Chapter 3: The Braised Pork Smells So Good!

Chen Ya was clearly a bit disappointed at not being selected, but casting decisions often depended on the director’s favor; frankly, getting chosen was a matter of luck.

“You got selected? You really got selected?” Chen Ya whispered softly as she waited for Zhang Li to come out.

She hadn’t expected that her close friend, who hadn’t even shown much interest in auditioning, would be the only one chosen.

A faint look of disbelief and slight surprise still lingered on Zhang Li’s face.

Finally, she sighed deeply and reassured, “It seems so. He said to come back in a few days for another look. If I pass, I’ll go to Beiping with the crew.”

Back then, to film “Dream of the Red Chamber,” a significant budget had been approved. In Hebei and Beiping, the Rongguo Mansion and Grand View Garden were specially constructed.

The actors were sent to Beiping for intensive training lasting nearly a year, covering classical culture, etiquette, and the arts like chess, qin, calligraphy, and painting.

Later generations often joked that Baoyu and Daiyu were “marinated” by the TV series, but in truth, the two actresses had studied for almost a year.

“Going to Beiping?” Liu Feng suddenly turned to ask.

“Yeah, I suppose… but whether I’m officially selected, I’m not sure. They just said they’d inform me in a few days…” Zhang Li’s voice was soft and measured.

“Congratulations! You’re going to be an actor on screen!” Li Yousi said.

“It’s not a done deal yet,” Zhang Li replied.

Li Yousi retorted, “Are you really that unconfident?”

Zhang Li shook her head. “No.”

By the time the auditions ended, it was noon. Liu Feng hurriedly said, “Let’s eat. If we don’t go now, there won’t be any food left later.”

The canteen of the Art Troupe wasn’t like a university cafeteria where you could order dishes; the troupe was essentially a communal collective, so meals were served from a large pot. After one in the afternoon, no more food would be served.

Moreover, their troupe was affiliated with the military’s art troupe, which had strict activity limits and wasn’t allowed to leave the camp without permission. Simply put, if you didn’t eat in the canteen, you’d go hungry.

The Zhanqi Art Troupe was the largest in Jincheng. Each member’s monthly meal fee was fifteen yuan, with three dishes per meal, and only a few days each month included a meat dish.

The group walked toward the canteen.

From outside looking in, almost everyone inside was a member of the Zhanqi Art Troupe, all dressed uniformly in Zhongshan suits or military uniforms, chatting leisurely about the day’s events.

There hadn’t been any performances in recent days; they were waiting for festivals when the troupe would be busiest.

For example, Li Yousi played the flute and during festival days would practice from dawn till dusk, barely catching a breath.

“What’s on the menu today?” the group asked when they reached the front of the line.

Looking up, there was indeed a meat dish.

There was braised pork, accompanied by stir-fried shredded potatoes and cabbage—three dishes in total.

“Comrade, can I have a bit more meat?” someone asked.

“No, just three pieces per person, no extras!” The woman ladling the food scooped four pieces of meat but then shook the pot, sending the largest piece tumbling into Liu Feng’s bowl, covering it instantly.

Li Yousi also extended her bowl with a smile. “Why is there meat today? Didn’t we just have some a few days ago?”

“There’s an event outside. I heard a director from Beiping is treating everyone.”

Li Yousi nodded; directors and screenwriters were making good money these days, and the arts had never paid poorly.

They each finished serving themselves and found a place to sit.

The troupe’s meat was cut unevenly, some pieces large, some small. In those days, fatty meat was tastier than lean, and the braised pork’s glistening layer of fat looked especially appetizing.

Li Yousi bit into a piece, and an explosion of savory, salty, and sweet flavors filled his mouth. He relished a big mouthful of rice.

Though communal meals couldn’t perfect every dish, this meat was tender and flavorful, thanks to the seasoning.

“I’m so jealous! Once Comrade Zhang joins the troupe, she’ll be eating meat every day!” Liu Feng exclaimed suddenly.

Zhang Li laughed, “I told you, I’m not officially in yet. They just said to come back later. Don’t say things like that, Comrade Liu Feng.”

“Ah! It’s not just a maybe! Director Wang looked at you like you were a treasure. Don’t you get it?” Li Yousi retorted.

Zhang Li lowered her head. “Please don’t spread rumors.”

Having spent years in the army, she knew well the value of staying low-key—remaining calm in both honor and disgrace.

After eating, Liu Feng left first, and Chen Ya returned, looking quite downcast.

Li Yousi was about to leave when Zhang Li called him back.

“Comrade Yousi, wait a moment.”

Li Yousi looked around cautiously. Without others nearby, he wouldn’t dare be alone with Zhang Li, so he stayed near the canteen entrance, unwilling to stray down a side path.

After all, discipline had been strict these past years.

“What’s up?”

Zhang Li continued, “Don’t take the rejection personally.”

Li Yousi asked, “Am I that petty?”

“No, no…” Zhang Li seemed a little nervous, then said, “But… Director Wang clearly wanted you for other roles, like Jia Lian or Jia Huan. Why did you refuse?”

Li Yousi scratched his chin and answered honestly, “I don’t really have a passion for acting. This time, Teacher Zhu asked me to come and see.”

“But if you’re selected, you should do your best. Are you unhappy about something?”

“No!” she shook her head vigorously.

“I’m going to training now. I think you have another audition tomorrow, right? Don’t waste time here. Go home and study, digest everything.”

“Relax. Joining the troupe is a life-changing opportunity; don’t worry about trivial things.”

Li Yousi shook his head helplessly and reminded her again.

“Mm-hmm!” Zhang Li nodded earnestly. Then she looked up at Li Yousi and called out, “Goodbye.”

She waved and hurried toward the dance troupe.

Li Yousi watched her figure fade into the distance.

Her thoughts were sound. If he stayed in the troupe, their paths would drift apart.

Joining the “Dream of the Red Chamber” production was a chance to defy fate for most troupe members. Actors now had higher social status and better benefits.

Li Yousi thought again about that delicious braised pork.

His dream had changed.

He would no longer drift aimlessly in the troupe; he had to seize the chance to change his life.

This was a time brimming with passion and opportunity, where every moment held countless possibilities.

So, for the sake of braised pork, Li Yousi resolved to work hard.