LIANG ZHU 6 Study

We are in master Zhou Sijang’s school now and there are lots of students. Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai are caught up in the excitement of the school. First, we see the students of the school in various activities – studying, singing, playing games, exercising or playing chess under a tree. As the scene opens, the music is sweet and low, a flute perhaps, but there from the beginning is already a hint of fun and frolic. So the flute is joined by a pipa or a drum, and it swells… the students do their thing with gay abandon but every time a teacher passes by, they resume their positions of study and contemplation in a split second. This is accompanied by a chant that they intone sonorously in unison, swaying their bodies in rhythm.

Chant:
When the wind blows, who knows where it goes
As the river flows, will white clouds choose to follow
Climb the far mountain descend the dale
But tis the heart that should be in repose…

The moment the teacher is out of sight… they are all up in a jiffy… back to their fun and games. In the middle of all this, we see Liang Shanbo having a good time… midway, Zhu Yingtai enters and seems unsure of how to be a part of it. However, with a bit of prodding from Liang Shanbo, she is off to a flying start. There are moments in the game, football(?), when there is physical contact between her and the others – someone bumps into her roughly and Liang Shanbo is immediately there to help her. There are moments when Liang Shanbo bumps into her or she bumps into him and they ask each other if the other is ok. Finally, their team wins and as they are about to celebrate, Master Zhou appears and immediately there is a hushed silence. The students pay their respects hurriedly and take leave.

Master Zhou: [to the students in a gentle manner]
Twilight is upon us… it is best to call it a day…

Students: [individually and severally]
Yes, Master Zhou… good night…

[Master Zhou nods at each student and strokes his white beard. As Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai pay their respects to him, he notices them.]

Master Zhou:
Liang Shanbo… Zhu Yingtai… two good friends. I have noticed that the both of you are very serious about your study here, and I have observed that you both help each other. This is commendable. In fact, I am very pleased that your rooming together has brought about rapid progress in your studies… let it continue…

Liang Shanbo:
Thank you, Master Zhou, for your kind words…

Master Zhou:
It is getting dark… both of you should be going in…

Liang Shanbo & Zhu Yingtai:
Yes, master… [they bow and exit hurriedly as Master Zhou strolls in the opposite direction.]