Chapter 44

This is a bit profound, or rather, not profound but difficult. However, in his heart, Teacher Zhang Chengzhe still did not satisfy Wen Jung-woo much. It wasn't disdain, nor dislike. If it were about personal impressions, Zhang Chengzhe was a very nice person. Wen Jung-woo even felt a bit closer to him due to his performance. But he was still unsatisfied.

Because as an acting teacher, he only pointed out problems without delving into how to solve them. Complaining and criticizing, these are two innate human instincts that don't require emotional intelligence. Or perhaps just one, as these two terms essentially describe the same thing. The only difference is that criticizing is done inwardly.

So Wen Jung-woo's expression became even calmer, his eyes even showing a bit of curiosity and admiration, almost as if the words "You know so much, you are so sophisticated" were written on his face. Acting, after all, should be performed at all times. However, Wen Jung-woo's inner state was not necessarily as calm. In interviews, no matter what you hear, you must remain unperturbed.

Even if someone asks you, "Are you very sad that your father died?" you should nod with a bit of sorrow, or cover your mouth and nose, bow your head at a forty-five-degree angle, and wave your hand: "I'm sorry, I can't..." and then cover your face and choke back tears, avoiding the interview. Not pointing at the person and asking, "Aren't you sad when your father dies? What kind of nonsense are you asking?!" Such a reaction.

Criticizing should be kept in your heart. Do I need to tell you that I already know how to remain calm in interviews and that you don't need to tell me? Wen Jung-woo doesn't need to go to school, but everyone else does. It's not a special case or a special treatment. It's just because Wen Jung-woo is a good student.

If Lee Soon-gyu also insisted on not going to school, and if she could maintain her grades, Lee Soo-young could help her apply. After class, Lee Soon-gyu didn't continue all the courses with Wen Jung-woo. She went back to the dorm to pack her things and prepare to go to school. Wen Jung-woo, on the other hand, directly carried the two servings of food into the president's office.

Now he is Lee Soo-young's student, not just an ordinary trainee. This is a small privilege he has. The sound of knocking rang out, and Lee Soo-young called out to come in, but there was no response. Lee Soo-young was taken aback, frowned, and went to open the door, only to see Wen Jung-woo carrying two trays inside. There was rice, kimchi, pork cutlet, and soup.

Lee Soo-young was taken aback, watching as Wen Jung-woo placed the food on the sofa table, and then closed the door with a smile: "Finished class?"

Wen Jung-woo handed over the chopsticks: "Yes, I knew the teacher was busy, so I didn't come to disturb you."

Lee Soo-young rolled up his sleeves, took the chopsticks but didn't sit down, went to the lounge to wash his hands, and then came back.

With just the two of them, there were no formalities, and they started eating together. Lee Soo-young casually asked about Wen Jung-woo's first day of training. Wen Jung-woo wanted to talk about this, stirring the rice and looking up at Lee Soo-young: "Teacher, can you teach me acting?"

Lee Soo-young was taken aback, shaking his head slightly: "It depends on what aspect. I haven't acted... Is there a problem? Is Chengzhe giving you a hard time?"

Wen Jung-woo waved his hand: "No, Chengzhe is very nice to me."

Lee Soo-young smiled and took a sip of soup: "You call him 'brother,' it seems you two have a good relationship."

Wen Jung-woo chuckled: "He told me to. If I didn't, we might end up discussing what sleeping position he likes."

Lee Soo-young laughed and coughed, pointing at Wen Jung-woo: "You should really take acting classes seriously. With your mind, you can easily find others' weaknesses, and if you can't resist saying them, you'll easily offend people."

Wen Jung-woo smiled and said: "It wasn't me who noticed, it was Soon-gyu."

Lee Soo-young was taken aback, suddenly frowned, and looked at him: "You just said you wanted me to teach you acting, what's going on?"

Wen Jung-woo pondered for a moment and asked tentatively: "Teacher, you debuted in the music industry and have been active for many years. Do you think performing on stage is acting?"

Lee Soo-young laughed: "Of course it is. If it's not acting, what is?"

Wen Jung-woo took a sip of soup and then put it down: "Since it's acting, does it require acting skills?"

Lee Soo-young subconsciously opened his mouth, then paused. Wen Jung-woo picked up a piece of kimchi and continued: "I think any performance requires acting skills. Stage performances, even with fixed lyrics and choreography, still need acting... not just a smile and showing eight teeth."

Lee Soo-young put down his chopsticks and looked at Wen Jung-woo: "Tell me more, what do you think?"

Wen Jung-woo thought for a moment and shook his head: "It's an immature idea. Because the dance and lyrics are choreographed, when people watch a singer's stage performance, they usually just enjoy the music and dance. At most, they might do some small actions like winking or waving to liven up the atmosphere. But these are natural expressions, not planned. I've watched many idol group performances, and those who are good at these are considered special skills, not mandatory for idols."

Lee Soo-young interjected: "So you think this is also a form of acting. You should use your acting skills to make the audience feel the way you want them to, based on the style and lyrics of the song."

Wen Jung-woo nodded: "At least it shouldn't just rely on the music and dance or expressions. You can't do too much because of the fixed lyrics and choreography, but you should still pay attention and try to find ways to convey something beyond the music and dance to the audience."

Lee Soo-young frowned: "Is this related to acting? And what is this 'something beyond the music and dance'?"

Wen Jung-woo was taken aback and laughed: "Teacher, I'm just a rookie. I'm just proposing this idea. If you think it's wrong, you can refute it or give me a reason to negate it."

Lee Soo-young chuckled: "Do you look like someone who is here to be refuted? You're already thinking about changing teachers... I'm talking about Chengzhe."

Wen Jung-woo paused and shook his head slightly: "It's not because of that. After he talked about the five forms of appearing on camera, he directly denied the possibility that stage performances also require acting. Maybe it's a fixed notion. I didn't say he was wrong. I'm just a beginner, I don't have the right to comment."

Lee Soo-young pondered for a moment, played with the food on the tray, and then looked up: "This might not be considered acting at a high level. At most, it could be a special skill or a personal technique. But if you can understand it to this extent, you might as well work on it."

He frowned and sighed: "Many young idols who perform on stage these days indeed just sing and dance. Their expressions are often perfunctory. They only give their best when it's their turn in the spotlight or when they're in the front row. While it's understandable due to their busy schedules, ultimately, there are too many complex matters in the entertainment industry beyond singing and acting."

Wen Jung-woo nodded: "Chengzhe also said that besides singing, dancing, and acting, there are also activities like commercial shoots, variety show promotions, and interviews. These non-essential tasks often take up the majority of their time. I can understand that, it's all about priorities. If possible, they try to balance everything."

Lee Soo-young smiled and patted his head: "Your thinking is very flexible, so you can think about many things on your own. If you can't figure it out, come ask me. I will also pay attention and remind you where you are not suitable. As I said yesterday, there are many idols who debut in the entertainment industry, and each has their own path. I can teach you some basic knowledge, but the rest depends on you to explore."

Wen Jung-woo quickly bowed: "Understood, Teacher. I will definitely work hard." Lee Soo-young smiled and waved: "Eat quickly, it's getting cold."

Wen Jung-woo smiled, picked up his chopsticks, and continued eating. Lee Soo-young took a bite of kimchi and looked at Wen Jung-woo, suddenly asking: "Is Soon-gyu with you?"

"Choke!" Wen Jung-woo was drinking soup and suddenly started coughing violently.

Lee Soo-young was taken aback, patting his back, laughing and crying at the same time: "What's wrong? Did she cause trouble again?"

Wen Jung-woo apologized while coughing, and Lee Soo-young didn't mind. However, he didn't know that the reason for this reaction was because his little daughter's unusual wink today had shocked Wen Jung-woo.

After the dance class, she went directly to the acting class, and after the acting class, she went to school. Wen Jung-woo couldn't help but think, would it be too awkward to meet again?

(Thank you to Zhong Ming for the support. I just saw it. Thank you very much. O(∩_∩)O)

{Piao Tian Literature}