Song Fengwan was cheerful.

“Yes, Huai Sheng should be staying on the mountain for a few days. His uncle will come over in a few days and bring him home.” Huai Sheng would go home during festive occasions now.

“Then, when are you coming back?” Song Fengwan lowered her head and kicked the snow on the ground.

“I’m playing Go with Master Pudu, and I’ll be back at around three.”

…

The two of them chatted casually for about ten minutes before hanging up.

Just as she was about to leave, she saw two girls wearing the same clothes walking toward her. They were both wearing pearl and jade jewelry, had pink lips, and blue clothes with long sleeves. The only thing that could distinguish them was their height, face shape, and eyes.

They seemed to be arguing about something.

“I gave you the first half of the play. How could you make the role like that? I can’t continue at all.”

“Senior Sister, I’m just trying to figure out the character according to my own thoughts.”

“According to your thoughts? So, you can not consider for others?” The woman’s voice was clear and pleasant, but it exuded an overbearing aura, making people feel uncomfortable.

“Master said that the emotions of the characters are something you have to figure out yourself. This is how I understand the characters.”

“Only masters can rely on their feelings. Just follow the rules, and don’t be too out of line! If I hadn’t fought for you, would you have been able to play the same role as me? Do you want to step on me now? This role was set for me in the first place.”

…

The girl lowered her head and finally stammered, “Senior Sister, I’m sorry.”

It was said that actors being able to perform was very important. In order to compete for roles, there were many conflicts that happened openly and covertly. Not to mention in the Beijing opera industry, where it was too difficult to become famous.

“Changge, why are you still here? It’s your turn for the next show.” A man in a gray robe came out to urge her.

“Okay.” The domineering girl immediately changed her attitude.

“Oh, Miss Song, why are you here? Old Madam Fu was looking for you everywhere just now. Why did you walk out? It’s so cold outside. Sit inside.”

This man had sharp eyes and immediately saw Song Fengwan hiding.

She originally wanted to wait for the two of them to leave before returning. But now that she had been discovered, she could only walk out. The girl called Changge didn’t expect Song Fengwan to be here, nor did she know how much she had heard. Her pupils dilated slightly, and she was in a daze.

“I… got lost.” Song Fengwan was also embarrassed. Does everyone who learns opera have such good eyesight? He could even see me hiding in such a spot?

“I’ll bring you back.” The man smiled and led Song Fengwan back. “There are many corridors in this garden. You don’t come here often, so it’s normal to get lost…”

But the two remaining actors in blue clothes looked at each other, and the situation in their hearts was completely different.

***

After Song Fengwan returned, Old Madam Fu tilted her head to look at her. “Where did you go? Your face is red from the cold.”

“I just went out for a walk.”

Old Madam Fu held her hand and covered it in her palms. “Your hands are cold.”

“I’m fine.”

When Song Fengwan studied art in her senior year of high school, she had washed her brushes in cold water in the winter. Her hands were already very cold-resistant.

“It’s starting.” She pointed at the stage.

At this moment, the actor performing was the domineering woman from earlier. There were less than ten people sitting in the audience, and it was like an assessment.

She didn’t know how much Song Fengwan had heard. When she suddenly saw her pointing at her, she felt inexplicably guilty and lost her voice.

She thought that Song Fengwan was gossiping with Old Madam Fu.

She felt inexplicably flustered.

The audience was full of opera fans, and they immediately heard the flaws in her words.

“Aiyi, this is Changge, right? She’s not performing well today,” someone said.

Sheng Aiyi smiled without saying anything.

Only then did Song Fengwan find out from others that this actor was called Yin Changge. She was considered outstanding among the group of newcomers because she was beautiful and had a solid foundation. Many people were her fans.

She was also quite well-known in the circle.

Song Fengwan pursed her lips. No wonder she was so domineering just now. It turns out she’s also a character.

Even though she performed very steadily in the end, the flaws at the beginning had already left a deep impression on people. So when it came to the final vote…

Other than Old Madam Fu not expressing her opinion, the votes for the two actors for the role were actually equal.

This decision instantly fell into Old Madam Fu’s hands.

“My responsibility is very heavy.” Old Madam Fu had been hesitant because she felt that both of them had flaws. They were on the same level, so she couldn’t say who was better.

But later, in order to make up for the mistakes at the start, Yin Changge had used a little too much force. When people her age heard this, they always felt uncomfortable.

Her ambition was fully expressed in her singing.

She thought for a moment. “I choose the first one.”

Song Fengwan looked up at the two people on the stage. The girl obviously didn’t expect to become the main actor for the role. She was overjoyed and kept thanking her.

The other girl also bowed to thank her. But from her stiff limbs, it was obvious that she was indignant.

This role was originally supposed to be hers, and the girl should have just been a foil. No one would have expected such a turn of events. Even the musician in charge of the soundtrack was stunned for a few seconds.

Sheng Aiyi’s expression was calm as she lowered her head and ate the dried fruits, seemingly not surprised by this outcome.

Around four o’clock, all the plays were over.

“Old Madam, let me send you out.” Because it was winter, although it was only four o’clock, the sky was already gray. Sheng Aiyi smiled and sent Old Madam Fu and Song Fengwan out of the Pear Garden.

But she was stopped halfway.

“Master.”

Even though the person had makeup on, Song Fengwan still recognized the voice.

“It looks like you still had something to do, so we’ll get going first.” Old Madam Fu pulled Song Fengwan out.

Sheng Aiyi looked at the person in front of her. “What’s wrong?”

“Master, about that role…”

“The role has been decided.”

“But wasn’t it decided that this role would be mine? When I started…”

“Don’t you know what level your performance was today? Do you want me to pick out your flaws one by one? I mean, if your performance had been stable, this role would have almost been certain. Compare your performance to your previous ones.

“If you didn’t sing well, you didn’t sing well. Don’t find excuses.”

Sheng Aiyi had an indescribable seriousness about the profession she loved.

“Don’t say that someone stole your role. Even if only you performed today, I’d rather take this show off the list than use you.

“There has never been a role that belongs to anyone. Go back and reflect on yourself properly. Don’t end up not even being able to be the backup in the end.”

She had always been strict in this aspect of teaching. She was angry that she didn’t strive, so she spoke a little harshly.

If not for the thick makeup she was wearing, she would probably be too ashamed to face anyone.

Sheng Aiyi had high hopes for her, so she was obviously disappointed today. She flicked her sleeve and left.

***

When Sheng Aiyi returned home, she was still a little depressed.

But when she saw her son, she became even more annoyed.

He had found all kinds of tea leaves from somewhere and was making tea. He was observing the color and luster of the tea leaves and tasting the tea. There were already more than thirty cups of hot tea on the table.

This kid isn’t playing with fish anymore but drinking tea?

This is a hobby for elderlies.

Sheng Aiyi was helpless. Why does it feel like I gave birth to a silly son?

Fu Chen was busy preparing his engagement banquet, and they were all good friends. Even Duan Linbai knew how to go out to make money. But why was he playing with annoying things at home all day?