Chapter 14

"Temple of the Spiritual Official" caused a stir in society. After a bloody battle of opinions, it temporarily concluded its run. In total, it was staged for sixteen days, just barely breaking the highest record. Even so, some fans were eagerly awaiting its return.

As the New Year approached, Xu Xinyue decided to quit while he was ahead. He stopped selling tickets and resolved to keep this play as his ace in the hole.

With "Temple of the Spiritual Official" having opened up the market and the stage having been expanded, it was very suitable for an actor of Ying Xiaonong's skill. The business at Changle Theater continued to thrive.

Riding on this wave of success, and also with the intention of winning over Ji Shuangyu, Xu Xinyue immediately hired him, wanting to rehearse another play to be staged during the Lantern Festival.

It was now close to the end of the year, so if they were to rehearse a play, it would naturally be a festive one.

During the New Year festival period, all the major troupes would stage auspicious plays, such as "Money Tree" and "Minor New Year."

This was also why Xu Xinyue stopped selling tickets for "Temple of the Spiritual Official" even though it was still a box office hit. Besides maintaining the audience's sense of novelty, it was also because some of the violent scenes were unsuitable for performance around the New Year.

"There used to be a saying in the theater world, 'No good plays in the first month,' because auspicious plays were just for a bit of fun. But the competition has gotten fiercer these past two years. Troupes don't even let the New Year slide. Last year during the Lantern Festival, the Changqing Troupe even released immortal mist on stage and had fairies scatter flowers," Xu Xinyue sighed. The Changle Theater's business had declined amidst such competition.

For this little penny-pincher, being forced to improve meant being forced to spend money. But having suffered a loss once, he knew he had to strike while the iron was hot and solidify the Changle Theater's reputation.

"So this time, we must rehearse a brilliant festive play! We'll make the scenery extremely elegant and beautiful!" Xu Xinyue said ambitiously. "I've already discussed it with the troupe master. We can stage 'The Record of Sympathetic Joy'."

This was a rather lively traditional opera, and also a play about immortals. The female lead was one of the Three Immortal Aunts from "The Investiture of the Gods," Lady Yunxiao. The supporting characters were various deities from the Three Realms. The plot was joyous, with a large cast featuring both civil and martial roles.

"No problem for me. I'll revise the script and we can start rehearsing. We should be able to get it done before the New Year. Are we including Boss Ying?" Ji Shuangyu was also quite happy. It was a chance to make money.

Xu Xinyue said repeatedly, "Of course, we have to."

Ying Xiaonong was now the pillar of the Changle Theater. In all of Jingcheng, his box-office appeal was at its peak.

The Hanxi Troupe was a troupe that could perform both Peking and Kunqu opera. Ying Xiaonong himself was versatile in both, but he originally had some shortcomings in civil plays. After being directed by Ji Shuangyu, he received great praise and could now be considered a versatile actor adept in civil, martial, Kunqu, and Luantan styles.

"This time, besides Boss Ying, our main goal is to pick a dan role to promote," Xu Xinyue said. A good dan actor was always the biggest box-office draw. If they successfully promoted one, she could become even more famous than Ying Xiaonong. This wasn't to look down on Ying Xiaonong; it was just how the market was.

"Understood." Ji Shuangyu mentally reviewed the actors of the Hanxi Troupe. 'Who to choose...'

This news definitely couldn't be kept secret within the troupe. Upon hearing that a new play was being rehearsed, everyone wanted to play an important role. Although many in the theater world outside had their criticisms, the people of the Hanxi Troupe knew the truth in their hearts.

'Believe it or not, if you gave Ji Shuangyu to those people, would they not accept his direction just the same?'

"Temple of the Spiritual Official" had already proven that with Ji Shuangyu as the director, the box office would be high, and everyone's share of the profits would be guaranteed!

Forget all that nonsense about rules and old customs. For actors who got paid per performance, especially the ordinary ones, getting a role was what really mattered.

The actors of the Hanxi Troupe eagerly tried to curry favor with Ji Shuangyu. This was nothing new to him. Just like with modern film and television actors, he would simply choose based on his own standards.

Unfortunately, there was a disagreement. In the end, both Xu Xinyue and Ying Xiaonong favored a dan actress named Chen Chunxue, while Ji Shuangyu favored an actress named Jin Que.

The Hanxi Troupe wasn't very famous before, but wherever there's a community, there's a ranking. Chen Chunxue ranked higher than Jin Que.

"You have such high aesthetic standards. Can't you see that Chen Chunxue is better looking than Jin Que?" Xu Xinyue said to Ji Shuangyu. He had also dragged Ying Xiaonong over, hoping he would speak on his behalf.

Ying Xiaonong forcefully shook off Xu Xinyue, then said affectionately to Ji Shuangyu, "That's right, Chen Chunxue is more suitable."

The painted-face actor was tall and sturdy; Xu Xinyue nearly fell to the ground. "......"

'What the hell! Whose side are you on?!'

If he hadn't heard him speak, Xu Xinyue would have thought he was going to use force to make him agree with Ji Shuangyu's choice.

—Ying Xiaonong also preferred Chen Chunxue's appearance, feeling she had the face of a female lead, but he was always the friendliest towards Ji Shuangyu.

Ji Shuangyu retorted, "If being good-looking is all that matters, why don't you just let me go on stage?"

Xu Xinyue was ecstatic, "You can? Can you sing?"

Ji Shuangyu: "......"

'Xu Xinyue was actually serious...'

But that was the state of the market. The reason dan roles were the most famous and female actresses were all the rage was because they looked good in costume and the audience adored them. There was nothing new under the sun; even in later generations, some actors only had their faces to rely on.

Xu Xinyue was precisely the type to choose actors based on looks. As long as their singing wasn't too far off, it was fine. He knew the audience wouldn't accept it if it was too bad. He had even prepared a sum of money to purchase a gorgeous new costume for the female lead.

If Ji Shuangyu could sing, Xu Xinyue wouldn't hesitate for a second. He'd immediately have a costume custom-made for him and double the wardrobe budget!

Unfortunately, Ji Shuangyu was tone-deaf...

"What I mean is, this play requires delicate acting skills, and I think Jin Que is more suitable. The 'shortcomings' in her appearance are not a problem in my opinion. Her basic features are actually very good. We can solve it with makeup and lighting," Ji Shuangyu said.

He had seen so many actors. Sometimes he didn't just look at acting skills; depending on the role's needs, he also had to consider if the person's face was suitable for the screen, if it had story. Everyone said Jin Que's looks were average, but he didn't think so!

The stage makeup of this era had not yet been standardized like in later times. Some actors didn't actually know what kind of makeup suited their faces.

"I can understand makeup, but how can lighting solve it?" Xu Xinyue looked completely baffled. He admitted that Ji Shuangyu was very skilled with lighting, but lighting... could it fix an actor's appearance?

Ji Shuangyu: "..."

'Forget it, investors never understand...'

Although Xu Xinyue had watched "Temple of the Spiritual Official," he didn't seem to realize that the lighting had also contributed greatly to the characterization of the Spiritual Official.

After all, the lighting of this era was truly crude. In some theaters, the lighting backstage and on stage was different, causing makeup applied backstage to look ghastly pale and unsuitable on stage, let alone custom lighting for a character. In the future, even ordinary people would know to use fill lights for their selfies.

Ji Shuangyu said with certainty, "Of course, it can. Boss, you have to trust me. Just leave it to me, alright?"

'There it was again, that tone! It's so persuasive!'

Xu Xinyue was conflicted. It was already an elegant opera, and with Ji Shuangyu's adapted scenery, he could imagine the final product would be great for promoting an actor. Should he really choose the relatively plain-looking Jin Que...

After a long pause, Xu Xinyue sighed, "Alright, we'll do as you say!"

Even if only for the success of "Temple of the Spiritual Official," he had to give Ji Shuangyu this consideration.

When everyone in the Hanxi Troupe heard the casting result, they were all stunned.

They had some speculations amongst themselves, but they never would have guessed Director Ji would choose Jin Que. Even Jin Que herself hadn't expected it. She panicked and shouted in front of everyone, "You all know, my family is dirt poor, I don't have the money to bribe Director Ji!"

Everyone: "..."

...That was true. It probably had nothing to do with Jin Que herself. They just didn't know why Director Ji insisted on choosing her.

......

On his end, Ji Shuangyu remained as steady as a mountain, making his own preparations, reviewing the script, and starting on revisions and designs.

After he had purchased everything he needed, Xu Xinyue suddenly rushed to find him. "This is bad, this is bad! Damn it, damn it! They're opening a new theater across the street!"

Ji Shuangyu said nonchalantly, "There are seven or eight theaters on our street. Is it strange for a new one to open?"

Xu Xinyue said resentfully, "It's not strange for one to open, but they're going to put on a rival show against us! Really... Have they no professional ethics!"

Rival shows were also quite common in later times. It referred to two troupes of actors performing simultaneously on adjacent stages, in a competitive manner.

According to the unwritten rules of the time, famous troupes usually had a tacit understanding and wouldn't deliberately clash unless there was some feud. For example, since the Hanxi Troupe became famous for performing "Temple of the Spiritual Official," other famous troupes wouldn't easily stage it, especially not at the same time.

There was no need for a head-on collision; it was about leaving room for each other.

The Changle Theater was going to rehearse "The Record of Sympathetic Joy." It hadn't been officially announced, but word had already gotten out.

But the theater across the street had recklessly put out advertisements. For their grand opening, they would stage a Peking opera version of the same play, and they had invited a famous set designer from Hushang to help out, promising clever mechanisms and brilliance at every turn, asking everyone to look forward to it.

"What do you think they mean by this? Heavens, a set designer from Hushang! I heard about him when I went to Hushang. He's a second-generation set designer from the realism school, very impressive." Xu Xinyue didn't have many connections and was fretting anxiously, scratching his ears and cheeks. He neither knew why the other party was targeting him nor could he help but feel intimidated by the Hushang set designer.

The Changle Theater had made a name for itself in Jingcheng, but the Hushang school of set design was so famous!

"Don't panic." An idea struck Ji Shuangyu, and he went to ask Jiang Sanjin to make some inquiries.

Jiang Sanjin was a leader of the extras, but he cooperated with various troupes and liked to build good relationships, so he was much better informed.

As soon as he was asked, it turned out he knew. He said sheepishly, "Well... it's probably because they're holding a grudge. Didn't someone ask the owner of the silk shop to act as a middleman to buy your land before..."

"Ah!" Xu Xinyue exclaimed, understanding now.

At that time, a colleague with the surname Liang had wanted to buy it. He had probably made all the preparations, but unexpectedly, Xu Xinyue pulled through. Somehow, that person still managed to buy land on this street, and it seemed he now held a grudge against him.

Xu Xinyue cursed the other party for being as narrow-minded as the eye of a needle. Then, he was overcome with grief and worry, and couldn't help but lean on Jiang Sanjin's shoulder and sob.

Jiang Sanjin: "..."

Goosebumps rose on his skin. "Master Xu, please calm down."

"How can I calm down?" Xu Xinyue's mood swung wildly. He looked at Ji Shuangyu. "What do you think we should do?? Should we change the play?"

Ji Shuangyu thought it over and understood. He said, "It's useless, Boss. Do you really think they're just holding a grudge over that incident? Even if we successfully change the play, we'll still be their target. They see that 'Temple of the Spiritual Official' is hot right now, so staging a rival show and crushing us directly would be the best advertisement for them. Besides, our style and the Hushang school's have indeed clashed. As long as we continue to develop, a battle is inevitable."

The Xieyi Style of set design had suddenly emerged. The theater across the street was opening a new venue and had even invited a Hushang school set designer. Could they really avoid a confrontation?

"Ah." Xu Xinyue understood (again), his mind in a turmoil. "How can we fight this..."

"In any case, I've never run away from a scheduling conflict," Ji Shuangyu said coldly, his expression icy and stern. "Everything is ready. We'll face whatever comes our way!"

Xu Xinyue saw his sharp gaze and wanted to say something but hesitated.

Ji Shuangyu: "What is it?"

Xu Xinyue went crazy, grabbing Ji Shuangyu's sleeve. "Wuwu, are you really not considering going on stage? You're definitely better looking than their actors."

Ji Shuangyu: "...Go away! Go away!"

......

Xu Xinyue had poor mental fortitude and couldn't remain as calm as Ji Shuangyu, especially after hearing the rumors these past few days.

—"Temple of the Spiritual Official" had already caused controversy. Although it had a large number of fans and even the support of popular writers like Shu Wangyan, its foundation was still shallow.

Jingcheng wasn't a place where Western-style scenery was most prevalent to begin with. The skills the various theaters had picked up were not the most exquisite.

Now, one wave had yet to settle before another rose. An expert from Hushang had arrived, and many people were speculating. Faced with such a formidable opponent, wouldn't the Changle Theater's Xieyi Style stage design have to lie low for a while?

To put it more bluntly: Could it withstand this test?

It was a one-time explosive success, but to make this style succeed a second time under the shadow of the Hushang school—who would dare say they were confident?

Yet, Xu Xinyue knew in his heart that they still had to face them in a rival show, a complete head-on confrontation. How could he not panic?

Forget outsiders; even he himself had no confidence!

Not two days later, while Ji Shuangyu was explaining the play to Jin Que, Xu Xinyue came again. He had two people with him, one carrying a camera. He announced cheerfully, "Shuangyu—look who's here—"

He formally introduced them to Ji Shuangyu, "The editor and photographer from 'Movie and Drama World.' They'd like to interview you and take a photo."

The other man also smiled and extended his hand. "I've heard so much about you, Director Ji. My name is Chen Manzhi. You are currently the most prominent figure in Jingcheng's theater world. The fans are eager to learn about your work, so I hope you'll give us this opportunity—I truly didn't expect you to be so young."

"Movie and Drama World" was one of the best-selling theater publications in Jingcheng, affiliated with Kunlun Bookstore. But Kunlun Bookstore had many publications, so Chen Manzhi didn't know that Ji Shuangyu had also collaborated with his company.

Chen Manzhi was indeed surprised to see Ji Shuangyu in person, because he had once heard someone swear that Ji Shuangyu was an old man with graying hair. But seeing him now, what old man? He was in the prime of his life, and a handsome man at that.

"Hello, Editor Chen." Ji Shuangyu was silent for a moment, then said bluntly to Xu Xinyue, "Are you trying to use my face for promotion?"

Xu Xinyue: "..."

'Ah, he saw right through me.'

'And he exposed me so bluntly.'

That's right. The interview was secondary. When he heard they wanted to take a photo of Ji Shuangyu, he thought it was a great advertising opportunity. He had too little confidence. Since the opponent was coming on strong and a fight was unavoidable, he could only try to add some weight to his own side.

Xu Xinyue was a little ashamed. "Well..."

"Fine, but you have to pay me. Count it as a promotional expense," Ji Shuangyu interrupted him directly.

Xu Xinyue: "......"

Ji Shuangyu: "Also, since you're here, Editor Chen, could you mention our new play in the report, and also take a small photo of my female lead to publish?"

He began negotiating with the editor with great familiarity.

Xu Xinyue managed to hold back after hearing the first half of the sentence, but after the second half, he blurted out, "Is that necessary?"

'Well...'

'For this business of selling a face, isn't Ji Shuangyu enough? No offense, but Jin Que? Why bother...'

Even Jin Que herself stood up awkwardly. She had never had her picture taken in her life, let alone been in a newspaper. "That's right, Director, there's no need."

Ji Shuangyu glanced at Jin Que, and her voice gradually faded away.

Because she had unexpectedly become the female lead, she was even more timid than the other actors when facing the director. These past few days, whatever Ji Shuangyu said, she would nod and accept, doing whatever she was told. The girl couldn't be more obedient.

Chen Manzhi looked curiously at this first director of the theater world. Honestly, his looks were more like those of an actor. As for Miss Jin Que, her features were regular, but she seemed a bit plain, and her face was a little wide.

But he himself had a favorable impression of "Temple of the Spiritual Official," which was why he had come. Faced with Ji Shuangyu's negotiation, he accepted good-naturedly. "Haha, that's no problem. Our publication introduces new plays to the fans. We can arrange the layout to fit the photos in."

"Good. Then I'll have to trouble you two to wait a moment. Jin Que needs to put on her makeup. Also, Boss, please go get the lights I prepared," Ji Shuangyu said. When an opera actor appeared in a publication, they naturally had to be in costume.

"No problem, no problem. We can take your photo and interview you first in a moment." Chen Manzhi glanced at Ji Shuangyu's simple attire and motioned for the photographer to find a good angle. "By the way, can you take off your hat?"

Ji Shuangyu pondered.

Chen Manzhi asked curiously, "Is there a problem?"

Xu Xinyue's heart suddenly ached faintly, like some ominous premonition.

Ji Shuangyu shook his head. Before, he was in an unfamiliar place, but now he had a firm footing, so it wasn't a big problem. He reached up, took off his felt hat, and said slowly, "It's just that the promotional effect will be even better with the hat off—Boss, that'll cost extra."

Xu Xinyue: "......"