As for the English version, Duanmu Ci specially arranged it for Joseph and his group to make it easier for them to watch.

After Du Liniang finished singing, a maid-like woman came on stage, her pretty eyes sparkling, "The incense has burned out, the embroidery thread is tossed aside, is your affection this spring the same as last year?"

"..."

The audience watched intently. Many of those present were literature students and seasoned enthusiasts, all maintaining a serious and appreciative attitude. Even Joseph was drawn to this "novel" art form, listening and watching closely as he listened to the English translations...

Duanmu Ci also watched very seriously. Although he had seen this scene hundreds of times, he was still willing to continue watching, especially since he had not listened to it for decades. The last time he listened to Kunqu Opera was probably in 1945, when Japan announced its surrender. In order to show that the Chongqing government shared the joy with the people and celebrated the victory, it invited opera troupes to perform for a month on the main street. Duanmu Ci also listened to some of the performances.

Just then, the song on stage began: "The vibrant colors of spring have faded, leaving only broken wells and crumbling walls. What a waste of such a beautiful day! Whose courtyard now enjoys such delightful pleasures? My master and mistress will never mention such a scene again."

"Flying at dawn and rolling at dusk, clouds and rosy hues adorn the green pavilion; rain threads and wind fragments, misty waves and painted boats—the people of Jinping take this fleeting time too lightly!"

Duanmu Ci couldn't help but applaud, "This singing is so spot on!" Even Joseph, who couldn't understand the lyrics, couldn't help but smile. It's clear that art is indeed a universal language, transcending national borders and languages. Just like how a large number of teenagers in China listen to English songs even though they don't understand them, although their cultural backgrounds are different, the human appreciation of beauty is the same.

Wei Yue closed her eyes, focusing only on listening to the melody and refusing to look at it.

"For you are as beautiful as a flower, as fleeting as water..." Duanmu Ci couldn't help but sing along softly on stage, her voice surprisingly melodious. This line, which once moved Daiyu to tears as she buried flowers, still has the power to stir the heart today.

As the play ended, the lingering charm remained. Duanmu Ci smiled and said to Joseph, who was still reluctant to leave, "Actually, there are also good stories in the play, but unfortunately, people only know how to watch the play and may not be able to appreciate the meaning within it." These words were originally spoken by Daiyu, but they are also fitting here.

Joseph smacked his lips, as if the lyrics themselves made his mouth water. “I’ve been on many business trips, and most of the receptions I’ve received have been to nightclubs and banquets. No company executive has ever taken me to experience their country’s culture before. Duanmu, you’re the first in this regard!”

Clearly, Joseph's evaluation of Duanmu Ci has risen another level, which is undoubtedly excellent for Duanmu Ci, as it gives him an advantage in negotiations.

Duanmu Ci asked, "Do you like it very much?"

“Of course!” Joseph nodded without hesitation.

Duanmu Ci said nonchalantly, "Then please promote it more after you return to China."

Joseph readily agreed, "No problem!"

To Duanmu Ci's surprise, Joseph actually kept his word and quickly became a fan of classical Chinese culture. After returning to his country, he not only began to study Chinese diligently but also vigorously promoted Chinese culture in Australia, eventually leading to Chinese dramas being staged at the Sydney Opera House and receiving enthusiastic acclaim from Australian audiences.

Of course, all of this is hindsight. For Duanmu Ci now, besides letting him savor the charm of ancient times, this performance also had another benefit: it successfully bought him another day, postponing the formal negotiations. And that, most importantly...

Duanmu Ci's true intention was to prevent Joseph and his group from having time for formal negotiations; this was his most important objective...

...

...

P: Speaking of which, I specifically listened to Mr. Mei Lanfang's singing in order to write this scene, and it's actually not easy to write...

Congratulations to reader [vr] for becoming the helmsman of this book!

Hooray!

Thank you to the readers [vr], [Yesterday's Dream], [Black Hair Like Ink], [Sikou Jie], [Flowing Water Whispers], [Star H], [Xiao Ni Yi], [Slaying the Sky], [k々_If We Rely On], and [Heart Follows the Clouds] for their generous donations!

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