Chapter 1: A Rehearsal of "Dream of the Red Chamber"
Mid-October, 1983.
The sweltering heat of Jin City suddenly subsided. The trees flanking the Art Troupe had shed their leaves completely.
Li Yousi emerged from the overcrowded dormitory, holding a ceramic basin. Outside the door, he began washing up. The moment he took a sip from a cup of water, a chill ran through him.
The Art Troupe’s pipes definitely had no hot water!
He glanced inside the bedroom—a cramped space shared by more than ten people, each with their own bed but sharing a few tables.
All the hot water kettles were lined up neatly. He fiddled with his own kettle—empty!
“Liu Feng, lend me some hot water!” Li Yousi called out.
Without waiting for permission, he went inside and grabbed Liu Feng’s kettle. The plastic casing was half broken, damaged during their midnight somersault antics.
Li Yousi poured the hot water into the basin, leaving half for Liu Feng.
Steam rose where the hot water met the cold, releasing a burst of warmth.
As he washed his face, he overheard nearby voices discussing recent news.
“This morning there was a Hongqi car parked at the Art Troupe’s entrance. Who could it be?”
“Who else? Did you see yesterday’s news? The casting for ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ is starting nationwide! We’re the biggest troupe in the southwest; it must be coming here.”
“Yeah, Director Wang from Central Television. I just heard from the teachers that they want those interested in auditioning to come today.”
“Being an actor isn’t just about acting skills; you also need a square, handsome look. How many people here fit that?”
Their eyes shifted toward Li Yousi.
He was scrubbing his cheeks vigorously in front of a mirror adorned with the ‘East is Red’ emblem. His face was angular, strikingly handsome in a square, robust way.
It was this subtle charm, along with his self-taught musical background from a previous life, that had earned him a place in the troupe.
“Li Yousi might have a chance.”
The young girls chattered excitedly. Talent was scarce in the troupe, and by all accounts, Li Yousi was one of the few.
After washing, Li Yousi carried the basin back inside.
“Hey! Why did you leave me so little?” Liu Feng complained, just now dressed, holding his kettle.
Li Yousi smiled, “Last time I fetched hot water, didn’t you use it all to wash your hair? Now you’re getting what you deserve. Hurry up and finish... we have things to do later.”
“What things?”
“Did you read the paper yesterday? Listen to the radio?”
No one in the Art Troupe was indifferent to entertainment news.
“You mean the ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ casting?”
“Exactly.”
In the early 1980s, after the reform and opening up, foreign entertainment collided with the local industry, mingling with Hong Kong’s cultural scene. The domestic entertainment industry urgently needed TV dramas promoting traditional culture.
The remakes of the Four Great Classical Novels were underway, with ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ at the forefront.
It was a literary masterpiece, widely discussed and well-known. Supported strongly by the Ministry of Culture and the China Film Studio, Director Wang had promptly taken on the task.
This project was the first on the schedule.
In those days, filmmaking was a state affair, quickly mobilizing resources. A few days ago, ‘Popular Cinema’ magazine announced that the ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ crew would tour national art troupes for casting.
Their Jin City Zhanqi Art Troupe was among the major ones. The male actors all hoped to be picked and become stars, while the female actors relished the rare chance to dress beautifully and step outside.
Actors were respected as ‘teachers’ and ‘artists’.
Just a couple of years ago, their troupe had launched Liu Xiaoqing, who had published a book and enjoyed great fame.
“Really? They’re coming so soon? I’d better freshen up properly. Maybe I’ll be chosen!”
Li Yousi smiled wryly. Appearance discrimination was not his style, but Liu Feng certainly wasn’t suited for the main roles in ‘Dream of the Red Chamber.’
“Keep trying your best.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? You don’t think I can make it?” Liu Feng glanced back skeptically.
“You have presence, but you’re not Baoyu.”
“And you? Are you going?”
Li Yousi hesitated. “How would I know? I’m with the music troupe; what does it have to do with me?”
But who knew? Many lead actors from the Four Great Classical Novels had gone on to become major stars or business magnates.
Tang Guoqiang’s role as Zhuge Liang transformed his image from a pretty boy to a revered actor, marking the peak of his career. The actor who played Tang Seng became wealthy, and Xue Baochai’s portrayer also prospered.
Li Yousi imagined that if he became famous, he wouldn’t be any less.
Maybe.
---
“Let’s go. We gather in the morning—no time to waste.”
Liu Feng’s loud voice accompanied them as they left. He wore a Zhongshan suit as they headed to the Zhanqi Art Troupe’s training ground.
Even without this news, they had morning training.
After all, the Zhanqi Art Troupe performed for soldiers. Musicians like Li Yousi practiced their flutes and zithers daily, only getting busy during performances.
Walking along the road, the sky was perpetually darkened by the flames of the great steel-rolling furnaces still burning. The gray haze lent the era a somber tone.
New trees had recently been planted along the roadside—big cities seemed to balance industry with greenery.
“Such an early gathering!” Li Yousi said to Liu Feng before they parted ways.
He was a musician, a technical member, while Liu Feng was a physical performer, whose training was much tougher.
“I’m heading to assembly first!”
“Okay, I’m off too.”
At the music troupe, just as Li Yousi was about to join the gathering, Zhu Chunsheng called out, “Comrade Yousi, come here!”
Li Yousi approached. “Teacher Zhu, what’s the matter?”
Zhu Chunsheng had worked in the music troupe for over ten years and was now both a teacher and a squad leader.
He hesitated for a moment. “You have good looks. Why not go with the acting troupe to audition? Maybe you’ll get through.”
“That’s not right. I’m a musician. What else do I know besides playing the flute and suona?”
“That’s just a narrow mind. Being an actor isn’t easier than troupe life. Trying out won’t cost you anything. Besides, if our troupe produces another star, that’s a great achievement!”
~
With that, Li Yousi was pushed into the acting troupe. Those gathered were all there for the same audition.
Several acting teams stood rigidly together—they were all from the Zhanqi Art Troupe and could be considered soldiers, mostly under military-style management, though somewhat more relaxed than actual units.
Soon, several leaders took the stage and began their speeches.
In essence, it boiled down to one thing: strive to be chosen.