After the broadcast of *True Heroes*, Brother Zhi and his theater became well - known to more people. Everyone was deeply touched by Brother Zhi's story.
People thought that in today's society, it was extremely rare to find someone who could hold on to their original dreams.
Moreover, after watching the play performed by Qin Qiao'er and her group, many people became interested in theater.
There was even a trending topic on Weibo that day, calling on Brother Zhi to reopen the theater. People said they were willing to be the audience.
Brother Zhi never expected that they would be so well - received. He had only mustered up his last bit of determination to participate in this show, but it seemed that things were taking a new turn.
At first, he was very hesitant. However, seeing so many people, especially young people, on Weibo, he seemed to see his younger self.
They were curious about everything new in the world and eager to try. He felt extremely gratified that these young people were willing to learn about the art of theater.
But he simply didn't have the energy to run the theater again. The long - term experience had made him feel that he might not be suitable for running a theater at all. He was only fit for directing and acting behind the scenes.
He didn't dare to respond to people's requests, fearing that the theater would collapse again under his management.
After learning about this, Qin Qiao'er encouraged Brother Zhi to take action. This time, she advised him to hire a professional manager to manage the theater on his behalf.
In this way, Brother Zhi could focus on his work behind the scenes without having to worry about the theater's operation.
Brother Zhi was quite tempted by Qin Qiao'er's suggestion. It was actually very painful for him to see the theater he had painstakingly managed for most of his life go bankrupt.
After much thought, Brother Zhi finally posted a statement on Weibo, saying that he would not reopen the theater.
However, if anyone was willing to open such a theater, they could contact him. He was willing to leave his venue and all the actors to the next theater owner.
Qin Qiao'er once asked him if he regretted this decision: "It's like you're transferring all your hard - earned efforts to someone else at once."
Brother Zhi just smiled generously: "I'm already old and have no more energy to fight. This is just fine. I can still teach you acting. Seeing your success is enough for me."
After hearing Brother Zhi say this, Qin Qiao'er was even more determined to achieve something and make Brother Zhi feel that taking her as a disciple was a decision he would never regret.
On the other hand, Qin Qiao'er never expected that the director was actually acquainted with Brother Zhi. Judging from the director's excited reaction, it seemed that they hadn't been in touch for a long time.
Brother Zhi racked his brains to recall the director's name. Finally, he suddenly exclaimed: "Bai San? You're Bai San?! How did you turn out like this!"
When Brother Zhi first met the director, the latter was just a young man. Now, due to the hardships of life, he had become a middle - aged man who no longer looked young.
The director smiled awkwardly: "It's because of my work on the film set. I have an irregular schedule and diet, so I've gained weight. But you, you seem to have hardly changed at all."
At this moment, Qin Qiao'er had to interrupt their conversation. She didn't understand a single word of what they were saying.
"Wait a minute. How do you two know each other?"
Brother Zhi smiled: "Bai San used to be an actor in our theater. It was a long time ago. At that time, the theater was much smaller than it is now.
Most of the actors were students from the film academy. I remember he was the only one who wasn't a film major. He was a math major."
Qin Qiao'er's surprised expression revealed her thoughts. Looking at the director's professional manner every day, she couldn't imagine that he wasn't from a professional acting background.
The director continued shyly: "I really loved theater back then, but I wasn't good at acting. I begged Brother Zhi for a long time in the theater before he agreed to let me have a try.
The time I spent in the theater was like a ray of light in my youth. The major I was studying wasn't what I liked at all. I just chose it according to others' expectations.
It wasn't until I entered university that I realized what I truly loved. Brother Zhi patiently taught me how to act and how to be a good actor."
Qin Qiao'er had a question: "Then you..." How did you become a director?
The director gave a bitter smile: "I skipped classes every day to stay in the theater during college, so I failed many courses. My family didn't know about this. After asking around, they found out that I was in the theater.
One day, they suddenly came to the theater and dragged me back home. They forced me to continue my studies and asked me to plead with the school to let me finish my degree.
But I didn't want to do that at all. By then, I already knew what I wanted and couldn't let myself drift aimlessly anymore.
One day, I secretly ran away from home and went to the school to withdraw. I originally wanted to go back to the theater, but I was afraid that my parents would go there to find me, so I went to another province.
After I got there, I started studying again and was determined to get into an art school. Finally, I was admitted to the directing department, and gradually lost touch with Brother Zhi."
Qin Qiao'er sighed inwardly. She never expected that the director had such a turbulent past. Everyone had their own story, and everyone had the right to pursue their dreams.
Seeing that the director had overcome numerous obstacles and finally reached this stage, Qin Qiao'er thought it was really not easy for him. He had truly achieved what he wanted to do.