Chapter 34: Setting Out on a New Journey Once More

The next day, June 30, Fang Xinghe slung his backpack over his shoulder, took out his pen and paper, and set out on his journey once more.

Before the university students went on holiday, he spent more than a day riding a green-painted train with a clatter to the capital, Di Jing, and then, with Wang Yali's help, met Feng Yuanzheng at the People's Art Theatre.

"I know you, Little Fang. You're looking for me because..."

At this time, Feng Yuanzheng had not yet played the role that would become a childhood nightmare for many, but he had already traveled far on the path of performing arts.

He was devoted to acting, yet not detached from society; hearing Wang Yali's introduction, he naturally knew the youth before him was one of the two most popular genius writers of the year.

Wang Yali watched from the side, not understanding either.

Fang Xinghe replied earnestly: "Teacher Feng, I am very interested in the art of acting. I wish to take you as my master and learn the Grotowski Actor Training Method."

"Eh?" Feng Yuanzheng was greatly surprised. "You actually know Grotowski?"

"I know a little."

Fang Xinghe nodded and explained: "I plan to study acting, so I looked up many related books, and through that, I developed a great interest in Grotowski's training method."

Feng Yuanzheng perked up and invited him to talk in detail: "Come, let's find a quiet place and chat slowly."

The three of them booked a small private room in a teahouse opposite the People's Art Theatre and began a deep discussion.

"You wanting to study acting doesn't surprise me; back then, I too developed a profound obsession with the art of acting for rather shallow reasons."

Feng Yuanzheng observed Fang Xinghe carefully, his eyes clearly appraising.

"But I am very surprised that you chose Grotowski among all the systems. Can you explain why?"

Just as Fang Xinghe was about to speak, Feng Yuanzheng added: "Speak your true thoughts; consider this the first test."

Even so, Fang Xinghe did not need to think; he could answer immediately.

"In my understanding, the Stanislavski system focuses more on training in dialogue, expression, realism, and belief, relatively neglecting the body, whereas Grotowski is exactly the opposite; Grotowski's training places greater emphasis on bodily development.

Although both value experience, there are clear differences.

Grotowski uses extreme training to achieve ultimate spiritual experience; therefore, I personally believe Grotowski can better unlock an actor's potential, enabling us to gain stronger acting explosive power.

I have a humble opinion formed through simple thinking: the Stanislavski and Grotowski systems share a fundamental unity; they are not contradictory but can complement each other.

I hope to become a top-tier actor, so I dream of blending Chinese and Western approaches. The Stanislavski system can be learned anytime, but Grotowski has only you as its successor in this country, so I couldn't wait to come find you now, planning to begin Grotowski training in advance."

"Good! Very good!"

Feng Yuanzheng watched intently—he was not listening to what Fang Xinghe said, but observing the youth's demeanor.

The result pleased him greatly, his joy showing openly.

"Your judgment on their fundamental unity is very insightful. Although domestic scholars are reluctant to admit it, the Stanislavski system is indeed an open, unfinished system; successors have integrated and added a great deal of content based on his foundation."

Speaking to this point, Teacher Feng's expression showed a hint of melancholy and a touch of resentment.

"Our domestic institutions have always clung tightly to Stanislavski's early theories; now they have gone further astray. Not only has the theory stagnated, but acting teaching is also a haphazard mix of this and that.

They preach the Method of Experience while teaching the Method of Representation, confusedly using whatever seems practical.

My point is not that practicality is bad; as long as it produces results, anything is fine. But when your theory and your practice are misaligned, it is actually very difficult to perform at your best; you end up full of craftiness...

Never mind, let's not talk about others. Your understanding is excellent, deeper than 90% of acting students. I am willing to teach you."

Feng Yuanzheng could not be more satisfied with Fang Xinghe; at fourteen, he could speak those words. If he wasn't a genius, who was?

Especially that phrase "acting explosive power"; it truly struck a chord in his heart, making him feel delighted just thinking about it.

"You won't be disappointed, Teacher Feng."

Fang Xinghe raised his eyebrows slightly; a wild aura swept over him, yet he was wild but not arrogant. He stood up and bowed respectfully, performing the extremely rare Daoist salutation.

Feng Yuanzheng felt greatly refreshed: "Eh? Where did you learn that movement?"

"During winter break, I practiced martial arts with the Daoist martial arts troupe at Mount Wudang; my masters taught it to me."

"Whoa, you really learn a wide range of things." Feng Yuanzheng's eyes lit up. "However, having practiced martial arts is a good thing; it can effectively enhance your bodily control and save a lot of trouble during future training."

Since the new teacher kept bringing it up, Fang Xinghe had to ask proactively: "Teacher, how is the tuition calculated?"

"What tuition!"

Feng Yuanzheng waved his hand vigorously in dissatisfaction, his expression displeased: "When I studied in Germany, my teacher even reimbursed my living expenses. My ability is average now, but covering your food and lodging is no problem."

"No, Teacher Feng," Wang Yali finally spoke up. "I will manage Little Fang's living expenses; otherwise, it would be too much trouble for you."

However, Fang Xinghe refused everything.

"I am staying at the inn opposite the People's Art Theatre; it is convenient."

Seeing his strong sense of self-esteem, the two did not insist further, though Wang Yali ultimately treated them to a meal of hot pot at Dong Lai Shun.

During the meal, a particularly interesting little incident occurred—a girl at the next table recognized Fang Xinghe at a glance, even though he had long since dyed his hair back to black.

The girl let out a "Wow," then looked at Fang Xinghe again and again, again and again... yet dared not move.

Finally, Fang Xinghe took the initiative to smile at her: "Do you want an autograph?"

"Ah?" The girl was so surprised she froze; only after a while did she nod vigorously: "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

She trembled all over; it was quite exaggerated.

The girl was clearly older than Fang Xinghe, around fifteen or sixteen. Her parents beside her were well-dressed and distinguished, evidently among the earliest batch of wealthy people in the country.

Perhaps it was truly fate; what she finally pulled out of her schoolbag was actually the May issue of "Moya." On the cover, Fang Xinghe's calm arrogance contrasted sharply with his current gentleness.

Fang Xinghe took her Parker fountain pen and simply asked: "Name?"

"Ah? Ah! Wan Baobao! Just the two characters for 'Baobao'..."

The girl was strangely shy. Hearing the name, Fang Xinghe felt a slight sense of familiarity but did not think much of it, carefully signing the first "To" autograph he had ever given to an outsider.

To Wan Baobao:

Ten thousand splendors bloom into treasure; may your spirit be free, your will noble, and you live as the best version of yourself. —Fang Xinghe.

When he set down the pen, the little girl looked as if she were about to faint, covering her mouth, her face flushed red, looking as though she dared not breathe lest she scream at any moment.

"All done."

Fang Xinghe handed the magazine and pen back to her, smiled, and said: "Go back and eat well; thank you for your support."

The girl sat back in her seat in a daze, barely touching her chopsticks for the rest of the meal, secretly stealing glances at Fang Xinghe the entire time.

Wang Yali joked, "Look at my brother's charm!"

Feng Yuanzheng sighed, "Your acting career from now on... is so narrow it's unbearable to look at. Never mind, just prepare to endure great suffering, and don't quit halfway and leave me hanging."

"That won't happen," Fang Xinghe said with full confidence. "Go ahead and try; it can't be harder than practicing martial arts, right?"

Feng Yuanzheng smiled meaningfully and said nothing.

The next day, Fang Xinghe finally understood in his suffering why no one at the Ge family studied it anymore...

But he also truly realized that the Ge family was indeed a treasure; this trip could not have been more right.