Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 416 The Deadly Telephone
Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the master bedroom at Wenyu River Mansion, casting dappled patterns of light onto the light gray wool carpet.

Liu Yifei stepped barefoot onto the soft carpet, her fingertips lightly tracing the edge of the open suitcase. She folded Lu Kuan's dark gray cashmere coat neatly and carefully pressed it into the dust bag.

"Keep an eye on it, the eye drops are in this compartment, along with the razor."

"I'll be back the day after tomorrow, why would I bring a razor?"

Xiao Liu continued tidying up on her own, showing no intention of taking his advice. Her mood before leaving wasn't pleasant, and her tone was tinged with sarcasm.
"Maybe you'll run into some stunningly beautiful woman and stay a few more days?"

"Your beard grows fast, so just wear it as instructed. Why all the nonsense?"

He then patted the suitcase lightly, gesturing for him to look closely: "The tea bags are in a moisture-proof bag. Don't drink them after you finish your drink, and drink less alcohol."

Chinese people often have the habit of drinking strong tea after heavy drinking, which actually violates common sense about health preservation.

Alcohol dilates blood vessels and accelerates blood circulation, while inhibiting the central nervous system. In the short term, it may make people feel excited, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations.
The caffeine and theophylline in tea are potent nerve stimulants that can stimulate heart contractions, increase heart rate, and enhance myocardial oxygen consumption.

The combined effect of the two is the double pressure of "the circulatory stimulation of alcohol" and "the nerve stimulation of caffeine", which can cause palpitations and chest tightness in severe cases, and is especially unfriendly to patients with high blood pressure and heart disease.

"Oh, I see."

Xiao Liu's eyelashes drooped as he went through his habits in his mind again, patiently clearing out the extra items from his suitcase to make room for other things.

I suddenly touched the lecherous director's work clothes, which I guess he wore last month while he was abroad.

"Should we bring this?"

Liu Yifei paused slightly with her fingers holding the Durex condom, deliberately keeping a straight face, but her eyelashes trembled twice, like a mischievous little fox.

Mr. Lu was quite pleased with his girlfriend's arrogance: "I'll do whatever you say, if you say I'll bring her, I'll bring her."

Xiao Liu raised an eyebrow: "If you listen to me, I'm going to beat you up too. How can you listen to me without being able to distinguish right from wrong?"

"You've said everything you could, good or bad," the washing machine, who had just been scolded for offering a different opinion, promptly shut up and took the small box from her hand: "Then let's use it now."

"Get lost!" Xiao Liu suddenly burst out laughing, her eyes curving into crescents, and even the tips of her ears turning slightly red. She walked to the bedside and slammed her boyfriend's work clothes into the bedside table.

The boxes inside were all empty; they were used up too quickly, far too quickly.

"Let's go downstairs for dinner."

Liu Yifei insisted on driving her to the airport, even though it was less than a 20-minute drive from her home.

"You made me late by dropping me off. Didn't you say you were going to act like you were at work?"

"It's okay, I understand taking a day off. I took half a day off the day before yesterday to work at Wenjie."

Xiao Liu's bottom line is flexible; he only shows professionalism when it's required.

"Has the monitoring center made any big moves lately?" Boss Lu hadn't inquired about company affairs for two weeks. With the Olympic torch relay just around the corner, there was a lot of pre-event publicity and preparation work to be done.

"No, just a few kittens, nothing special." Liu Yifei leaned on her boyfriend's shoulder, her pretty face, unadorned, not caring about getting her makeup rubbed off on him.

"Both Dong Shuangqiang and Chen Zhixi asked me about the date of the annual meeting, and the company has almost finished making preparations."

Boss Lu nodded: "Okay, I'll go to the company after I get back from Shanghai."

Clearly, it was inconvenient for him to discuss his arrangements at the moment, or rather, he had not yet come up with a suitable reason to tell everyone, even Liu Yifei.

After a tearful farewell kiss in the car, Liu Yifei pouted her bright red lips and said, "Call me when you get back to the hotel tonight."

"Oh, I see."

Afei didn't accompany them this time. He drove the newly hired actress from the Beijing People's Art Theatre and they arrived at the workplace at 8:30.

With the global box office success of "The Sky of History," Xiao Liu clearly needs stronger security measures for the time being.

Domestically, with the title of chief director of the Olympics and the outstanding reputation he has built up for "Sky," Lu Kuan's path is absolutely safe.

Anyone who dares to harbor malicious thoughts of physically harassing him at this moment is deliberately sabotaging the Olympic Games and going against the entire country.

He would be immediately knocked down by an iron fist, and no such person could be found.
-
In 2008, the Beijing People's Art Theatre's headquarters were still located at the Capital Theatre, No. 22 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District.

The site was approved for construction by the General Administration in 1953, and was officially completed and handed over to the Beijing People's Art Theatre in 1956.

If you go from the Ice Cellar Prince's Mansion, the "old lair" of Liu Yifei and Lu Kuan, it's less than 2 kilometers on foot.

But after departing from the manor in Wenyuhe, and circling around the airport, it was already 9:30 in the morning when we finally arrived.

"Professor Pu, I've arrived." Liu Yifei knocked on the office door of the current vice president of Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Pu Cunxin looked up, stood up with a kind smile, and said, "Come in quickly, Consort Yi. Were you stuck in traffic on the way?"

Xiao Liu nodded: "I took a detour to the airport this morning because the road was wide enough for a last-minute business trip. If I come back now, I'll be caught in the morning rush hour."

She glanced at her watch: "I'm ten minutes late, I'm so sorry, Professor Pu!"

The vice president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre quickly waved his hand, showing great favor to the polite and composed young actress: "If not, wasn't Lao Feng late too?"

When asked about An Jiahe, Feng Yuanzheng knocked on the door and casually pushed it open, saying, "Dean, I was late because of traffic."

Pu Cunxin, with a stern face, said with double standards: "Look, even Consort Yi arrived earlier than you. Is that reasonable?"

"Dean, Xiao Liu comes to work in a Maybach 62S, while I drive a Passat. How can that be the same?"

Pu Cunxin smiled and tapped him: "Nonsense, what if a Maybach can fly?"

"Of course, otherwise what's the point of such a high price?" Feng Yuanzheng joked a few times, then winked at his acquaintance, Xiao Liu.

The three sat down for a formal conversation, discussing the work arrangements for Liu Yifei.

Generally speaking, young actors who graduate from art schools such as Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama and are admitted to Beijing People's Art Theatre will have a career enlightenment in the drama industry.

This is the Beijing People's Art Theatre's "trainee system," where new actors must enter a training center for three months of intensive training, and undergo basic skills training every day at 6:30 in the rehearsal hall of the Capital Theatre.

Including dialogue lessons guided by veteran actors such as Li Fazeng, and practicing dramatic dialogue performances using scripts such as "Teahouse" and "Thunderstorm";

There is also physical training tailored to the requirements of the stage. The Beijing People's Art Theatre emphasizes that stage actors should have the "bones and muscles of traditional opera." Therefore, they need to learn some simple traditional opera movements such as "circling steps" and "cloud hands," as well as modern physical expressions from Western plays such as "Death of a Salesman."

However, these are clearly not reasonable courses and further education arrangements for a Berlin Film Festival Best Actress winner.

It's not that winning this international film festival honor makes her superior, but rather that her acting skills have been recognized and praised by industry professionals such as Feng Yuanzheng and Lu Kuan. Out of consideration for the actors, it is clear that she should be taught according to her aptitude and skipped to a higher level and procedure.

“Yi Fei, generally speaking, new actors at the Beijing People’s Art Theatre, after their theatrical training, start as extras, then B-system supporting roles, A-system supporting roles, leading role candidates, and finally leading roles.”

"Considering your situation, I'd like to start with supporting roles in A-list productions to familiarize yourself with the methods and techniques of theatrical performance. After all, it's different from performing on the big screen, okay?"

Pu Cunxin's words were very polite.

Every profession has its rules, and the Beijing People's Art Theatre, starting with Jiao Juyin, the "father of the Beijing People's Art Theatre," has set strict rules for actors entering the profession.

This promotion system, from extras, B-level supporting roles, A-level supporting roles, lead role candidates, to lead roles, is a concentrated reflection of an actor's growth at each step, and the requirements for the actor's qualities are also different.

Needless to say, extras are only required to follow the director's instructions. The tea drinkers in the classic play "Teahouse" are usually the first stop for young actors entering the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

The so-called B-type supporting character is a specific character with fragmented lines and simple personality traits, such as a maid or soldier with a few lines and a slight degree of recognizability.

For example, in "Thunderstorm", a supporting character in the B system might be a "servant who delivers medicine" or a "bookkeeper who makes phone calls", whose existence serves to advance the main plot.

Supporting characters in A-list roles will go a step further, becoming important pillars of the plot, possessing complete character biographies and independent dramatic functions.

Characters like Polonius in Hamlet and Li Shiqing in Sunrise have a large amount of dialogue and need to portray complex personalities such as hypocrisy, shrewdness, and cowardice. They usually have dramatic conflicts or emotional connections with the protagonist.

As for the lead role candidates and the lead role, they are basically roles that only seasoned and established theatrical actors can handle.

Zhang Heping made the decision to admit Liu Yifei to the academy, but it was also discussed by the academy committee. Pu Cunxin also approved of it after watching her performance clips.

The arrangement of her role when she first entered the hospital did not break the rules of the Beijing People's Art Theatre too much, and fully reflected the humanistic care of teaching according to aptitude.

This is how things are done in government-affiliated organizations.

Xiao Liu smiled and said, "No problem, I will get into character as soon as possible. My purpose in coming to the Beijing People's Art Theatre is to settle down and refine and improve my performance experience from the past six or seven years."

The girl reached out her hand: "Teacher Pu, it's an honor to officially join the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Thank you for your care."

"Great! Dean Zhang is on official business at the Olympic Building today. On behalf of the institute, I would like to formally welcome Comrade Liu Yifei to the Beijing People's Art Theatre family!" Pu Cunxin smiled, stood up, shook hands with her, and then gracefully saw the two of them out.

"Please have Teacher Feng explain some of the work processes at the Art Theatre to you. If you have any problems with your work, feel free to come to me anytime!"

"Ok."

Xiao Liu excitedly followed his old acquaintance Feng Yuanzheng toward his office, his sheepskin boots clicking softly on the marble floor.

As we passed the rehearsal hall, the faint sounds of lines drifted over, mixed with the hum of old-fashioned heating pipes. It sounded quite atmospheric and seemed like a good place for actors to immerse themselves in their studies.

Feng Yuanzheng, the future director of Beijing People's Art Theatre, currently serves as the captain of the theatre's acting troupe.

He was responsible for coordinating the rehearsal arrangements for actors in different plays, making him Liu Yifei's direct superior.

For an ordinary actor to get ahead and rise through the ranks from extras to B-list to A-list, the first thing they need to do is pass his evaluation and gain his approval.

"Teacher Feng, don't bother with your tea, I brought some from home." Xiao Liu smiled and took out Boss Lu's treasured tea from his bag.

She's not particularly interested in tea, but she's bought quite a lot of different kinds of wine for her home.

However, under Lu Kuan's tutelage, I've gained some understanding of the art of tea, both good and bad, and have a basic grasp of its intricacies. Today is my first day at the academy, and I'm planning to bribe my senior brother—

If we consider the matter of Melsin entrusting his son to someone else...

Feng Yuanzheng was very pleased that Liu Yifei chose to retire at the height of her fame in 2008. Even though she joined the Beijing People's Art Theatre before winning the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award and being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, it was a choice that showed she was very true to her original aspirations as an actress.

This is the attitude of the actor he admires most.

Looking at the bright and dignified young woman in front of him, Feng Yuanzheng sighed, "Yi Fei, I still remember when I first met you in 2001, you couldn't even say a few lines properly, and your pronunciation was also a problem."

"After six or seven years, I really didn't expect you to have progressed so quickly! Haha, don't mind me saying that."

Xiao Liu smiled and said, "Of course I mind! My mom asked you to teach me acting, but you ran away after only two lessons. Teacher Feng, you really didn't give me any face."

"Hahaha!" Feng Yuanzheng still felt somewhat incredulous when he recalled the past: "To be honest, at that time, the main reason was that the academy asked me to be the captain of the actors' team, and I really didn't have the energy to be distracted."

"Just like what Dean Pu just said, I was initially a candidate for the role of 'Qin Zhongyi' in Lan Tianye's play. When I suddenly had the opportunity to play the lead role, I naturally thought about coming back to the play as soon as possible."

When Feng Yuanzheng brought this up, fearing that the actress in front of him, who had already achieved considerable success in her acting career, might feel resentful, he patiently explained Pu Cunxin's intentions.

After all, the Beijing People's Art Theatre is a state-run institution, and some rules and regulations are customary. It's necessary to communicate with Xiao Liu, who is new to the place, to prevent any mistakes.

Even disregarding Lu Kuan's reputation, it's hard not to like this gentle young woman's temperament and personality.

"The current director of Beijing People's Art Theatre is Comrade Zhang Heping, who is also the director of the working department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. He is the top person in administrative affairs."

"We also have two vice presidents in charge of business, Pu Cunxin and Ren Ming. Pu Cunxin is mainly in charge of coordinating the specific work. His father, Teacher Su Min, was the previous president of our Beijing People's Art Theatre."

"This is a rule set by Mr. Jiao Juyin back then, called 'artists governing the academy.' Director Zhang was transferred by the higher authorities to solve some of the more thorny issues of actor attrition, staffing and compensation, and the marketization of the theater. Director Pu is still mainly in charge of the academy's artistic work."

Feng Yuanzheng has always been perceived as a theater fanatic, but since he entered the Beijing People's Art Theatre in 85, he has studied both domestically and internationally. Having spent a long time within the system, he has also become a sharp-eyed and discerning individual.

This year, he was elected as a member of the China Theatre Association and began to participate in the proposal work of the National Association of Theatre Producers. These social positions will help him accumulate capital for his future promotion to dean.

Feng Yuanzheng hesitated for two seconds before continuing to explain, "Regarding his arrangements for you..."

Liu Yifei understood the implication of his words after hearing his introduction of Pu Cunxin's background.

This is because she's afraid that after winning Best Actress, she might become arrogant and unwilling to start from the bottom.

"Teacher Feng, my attitude is still very proper, even though I was late today." Xiao Liu laughed, "It's all because Lu Kuan insisted on making me go to the airport to see him off."

"Don't worry that this arrangement is unfair to me. I have no experience in theatrical performance. In fact, starting with the A system, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to convince the audience."

Feng Yuanzheng raised his eyebrows: "Why can't you convince the public? In fact, as long as you adapt to the rhythm of the theatrical stage, you are very suitable for the substitute position."

He then whispered again, "But as I just said, the Beijing People's Art Theatre is, after all, an art institution within the system, and it can't escape the seniority system."

“We currently have over 130 actors on the payroll, and it wouldn’t be good for anyone to gossip about it, as it would be bad for both you and Lu Kuan.”

“I’ve discussed it with Lao Pu. Once you get into character and show your skills a little, I don’t think some people will have many excuses. After all, we’re in the arts, and we can’t always have one person in one position. There must be someone who is capable.”

It's good to have an acquaintance. Xiao Liu chatted with Feng Yuanzheng for a while and basically got to know everyone at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

With her current perspective and experience, this year of life as an actress at the Beijing People's Art Theatre is naturally a piece of cake.

As for when she will return to filming, that depends on her own arrangements. Besides, there is no conflict between being a member of the Beijing People's Art Theatre's acting staff and taking on acting roles outside the theatre.

Just like how fans in later generations begged her to keep up with the times, this woman has such a strong personality that her current fans are already worried that she might marry a washing machine and retire one day.

Xiao Liu asked curiously, "Teacher Feng, what role has the department assigned me?"

Feng Yuanzheng laughed and said, "I was just about to say that, you get into character very quickly!"

"I've also considered a few, but I'll have to hear your opinion. The main ones are a few supporting actors who will remain in the cast."

When people mention Beijing People's Art Theatre, they always think of classic plays such as "Teahouse," "Wotou Guild Hall," and "Longxu Ditch," which is due to the theatre's "repertoire" system.

These classic plays, honed over decades, have developed a unique stage presentation paradigm, becoming artistic symbols of the Beijing People's Art Theatre and the fastest way for young actors to grow.

Imagine a role or play that has been performed by veteran actors for decades; it would be perfect for young actors who need to learn and imitate it.

"Sifeng in Thunderstorm, Chen Bailu in Sunrise, and Ding Xiaobao in Teahouse."

Feng Yuanzheng paused and then smiled, "Actually, there are two more experimental plays that were promoted by Dean Zhang and the Arts Committee after he arrived."

"One is Ophelia from Hamlet, and the other is Lucy from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Liu Yifei exclaimed in surprise: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the road is wide..."

"Yes, it's that 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'." Feng Yuanzheng explained with a smile, "Director Zhang extorted the copyright from him for the People's Art Theatre to use. Anyway, your family isn't short of money, so consider it a contribution to Chinese theatrical arts!"

Xiao Liu laughed and said, "But Ophelia and Lucy are both female leads, right? I can't play them now."

“It’s an experimental play, so there can be exceptions, but let’s start by having you play the lead role for a month or two. If you’re interested then, we can make adjustments.”

“Okay!” Liu Yifei said excitedly, “I want to play Lucy. I found it really enjoyable to watch Zhang Manyu play her. She can portray a woman from childhood to old age.”

Of course, when bringing "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," which utilizes a lot of makeup and special effects, to the stage, the scenes of Lucy and Benjamin as children naturally had to be cut and adapted.

The newly crowned Berlin Film Festival Best Actress winner vividly remembers seeing Maggie Cheung win the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2004.

It was also at that Cannes Film Festival that Lu Kuan approached Maggie Cheung and invited her to star in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button".

At the time, Maggie Cheung won the Best Actress award for her film "Clean," directed by her ex-husband. Their divorce was something that young Liu felt quite emotional about. Why couldn't they have both?

Always remember, there will be reverberations.

Five years later, she became an invincible lucky star, achieving both love and a golden bear, leaving no regrets.

"Oh my, I'm so excited! Coming to the Beijing People's Art Theatre was definitely the right choice," Xiao Liu said excitedly. "I can focus on studying acting and play the roles I've always dreamed of."

The girl's joy was palpable, but there was something she was too embarrassed to say—if only the washing machine could play Li Ming, then they could play a couple for the first time.

Xiao Liu inexplicably felt that his love story with the washing machine was quite similar to that of Li Ming and Lucy in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," both possessing a timeless quality that had been solidified by time. Feng Yuanzheng shook his head with a wry smile: "Your situation is truly blessed; countless people are envious."

"But the situation at the Beijing People's Art Theatre is quite complicated now. A lot of actors have applied to the theatre for long-term leave to take on roles, but Director Zhang and his team have all stopped them."

Liu Yifei nodded silently. As a veteran in the industry, she knew that with the rise of Chinese films, high-quality TV dramas, and the internet age, the general treatment in the entertainment industry was improving.

It's perfectly understandable that young actors are unwilling to start from minor roles and work their way up day after day, and instead yearn for the glamorous, kaleidoscopic world outside.

However, it has a greater impact on the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

If they are allowed to go out to take on roles for extended periods and in large numbers, the rules of the Beijing People's Art Theatre become meaningless.

I disagree. There has been a long-term loss of young actors. Now, which of the outstanding graduates from Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama, who doesn't go into film and television acting?

In the past, these people looked up to Yanzi, who became famous throughout the country with "Princess Pearl". Now, including Jing Tian, ​​a sophomore at Beijing Film Academy, their role model is obviously Liu Yifei.

Anyone who has seen her journey can't help but marvel at how she is a chosen one.

Even in the past, before the invention of washing machines, her career path up to 2008 wasn't exactly flawed; it was just that various setbacks and complications arose afterward.

Therefore, Liu Yifei's entry into the Beijing People's Art Theatre was, to a large extent, a "pure art choice" that went against the industry trend.

After explaining all aspects of the Beijing People's Art Theatre to the girl, Feng Yuanzheng turned around and took a backpack from his bookshelf.

“Ivy, take Professor Melsin’s manuscript back with you.”

Xiao Liu said in surprise, "You should keep it. You still need to mentor young actors, right? Melsin said it would be helpful for you."

Feng Yuanzheng said with emotion, "Thank you for helping me bring her the gift. I spoke to her on the phone later, and she is not in good health."

"I plan to make time to take my wife and kids to Germany within the next two years, no matter what."

The theater enthusiast from Beijing People's Art Theatre solemnly placed his large satchel, filled with Melsin's teaching notes, on his desk, gently unzipped it, and looked at it with deep affection:

“She praised you highly on the phone. I’ve already read through the manuscript. It’s basically all the content she taught back then and her subsequent insights. It’s not very meaningful to me anymore.”

“Ivy, take this back with you. I hope you can use it to find Stanislavski’s third stage of performance and teaching methods.”

Feng Yuanzheng gently opened a study notebook filled with German text, which contained his studies in Germany in the late 80s. Familiar and nostalgic, he turned to a page: "This is her comment on the scene from 'The Magic Flute' back then—"

"Strive to penetrate the soul like the Queen of the Night's coloratura."

Liu Yifei saw the German notebook lying in his palm, with a photo of Melsin in his youth pasted on the title page.

The German woman in the photo is standing backstage at a Prague theater, with a paintbrush stuck to her belt and her icy blue eyes are strikingly bright.

Liu Yifei pressed her backpack against her chest, the cool leather seeping in through her turtleneck sweater. At that moment, she recalled that stubborn figure in a wheelchair in the Berlin snowstorm.

Sunlight slanted across the dappled wooden floor of the office, casting the silhouettes of the two men exchanging manuscripts onto the wall inscribed with the college motto by Jiao Juyin—

An actor's life, from the moment they step onto the stage, no longer belongs to themselves, but to the audience and to the eternal art of drama.

The young woman, who is passionate about acting and her career as an actress, once again marvels at how right she was to have chosen to come to the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

This is an art palace where she can continue to focus on refining her skills and move towards her goals.

Outside the office, the sound effects of thunder from the stage rehearsals of "Thunderstorm" suddenly came from outside.

A dull feeling, like someone gently knocking on the door deep in time.

The morning passed quickly. After lunch, Feng Yuanzheng took the young actress Xiao Liu to the personnel department to complete the formalities.

In 2008, personnel work at the Beijing People's Art Theatre was overseen by Ma Xin, an official in charge of archives, with Zhang Yun, the deputy director of the personnel department, as the specific contact person.

Zhang Yun's attitude was exceptionally good, completely unlike her usual seriousness towards ordinary actors. As someone in HR, she was naturally sensible and knew how to handle things.

Even if we disregard the influence of the richest man and Lu, a tycoon in the mainland film industry, we still have to consider the reputation of Dean Zhang Heping.

Even if we don't look at it, Ms. Liu Yifei is a female star with abundant resources in the industry. You never know when you might need help and we can "help each other out". It's important to maintain a good relationship.

After all, it is still an institution within the system, and Xiao Liu once again experienced the multifaceted and unique nature of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, this temple of art.

"Yifei, call me anytime if you need anything. Keep your contract and meal card safe. Our monthly salary and allowance are deposited into your account on the 1st every month."

Zhang Yun laughed and said, "I know you don't care about these things, but this is recognition from your company and the country, haha."

"Okay, thank you, Director Zhang." Liu Yifei smiled gently. "This is my first paycheck in my life, and my first job with a company I'm affiliated with. It's all very new!"

Zhang Yun spared no effort in flattering the "donkey": "To be honest, the theater is trying to maintain balance. I think it's a huge waste of your talent to be a junior actor."

"Oh, not at all, I'm here to learn."

Feng Yuanzheng watched Zhang's fiery enthusiasm silently from the side, while Xiao Liu, who was acting opposite him, looked bewildered and accepted all the compliments without question.

That's good, that's the attitude of someone with a mixed constitution.

On the surface, we're on good terms, but behind the scenes, we can act according to the rules, regulations, and our own principles, since she doesn't rely on this job for a living.

According to the documents and contracts, Liu Yifei should be called a third-level actress, which is a junior professional title.

However, since it didn't sound very pleasant, Zhang Yun changed her approach.

She wouldn't be so polite to other young actors, let alone care about your feelings.

Being able to come to the Beijing People's Art Theatre is a blessing you've accumulated over several lifetimes!

As Liu Yifei and Feng Yuanzheng left the personnel department, they curiously checked their compensation details.

"The basic salary for junior professional title is 2500 yuan, the allowance for a supporting role in A-level is 500 yuan per scene, the creative subsidy is 220 yuan, and various miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, heating, and housing subsidies are 515 yuan, totaling 3735 yuan."

Xiao Liu sighed, "The average price of commercial housing in Beiping has now exceeded 10,000 yuan per square meter. This salary is a bit low. No wonder young actors are leaving."

She then asked with a smile, "Teacher Feng, how much do you earn a month?"

Feng Yuanzheng joked, "The hospital doesn't allow people to ask each other about their salaries. It's a 100 yuan fine if you do, so don't get fined as soon as you arrive, or you'll be publicly criticized later."

"Really?" Liu Yifei smiled broadly. "Then how many times a month can you get fined?"

Feng Yuanzheng coughed twice and said in a low voice, "More than a hundred times!"

Wow! That's amazing pay!

"Alright, alright, how did you become so corrupted by Lu Kuan? Now you're just making fun of us poor folks, aren't you?"

Liu Yifei waved her hand with a smile: "No, no! I just think it's quite interesting. I've already set my first goal: to level up as soon as possible! Level three sounds awful!"

"Hahaha!"

Xiao Liu's day at the Beijing People's Art Theatre passed smoothly and pleasantly.

From Vice President Pu Cunxin to old acquaintance Feng Yuanzheng, or Zhang Yun from the Personnel Department, all of them made young actress Liu Yifei feel "the warmth of home".

It wasn't until four or five in the afternoon that she strongly insisted on putting the visit and participation in the "adaptation training" on the agenda, which led to the first unpleasant experience in her career at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

After discussing it with Xiao Liu, Feng Yuanzheng temporarily assigned her the supporting role of Chen Bailu in the adaptation of Cao Yu's work of the same name, "Sunrise".

Around 5 p.m., as dusk settled over Beiping, the two went directly to the rehearsal hall of the Capital Theatre, where the "Sunrise" cast was conducting a well-organized rehearsal.

Looking around, most of the faces are familiar from TV dramas.

He Bing plays Li Shiqing, a junior bank clerk;
Wu Gang, who plays Fang Dasheng, Chen Bailu's former lover, and his real-life wife, Yue Xiuqing, who plays Gu Ba's grandmother;
The latter is also Ouyang Jing, the bank manager's wife whom he played in "In the Name of the People";
And Xu Fan, who was interrupted by Feng Yuanzheng and was about to introduce Liu Yifei, cast a cold glance at him; she is also Kuzi's current wife.

The two met on the set of the 1992 film "The Big Shot," when Xiao Gangpao was still a screenwriter.

After developing feelings for each other, Kuzi, who was already married and had a daughter, pursued her. Finally, in 1999, he divorced his first wife and married Xu Fan.

From then on, Xu Fan became the go-to leading lady for "Little Steel Cannon" and rose to the ranks of top actresses.

But ignoring the dramatic romantic relationships between directors and actors in the entertainment industry, Xu Fan was a top student who entered the Beijing People's Art Theatre after graduating from the Central Academy of Drama in 1991. Until she officially announced her retirement from the Beijing People's Art Theatre in 2022, she achieved excellent theatrical performance honors and reputation throughout her career.

Feng Yuanzheng briefly introduced Liu Yifei's identity, which was actually unnecessary for most of the actors present.

Even the most oblivious theatrical actors would find it hard not to have heard of this young actress from mainland China.

She shone from the very beginning of her career, and has been a frequent headline-maker since the "Empress Yi Incident" in 2005, whether for subjective or objective reasons.

"Hello everyone, I am Liu Yifei. I just arrived at the Beijing People's Art Theatre today and I hope to have the opportunity to learn more from you all."

"Welcome, Consort Yi!" He Bing, who had a good relationship with Feng Yuanzheng, was the first to applaud and welcome her: "The actress who played Zhang Chunru was really good. I cried several times while watching her."

Wu Gang's wife, Ouyang Jing, also chimed in with goodwill: "Absolutely! It's said that Yi Fei experienced life there for a year before filming. Where can you find such a dedicated young actress these days?"

Xu Fan walked over with a smile and shook hands with Xiao Liu like everyone else, then asked Feng Yuanzheng, "Yuanzheng, what role does Xiao Liu play?"

The actors' team leader, Feng Yuanzheng, said somewhat awkwardly, "Teacher Xu, I was just about to discuss this with you. Chen Bailu is an A-level role. How about you mentor Yi Fei?"

"Anyway, your focus is still on 'Cai Wenji' and 'Ruan Lingyu,' it would be a waste of your talents to act in this A-type role!"

Xu Fan raised an eyebrow and spoke in his Beijing accent: "How can you do this? Xiao Liu has never acted in a play before. Isn't it ridiculous to put him on 'Sunrise' right after he arrived? This is too irregular. Does Dean Pu know about this?"

The rehearsal hall fell silent instantly.

He Bing, Wu Gang, Yue Xiuqing, and the other actors, both big and small, remained silent, unaware of how the situation on stage had suddenly changed.

Actually, Xu Fan's words weren't entirely wrong.

This still touches on the issue that Feng Yuanzheng mentioned earlier: the large-scale loss of young actors at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

In 2008, Xu Fan was a first-class actress at Beijing People's Art Theatre. Her main roles were in the theatre's major productions "Cai Wenji" and "Ruan Lingyu". In 2009, she co-starred with Pu Cunxin and Song Dandan in the theatre's new production "Wotou Guild Hall", playing the down-on-her-luck princess Jin Murong.

But the role of Chen Bailu was the A-type role she played when she first joined the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

However, there is currently no young actress who can take over the role, so she has no choice but to come back and continue acting.

Whether out of a sense of public duty to "Sunrise" or because of the private matter of Feng Xiaogang's conflict with Wenjie and Lu Kuan exposed by assaulting a reporter (Chapter 242), Xu Fan's words cannot be said to be entirely wrong.

You are indeed the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress, and you are indeed the top actress in the Chinese entertainment industry, but this is the stage!
Look at the scene, from He Bing and Feng Yuanzheng to the veteran actor Zhang Fuyuan with his white beard, who hasn't been with the Beijing People's Art Theatre for ten or twenty years?

He Bing was Yu Shizhi's substitute, and Feng Yuanzheng was Lan Tianye's substitute. They finally got their turn to be the leading man after years of hard work.

Why should you take the role of Chen Bailu from the start? The key point is that you took the role from Xu Fan's hands, which made Xu Fan feel very uncomfortable.

Xu Fan's question, neither too harsh nor too mild, echoed in the rehearsal hall.

Theater actors strive to be able to hear their lines clearly even without a microphone, so much so that this first-class actor's remarkably penetrating voice had a lingering, resonant quality.

Feng Yuanzheng's expression was somewhat unpleasant. He knew that Xu Fan and his wife were not on the same level as Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei, but Xu Fan had just finished greeting them and then so brazenly refused to give them a way out.

Perhaps it was because Pu Cunxin and Zhang Yun were all very polite to Xiao Liu today, or perhaps Feng Yuanzheng himself always saw the girl as gentle, kind, and amiable.

I didn't realize that someone would retaliate.

Not wanting to put Feng Yuanzheng in a difficult position, Liu Yifei said in a clear, calm, and neither humble nor arrogant voice, "Teacher Xu, I came here with the purpose of learning, not to steal anyone's role."

"Since you mentioned the rules of Beijing People's Art Theatre, I read the theatre's work manual this morning. Director Jiao Juyin established the theatre's performance principles of 'director-centered system' and 'unified conception of stage design and script'."

"I think whether I am suitable for the role of Chen Bailu should be decided by the cast, the art committee, and the director based on my subsequent performance, right?"

"This!" Xu Fan wanted to refute her, but for a moment he didn't know where to start, which made everyone around him laugh without saying a word.

Feng Yuanzheng listened from the side and his expression softened slightly. He thought to himself that the girl was quick-witted and that she had already put the rules of the Beijing People's Art Theatre into practice, just as he had explained to her that morning.

Xu Fan, didn't you use the rule that acting is the most important thing as your argument?

Do you follow the rules of the Beijing People's Art Theatre?
He Bing and Wu Gang exchanged a glance. It is said that three women make a drama, and the only big names who could really speak on this stage were Xu Fan and Wu Gang's wife.

Now there's a young Berlin Film Festival Best Actress winner; the situation has changed so quickly.

However, judging from Liu Yifei's speech and demeanor, they didn't think that Xu Fan, who was twenty years older than the young girl, could gain any advantage today.

Having only been here for half a day, they seem to have become quite adept at using this set of arguments about constitution—

He used a retreat as a strategy to advance, starting by mentioning his initial intention to learn, and then borrowing the rules that Xu Fan used as a pretext to bring up the rules of Jiao Juyin, the "father of Beijing People's Art Theatre".

Is there any bigger rule at the Beijing People's Art Theatre?

The key point is that, from the perspective of the onlookers, Liu Yifei maintained a calm and professional tone throughout, which contrasted sharply with Xu Fan's emotional questioning, thus subtly reinforcing the negative impression that Xu Fan was "using his age to bully others."

If it were a different arrogant young actress, who is both a Berlin Film Festival Best Actress winner and the girlfriend of a billionaire, she might be pointing her finger at Xu Fan and giving him a good scolding right now.

Who do you think you are? Even your husband, Feng Xiaogang, has to lower his head when he sees my boyfriend.
However, Xiao Liu is not like that. She rarely uses her boyfriend's influence in front of outsiders and always treats herself as an independent individual.

Xu Fan hesitated for a long time, but his attitude remained firm: "Director Ren isn't here today. Since you've put it that way, then..."

"Ring ring ring!"

A sudden, urgent ringing of the bell interrupted Xu Fan's roundabout attempt, but instantly gave her another reason to question him. Her well-maintained face flushed an unusual red from the unexpected discovery:

"Xiao Liu, you've memorized Dean Jiao's motto so well, but didn't you see the third rule in the actor's manual, which says that you must mute and turn off your cameras when entering the theater?"

"Answering the phone during rehearsals is tantamount to a stage accident. This is a rule of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Do you understand?"

Liu Yifei glanced at her expressionlessly. She had never read the actor's manual; she had only learned about it during a casual chat with Feng Yuanzheng over dinner.

The girl glanced at it and then hung up Yang Mi's call, wondering why this fake best friend wanted to contact her.

"Xu..."

"Buzz buzz buzz!" The phone, which had just been put on vibrate, interrupted their conversation again. Liu Yifei hung up without hesitation and looked up at Xu Fan, who was about to speak.

A message suddenly came in, startling the girl who was glancing at it!
【Sissi, Fan Bingbing left for Shanghai last night.】

But when she thought of Big Mimi's past record of complaining (Chapter 330), she dismissed her suspicions.

Xu Fan didn't know what the message on the phone was, but seeing that her expression was clearly off, he knew he wouldn't get away with it today, so he turned to Feng Yuanzheng and said:

"Old Feng, I'm just stating the facts. Since you say you're waiting for Dean Ren's decision, then so be it. I won't be rehearsing today. Otherwise, would you consider me a usurper or something?"

"gone."

Xu Fan, dressed in Chen Bailu's costume, scurried away in her high heels, using escape to mask her embarrassment of the day.

Liu Yifei was interrupted twice by Yang Mi. When she saw the message, she instinctively wanted to call back, but then she received another call!

Tang Yan?

The little girl had a vague sense of unease.

She could ignore Yang Mi's words, but Tang Yan's hasty contact at this particular time...

She gestured to Feng Yuanzheng, walked to the theater door to make the call, but unexpectedly received a harsh rebuke!
"Sissi, Mr. Li and I are attending a dinner party at the Shanghai Film Studio, and Director Lu is there too..."

Tang Yan seemed to be avoiding someone, pausing for two seconds before whispering, "Fan Bingbing just arrived too!"

shock!
Liu Yifei had just had sex with Xu Fan when she was suddenly jolted awake by the two urgent phone calls, throwing her heart into turmoil!
(End of this chapter)