Two days later.

Boston's Chinatown.

The night is low, the lights are on,

The narrow streets are lined with shops and lanterns, giving off the unique atmosphere of a Chinese ghetto.

The air is mixed with the stench of sewage and the aroma of snacks, irritating the nasal passages of pedestrians.

Lu Shi and Goodman make their way through the crowd.

In the past, when I saw Americans, the residents here would look twice.

But today is different,

Because of the performance of "The Big Guy", the relatively closed Chinatown ushered in a highlight, and many Americans came here.

In the past half hour, the residents have been surprised.

Goodman tiptoed, carefully skirting a puddle,

The posters on the street caught his attention,

"Sir Lu, look."

Lu Shi cast his gaze.

I saw that the poster read:

“

Kunqu opera is the soul, and Qin cavity is the bone;

After ups and downs, the quintessence of the new drama.

”

It's normal so far.

The following is more popular:

“

Don't miss it when you walk by!

Ticket prices are shocking!

Find out more about Hwaseong Theater!

”

There is also a face of a martial artist painted next to it.

It can be seen that the painter of the poster does not know what the "quintessential new drama" is, and can only pull it to Peking Opera.

Goodman was excited,

"That's great! It's full of charm! ”

Lu Shi was curious,

"What's the charm?"

Goodman danced and explained: "Look at that picture, and then look at those words, how beautiful! ”

Lu Shi: "......"

It can only be said that distance produces beauty,

It's like "just because you're so beautiful", and when written in Arabic, it's "", and it instantly becomes tall.

The two of them then walked in the direction of the theater,

From time to time, American carriages passed by, splashing muddy water.

finally moved to the theater,

There were already a lot of people gathered in front of the door.

The Chinese are the majority, and they are clearly divided into two groups with whites.

They're all talking,

"This drama seems to be in Chinese."

"I don't understand."

"Can that look good?"

……

"Alas...... Our drama also has to learn from ghosts, and it will definitely become four dislikes. Look at the things that the ghosts are studying, what magic, what coffee...... It's better to eat and grab powder. ”

"Can you pursue it a little? I know how to eat that broken intestine powder. ”

"You rough northern, what do you know!?"

……

Zhili dialect, Cantonese, Min Chinese, English......

There's everything.

Hearing it, Lu Shi's brain was almost divided into N.

(PS: In order to ensure smooth reading, I will write all in Mandarin.) ）

Goodman asked, "Sir Lu, how much longer?" ”

Lu Shi took out his pocket watch,

"It's still early, it's half an hour."

Goodman suggested, "Then you can wander around and buy some snacks." Isn't it because you want to see Chinatown? ”

London also has a Chinese community, but the scale is certainly not as large as New York, Tokyo, Boston and other places.

It's impossible not to be curious.

Goodman also likes to join in the fun, pulling him to the rice noodle shop next to him.

He said to the stall owner, "Hello, bring me one." ”

The stall owner is an uncle about forty years old.

When he glanced at Lu,

"Is this the boss?"

Lu Shi: "Huh? I didn't react.

The stall owner rolled his eyes and said, "Since it's your boss, why did you let him drag any English?" You're going to say no for him? This is Boston! ”

When the land is full of black lines,

￣□￣｜｜

"Then ...... Let's have a copy. ”

"Tsk......"

The stall owner was stunned and began to pull the drawer-style steamers.

Goodman was excited to see it,

"Interesting! It's so much fun! ”

The stall owner shook his head and muttered: "Tu Lao Hat~"

Then, he turned to Lu Shi and asked idly, "Which hall did you go out from?" ”

Lu Shi was stunned,

Unexpectedly, even the small traders and vendors in the night market were forced to join the congregation.

But when you think about it, it seems to make sense.

The establishment of Boston's Chinatown stems from the American Great Strike in 1870.

To replace the striking workers, the Chinese were hired by Massachusetts businesses and within a decade they were "building" Chinatown.

Then came the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, in which Americans blamed the Chinese for the recession.

Against this backdrop, most people will join the congregation to protect themselves.

Lu Shi sighed in his heart,

For a while, I didn't know how to answer.

Seeing his long silence, the stall owner smiled bitterly, feeling that he was asking too much,

"When I didn't ask. You're all messing with ghosts, and there's really no need for anything like that. ”

Lu Shi was about to explain,

Suddenly, the stall owner shouted:

"Okay!"

He was skillful and fast, and a thin skin of rice noodles was spread on the plate.

Then, he spread the stuffed meat and green onions on the skin, quickly cut it into several pieces with a knife, and handed the plate to Goodman.

Goodman was amazed:

"It's amazing~"

As soon as the hand touched the edge of the plate, quickly retracted,

"Why is it so hot, hey!"

The stall owner pursed his lips and whispered to Lu Shi: "The ghost guy doesn't understand anything!" How many people queue up to eat and rush to eat, and it is even called 'grabbing powder'. Give it to him, it's really a cow chewing peonies, blind! ”

Lu Shi looked at the layout of the shop,

On the right hand side of the stall stands a wooden pillar-shaped signboard, on which are written in red lacquer with two big characters of "authentic".

Under the words, there is a poster of "Big Guy",

The poster has been splattered with mud dots.

Noticing Lu Shi's gaze, the stall owner sighed,

"Alas......"

He waved his hand,

"It's a new play in the lecture hall. How can those writers understand this kind of thing? I don't think it's going to look good. ”

Lu Shi asked, "Have you read the newspaper?" ”

The stall owner replied: "Newspapers? Isn't it like that every day? ”

Lu Shi said: "Today's newspapers are different. President Theodore Roosevelt gave his impression of "The Big Guy" as a revolutionary new play. He also invited the troupe to perform at the National Theatre in Washington. ”

The stall owner showed a disdainful expression,

"If the president likes it, then I won't watch it."

Land Hours: ???

"Why?"

The stall owner said: "He likes it, which means that "Big Guy" is not real." ”

Lu Shi vomited blood when he heard it,

The other party's answer was a little unexpected for him.

The stall owner didn't seem to want to talk anymore, so he changed the topic and said, "Okay, don't talk about this." Let your boss eat it quickly. Grab the powder~ You have to grab the hot food. ”

When the land is like a stream,

"Listen to you."

So, a scene happened that surprised the stall owner,

I saw Goodman take out a handkerchief, help Lu Shi wipe the chopsticks clean, and then hand them back to Lu Shi diligently.

Lu Shi gulped and ate "tsk".

The stall owner is confused,

Thought

Today's young people are really good.

He couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to give your boss food?" ”

Lu Shi quipped:

"I'm a principled man. I don't drink the boss toast, I touch myself when the boss plays cards, I nag when the boss talks, and I get into the car when the boss opens the door. ”

"Ah......h

The stall owner looked at Lu Shi, and then looked at Goodman,

"Can it still be like this?"

Lu Shi couldn't help laughing, stopped teasing the other party, and said, "Actually, I'm the boss." It was I who hired him, not me. ”

After listening to this, the stall owner suddenly felt that his worldview collapsed.

However, there was something even more shocking to come.

A carriage hurried by,

After a while, it came back around.

The curtain of the car was opened, and Situ Meitang, the big man of Boston's Anliang Hall, poked his head out,

"Professor Lu?"

He glanced at the stall owner, and finally his eyes fell on Lu Shi, and said with a smile: "I also like this rice noodles." It's just that your new play is about to start, so let's enter first. As for cheong fun, how many portions can I ask someone to pack for you? ”

The stall owner almost sat on the ground,

Listening to Situ Meitang's meaning, "Big Guy" was actually written by the young man in front of him?

Is this reasonable?

He couldn't take it!

The stall owner was stunned.

Lu Shi put the plate back and winked at him,

"You can go and see that new play, maybe you will be surprised to think it is good?"

With that, he turned and left.

Only the stall owner is left messy in the wind.

……

Hwaseong Theater.

Lu Shi and Situ Meitang sat in the first row, quietly waiting for the opening of "The Big Guy".

This theater is very Chinese.

Originally, it was a delicate small garden for watching operas, with eight immortal tables and chairs in the center of the venue, and opera fans drank tea and melon seeds while watching the play.

The theater was newly renovated to accommodate the new plays,

It's just not completely renovated.

The auditorium is divided into multiple levels, each of which is fitted with ornate wooden balustrades and carved seats.

On the stage, which is the core area, there is no curtain, but an incomparably huge folding screen, on which elements such as landscapes, flowers and birds are painted.

Situ Meitang said: "To be honest, I don't like to watch dramas. ”

Lu Shi is clear,

After all, that's the hobby of the "old guys".

He smiled: ""Big Guy" is different. ”

Situ Meitang nodded,

"Of course. The drama that allows the president to write about the aftermath must be extraordinary. ”

This was actually done by the elder Roosevelt on his own initiative.

Americans are very good at face engineering,

In modern times, the black president has recommended works such as "The Three-Body Problem" and "The Kite Runner".

The writers of the former need not say much;

The latter writer is of Afghan American.

And the U.S.-Afghanistan relationship at that time was ......

These books are also recommended to highlight the inclusiveness of American culture and promote the American dream.

Lu Shi said: "It was Mr. President. My work ......"

The voice did not fall,

Knock –

Loud drums sounded.

"I believe in America."

"It was the United States that made me rich."

……

Cantonese rang.

The drama began.

Unlike Harvard's auditorium, there is no curtain, but a field worker comes up to the stage and pushes a screen to fold it.

The Chinese audience discussed,

"This drama is too outrageous, isn't it?"

"That's right! The first time I saw the corner speak first, and then turn on the screen. ”

"Nonsense!"

……

Someone left the scene.

Lu Shi was a little speechless,

Unexpectedly, the sense of lens that I carefully designed disappeared just because of the change of venue.

Situ Meitang's brows furrowed,

He stood up, turned his head and swept his gaze over the audience,

In an instant, the originally restless scene became quiet, and no one dared to leave again.

Lu Shi said: "Mr. Situ, there is no need. ”

said this because he was full of confidence in "The Big Guy",

What about the audience leaving?

They will inevitably regret it, and they will have to buy tickets again in the future to make up for today's regrets.

Situ Meitang said: "Professor Lu, you are a guest from afar, and we must fulfill the number of courtesies. ”

Lu Shi no longer persuaded,

"Thank you."

The two turned their attention back to the stage.

Situ Meitang stretched out his finger and pointed to the side of the stage and said curiously, "Professor Lu, what is that big sign next to it?" How is it in English? ”

Lu Shi explained: "That's the subtitle. ”

When he answered, there was a sense of absurdity like a world away,

In modern times, it is always necessary to watch imported movies with subtitles in China,

Now it's reversed.

Situ Meitang was curious,

Subtitles...... The name is pretty straightforward. Displays the content of the conversation as text next to the curtain. ”

Lu Shi corrected: "Not only dialogue, but also some post-processed texts, such as chronology, place names, and character introductions. These can all be present in subtitles. ”

Situ Meitang nodded,

"Does this count as forcing the Yankees to learn our language?"

Lu Shi shrugged,

"How can it be coercive? People are voluntary. ”

Situ Meitang almost laughed,

Thinking that this was a theater, I quickly tried to hold it back and continue to watch the play.

As the plot unfolded, the Chinese audience found that "Big Guy" was something that happened in the church around them, so they gradually substituted it, and no one thought about leaving anymore.

But another problem arises,

That's the sound of applause and discussion of the plot.

Chinese drama has a good culture, and even has a set of rules.

Like what

Famous actors or actors with good audience popularity, the first voice in the scene, as long as they hear the voice, the audience has to applaud,

This is known as a "jackpot".

Besides

The long cavity is applauded, the classic singing segments are applauded, the difficult movements are applauded, and the work is applauded......

There are ridiculously many similar rules.

And then there's the discussion of the plot,

Because Chinese drama is often performed on occasions such as temple fairs and ceremonies, the drama performance and the audience chat almost at the same time, so there is no particularly strict "discipline" requirement, as long as you do not leave the scene rashly.

The scene was constantly whispering,

"Look at that! It was the incense master of Xiesheng who was hacked to death! ”

"Well, old thunder's hand."

"How could this playwright know in such detail? Mo is not Situ...... Not...... Don't say anything indecent. ”

……

Discussion and endless applause,

Let the scene sound like An Liangtang is engaged in large-scale team building.

Of course, they don't have a loud voice,

But it's really bad.

The white audience was helpless,

A few looked back, as if they wanted to complain, but seeing the excitement of those Chinese audiences when they saw the plot of the meeting, they wisely chose to shut up.

Situ Meitang is embarrassed,

"Sir Luk, the new drama seems to be a bit ...... in Chinatown Not used to the local environment? ”

Lu Shi didn't make a move,

Who would have thought that in the Chinese version of "Big Guy", the white people relied on subtitles to watch it with relish, but the Chinese couldn't be quiet.

He said, "Look back." ”

Situ Meitang nodded,

"Okay."

What else can be said?

He no longer thinks about what he has and doesn't, and he is engrossed in watching the play.

After a while, he completely substituted himself into the role of the big guy in the plot,

Plugging holes in a hurry,

If you are assassinated, you have to exercise restraint and talk about the fire.

Comforting the families of the deceased brothers,

……

It's so true!

In this way, the play is over unconsciously,

Act IV ends.

Situ Meitang suddenly came back to his senses and pulled out of the plot,

Only then did I realize that the silence in the theater was terrible, as if a pin could be heard.

He subconsciously turned around,

I saw that all the audience, whether white or Chinese, had completely substituted and immersed themselves in the plot.

It's fascinating, and it's no wonder that no one is going to discuss it.

Situ Meitang asked, "Sir Lu, when did the scene become like this......

Lu Shi "shh

"It's not over yet."

"Huh?"

Situ Meitang once again focused his attention on the stage.

At the end of "The Big Guy", the strange plot of "Winding the Whip" appeared.

In just two minutes,

Situ Meitang seemed to be suffocated.

It was like having a big invisible hand pressing its head into the water tank, letting itself up and breathing every minute, and then pressing it back again, torturing it repeatedly.

This drama is sublimated because of the final epilogue.

Suddenly, faint sobs came from the theater, and more and more.

Lu Shi cast his gaze,

Most of the Chinese audience were ugly, and even a few wiped their tears, as if they thought of themselves when they joined the congregation.

And the white audience is confused,

They don't understand.

Lu Shi sighed,

Thought

Americans know that this drama is a great work, but how great it is, they can only analyze it from the perspective of skill and innovation.

In terms of plot, they also talk about "excellent irony" and "compassion" at most.

Only overseas Chinese can truly empathize.

Li Jie led the actors out for a curtain call,

The white audience took the lead in applauding, but unfortunately some of them were alone, and the applause was sparse, and they soon became unconfident.

They looked at each other,

"This drama is obviously very good, isn't it?"

"yes......"

"Are the Chinese all hard-hearted? Why not applaud? ”

……

It's talking.

suddenly

Bang Bang Bang –

Situ Meitang, who was in the front row, was the first to applaud.

After that, there was a tsunami of applause.

The white audience was amazed,

Cultural differences, has it reached the point where even the timing of applause is different?

Scratching your head.

(End of chapter)