On this day in Shuojing City, Lebao Street was bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of gongs and drums.
The streets, already bustling with people, were now even more crowded. The crowd surged in one direction.
People jostled together, while those unaware of the situation stood outside the crowd, asking curiously, "What's all this commotion about?"
A loud, enthusiastic male voice immediately replied from the crowd, "Jin Yulou, you know it, right?"
The person who asked the question nodded.
Jin Yu Lou, now the number one restaurant in Shuojing, offers delicious and ingenious dishes, with new dishes appearing every month. Who doesn't know it?
The male voice immediately boomed and continued, "You know those popular storybooks in the capital a few days ago, right?"
The person who asked the question chuckled and said, "I'm illiterate and have never read any storybooks, but I have read quite a few of the illustrated versions of 'Springtime Weariness'."
A burst of laughter erupted from the surrounding crowd, mixed with whispers of "shameless," making Le Bao Street even more lively.
A booming male voice spat at him, "What nonsense are you spouting!"
Then, in a mysterious tone, he said, "Jin Yu Lou has invited a storyteller today to tell popular stories from Shuojing City! The owner of Jin Yu Lou said that today is the first day, so everyone is welcome to listen! No tips are required! Jin Yu Lou has also specially prepared tea and fruit for those who come to listen, also free of charge!"
He glanced at the man who had spoken earlier and said, "Someone as illiterate as you doesn't need to look at those picture books every day!"
He emphasized the word "picture album," which drew another burst of laughter from those around him.
The man wasn't annoyed at all, and still chuckled nonchalantly, "Then I'd better go and join in the fun!"
It's free... Anyone who doesn't go is a fool.
A man wearing a straw hat was hiding in the crowd and walking in one direction.
Gu Yaoniang sat in her usual spot on the second floor of Jinyu Tower, watching the commotion below. She waved her round fan, creating a fragrant breeze.
With a smile on her lips, she casually remarked to Bizhu, "These two Xu brothers are becoming more and more capable these days."
Bizhu blushed slightly and replied softly, "It's all thanks to my wife's good teaching; what they said is the truth."
Seeing that her face was flushed, Gu Yaoniang didn't say anything more, but just watched the commotion with a smile.
The lobby of Jin Yu Lou is now packed with people, almost overflowing.
A young waiter stood at the shop entrance, smiling apologetically, blocking latecomers from entering: "Sir, we're so sorry. Our seating is limited, and we're truly full. We apologize to everyone! Please come back tomorrow!"
Everyone was quite unhappy about not being able to join the fun at Jin Yu Lou, but there was nothing they could do. After all, there really wasn't enough room; could they possibly force their way in?
At most, they would complain a few times and then leave.
At this moment, someone in the crowd, filled with anger, shouted at the waiter at the door: "There are no seats left in the main hall. Does that mean your Jin Yu Lou's private rooms are all full? There are clearly empty seats, but you won't let people in. You invited us to be obedient today, but you have no sincerity at all!"
Upon hearing this, the people around him exclaimed, "That's right! If there are seats available but you can't get in, isn't that a lack of sincerity?"
The young waiter was taken aback at first, then his mind raced. He was quite quick-witted; he stood motionless blocking the doorway, bowed slightly to the crowd, and explained, "There are still guests dining here today, so we can only reserve the private rooms for them. And..."
As he bowed, he deliberately avoided the person who had just spoken. Then, feigning mystery, he spoke in a voice that sounded soft but could be heard by everyone around him: "I heard it. We could hear it much better standing outside than inside the private room!"
Besides, our regular customers know that our private rooms also have a charge. Sir, how about you pay the fee for a private room, and I'll invite you to take a seat?"
Upon hearing this, those around realized that although the private room was available, it was difficult to hear clearly and required payment. They expressed their understanding and support for Jin Yulou and moved further away from the person who had spoken.
Feeling awkward, and seeing that everyone around him was keeping their distance, the man touched his nose and silently walked away.
What a joke, everyone knows that! Before even sitting down in the private room of Jin Yu Lou, the person had already paid Jin Yu Lou two taels of silver as a usage fee.
Making a fuss is fine, but spending money on it is unwise.
Inside the building, Gu Yaoniang was leisurely listening to the vivid storytelling and occasional cheers from the audience. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the table, making a rhythmic tapping sound.
Although there were many people downstairs, it was not chaotic. They only cheered when the story was going well. When the story reached a heart-wrenching moment, the storyteller would deliberately stop, and the people in the audience felt as if the things in their hearts had stopped beating.
Gu Yaoniang said to Bizhu, "Look, Bitao's abilities are truly remarkable."
Bizhu smiled slightly, picked up the teapot and poured another cup of tea for Gu Yaoniang, saying, "Her storybooks are already well-written, and now Mr. Lin's storytelling is also excellent. In the future, you will surely have abundant wealth and make a fortune every day."
Gu Yaoniang raised her hand and gently tapped her forehead with her round fan, saying coquettishly, "Fine! You're so good with words!"
Downstairs, behind the bustling crowd, a man in fine clothes walked into Jin Yu Lou, led by a shop assistant.
The man had a refined and scholarly appearance. He was somewhat surprised by the lively scene in the hall, but he didn't show it. He just raised an eyebrow slightly.
But he didn't move any further, standing at the back of the crowd, quietly listening to the storyteller's impassioned voice on the stage, seemingly very interested.
The storyteller was telling the story when he said:
"This Qing Shibalang and that Wang family scholar are a perfect match, a match made in heaven! But the old mother of the Wang family is only interested in marrying her son to a princess and looks down on this Shibalang from a humble background..."
As he spoke, he shook his head, his tone full of regret, as if lamenting that lovers could not be together in the end.
The young waiter in front, seeing that the middle-aged man hadn't followed, turned back and cautiously called out, "Sir?"
Wang Chengxian seemed to snap out of his daze, smiled kindly at the young waiter, put his hands behind his back, and said, "Let's go."
The waiter, all smiles, continued to bow and lead the way, guiding Wang Cheng upstairs to a private room near the main hall.
Upon receiving the news, Gu Yaoniang stood up from her seat, had Bizhu straighten her clothes, and walked towards the private room where Wang Chengxian was.
Wang Chengxian was not surprised to see her come in. He smiled and nodded at her, saying, "Your Jinyu Tower is becoming more and more lively these days."
Wang Chengxian was very approachable and a regular customer of Jinyulou. Gu Yaoniang respected him as the father of her friend and would always take care of him personally whenever she came. The two were quite familiar with each other.
"Uncle, why did you come so early today? You didn't even tell me beforehand. It's so crowded down here. What if I bump into you?"
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