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.
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.
They laughed and said, “So we want to ask for your opinion, after all, you are Zhang Guifei. Do you know who Jesse’s ‘holy intention’ is meant for?” Dumbfounded, Zhang Yue nearly exploded, “What Guifei?!” The reporters innocently replied, “… You! The internet upgraded you. You used to be Zhang Fei.” Zhang Yue said irritably, “Who’s the queen?!” The reporters joked, “What do you mean? Who else could it be? Whoever gets picked as a partner is obviously the main consort.” Zhang Yue: “……………………” Damn, he wouldn’t accept it!!
Chapter Thirty-Four Theme: Who watched Zhang Yue’s interview? Content: I watched it three times, laughed until I nearly threw up. Zhang Yue’s reaction was simply astonishing; he truly wants to be the queen, right? 1L: I watched it; he looked really confused. Why can’t he be the queen? 2L: Then he got mad and ran away, hahahaha. 3L: If I were Zhang Yue, I wouldn’t like it either! 4L: I feel for Zhang Yue, but I also support the main consort! 6L: Count me in for support. I want to bet on the future CP boom between Qi Shejiang and his partner—once they collaborate, the sweetness will be non-stop; I believe it.
7L: It’s heartbreaking for the listeners and makes me tear up; I feel like Zhang Yue is going to get so mad he’ll switch careers to become a comedian. 8L: It’s too late; it will take three to five years to launch. We can’t let Jesse stay single for more years, right? 9L: Isn’t it because of the instigation from internet users and reporters? It was fine at first, just different CPs living their own lives, but you had to create a ranking, which makes it seem like he’s at a disadvantage. How can that competitive spirit not be ignited? 10L: Exactly, men fear getting into the wrong industry. 11L: What the hell, men fear getting into the wrong industry. If you get into the wrong industry, can’t you find a partner? …… Qi Shejiang was dressed in costume, holding a long sword and wearing stilts, fighting with the soldiers. This was a play within a play, also Qi Shejiang’s last scene, where the female lead He Lishu fights with the dragon king’s shrimp soldiers and crab generals to save the male lead. He was on stilts, being cornered by five or six soldiers, when one soldier swung a long spear. To dodge this, Qi Shejiang jumped up and landed firmly on the wooden railing at the front of the stage! In the past, the wooden railings were the best props for the dan roles to showcase their stilt skills.
