On the bustling makeshift stage in the backyard of Jinyun Bookstore, the audience was immersed in the joyful atmosphere brought by Jiang Yan's brilliant performance, and the laughter was like a tide, rising higher and higher. Just as everyone was laughing and immersed in this sea of joy, a figure suddenly leaped onto the stage like a breeze. Everyone looked closely and saw that it was Su Jinli.
Su Jinli's outfit today was particularly unique. She wore an exquisite bamboo hat, the veil tied to it fluttering gently in the breeze, half-obscuring her beautiful face and adding a touch of mystery. A small abacus tucked into her waist, its beads gleaming in the sunlight with an ancient sheen, as if telling an untold story. Her attire perfectly matched the enigmatic "Mysterious Accountant" of storytellers.
"Do you know why the story of the oil seller is so moving?" Su Jinli's voice was clear and melodious, like the sound of a mountain spring, clearly reaching everyone's ears in the bustling backyard. She slowly reached out and gently lifted her bamboo hat, revealing a face with a confident smile. Her eyes were like a beam of warm light, sweeping across the audience. She paused slightly and continued, "Because it doesn't talk about romance, but about the sincerity of ordinary people. Just like our Jinyun Bookstore, every story we collect comes from the daily life of the people in Dajing. They may be ordinary, perhaps simple, but they all contain the true meaning of life and the true feelings of the world."
Su Jinli's words, like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, sent ripples through the audience. The previously boisterous audience instantly quieted, everyone captivated by her words and lost in thought. They began to reexamine the story of the oil seller and the courtesan, feeling the ordinary yet heartfelt emotions it contained.
Su Jinli's lips curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile. She turned her head slightly, motioning Jiang Yan to come forward. Jiang Yan understood and walked to Su Jinli's side with graceful steps. The pink gauze dress on his body swayed gently as he walked, still retaining some of the charm of an oiran.
"Mr. Jiang, don't you think so?" Su Jinli raised her head slightly, looking at Jiang Yan with a hint of playfulness and expectation in her eyes.
Jiang Yan's eyes were full of affection. He suddenly stretched out his arm and put his arm around Su Jinli's waist, his movements natural and smooth. Amid the surprised shouts of the crowd, Jiang Yan raised his lips into a charming smile and said slowly: "Madam is right. But..." He leaned over slightly and took off the pearl hairpin worn by the courtesan from his head. The pearl hairpin was exquisitely made, and the gems inlaid on it sparkled with dazzling light. Jiang Yan gently pinned the pearl hairpin in Su Jinli's hair, his movements gentle and affectionate, as if completing a sacred ritual. He stared into Su Jinli's eyes and said affectionately: "In my heart, the most touching story is the day I met Madam. From that moment on, my world was filled with warmth and light."
Jiang Yan's heartfelt confession was like a dazzling display of fireworks bursting across the night sky, instantly igniting the entire venue. The audience was stunned for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause. Everyone was moved by the deep affection between the couple, and the cheers shook the beams of the stage slightly.
In the corner of the crowd, Shopkeeper Qian's face turned bittersweet. He had originally hoped to see Jinyun Bookstore make a fool of itself, but the show was so brilliant, with such a heartwarming and touching scene, that his plan was completely dashed. He was filled with regret and envy, but he could do nothing but watch as Jinyun Bookstore's fame grew amidst the crowd's praise.
At that moment, the resounding voice of storyteller Lao Li rang out again, echoing through the courtyard like a bell: "Want to hear the story of the top scholar and his wife? Tomorrow at noon, I'll be at Zuixianlou! Everyone must come and support me!" Lao Li's voice was like adding fuel to the already boiling oil pot, making the atmosphere even more heated. The audience chattered among themselves, discussing how they must go to Zuixianlou tomorrow to hear Lao Li tell the story of the top scholar and his wife.
As the performance concluded, the crowd in the backyard of Jinyun Bookstore gradually dispersed, but discussion of the performance spread like wildfire throughout the capital. From teahouses and taverns along the streets to the halls and pavilions of the mansions, people were excitedly discussing this wonderful performance. In particular, Jiang Yan's stunning appearance in cross-dressing and his romantic and affectionate interaction with Su Jinli became the focus of everyone's heated discussion.
Those who had originally just been there to watch the fun gained a whole new understanding of Jinyun Bookstore after listening to Su Jinli's explanation of the story's meaning. They began to realize that Jinyun Bookstore was not just a place to buy and sell books, but also a cultural hall that brought together all kinds of human life and passed on the true feelings of ordinary people.
As for the couple Jiang Yan and Su Jinli, people were filled with curiosity and envy. Their love story, like a beautiful legend, spread throughout every corner of the capital. Everyone was eager to learn about their journey from acquaintance to understanding and finally to love. This also led to the announcement by storyteller Lao Li that he would be telling their story at Zuixianlou, which captured the attention of the entire city.
By noon the next day, Zuixianlou was already packed. The tables and chairs were packed to the brim, and even the aisles were filled with people. Everyone had arrived early, fearing they would miss this wonderful story. Old Li stood on the stage, gazing at the expectant eyes of the audience, a sense of accomplishment welling up in his heart. He cleared his throat and began to recount the story of Jiang Yan and Su Jinli with great emotion.
From Jiang Yan and Su Jinli's first meeting, to their mutual support in difficult times, to their joint venture to run Jinyun Bookstore, Lao Li vividly portrayed every detail. The audience listened with rapt attention, sometimes heartbroken for their experiences, sometimes smiling knowingly at their sweet interactions.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
