Logically speaking, there aren’t two identical leaves in the world, nor can two people perform exactly the same way. Yet Jesse could manage this; in some respects, he even performed better than Shige did before they parted ways. He loved this piece of opening verse and was very familiar with it, which was why he couldn’t help but take out the old object and ask Jesse to give it a try. Old Mr. Meng cast a deep glance at Qi Shejiang once again.
Hearing Old Mr. Meng say this, everyone began to feel uncertain; perhaps the old man was just old and, having encountered such a thing, considered this clapper a memento for Shige. After all, Meng Jingyuan and his father displayed no signs of anger, even showing some relief. Regardless of which interpretation was valid, it proved that Qi Shejiang was not simply a figure of status in the Meng family. Otherwise, why would Old Mr. Meng personally step forward to present him with a token of succession?
Furthermore, having heard Qi Shejiang perform firsthand and considering his current popularity, many people’s thoughts began to perk up.
Meng expressed his satisfaction. He was proud of Qi Shejiang’s accomplishments and foresaw a bright future in the crosstalk industry for him. However, he emphasized the importance of finding the right partner who would complement Qi Shejiang’s style and enhance his performances.
As invitations flooded in, Qi Shejiang took his time to evaluate potential partners, considering both talent and chemistry. He knew that a successful crosstalk duo required mutual understanding and shared vision. Qi Shejiang also recognized that this era of choices could lead to competitive dynamics among his peers, but he remained focused on authenticity rather than simply pursuing fame.
Weeks passed, and as opportunities bloomed, Qi Shejiang’s calendar filled up with rehearsals, events, and collaborations. Nevertheless, he remained grounded, reminding himself of the values instilled by the Meng family and his ultimate goals in the art of crosstalk.
In this whirlwind of activity, Qi Shejiang discovered that patience and discernment were crucial in the search for his perfect partner. He would wait for someone who not just matched his skill but shared his love for the craft.
