With the help of professionals, the company matters were quickly settled.
As for the company name, Jiang Hua didn't bother thinking much and chose "Xingchen Entertainment".
It was a tribute to a certain old acquaintance who, at this point in time, was still making rural-style videos.
On the fourth day after the diva and her group arrived in Hangzhou, Jiang Hua finally managed to get a few front-row tickets through his connections.
These tickets were really hard to come by. Even as an insider, he had to pull quite a few strings.
At the entrance of the Butterfly Theater, it was as crowded as ever.
"This way, please."
A group of people walked through the passageway cleared by fans at the entrance.
The three people in front were fully disguised, surrounded by several others.
"They look somewhat familiar."
Today, Jiang Hua was dressed formally in a casual suit and leather shoes, with the obligatory mask and sunglasses.
Unlike his usual punk-casual style, today he was going for an elite look.
The fans at the scene hadn't quite realized yet.
"Oh my, it looks like Jiang Hua."
"The two girls beside him aren't Jun Xiao or anyone from Little Hundred Flowers. That's strange, does Jiang Hua know other girls?"
"Ah, Wang Xiaoqi, Liu Yajie, wow, it's the diva!"
A girl suddenly called out, and everyone turned to look at the group.
But the fans remained rational and didn't crowd around, instead taking out their phones to record.
Most of them were Jun Xiao fans, with some internet celebrities trying to ride the popularity wave.
"Yajie, you said you'd come to Hangzhou. I've finally waited for you."
Liu Yajie had mentioned coming to Hangzhou before but never showed up.
It was now the end of the year. This must be her die-hard fan.
"Xiaoqi, your new album flopped. Did you come here for help? Are you renewing your contract with Hua Yi?"
This was a typical example of unfriendly media.
The group didn't respond and entered the theater with the help of the Butterfly Theater staff.
It was only because their fans hadn't gathered that it didn't cause a commotion.
"Good morning, Teacher Mao."
Teacher Mao glared at Jiang Hua. This guy was too secretive, even managing to invite the diva.
Wang Xiaoqi immediately hugged Teacher Mao: "Haha, Teacher Mao, long time no see. You're still so handsome."
Confirmed, Teacher Mao was the informant.
The diva's connections were truly unfathomable.
Teacher Mao patted Wang Xiaoqi's back and said: "How does such a busy person like you have time to come to the theater?"
Wang Xiaoqi smiled slightly, took off her glasses, revealing a pair of bright, sparkling eyes.
Honestly, after spending 4 days together, Jiang Hua still found her stunning.
This was pure appreciation. When a woman's beauty reaches a certain level, it's hard to distinguish superiority.
Liu Yajie also took off her sunglasses. She had grown up, completely shedding her youthful naivety. Standing next to the diva, her radiance wasn't overshadowed. They complemented each other, mutually enhancing their presence.
"Hello, Teacher Mao. I'm Liu Yajie. Sorry for disturbing you."
Teacher Mao was stunned. Jiang Hua had really invited them over. This girl was very pretty, worthy of being a current top star.
"Hello, hello. I was wondering why Jiang Hua suddenly asked me for tickets. So it was because you all came."
She then led everyone to tour the theater and the Little Hundred Flowers Memorial Hall.
A photo suddenly caught her attention.
In the photo, Jiang Hua was posing with the actors of the New Dragon Gate Inn B group. He was standing in the middle of a group of girls.
He was smiling happily. Oh right, the two girls leaning on him were very pretty.
Liu Yajie smiled meaningfully.
Teacher Mao glared at Jiang Hua. This kid better not be having an on-and-off relationship with someone, or this could turn into a disaster.
Liu Yajie asked: "These two are Jun Jun and Yun Xiao, right? Can I take a photo with them later, Teacher Mao?"
"Of course, of course, certainly."
Jiang Hua remained calm and collected, showing no signs of nervousness. Teacher Mao felt she might have overthought things.
She still understood Jiang Hua. Apart from being a bit lazy, he was clear-headed about things and people.
His relationship with Jun Xiao was a bit too good, just like a brother taking care of his sister.
It didn't seem to involve any other feelings.
The theater had made a special exception for them, allowing them to enter directly from the backstage.
The audience hadn't entered yet, and the actors were still getting their makeup done.
Jiang Hua, familiar with the place, led everyone to the front row seats. Today they weren't watching New Dragon Gate Inn.
Instead, they were watching the Yue Opera "The Butterfly Lovers", the most classic Yue Opera.
The costumes, makeup, and set designs had been redesigned and were exquisite.
Yue Opera itself is performed entirely by women, known for its lyricism, with charming and varied singing styles that are expressive and full of twists and turns.
Combined with the all-female cast of Little Hundred Flowers, the visual effect was excellent.
"Jiang Hua, is this where you perform?"
Looking at this large theater, unlike the immersive theater of New Dragon Gate Inn, this place could seat many more people.
New Dragon Gate Inn was just an experimental production in a small theater.
Jiang Hua smiled: "Sort of, but we don't perform in a fixed theater."
Liu Yajie seemed very interested in this theater and asked many questions.
She was like a curious little girl, not at all like a top star.
"Jiang Hua, Jiang Hua, did you specially design your stage? I saw in online videos that many butterflies come out from the ground."
Jiang Hua could only smile and say: "There are vents on the ground, all paper butterflies."
"Jiang Hua, Jiang Hua, is that Jun Xiao very close to you?"
Oh boy, as soon as this question was asked, Wang Xiaoqi beside them covered her mouth to suppress a laugh.
The people around looked at Jiang Hua sympathetically, wondering how he would answer this.
Jiang Hua sighed and said: "Breaking through isn't that easy. The path of growth is full of sweat and tears. Opera performers are different from the entertainment circle."
"They need decades of consistent training. TV and movies have the chance for retakes, but opera requires perfection in one take. I admire them."
This explanation seemed reasonable, but Liu Yajie still wasn't fully satisfied.
Jiang Hua was being a bit slick, so she asked one last question: "What about you then? You write songs so well and can play so many instruments. How much effort did you put in?"
This question stirred up Jiang Hua's memories.
Decades of behind-the-scenes work, often busy until late at night. Only he knew the sweat involved.
There's no such thing as an all-rounder. It's just that others don't see the effort behind it.
Jiang Hua smiled: "It's nothing special. I'm just standing on the shoulders of giants. Let's watch the opera."
He had been reborn and had already said goodbye to his past self. He would never again see Hangzhou at 4 AM.
He now slept regularly. He didn't want to suffer from illness and pain again.
The young people in the troupe didn't know how to take care of their health. As someone who had been through it, he often reminded them, which was good.
The audience quickly filled the seats. Liu Yajie also put aside her curiosity and sat quietly in her seat.
Jiang Hua's casual response just now, and the world-weariness in his eyes, made him seem like a completely different person from the innocent junior she once knew.
He was only 23 years old. How had he become so world-weary? What had he experienced in these years?
Liu Yajie felt a bit sorry for her junior.
...