Capítulo 11: Ye Zi's Beauty
There exists a kind of people who wander across the world, forever joyful and poor, magicians who turn ruins into palaces, children who deeply understand all human emotions—a "group of organized madmen!"
Among us, there is such a group. They love life and live passionately. They seek the freest and most sincere way of living and have found it in theater. Through theater, they achieve personal liberation through perpetual introspection, reaching a state of ecstatic celebration in liberation. Their love makes them pure, leaving no room for extraneous thoughts. They lack ambition, living only for themselves and to love.
Dreams enable one to live a noble life.
The members of the Northern University Drama Club are such people.
Murong Feng smiled as he watched the senior members who had graduated gather with the new members, seriously discussing which plays to perform. Their eyes shone with the light of dreams and love for theater. An emotion he hadn't felt in a long time welled up from his heart and surged powerfully.
Wang Yizhi and the others suggested staging various types of plays to avoid monotony for the audience. They also proposed that the senior members play minor roles, giving the lead roles to the new members still in school.
The senior members all agreed. Murong Feng laughed, "We can enjoy the fun of acting; the stage is yours, after all, you are the hope of the drama club!" This statement filled the new members with gratitude, and they looked at him with respect and affection. Especially Ye Zi, whose beautiful big eyes looked at Murong Feng with an inexplicable hint that made his heart flutter.
They finally decided on six plays: a Greek tragedy, a modern campus romance drama called "Youth," a Shakespearean comedy, Sartre's famous play "The Flies," and an original play by the drama club, "Moon Prince," which incorporates Kunqu Opera elements.
When discussing the main director, they realized that the new president of the drama club, Zhu Yuchen, was a very talented person. He had played the lead in several plays and was also a director. However, this time, the old president Wang Yizhi would unavoidably take on the role of director.
When deciding on the leads for "Youth," a small disagreement arose. This play was an original and traditional production of the Northern University Drama Club, performed every year. Murong Feng had played the male lead, Chu Fan, and became a campus star.
Since Zhu Yuchen was also set to play major roles in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Oedipus Rex," which were more demanding, Wang Yizhi suggested that Murong Feng take the lead in "Youth." However, Zhu Yuchen still wanted to play this role.
It was Ye Zi, who played the female lead, Wen Hui, who finally spoke up: "I think Senior Brother Murong can play this role well. I saw his performance when I first enrolled, and it was fantastic!" Zhu Yuchen then gave up, but his eyes showed both longing and frustration when he looked at Ye Zi.
Everyone suddenly realized that Zhu Yuchen might be pursuing Ye Zi.
They then discussed the necessary costumes and props. The Northern University Drama Club had always had limited funding, mainly from the Greek Culture Research Center, the World Culture Institute, and audience donations. Murong Feng recalled that to save money, they had to buy fabric from Dahongmen Market and have a tailor make the costumes, with Greek drama costumes being simple wraps of cloth. Travel and meals for external performances were self-funded, with the club's money used only for props and venue rentals.
Upon inquiry, he found that the club's situation remained the same. Murong Feng immediately promised to cover the funding and props issues himself, telling everyone not to worry and to focus on rehearsals.
The senior members were instantly boisterous, joking that Murong Feng seemed to have become rich. The new members watched enviously, wondering what their futures would be like after graduation. A few fourth-year members, nearing graduation, had already started to reflect and ponder.
Regardless, through everyone's enthusiastic discussion, they finally settled many details and arrangements for the drama festival.
Realizing it was dinner time, they clamored for Wang Yizhi to treat them. Laughing and chattering, they headed to an off-campus restaurant. A big meal for nearly 30 people made Wang Yizhi regret his quick promise, but luckily, hotpot was economical.
The next day, Murong Feng called Ye Zi to discuss the needed costumes and props. Ye Zi, the vice president, was responsible for external communications and props, acting like the drama club's housekeeper.
Having come from the drama club, Murong Feng knew what props and costumes were generally needed, but for some reason, he just wanted to see more of the girl who was charmingly shy when she bumped into his arms yet confident and beautiful when working.
Ye Zi, now in her fourth year, was preparing her thesis and had no classes during the day, giving her time. When she received Murong Feng's call and heard his request for her advice, she hesitated briefly before agreeing to go shopping together.
They arranged to meet at the south gate of the university.
In the height of summer, the sunlight was dazzling, and the shadows of the trees were mottled. Ye Zi wore a white spaghetti-strap dress, standing by the white jade pillar at the gate, with willows swaying beside the road. Her graceful figure, delicate face, and serene expression, bathed in golden sunlight, with green branches and her white dress, looked like a fresh summer oil painting.
When Murong Feng arrived by car, he saw this beautiful scene. A deep emotion suddenly arose in his heart, and the scene seemed to take him back to his university days filled with youth and love. Back then, Nian Nian had also waited for him like this… But reality could no longer carry those beautiful memories. Murong Feng felt a pang of sorrow.
The silver Audi A4 stopped in front of Ye Zi. She looked at the car with some distaste and stepped back. The entrance of Northern University often had bored rich people driving fancy cars to hit on the university girls, and Ye Zi despised such people.
The Audi moved forward slightly, and the window slowly rolled down, revealing Murong Feng's handsome, smiling face: "Hi, Ye Zi, get in!" Ye Zi was taken aback, then relaxed, opening the passenger door and getting in.
"I thought it was those annoying guys again!" Ye Zi stuck out her small tongue unconsciously and patted her chest like a little girl. For some reason, she always felt relaxed and close to Murong Feng, perhaps because he had become her idol after she watched his performance as Chu Fan in the freshman welcome party when she first enrolled.
Seeing her cute tongue and the delicate pink tip, along with her chest-patting gesture, Murong Feng couldn't help but notice her high bosom, feeling a surge of heat. This girl was so charming! He quickly turned his head, focusing on driving, and said with a smile, "Hey, you thought I was one of those shameless uncles!"
Ye Zi retorted, "Who told you to drive over without saying anything?" She then looked curiously at the luxurious interior of the car and asked, "Murong, what kind of job do you do now? How come you're driving an Audi already?"
Murong Feng smiled bitterly, "Oh, just freelancing, working as an editor at a fashion magazine now." He didn't want to say much about himself, not knowing how to explain. He couldn't just tell everyone he won the lottery, so he quickly asked, "By the way, I forgot to ask yesterday, which college are you in and what major?" The drama club recruits people from all over the university, and everyone comes from different colleges and departments. Yesterday he already knew that Ye Zi was a senior, but he didn't know her major.
"Guanghua School of Management, majoring in Finance." Ye Zi's clear voice was very pleasant. Murong Feng nodded with a smile, "Good major. Are you planning to pursue graduate studies?" Graduates from the Guanghua School of Management typically either pursued further studies, went abroad, joined foreign companies, or worked in state-owned enterprises or government agencies. Murong Feng thought Ye Zi seemed scholarly and would probably continue studying.
"No, I plan to work after graduation," Ye Zi answered, surprising Murong Feng.
"Oh? Why? I thought you were the type to excel in studies," Murong Feng asked, unable to resist glancing at her, finding her profile delicate and graceful.
Ye Zi answered cheerfully, "I've been studying for over ten years and am a bit tired of it. I want to work for a few years, see the outside world, and then return to study if needed."
Murong Feng couldn't help but sigh, "The world outside is wonderful, but also full of helplessness."
Ye Zi turned her bright eyes to him, "Sounds like you speak from experience, Senior!"
Murong Feng laughed, "You can just call me Murong Feng or like the others, Murong. Even calling me Feng is fine, just don't call me Senior; it sounds so awkward, like I'm old."
Ye Zi laughed beautifully, showing a deep dimple, looking sweet and adorable. "How can I call you crazy?"
Murong Feng bitterly smiled: "It's not Feng as in crazy, the Feng in my name, is Feng as in the 'strong wind'."
Ye Zi laughed, "Like the 'Great Wind' in the movie 'Hero' when the Qin soldiers shouted!" She deliberately pronounced the word 'wind' with a fourth tone. Seeing Murong Feng's exasperated expression, she added, "Okay, I'll call you Murong then, but don't say I don't respect my seniors, Brother Murong."
They chatted happily as they sped along.
Suddenly, Murong Feng slowed down and pulled over. "Uh, where are we going?" Murong Feng realized he hadn't asked.
"Oh? I thought you knew where to go since you drove all the way here?" Ye Zi was also surprised. The two looked at each other and then burst into laughter.
Murong Feng looked at Ye Zi's happy and beautiful face, and felt peaceful and happy in his heart. He felt that he had never been so happy in these days. The depression in his heart seemed to be dispelled by the sunshine of her smile.
Ye Zi, what a beautiful girl!
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