20. A Short Story

Before a master performer went on stage, his disciple told him his shoelace was untied. The master nodded in thanks and bent down to tie it carefully. After the disciple turned away, he bent down again and untied the shoelace. A bystander who saw all this asked, puzzled, "Master, why did you untie your shoelace again?" The master replied, "I am playing the role of a weary traveler. The untied shoelace from a long journey can express his exhaustion and haggardness through this detail." "Then why didn't you tell your disciple directly?" "He noticed my untied shoelace attentively and told me enthusiastically. I must protect his enthusiasm and encourage him promptly. As for why I untied the shoelace, there will be many more opportunities to teach him acting in the future, so I can tell him next time." One can only do one thing at a time. Understanding how to grasp the key point is what makes a true talent.