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Chapter 1321 - The Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe!
Chapter 1321 - The Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe!
Chapter 1321: The Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe!
Translator: Legge Editor: Legge
Later that afternoon.
At 2 PM.
In the car, Zhang Ye was looked at the new program list in his hand as he and his team rushed off to the next location.
“Have you informed them?”
“Yes, we’ve informed them already.”
“Alright, then let’s hurry over.”
“Are we selecting the dance acts this time?”
“Yes, there’s a dance acts that I lack performers for.”
“Weren’t those dancers at the first approval session pretty good? They’re the best of the best in the entire country.”
“They’re not good enough.”
“Uh, alright then.”
…
At the China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble 1 .
The dance troupe was in chaos. People were running all over the place and shuffling could be heard everywhere. It looked like there was a lot of activity going on.
“Where’s Team Two?”
“Hurry up!”
“Where’s the coach?”
“Call Little Zhou over here!”
“Team Three’s members, step forward!”
“All of you, look more spirited. The people from the Spring Festival Gala production team will be here very soon!”
The Spring Festival Gala production team was coming over to do a selection. As they had just received the notification, they were completely unprepared. After catching wind of the news, the ensemble’s general manager immediately called for an emergency meeting and was extremely concerned about the news. Everyone was instructed to fully cooperate with the Spring Festival Gala’s organizing committee. The assistant general manager, Sun Jie, soon received the orders and assured the leader that they would definitely get their members onto the stage of the Spring Festival Gala this year!
Their original act had been canceled after the first approval session!
This was their one and only chance!
Sun Jie was busy commanding the place, shouting, “Everyone, listen up. This is the last chance for our dance troupe to get on the Spring Festival Gala. Everyone has practiced for so long, and it’s finally time for our big test today. All of you had better give 110% to secure a place in the gala!”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“Yes, Manager Sun!”
“We will definitely complete our task!”
Everyone replied loudly and energetically.
Only one team, which was standing on the sidelines, did not make a sound.
This team’s coach was called Qi Xiaomei. She was also feeling very anxious. Seeing the anticipating looks of those girls behind her, she clenched her teeth and quietly pulled several of them to the front.
As a result, they got noticed by Sun Jie. “Teacher Qi, what are you doing?”
Qi Xiaomei bit the bullet and said, “W-We would also like to—”
“Aiya, that’s enough. Stop causing more trouble,” Sun Jie said, waving her off. “Stand farther in the back. Where’s Team Five? Team Five, step forward. Where are my little ladies? Why are you all still posing around at a time like this? This is the Spring Festival Gala, the largest stage in the country!”
Team Five’s members squeezed forward.
“Please make way.”
“Teacher Qi, can you move further back?”
Qi Xiaomei and her team were pushed to the back. They stood in the corner, feeling very anxious.
Several of the girls kept signing to her with their hands.
Qi Xiaomei bit her bottom lip and signed back to them.
When the girls saw, they bowed their heads in despair.
Then someone started shouting.
“They’re here!”
“They’ve arrived!”
“The Spring Festival Gala production team is here!”
Sun Jie composed herself and led the dance troupe’s coaches over to welcome them.
Qi Xiaomei tiptoed over and looked forward. The children standing behind her also did the same, but they couldn’t see a thing. They were standing in a location too out of the way.
Across the room.
Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, and Little Wang came in.
Sun Jie smiled as she stretched out her hand. “Director Zhang, I’ve heard so much about you. I am the assistant general manager of the National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble, and I head the dance troupe around here.”
Zhang Ye smiled and shook her hand. “Hello, Manager Sun, you’ve worked hard.”
Sun Jie said, “Oh no, it’s nothing, just doing my job.”
Zhang Ye looked with some doubt at the people standing behind her. “And these?”
“Oh, they are our dance troupe’s teams, the very best of the best,” Sun Jie rattled off. “These are the young men and women of Team One. Their average age is 22, and they’re the best in the country in terms of their physical fitness and condition. They’ve won first in many of the major national competitions and also performed overseas before. Teacher Wang, what are you still standing there for? Go on and show our leaders from the Spring Festival Gala production team what you girls are capable of!”
Teacher Wang ordered, “Get ready!”
The young men and women of Team One started dancing.
Elegance.
Agility.
They completed their dance in one go.
Sun Jie smiled and said, “What do you think, Director Zhang?”
Zhang Ye nodded. “They’re pretty good, but—”
“We still have Team Two!” Sun Jie said at once. “Team Two is more adept at classical dances!”
When Team Two’s coach clapped her hands, a group of dancers behind her began performing. The music and dance were very gentle and beautiful.
Ha Qiqi was amazed and astonished.
Little Wang had also had her eyes opened to something new.
Assistant General Manager Sun was right. They were indeed the elites of China.
Their figures?
Strength?
Demeanor?
Flexibility?
There was nothing to pick on!
Team Three…
Team Four…
Team Five…
At the request of Assistant General Manager Sun, the teams showcased their dance routines one by one.
Qi Xiaomei was getting really anxious. She kept stamping her feet, wanting to push her way to the front. However, she didn’t dare.
Another group had finished their dance routine.
Sun Jie asked, “Director Zhang, how was it?”
Zhang Ye nodded. “They’re all great, fantastic, even.”
Sun Jie said, “Then which team did you like most?”
Zhang Ye paused for a moment before saying, “Are there any others?”
“There are,” Sun Jie quickly answered. “Team Eight and Nine have yet to perform. But the children on those teams are new here and not old enough yet, and then there’s also the backup team—”
Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked towards an inconspicuous corner. “What about those girls over there?”
Hearing that, Sun Jie was startled. “Them? Oh, they are the disabled people’s dance team.”
Ha Qiqi was taken aback. “Disabled?”
Sun Jie acknowledged, “Yes, they’re deaf-mutes.”
Little Wang said in amazement, “The deaf and mute can also dance? But how do they that when they can’t hear the music?”
Sun Jie smiled and said, “That’s something you don’t know about. We have a coach who signals them from offstage every time the music comes on. When the children see the signals, they’ll know when to perform which movements. All of this is only possible through years of training.”
Ha Qiqi said in surprise, “Even that can be done?”
Sun Jie said, “Of course. These girls might look young, but they’ve actually been part of the ensemble for many years. The youngest one is already 20 years old. It’s just a shame that their physical condition is not as good as the others.” She continued, “Director Zhang, shall I get Team Eight’s members to show you their dance?”
But Zhang Ye kept looking at those deaf-mute girls. “Can you let them show me their dance?”
“You’re curious about how they manage to dance, right? Sure, no problem.” Sun Jie said, “Teacher Qi, why don’t you all put on a little performance for Director Zhang?”
Qi Xiaomei got excited at the mention. “But the music, Manager Sun?”
Sun Jie said impatiently, “There’s no need for the music. Just a simple routine is enough.”
Ha Qiqi smiled and said, “We’re just curious, sorry to trouble you.”
“It’s no trouble, no trouble at all.” Qi Xiaomei inhaled and quickly turned around and signed to the young women.
It’s finally our turn!
Go for it!
Kids, do your best!
Qi Xiaomei was silently cheering in her head.
In a flash, the dozen-odd girls broke out into a dance.
Qi Xiaomei gave them a signal.
Five of the children separated from the group.
Qi Xiaomei gave them a different signal.
The girls on the other side performed a movement in a magically uniform motion!
This was the first time that Little Wang was seeing deaf-mute people dance. It was very eye-opening to her.
Ha Qiqi was enjoying the performance very much.
Only Zhang Ye stayed silent throughout as he stared unblinkingly at each of them. He was watching their every move, looking at each for a very long time.
The dance ended.
Qi Xiaomei put her hands down.
The dozen-odd deaf-mute dancers stood still and looked at Zhang Ye.
Sun Jie smile and said, “That’s roughly how they do it, by depending on the signals given by Teacher Qi. Alright, Director Zhang, shall I get Team Eight and Nine onto the stage then? You can slowly pick after that. There’s a lot of good young talent amongst them.”
Qi Xiaomei looked disappointed.
The dozen-odd girls bowed their heads in dismay.
But Zhang Ye laughed. “That won’t be necessary, Manger Sun. I already have a decision in mind.”
Sun Jie’s eyes lit up. She said, “Oh? Which team is it? Team One? Or Team Two? It’s fine, pick whoever you prefer. We’ll surely do our best to cooperate.” She turned her head and called for those from Team One and Two to come over.
Qi Xiaomei’s team had once again been pushed to the back.
Qi Xiaomei bit her bottom lip.
But the next thing that happened stunned everyone!
Zhang Ye strode forward and went past the crowd. He walked in front of the deaf-mute dancers. “Are you the coach? How do I address you?”
Qi Xiaomei was stunned. “I-I’m Qi Xiaomei.”
Zhang Ye smiled and nodded. “Hello, Teacher Qi. I have a dance here that is already choreographed with a piece of music, and the costumes are also readily available. I would like to give the dance to your team. If you can practice this dance until I’m satisfied, I’ll leave a spot for them on this year’s Spring Festival Gala!”
Stunned!
Everyone was stunned!
Sun Jie said dumbfoundedly, “Director Zhang, we have more suitable teams for your—”
Zhang Ye smiled and said, “There isn’t anyone more suitable than them.”
“But their physical conditions are much better than—” Sun Jie said.
Zhang Ye repeated, “I want them!”
Little Wang hesitated. “Director Zhang, you—”
Zhang Ye cut her off. “Don’t try to convince me. The choreography for my dance only suits them.” He looked at Qi Xiaomei and said, “Teacher Qi, there isn’t much time left. Do you think you guys can do it?”
Qi Xiaomei covered her mouth as tears welled up. “Yes! We can do it! We can do it!” she sobbed. “Thank you! Thank you!”
The deaf-mute girls did not understand.
What was going on?
Why was Teacher Qi crying?
Upon that realization, the girls hurriedly signed to Teacher Qi to ask her.
Qi Xiaomei immediately signed a long sequence back, her hands trembling!
The dozen-odd girls were stunned!
It’s us?
Us?
Director Zhang chose us?
We’ve been chosen…to perform at the Spring Festival Gala?!
Six or seven girls broke down into tears!
Another three girls screamed and ran over to hug Qi Xiaomei!
“Wu wu wu!”
“Ah wu!”
“Ah woo!”
They couldn’t speak and were making unintelligible sounds!
Sobs!
Shouts!
Hugs!
Jumping for joy!
The sight was very touching!
Qi Xiaomei hugged the children and cried loudly. She said loudly, “You girls are the best! I knew it! I knew that you were the best!”
Eight years of hard work!
Eight years of waiting!
Eight years of looking forward to this!
They finally managed to get onto the stage of the Spring Festival Gala after waiting for so long!
…
Zhang Ye left as he still had other acts to finalize.
Leaving behind Sun Jie and the group of dance troupe members and making them confused.
Why?
Why was it them?
Some people were envious!
Some were jealous!
Some sighed in disappointment!
Qi Xiaomei and her team were still crying. They were still immersed in the jubilance and were in disbelief at what had just happened!
At this moment, Sun Jie shouted angrily, “What are you all doing! Get out of here!”
Everyone looked at Qi Xiaomei.
Qi Xiaomei got so scared that she quickly dried her tears and dragged her team with her to head outside. “We’ll get back to practicing immediately!”
Sun Jie was taken aback. “But this is the practice room, so where are you headed off to, Teacher Qi?”
Qi Xiaomei was used to getting scolded all the time. Hearing that, she was startled. “Ah?”
Sun Jie glared at all of the other teams’ members and said, “I was talking about all of you! What are you all looking at me for! Can’t you see that Teacher Qi and her team still need to practice? Standing here and looking at them won’t help with that! Hurry up and clear this place for Teacher Qi! Let me say this: Starting from today, whoever dares disturb Teacher Qi and her team from practicing will be kicked out by me personally! Starting today, all activities in the dance troupe will center around Teacher Qi and her team!”
Everyone was dumbfounded!
Qi Xiaomei was also stunned!
Sun Jie walked over and patted Qi Xiaomei on her shoulder amiably. “Teacher Qi, well done. Your team did very well. I knew that you girls would definitely make it!”
The members of Team One and Two were nearly in tears.
Damn!
How did you change your attitude so quickly!