Meng said it was time for Qi Shejiang to find a suitable partner, which would be beneficial for enhancing his artistic level. With just a glance from Old Mr. Meng, Meng Jingyuan was in trouble; this task wouldn’t fall on his father but rather on his capable hands. The crosstalk community was indeed in a flurry of activity; a senior introduced a disciple, while another aristocrat nominated himself, speaking vividly, and some even praised Qi Shejiang’s artistic abilities to the media. The underlying message was clear: they wanted to partner with Qi Shejiang! Under everyone’s enthusiastic atmosphere and with Meng Jingyuan screening candidates, Qi Shejiang took the opportunity during his time at the Meng family to meet some talented individuals from the crosstalk community, getting acquainted to find a suitable partner. With such excitement in the crosstalk world, the media grew concerned as well. Every day, there was curiosity about whether Qi Shejiang had found a partner yet.
Netizens commented: “What was ‘Returning to the Countryside’ compared to this? Let Zhang Guifei take a look, this drama really feels like selecting a consort!” — Ever since the “Around the Clock” official endorsement, netizens have promoted Zhang Yue to a higher status, from consort to beloved consort.
Ever since the “incident” with Qi Shejiang, Zhang Yue has been eager to get a confirmation from him. Unfortunately, Qi Shejiang had been occupied, either filming or accompanying Old Mr. Meng. Zhang Yue thought to wait until Qi Shejiang finished filming; after all, Qi Shejiang’s scenes would be wrapped up in just over a month.
However, when he finally stepped out, he was surrounded by reporters. “Zhang Yue, could you share your thoughts on your good friend Jesse’s selection of a partner?” Zhang Yue: “???” Zhang Yue: “Selection of a consort??” He was completely baffled. A reporter innocently replied: “Jesse has been interacting with crosstalk peers lately, searching for a partner. This is borrowing from your previous terms—selecting a consort.” Another reporter chimed in: “Exactly! It’s said that crosstalk actors find it not easy to find a suitable partner, much like CPs. Now that he’s ‘auditioning’ partners, netizens are saying this is even more like selecting a consort than when ‘Returning to the Countryside’ aired.
