Chapter 132: The Renegade

Speaking of Gao Feng, Zhuang Chen asked with curiosity, "Isn't Teacher Gao known as the Chief Instructor of Deyun Society?"

"Gao Feng holds a bachelor's degree. In the lineage of crosstalk, he studied under the renowned master Fan Zhenyu, and in the Xihe school, he studied under the veteran folk artist Jin Wusheng. He is a fellow apprentice of Old Guo."

"The crosstalk fundamentals of Gao Feng and Luan Yunping are rock-solid. Take Gao Feng, the lead performer, for instance—his 'guankou' (rapid-fire monologue), clapper talk, and folk arts are all highly commendable. Everyone backstage, including myself, recognizes him as someone who is exceptionally diligent and committed to the art of crosstalk."

"Why isn't he a massive star? It’s mainly because his performance style is rather mild; you rarely see the frenzied, explosive atmosphere that other performers command. His programs are mostly composed of traditional literary crosstalk. While he retains the traditional techniques to the greatest extent, for younger audiences, the punchlines are relatively sparse, and vulgar humor is even rarer."

"To put it bluntly, it’s too subtle and lacks excitement. Gao Feng most admires the performance style of Master Shao Ma, and after all these years, he remains lukewarm. There’s just no helping that."

"As for the role of Chief Instructor, due to the unique nature of how crosstalk is passed down, we still retain the traditional method of oral and personal instruction. We emphasize the formal apprenticeship, the lineage, and the master teaching the apprentice techniques hand-in-hand."

"To hold this position at Deyun Society, two basic qualities are required: first, one’s foundation in crosstalk must be impeccable, otherwise, you cannot nurture and discover high-quality talent; second, one must be of high moral character, otherwise, one cannot serve as a mentor to teach, preach, and resolve doubts."

"You see Luan Yunping, who doesn't look like much, but he is actually a brilliant graduate of Tsinghua University. He joined Deyun Society very early, apprenticing alongside He Yunwei and Cao Yunjin. Ten years have passed—I don’t need to say much about those two—only he has persisted, working conscientiously as the Chief Manager. Whenever there is a show, he is responsible for coordinating and operating everything."

"Deyun currently has eight troupes, each led by a veteran performer with significant fame. Luan Yunping is the leader of the First Troupe. For performers, the quantity and quality of performance opportunities directly determine the trajectory of their careers and their income levels. You can imagine the status of the Chief Manager."

It was no wonder that even Alibaba’s founder said: Greatness is something you endure!

What is greatness of character?

It is something that is forced open by enduring grievances!

"As for Guo Qilin, being his own son and the young master of Deyun Society, he holds no official title within the company and is just an ordinary performer in the Fourth Troupe. He is sensible, doesn't fight or compete, and never makes things difficult for his brothers."

"Because of his background, even though Yue Yunpeng has become a superstar, deep down he remains insecure and not socially adept, making him unsuitable for management roles."

"Performers like Zhang Helun and Shaobing have talent and flair, so they are listed as key targets for development. However, both are too fond of playing and messing around; their temperaments are flighty, and they are unreliable when it comes to managing people or tasks."

Zhuang Chen understood that they were typical generals, suited for leading the charge and enjoying the thrill of the battlefield, whereas Gao Feng and Luan Yunping were more like army marshals and logistics officers—the ones who ensure the supplies are ready before the troops even move.

When the time came, the performance officially began. The massive Beijing Exhibition Center was packed to capacity, and Zhuang Chen took his seat in the first-row VIP section. The First Troupe opened the show with singing, talking, and joking, sending the entire audience into fits of laughter. What one sees on TV is never the full picture; many punchlines can't be broadcast, but the live ones were incredibly creative and interesting.

In the middle of the show, Old Guo and Yu Qian took the stage to perform a few classics, along with one new piece. Every time they appeared, the atmosphere was at its peak, and they were usually called back for five or six encores.

The most interesting part was the gifting of flower baskets and presents. It’s not easy for fans from out of town to attend a live show, so the die-hard fans brought gifts and local specialties from all over the country. In Old Guo's words, a single show could stock two convenience stores.

Zhuang Chen, being his first time, couldn't be stingy, so he had Xia Long buy a solid gold pig, which he personally presented on stage. A gasp rippled through the crowd—a tycoon had appeared.

Old Guo showered him with praise, even inviting him to say a few words on stage. Good heavens, with thousands of people staring at him, he was so terrified he chickened out.

Backstage, Yu Qian teased, "Realized it’s not so easy, have you?"

"People say crosstalk has no threshold and anyone can do it. That’s nonsense. Being able to speak doesn't mean you can speak well, and speaking well doesn't mean you can make money. Everyone in the audience bought a ticket; they are your bread and potatoes. If you don't make them happy, they'll be cursing you as soon as they walk out the door!"

"Many things look easy and low-threshold, but the so-called threshold is actually inside." Old Guo wiped his sweat, took a sip of water, and added, "It’s not easy to excel in any trade. Even for those with natural talent, it takes at least several years or over a decade of unremitting effort."

"I’ve been an apprentice since I was young, and from storytelling to now, it’s taken me thirty full years to get where I am today, being able to support my family through crosstalk. With a group of kids following me to make a living, the pressure is immense!"

The folk arts circle has its rules: three years for the master, three years for the child. Upon entering the apprenticeship, you spend three years like a son, with the master covering all your food, clothing, and housing. After finishing the apprenticeship, you work for the master for another three years without pay. Only after those three years are the favors repaid, and then you can either set up your own shop or continue to make a living under the master.

Since its inception, Deyun Society has weathered many storms and experienced several upheavals. Outsiders can't make sense of the rights and wrongs, but in reality, it all boils down to conflicts of interest. However, having reached the age of forty, Old Guo has seen through many things; he is no longer petty and has become much more peaceful.

Unlike his younger, hot-headed self in his thirties, who would say: "If I argue with you, even if I just talk back, I am bullying you!"

The show didn't end until late at night. After a midnight snack, Yu Qian made an appointment to meet the next afternoon to take him out for an experience.

He spent the morning working out and swimming. Ling Na was not at the club; she had gone abroad to look for agarwood. Ding Mengyao was also away, sourcing stock at a French winery—all very busy people.

That afternoon, he followed Yu Qian, who was acting quite mysterious, to an old alleyway. Before him stood an antique courtyard house. Yu Qian instructed, "The person we are meeting is a true master of leisure, respectfully called 'Sixth Uncle' in the circle. He is obsessed with insect fighting, comes from a prominent, wealthy family, and is one of the few big shots who can still afford to live in a courtyard house these days!"

"Sixth Uncle is no ordinary man. In the capital, anyone who plays with insects gives him a thumbs up! He has been professionally playing with insects for fifty years. No matter the insect, one glance from him and he can accurately determine if it's a pawn, a soldier, a general, or a king!"

Zhuang Chen asked curiously, "Crickets are graded?"

Yu Qian smiled and explained, "There are clear grading standards among players, just like in the military—second lieutenant, major, colonel, general. Insects are also divided into four levels based on their combat records and experience: Pawn, Soldier, General, and King. They level up after winning five matches against opponents of the same rank, and only when they reach the level of 'Soldier' can they be considered true fighting insects."

"Don't underestimate insect fighting. Although they are small, there are many tricks to it. From catching, raising, and training them, to preparing for battle and nursing wounds, every step is a science. The food, the pot, the water, and the environment must all be perfect to raise a truly top-tier warrior. You can't be even slightly negligent."

The group entered the gate. The courtyard was spacious, with a towering, lush, and verdant tree in the center. Suddenly, the air was filled with the sounds of various insects chirping—rising and falling, rhythmic and clear, as if welcoming guests.

Under the tree, an old man lay on a grand master's chair. He had the white hair and ruddy complexion of a crane-child. He held a purple clay teapot, looking utterly content. Seeing Yu Qian enter, he didn't rise but gestured casually toward the bench in front of him.

"Soaking up the sun, Sir?" Yu Qian approached him and said respectfully, "I've brought a friend today to broaden his horizons."

With that, he took out a prepared box, pulled out a green-skinned jar, and said courteously, "A little treasure I picked up. Would you mind taking a look?"