Though he may not have much of a reputation, this is just adding insult to injury. Knowing the tiger is in the mountain but still heading toward the mountain, fully aware of being a lightweight and still choosing to perform crosstalk. They had no idea that this program was orchestrated by Li Jing, who took the initiative to build connections and propose it to the TV station. In fact, given Qi Shejiang’s current status, a solo program for him really lacks weight. The TV station was more inclined to have him collaborate with Xia Yiwei. However, having Meng Jingyuan participate changes everything. Meng Jingyuan and Zeng Wen, this old duo, is the golden combination in the hearts of the audience, appearing on the Spring Festival Gala every year, highly popular among the public. Meng Jingyuan is also the heir of Old Master Meng. Having him collaborate with Qi Shejiang gives immense weight and topicality. The TV station simply could not afford to reject this proposal! Li Jing and Xia Yiwei agreed to let Qi Shejiang perform Xiangsheng, but in Li Jing’s mind, even if you’re doing Xiangsheng, you must do it grandly. They also needed to thank Teachers Zeng and Meng, who graciously accepted Li Jing’s proposal; Zeng Wen directly lent out his good partner. On the other hand, Qi Shejiang had learned about the audience’s reactions through television, newspapers, and other media, so he had a sense of the situation.
For this evening’s event, he and Meng Jingyuan discussed and prepared a script, which was also traditional Xiangsheng, featuring old routines with slight modifications to fit the theme of the evening.
Meng Jingyuan took Qi Shejiang to the tailor, and together they made a matching set of dark blue gowns. The fabric was all one piece with no seams on the shoulders, tailored specifically for him, fitting perfectly.
Qi Shejiang cherished it and carefully folded his gown before putting it away.
Meng Jingyuan chuckled, “You must find it hard to get such a skilled tailor overseas to make you a gown. This should be your first gown; your folding skills aren’t bad; is that something your master taught you?”
“Yes,” Qi Shejiang replied.
At that time, Xiangsheng performers didn’t have high status, and many couldn’t afford it. To have even one gown for performing was quite respectable. Qi Shejiang’s first gown was made after several years of training.
How different it is now, with life being so good. This gown was made of exceptional fabric, and the tailor was a seasoned expert specializing in gowns.
Meng Jingyuan continued, “By the way, last time you submitted materials to the Qu Association; it will take some time to get the specific results.”
Qi Shejiang wasn’t very familiar with these organizations and just nodded vaguely.
In some aspects, the Xiangsheng field was quite conservative, and Qi Shejiang’s identity made it even harder for people to accept.
However, he also considered that Qi Shejiang didn’t have much performance experience, so there was no rush. For instance, this evening’s performance was a good opportunity to showcase his level.
On the day of the evening event recording. Qi Shejiang arrived at the venue early. People of Meng Jingyuan’s status had separate makeup rooms, and Xia Yiwei was there as well, but she didn’t have a program today; she came purely out of concern for Qi Shejiang’s first performance. However, her son’s performance was much better than she expected; he didn’t seem nervous at all and was busy getting his makeup done while going over the lines with Meng Jingyuan again.
“One minute on stage requires ten years of practice offstage; with enough preparation, you won’t show fear when you go up. Having decided to continue as a Xiangsheng performer in this timeline, Qi Shejiang had never stopped practicing, even when he had no performances; how could he fear going on stage?”
Qi Shejiang stopped the makeup artist, who was about to apply eyeliner. With his looks, heavy makeup would just cause trouble for himself.
Before the program, Qi Shejiang went to the bathroom to resolve any physiological issues and changed into his gown. Xia Yiwei, her assistant, and the makeup artist were in the lounge, but Qi Shejiang went to the bathroom himself.
As he passed one lounge, Qi Shejiang heard music coming from a door that wasn’t completely shut—sounds of Western musical instruments, followed by a distinctive magnetic male voice; it seemed to be from a performer in the same show. Qi Shejiang was drawn in by the singing and couldn’t help but stop.
Through the crack of the door, Qi Shejiang saw a familiar figure flash by.
After a couple of seconds of recollection, he realized it was Zhang Yue, whom he had encountered in the company building.
Qi Shejiang didn’t listen for long before heading to the bathroom. In the stall, he changed his clothes and adjusted his gown before stepping out.
He saw Zhang Yue in front of the sink, dabbing water on his clothes, possibly having gotten some stains on them. When Zhang Yue heard the commotion, he glanced in the mirror and froze, meeting Qi Shejiang’s gaze through the reflection.
“Mr. Zhang,” Qi Shejiang greeted him. “I’m sorry about last time. Just now, I passed by your lounge and heard you singing; it sounded really good.”
His expression seemed sincere with a smile, making one wonder about his emotions.
Alright, this apology sounded quite heartfelt, but Zhang Yue still didn’t want to engage with him. After a while, he noticed Qi Shejiang was still staring at him, and Qi Shejiang had just respectfully addressed him as “you.” Zhang Yue hesitated and felt a rush of heat, giving a nod without grumbling.
Qi Shejiang asked, “What’s the name of that song? Who wrote it?”
Zhang Yue responded, “…………” He had just sung it in the lounge; it was his signature piece, written by himself.
Qi Shejiang must be doing this on purpose, asking him such a question?? “Are you trying to pick a fight?” Zhang Yue suddenly pushed Qi Shejiang against the wall and threateningly inquired. Qi Shejiang was taken aback but quickly guessed, “I’m sorry, did I offend you? I often stay abroad, so I’m not very aware.”
At that moment, a third person walked into the restroom and was startled by the scene: one was Xia Yiwei’s son, Jesse, and the other was Zhang Yue. The newcomer was a staff member who immediately took out his phone, intending to report to the leadership. They were recording a show, and a fight would certainly ruin everything. Zhang Yue shot a fierce glare at Qi Shejiang. With that attitude, Zhang Yue found it hard to get angry; otherwise, it would make him appear petty. What frustrated Zhang Yue even more was that he had been deceived twice by Qi Shejiang’s attitude and beauty. Zhang Yue grabbed the fabric of Qi Shejiang’s chest and left with a flick of his sleeve. “This temper…” Qi Shejiang assessed his collar.
He still had to go on stage soon, and he must not let it wrinkle.
Finally, it was time for Qi Shejiang and Meng Jingyuan to wait backstage.
With a signal from the staff, Qi Shejiang and Meng Jingyuan exchanged a glance. Qi Shejiang took the lead as they stepped out from behind the stage to the center, bowing to the audience.
Both wore the same indigo long coat, one praised by fans for his stunning looks and the other with a round face and smiling eyes, creating a striking contrast.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause, not entirely due to the director’s requests. One had looks; the other had nationwide popularity, so everyone was glad to applaud.
Qi Shejiang smiled slightly; before he even spoke, the audience was already letting out waves of uncontrollable screams.
Unlike the tea house audience last time, today’s crowd was predominantly young people, especially women, so naturally, their reactions toward Qi Shejiang were stronger.
