The Strange Face-Changing Technique of Sichuan Opera (Part 1)
Since returning to Bureau 749, Lin Yu and his team have devoted themselves to researching clues related to the ancient mirror. However, as time passes, the mystery remains, and progress slows to a snail's pace. Facing those obscure symbols and clueless information day by day, everyone's brows gradually twist into knots.
Just when they felt helpless, as if they were trapped in a dark abyss with no light to see, an anonymous letter quietly arrived at Bureau 749. The envelope was made of ordinary brown paper, with no information about the sender, but the recipient was clearly marked as Bureau 749. Lin Yu held the letter, his brow furrowed, and his heart was filled with confusion: "This letter seems strange. Who sent it? And how did they know we were investigating the ancient mirror?"
Old Chen came over, stared at the envelope for a moment, and said suspiciously, "Could this be a trap? In this situation, anything is possible. But then again, we really don't have any other options right now. Maybe this letter really does contain clues related to the ancient mirror."
Professor Li pushed his heavy glasses, his eyes gleaming with thought. "Judging from the timing of the letter's appearance, it's definitely not accidental. While there may be unknown dangers hidden behind it, for now, it may be our only hope of breaking the deadlock. Why not go and take a look? Maybe there will be a ray of hope."
Xiao Zhao rubbed his hands together excitedly, his eyes gleaming with eagerness. "No matter if it's a trap or not, when have we in Bureau 749 ever been afraid of it? Let's go and see. Maybe this trip will solve the mystery."
After some discussion, they reached a consensus and decided to follow the letter's instructions and head to Chengdu. Amid the bustling streets of downtown Chengdu, like explorers searching for treasure, they finally stumbled upon the quaint Gaiwancha teahouse. Hidden among the modern buildings, the teahouse seemed out of place, yet possessed a unique charm.
The teahouse's exterior is unassuming, its white walls and grey tiles slightly tarnished by the passage of time. The wooden doors and windows are intricately carved with patterns, and though worn in places, the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans of the past remains evident. Two large red lanterns, bearing the word "tea" in bold calligraphy, sway gently in the breeze, as if telling passersby the story of this place.
The moment they stepped into the teahouse, a rich, mellow aroma of tea washed over them, instantly isolating them from the outside noise and bustle. The interior of the teahouse is spacious, with a large stage in the center. The edges of the stage are carved with exquisite opera characters and auspicious patterns. Under the light, the carvings seem to come alive, unfolding a series of fascinating stories. Rows of quaint tables and chairs are placed below the stage, where many tea drinkers are already seated, some chatting quietly, some resting their eyes, enjoying this rare leisurely moment. Hanging on the walls are Sichuan Opera masks and old photographs. The vibrant colors of the masks seem to tell of the opera's former glory; the old photographs record the opera's development. The black and white images seem to evoke the lively scenes on the stage in the past.
Lin Yu and the others found a seat and ordered a few bowls of gaiwan tea. The blue and white porcelain bowls, paired with copper lids and trays, appeared simple yet elegant. The steaming aroma of tea rose and filled the air, but Lin Yu and the others had no interest in savoring it. Their gaze was drawn to their surroundings, trying to find any unusual signs.
Soon, the performance began. The actors, clad in gorgeous costumes, took the stage with graceful steps. Their makeup was exquisite, and every look and movement was full of charm, showcasing the charm of Sichuan Opera to its fullest. The audience erupted in cheers and applause, creating a lively atmosphere.
When the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance began, the atmosphere in the teahouse instantly reached a climax. The face-changing artist, clad in a colorful robe, a phoenix crown, and a vibrant mask, danced gracefully on the stage. His movements were fluid and skillful, each turn and flick of his sleeve perfectly timed. Suddenly, with a rapid movement of his hands, one mask instantly transformed into another, the audience erupted in applause and cheers.
Lin Yu and the others, however, had no interest in appreciating the spectacular performance. Their gaze was fixed on the artist's face, trying to find any clues related to the ancient mirror from the rapidly changing facial makeup. Lin Yu's brow furrowed, his eyes fixed on the artist without blinking, and he pondered to himself, "This face-changing technique is so magical. Could it really be secretly connected to the ancient mirror? Where can I find a breakthrough?"
Professor Li observed the performers' movements while searching his mind for various lore and legends about Sichuan Opera face-changing, hoping to find some inspiration. His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table as he muttered to himself, "Sichuan Opera face-changing has a long history and has long been considered a unique specialty of the genre. It must contain profound cultural heritage and mysterious power. Perhaps the key lies in these unknown traditions."
Old Chen glanced around warily, not only watching the performance on stage but also observing the reactions of the tea patrons around him, anticipating any unusual developments. His hand unconsciously rested on his waist, where he kept his usual talismans, ready for emergencies. He kept a silent warning in his heart: "This place may seem ordinary, but the anonymous letter was so mysterious. There's no telling when danger might arise."
Although Xiao Zhao was outwardly watching the performers' face-changing performance, he felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. On the one hand, he hoped to find clues to the mystery of the ancient mirror, but on the other, he worried that something terrifying might suddenly happen. He swallowed lightly, glancing at Lin Yu and his teammates from time to time, hoping to draw some calming strength from them.
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