Zhou Xuan got off the car and asked Sister Cui how she was doing with the Zhou Family’s Troupe, if she was adapting well, and whether she was accustod to the food and drink in Ping Shui Prefecture.
These questions were like the ordinary reunion of old neighbors—nothing major to discuss, or intentionally hiding those major topics to avoid spoiling the flavor of the conversation.
Therefore, Zhou Xuan deliberately did not ntion Hua Zi.
Sister Cui quickly said, "I’m getting used to it. Although the Zhou Family’s Troupe has beco wealthy, they haven’t given up on the spirit opera business. Every day there are so many apprentices and masters practicing their vocal skills. When I have nothing else to do, I get a chair and sit down to listen. If Hua..."
This was a habit she recently developed, that whenever she ate sothing she hadn’t before, she would say, "If Hua Zi were here, he would certainly enjoy eating like a little pig." When she encountered sothing curious or novel, she would say, "If Hua Zi were here, he wouldn’t want to leave."
"If Hua Zi were here" had beco Sister Cui’s catchphrase, sothing she could repeat dozens of tis a day, and now she unconsciously ntioned it while chatting with Zhou Xuan.
Once she brought it up, she realized it might not have been wise—Zhou Xuan’s Daoist robe was brand new, and he was definitely going up on stage to tell stories. Talking about such sad topics might affect the emotions of the most impressive storyteller in Mingjiang Prefecture.
With this thought in mind, Sister Cui quickly changed the subject and began talking about the scenic spots of Ping Shui Prefecture.
"When there’s nothing to do, Master Yuan and Master Zhou take to stroll around the Ping Shui Prefecture. There are many theaters, including those that perform pantomis without making any sound. It’s truly amusing."
As Sister Cui spoke, Zhou Xuan smoked and listened intently. After they finished the long conversation about idle topics, he stubbed out his cigarette and said, "Hua Zi, although I seldom ntion him, I often think of him."
"Brother Zhou..." Sister Cui imdiately choked up.
"Without Sister Cui and Hua Zi on East Market Street, it’s quite lonely."
"Why say such things..."
Sister Cui’s tears fell, and she reached for a handkerchief but couldn’t find one.
Zhou Xuan took out his handkerchief and handed it to Sister Cui, saying, "Sister Cui, I once heard soone say that people die twice: the first ti is when we commonly speak of death, and the second is when everyone has forgotten their na.
Hua Zi’s na, Mingjiang Prefecture won’t forget him. Since you’re here in Mingjiang, why don’t you co and listen to tell a story?"
"I will, I will. Lord Jiu and Lord Jian will also be there." Sister Cui wiped away her tears and said.
As soon as Sister Cui ntioned Lord Jian and Lord Jiu, the two looked over, gauging the situation. Feeling that Zhou Xuan and Sister Cui’s conversation had reached a point, they walked up to them.
Lord Jiu took a swig of strong wine, his eyes tipsy, and said, "Master, long ti no see."
"Lord Jiu, have a peanut, look at you getting so drunk."
Zhou Xuan said with a smile.
Just yesterday in Jingchuan Prefecture, they executed a "Bi Fang", and today Lord Jiu, acting as if a day without seeing was like three seasons had passed, drunkenly forgets.
Compared to Lord Jiu, Lord Jian was much more earnest, saying, "Master, this ti both Ping Shui Prefecture and Mingjiang Prefecture shine because of you."
"Wait a mont, Lord Jian, I can understand how Mingjiang Prefecture shines because of , but why Ping Shui Prefecture as well?"
Zhou Xuan asked.
Lord Jian smiled kindly and said, "The rebuilding of Mingjiang Prefecture made the nine prefectures of Jing Country aware of you, a great master with extraordinary abilities. The other prefecture cities also know you were born and raised in Ping Shui Prefecture and are the Young Master of the Zhou Family’s Troupe.
So, the other prefecture cities have intentionally or unintentionally beco friendly towards us, and many large consortia are considering investing and establishing factories in Ping Shui Prefecture."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xuan realized it was a good thing. More factories ant more job opportunities, considerably benefiting the area.
"That’s great, that’s great."
"In these past few days, the investnt applications have piled up letter after letter, like snowflakes. I originally didn’t understand the business, and looking at those docunts was overwhelming."
Lord Jian rarely laughed so heartily, "Escorting Hu Yuncui to Mingjiang Prefecture this ti feels like a holiday. As long as I don’t have to look at those densely packed letters, I genuinely feel relaxed."
At this ti, Lord Jiu couldn’t hold back and turned his head to Zhou Xuan, winking, "Master, let tell you, Lord Jian here, he was never scholarly inclined as a child. If the private school teacher made him recite texts, he was like a lazy insect, addicted to opium.
If the private school teacher made him learn archery, he..."
"Acts like he’s never smoked?" Zhou Xuan asked.
"Like he’s overworked after smoking."
"..." Zhou Xuan, Lord Jian.
Lord Jiu surely had a way with words.
When old friends et, the conversation naturally becos intense, and ti flies swiftly, but the four were still unwilling to part. The painter glanced at his watch, fearing they’d delay the storytelling event, yet was too embarrassed to interrupt Zhou Xuan’s enjoynt, so he sent Little Fuzi to urge them.
Little Fuzi found Zhou Xuan and said, "Young Master, you still have to go on stage today."
"Oh, right, right, right, got carried away and almost lost track of ti while chatting."
Zhou Xuan then said to Sister Cui, "Sister Cui, co get in my car, and I’ll take you to the storytelling venue."
"Sister Cui still wants to take a look at the shop; I’ll go with her later."
Lord Jian had no intention of having Sister Cui ride with Zhou Xuan and tactfully declined.
Although Sister Cui wanted to go, Lord Jian’s words left her with nothing to say, simply nodding with a smile.
"That’s fine too, I’ll arrange to hold so seats for you in the front row."
User Comments
0 comments from readers