knew in his heart that there must be a reason, but he didn't show it on his face, only nodding politely.

Shen Ya led him to stand in the middle and handed a camera to a staff member.

Zhang Qilin glanced at the camera model and became even more certain that these people were probably professionals.

The staff of Beijing People's Art Theatre took a group photo of them.

Zhang Qilin thanked everyone and reminded them to be careful on their way back.

One of the girls asked loudly:

"Zhang Qilin, can we come to see your performance?"

Zhang Qilin maintained his smile:

"You're welcome anytime."

Shen Ya walked closer and lowered her voice:

"Could you leave your contact information? We can organize to support you at any of your future events."

Zhang Qilin wore a polite smile on his face:

"I'm still just an intern, and I won't be participating in any events outside for a while. You can come to the theater to see me; I'll be there most of the time."

The other girls also gathered around, wanting to chat a bit more, and Zhang Qilin politely nodded:

"I still have some work to do. Thank you, and please drive carefully."

After saying that, he turned and left.

At that moment, a message appeared before his eyes.

[Task completed, rewards: Luck Value +5, Xu Gong's Fate Fragment from the North of the City +1]

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