"Little People" shadow play troupe

Chen Chan has not accepted his marriage proposal openly, saying that she is still too young and they have just begun dating.

As the degree of opening between the thumb and forefinger is crucial to the operation of the shadow puppets, the apprentices will often practice “breaking rods” with two rods in their hands. Sometimes, they are so obsessed with this game that they even use chopsticks for practicing. However, some of them practiced so much that their hands blister, trembling when holding chopsticks and thus unable to grasp food.

Taking a short rest after a meal, the shadow play troupe started their afternoon practice. Li Bin was coming on stage, and Chen Chan fastened his waistband for him. Because Li Bin was too eager to go, Chen got angry immediately and stared at Li Bin. They cooled down after moment of low-voiced talking. The girls look in the mirrors while putting their ear-ring clips or putting on make-ups.

That afternoon, several travel agencies were invited to see their performance and to discuss possible future cooperation. The major source of income for the theatre construction near the Old Summer Palace would be tourists. Lin Zhonghua, manager of the shadow play troupe, said that the shadow play art itself is barely surviving, and that the selling point of the “little people” shadow play troupe has a natural affinity towards children and it is currently targeting the children audience. Lin said that his troupe would not only play some traditional pieces, but also take in some modern elements and extend these elements to modern dramas and chorus.

"Although their average monthly income is only around 1,000 yuan, it will be definitely much more in future," said Lin.

Hearing what the manager said, they were all very excited. Getting his salary soon, Li Bin longs to take Chen Chan out to the supermarket for shopping after class in the evening.

“I do not think of treating my disease. I feel quite all right now because I have got a way out!" Chen Chan said.

Lu Defeng voluntarily punishes himself by doing  push-ups due to a minor mistake during training.