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

Jing Tian knew his attitude towards the Warring States period.

I specifically reminded him because I didn't want him to reluctantly accept roles he wasn't interested in just to save face for me on set.

Although Zhang Qilin was grateful in his heart, he still maintained his teasing tone when speaking:

"Thanks, but the Beijing People's Art Theatre stipulates that newcomers cannot take on outside roles for two years, so even if I wanted to go, I couldn't. But then again, you really lose face in my eyes."

"Say whatever you want," Jing Tian laughed lightly on the other end of the phone, "Anyway, I'll eat you out of house and home when we get back, and I mean it."

The two chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up.

in the afternoon

14:00

The entrance to the rehearsal hall on the third floor of the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Zhang Qilin looked at the sign at the entrance, which read:

The production team for "Rickshaw Boy" is forming; please do not disturb.

He pushed open the door to the rehearsal hall.

The first thing that catches the eye is the four large characters "The play is more important than the sky" hanging high on the south wall, solemn and eye-catching.

The rehearsal room is much more spacious than their rehearsal room on the first floor.

On one side of the door, against the wall, several rows of chairs were neatly arranged, and several actors were already sitting there, chatting quietly.

Upon hearing the sound of the door opening, the group of people all looked up towards the entrance.

Upon seeing Zhang Qilin enter, they were initially surprised, but then politely smiled and nodded to greet him.

Zhang Qilin nodded politely in response, and then quietly sat down in a seat on the side.

A few minutes later, the actors entered the rehearsal hall one after another.

When they saw Zhang Qilin, they all showed surprise, but none of them asked any questions.

Everyone found familiar companions and chatted in hushed tones, creating an atmosphere that appeared relaxed, comfortable, and carefree.

When the door opened again, a man dressed in simple black casual wear stepped in.

Zhang Qilin recognized the person at a glance; it was the same person he had seen from the side of the curtain the night before.

It seems that he must be Chen Mo.

Chen Mo noticed Zhang Qilin's gaze, but his expression remained unchanged, with a perfectly appropriate smile on his face.

He found a seat and began chatting quietly with the people around him.

After a moment, the door was slowly pushed open again.

Director Gu Wei walked in accompanied by a tall, upright middle-aged man in a dark gray jacket, who was holding his arm.

Yu Town.

One of the pillars of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, a specialist in war dramas.

Behind the two were several other key members of the production team and management personnel.

The rehearsal hall fell silent instantly.

The people who were sitting and chatting all stood up.

Several veteran actors, their faces beaming with enthusiasm, stepped forward to greet director Gu Wei and Yu Zhen, among others.

As a newcomer, Zhang Qilin simply watched quietly from the corner.

In a new film crew, it's best to keep a low profile at the beginning.

Joining such a large production team was a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for him.

Gu Wei greeted everyone with a smile as he walked toward the center of the rehearsal hall.

When he reached the center, he gently clapped his hands to signal everyone to be quiet.

Director Gu Wei glanced around, a kind smile on his face:

"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks the official start of the production team for 'Rickshaw Boy,' another important project for the Beijing People's Art Theatre this year."

"Camel Xiangzi is a classic work by Mr. Lao She. It carries the weight and vicissitudes of that era. We must give our best and do a good job in restaging this play."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Director Gu Wei continued:

"Next, I'd like to introduce the main creative team of our production. This is someone you all probably recognize, Yu Zhen..."

Yu Zhen smiled and nodded to everyone:

"I see that most of them are acquaintances from last year. I hope that we can still work together this year and play our roles well. I also look forward to growing together with everyone in this process."

Director Gu Wei then introduced the screenwriter, director of photography, lighting technician, and other key members of the creative team.

After finishing his introduction, he continued:

"This year marks the centenary of Mr. Cao Yu's birth. The theater is hosting many plays and is short-staffed. We also have a few newcomers in our group. Let's all introduce ourselves."

The actors took turns announcing their names and roles.

When it was Zhang Qilin's turn, he bowed politely.

"Hello everyone, my name is Zhang Qilin. I played Xiao Shunzi in 'Rickshaw Boy'. I still have many shortcomings and hope to learn from all the teachers."

Many people looked surprised upon hearing Zhang Qilin's words.

Zhang Qilin is a newcomer to the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which is common knowledge.

When he appeared on set, most people assumed that the theater had arranged for him to play minor roles and familiarize himself with the process.

After all, at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, no matter how famous you are outside, you have to start all over again according to the rules when you return to the theatre.

Therefore, when they heard him say that he was playing Xiao Shunzi, many people even doubted that they had heard correctly.

When they saw the calm expression on Director Gu Wei's face, they realized they hadn't misheard.

Several pairs of eyes involuntarily turned to Chen Mo.

With actresses Yang Jiayin and Liu Hui unable to participate, it was only natural for Chen Mo, who was an understudy, to take over the role.

I didn't expect a newcomer to be brought in and compete with him for this role.

Chen Mo, under the gaze of everyone, still wore a calm smile, showing no emotion.

Director Gu Wei clapped his hands:

"Alright, everyone has finished their introductions. As you all know, this drama is very important. I hope that everyone, whether you are in lead or supporting roles, will give it your all and work together to make this drama a success."

"OK."

Everyone responded in unison.

Guwei nodded:

"Let's start from the first scene, walk around, go over the lines, get a feel for it, especially the relationships between the characters: Xiangzi and the people in the rickshaw depot, Hu Niu, and young rickshaw pullers like Xiao Shunzi..."

He turned to the town:

"Yu Zhen, as the lead actor, please take the lead and guide everyone."

Yu Zhen readily agreed:

"No problem, Director Koo, let's get started now."

The staff have already arranged the chairs according to the set design of the first scene.

The main actors playing Liu Siye and Hu Niu gathered in the center of the rehearsal hall, and the other actors also took their places.

Chen Mo walked up to Zhang Qilin and asked in a calm tone:

"You're going to go first?"

Zhang Qilin's attitude was sincere:

"Teacher Chen, please go first. I'll learn from you from here."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo did not refuse. He simply nodded slightly to Zhang Qilin and walked to the spot in the center that belonged to Xiao Shunzi.

Zhang Qilin stepped back and found a corner where he could see the whole scene clearly but not attract attention.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the rehearsal hall suddenly became serious.

The script readings held by the Beijing People's Art Theatre crew are quite different from those held outside.

Because of the time and space available, reading the script and positioning are often combined together, making it more like a complete on-site rehearsal.

After confirming that everyone was ready, Yu Zhen opened his mouth. He didn't deliberately raise his voice, but every word carried the short, forceful tone unique to lowly rickshaw pullers.

The actors on stage relayed their lines to each other, with varying paces and emotional ranges.

Without any real scenery or lighting, the entire experience, relying solely on body language and words, draws people into the old-time Beijing city.

Chen Mo's portrayal of Xiao Shunzi evokes the image of a rickshaw puller from the past through his every gesture.

His scenes with other actors were perfectly timed, and every line and every movement seemed meticulously crafted yet perfectly natural.

But Zhang Qilin felt that his performance this time was a bit too forceful.

He wondered if Chen Mo was trying to mislead him or deliberately trying to undermine his confidence.