Chapter 34: Embarking on a New Journey Once More

The next day, June 30th, Fang Xinghe strapped on his backpack, armed with paper and pen, and set off on his journey once again.

With the university summer break yet to begin, he spent over a day rattling along on a slow green-skin train to the capital, Beijing. With Wang Yali’s help, he arrived at the Beijing People’s Art Theatre to meet Feng Yuanzheng.

"I know who you are, young man. You’ve come to see me because..."

At this time, Feng had yet to play the role that would become a childhood nightmare for so many, but he had already traveled a long path in the performing arts. Deeply devoted to his craft yet still connected to the world, he naturally recognized the teenager before him as one of the two most talked-about literary prodigies of the year. Wang Yali stood by, watching, equally puzzled by the encounter.

Fang Xinghe replied earnestly, "Teacher Feng, I am deeply interested in the art of performance. I wish to become your student and learn the Grotowski actor training method."

"Oh?" Feng was visibly taken aback. "You actually know about Grotowski?"

"I know a little." Fang nodded, explaining, "I intend to study acting, and in reading many related books, I developed a great interest in the Grotowski training method."

Feng’s interest was piqued, and he invited him to talk in detail. "Come, let’s find a quiet place to chat."

The three of them took a private room in a teahouse across from the theatre and began an in-depth conversation.

"It doesn’t surprise me that you want to study acting. I, too, developed a profound obsession with the art for a rather simple reason back in the day." Feng observed the boy closely, his gaze sharp and evaluative. "But I am surprised you chose Grotowski among all the other systems. Can you tell me why?"

Before Fang could speak, Feng added, "Give me your honest thoughts. Consider this your first test."

Even so, Fang Xinghe needed no time to deliberate. "In my understanding, the Stanislavski system focuses more on dialogue, expression, realism, and belief, relatively neglecting the physical aspect. Grotowski, however, is the exact opposite; it prioritizes the development of the body. While both emphasize experience, there is a distinct difference. The Grotowski method uses extreme training to reach the ultimate spiritual experience. Therefore, I personally believe that it better excavates an actor's potential, allowing us to achieve greater explosive power in performance. I have a humble opinion formed through some simple reflection: the Stanislavski and Grotowski systems share an underlying identity. They are not contradictory; rather, they are complementary. I aspire to be a top-tier actor, so I hope to bridge the East and the West. I can study Stanislavski at any time, but you are the only practitioner of the Grotowski method in this country, so I could not wait to come and seek your guidance to begin this training early."

"Good! Very good!"

Feng watched him closely—not just listening to his words, but observing the young man’s demeanor. The result was highly satisfying, and his delight was evident.

"Your judgment on the identity between the two is insightful. Although domestic scholars are often reluctant to admit it, the Stanislavski system is indeed an open, unfinished framework. Later generations have integrated and supplemented it with a great deal of content."

As he spoke, a trace of melancholy and indignation crossed Feng’s face. "Our domestic institutions have clung to the early theories of Stanislavski, and now they are drifting further and further off course. Not only has the theory stagnated, but the teaching of performance has become disjointed and aimless. They preach the 'method' school while teaching the 'presentational' school, blindly using whatever seems practical at the time. I don't mean that practicality is bad—anything that yields a good performance is good—but when your theory and your practice are misaligned, it is difficult to achieve your best. You end up with a performance full of artifice... Anyway, never mind the others. Your understanding is excellent, deeper than 90 percent of our acting students. I am willing to teach you."

Feng could not be more pleased with Fang. To be fourteen and able to articulate such thoughts—if he wasn't a genius, who was? That phrase about "explosive power" had struck a chord, and even thinking about it brought a smile to his face.

"You will not be disappointed, Teacher Feng." Fang Xinghe raised his eyebrows, a touch of wild spirit flashing across his face, though he remained respectful. He rose and bowed with a rare, traditional Daoist salute.

Feng was intrigued. "Oh? Where did you learn that gesture?"

"During the winter break, I practiced martial arts with a Daoist troupe on Wudang Mountain. My masters taught it to me."

"Ho! Your range of learning is truly broad." Feng’s eyes lit up. "Regardless, having practiced martial arts is a good thing; it will effectively enhance your physical control and save us a lot of trouble during training later."

As his new teacher made no mention of it, Fang had to ask, "Teacher, how should the tuition be handled?"

"What tuition!" Feng waved his hand dismissively, clearly displeased. "When I was studying in Germany, my teacher even covered my living expenses. My means are modest now, but I can certainly handle your room and board."

"No, Teacher Feng," Wang Yali finally interjected. "Let me manage Fang’s living expenses; there’s no need to trouble you."

However, Fang Xinghe declined both offers. "I am staying at the hotel across from the theatre. It’s convenient."

Seeing the strength of his pride, they did not insist further. Even so, Wang Yali insisted on hosting, treating them to hot-pot mutton at Donglaishun.

A curious episode occurred during the meal—a girl at the next table recognized Fang Xinghe instantly, despite him having dyed his hair back to black. She gasped, staring at him over and over, yet she was too hesitant to move. Eventually, Fang took the initiative and smiled at her. "Would you like an autograph?"

"Ah?" The girl was so pleasantly surprised she froze, only nodding vigorously after a long moment. "Yes! Yes, please!" Her entire body trembled in a display of sheer excitement.

She appeared to be fifteen or sixteen, older than Fang, and her parents, who sat nearby, were dressed elegantly with an air of distinction, clearly among the first wave of the newly wealthy. Perhaps it was fate, but the item she pulled from her bag was a copy of the May issue of *Mengya*. On the cover, the calm, rebellious look of Fang Xinghe contrasted sharply with his gentle demeanor now.

Fang took her Parker pen and asked simply, "What is your name?"

"Ah? Oh! Wan Baobao! The two characters for 'treasure'..." The girl was inexplicably shy. Fang felt the name was vaguely familiar, but he didn't dwell on it, carefully signing his first-ever dedicated autograph.

*To Wan Baobao: May your life be filled with brilliance and treasure. May your spirit remain free, your will noble, and may you live as the best version of yourself.—Fang Xinghe.*

When he put down the pen, the young girl looked as if she might faint, covering her mouth with a flushed face, looking as if she feared that breathing might cause her to scream.

"There you go." Fang handed back the magazine and pen with a smile. "Go back and finish your meal. Thank you for your support."

The girl sat back down, completely dazed, barely touching her food for the rest of the meal as she snuck glances at Fang.

Wang Yali joked, "Look at the charm of my little brother!"

Feng sighed. "Your career path is going to be so narrow... it’s almost painful to think about. Never mind. Prepare yourself for real hardship; don't you dare quit halfway through."

"That won't happen," Fang replied with absolute confidence. "Bring it on. It can't be harder than martial arts training, can it?"

Feng smiled meaningfully and said nothing.

The next day, Fang Xinghe finally understood in agony why no one wanted to study Grotowski... but he also truly realized that it was indeed a treasure trove. This journey, he knew, was the right decision.