Chapter 23: Quite a Leap

Wang Lei did not personally go to the airport to pick up Ma Dongmei. For one, Ma Dongmei's mother, Li Weihong, was already going, and for another, with the premiere of "Charlotte's Troubles" set for October third, as the owner, Wang Lei simply couldn't get away.

Though he didn't show himself directly, Wang Lei needed to see with his own eyes whether this play could truly resonate with people in this world.

Fortunately, he succeeded. Of course, this was not a solo achievement—many others had contributed. Take Zhang San, for example. In the past, he had tried to recommend himself to various theater troupes and playhouses, but always came away empty-handed. This time, however, he had succeeded. Even though his mad dash to the restroom after today's performance made a lot of people laugh, no one could deny that Zhang San had given a remarkable performance in "Charlotte's Troubles." He vividly embodied the delusions of an ordinary man, as well as his own dreams and hopes.

When the curtain fell on the first show, the audience's applause and whistles spoke volumes—the play was a success.

"Lei, there's nothing more to say. Some things, I've only come to understand now. If I'd met you or Teacher Cui earlier, who knows…" Zhang San trailed off after the audience had left, leaving only their own group behind. The students had all played minor roles in the production, and in this regard, Wang Lei was generous, giving each a hefty red envelope—after all, none of them were working for free.

Several cases of beer and prepared dishes from familiar shops lined the tables. This was not only a celebration of their successful premiere, but also a summary of the intense period they'd just endured.

After a few drinks, Zhang San grew sentimental. The past month had been a whirlwind for him—so intense, so exhausting. He had memorized pages and pages of lines until his mouth was sore. The anxiety before the premiere left him sleepless for two nights straight. Even for a "small-time boss" who had seen his share of big occasions, the nerves had nearly undone him, more so even than the students.

It wasn't just Zhang San; several other "Beijing drifters" also found themselves moved. Sanmeng Theater seemed a promising path—not only did it allow them to pursue their acting dreams, but it also provided a living. At least, that's how Tian Meili, who played "Ma Dongmei" in the play, felt.

"Our premiere was a great success, and that’s thanks to all of you. This past month has been tough, but does anyone still think it wasn’t worth it? Our theater must be run well. In the future, all of you will be the envy of others. Come, raise your glasses—let’s toast to our next success."

Wang Lei, at the right moment, set an example as the boss. Though this theater was only a starting point, he was determined to make it a good one.

As everyone enjoyed the food and drink, dreaming together of bright futures, Old Wu, the gatekeeper, entered the theater.

Though the venue wasn't large, some of its equipment was rather valuable. The sound system alone had cost Zhang San nearly a million yuan, so some level of security was necessary.

Old Wu was a widower, nearly seventy but still spry. When the theater had first set up here, there was an agreement with the community: Old Wu would watch the gate, and the theater would take care of his daily needs and give him a salary. Zhang San had done well by him, never missing a single payment, even when money was tight. Old Wu, in turn, enjoyed staying at the theater. After three years, he had come to think of it as home.

"Boss Wang, there’s a very tall girl named Ma Dongmei at the door asking for you."

Old Wu’s words startled everyone present. Other than Zhang San and "Li Si," no one knew that Wang Lei’s girlfriend was actually named Ma Dongmei—not even Cui Jingfang, who had already left.

"Oh, it’s nothing, she’s my girlfriend. You all go ahead and enjoy yourselves. Sir, no need to go out again—I'll lock the door when I come back. Have a drink with us tonight."

Wang Lei rose to go meet Ma Dongmei. Clearly, she had slipped away from her mother in order to come here.

"San, is our boss's girlfriend really named Ma Dongmei? So, did he write this play for her?"

As soon as Wang Lei left, the gossip began.

"Heh, you don’t know the half of it. Our boss was no ordinary man. And his girlfriend is something else, too. You see how tall he is? He really does look like an athlete. Remember that drunk driving accident on TV two years ago? The victims were our boss’s parents. He used to be a basketball star, but after the accident, he lost his leg. Driving really has to be taken seriously—two accidents, and a family and a star are gone."

"Tell us about his girlfriend. We’ve all heard the boss’s story."

Li Si, who looked the most honest, was actually the quickest to speak.

"Our boss’s girlfriend is on the national women’s volleyball team. Last month, she played in the World Grand Prix. In the two years since the accident, she never left him, all while keeping up her own training. The play we’re performing really is something he wrote for her—those two songs as well. Impressive, isn’t it?"

"Wow, I didn’t expect our boss to be so incredible. But if his girlfriend’s an athlete, she can’t be too good-looking, right?" one of the actresses speculated, showing her own interest in Wang Lei.

"What are you talking about?" Old Wu, who had just sat down, retorted bluntly. "I just saw her—she’s not just tall, her looks are better than yours. Honestly, only she is a match for our boss—her height is perfect for him." Old Wu, who had once had a wife who was ill all her life and never bore children, had loved her faithfully to the end. His character showed in his words, and he was deeply moved by Ma Dongmei’s loyalty.

"You know," someone else chimed in, "our boss really does have range—athlete to playwright. Have you noticed how often Teacher Cui asks for his opinion? Maybe he could even be a director."

"And don’t forget those two songs—one of them he sang himself. Boss Wang is truly remarkable. Lost a leg, but still lives with flair. When his girlfriend comes in, everyone be nice!"

Zhang San’s words carried weight—he was, after all, the former boss.

At the entrance, Ma Dongmei saw Wang Lei coming toward her, walking with an almost normal gait, and without a cane. Her joy was even greater than when she’d won a championship.

"Why are you just standing there? Come here, let Lei give you a hug—let’s see if you’ve lost any weight. Don’t worry, Lei can lift you now."

Though it had only been a month apart, Wang Lei truly missed Ma Dongmei. After two years, he had grown used to having this tall, stalwart girl by his side.