Wang Chengxian waved his hand dismissively: "I'm old, just passing by and joining in the fun."
He glanced outside the door, and the lively atmosphere of the lobby seemed to be right next to him. Only after looking around did he realize that he couldn't actually see the excitement on the stage.
He turned his head back, and Gu Yaoniang, without him asking, explained with a smile, "We've invited a storyteller to perform in the hall. Today is the first day, so there are more people than usual. Although this spot doesn't offer a great view, the sound is still quite clear. Uncle, if you're interested, you can listen."
After saying that, he turned to Bizhu and told her to go to the kitchen to prepare some tea and fruit for Wang Chengxian.
Wang Chengxian looked at Gu Yaoniang with a calm expression that revealed the affection he had for a younger generation: "You are so capable, your parents must be very happy."
Upon hearing Wang Chengxian's words, Gu Yaoniang's smile froze for a moment, despite her attempts to conceal it. She lowered her head, her voice somewhat muffled: "Father doesn't really like me doing business. Mother hasn't said anything, though."
I didn't say yes or no. I just told her to take good care of herself and not to be reckless while she was out.
Wang Chengxian didn't realize that his words seemed to have caused the young woman in front of him to feel melancholy, and a sense of guilt welled up inside him.
He hesitated for a moment, then smiled and comforted them, "You don't know, people our age all put on airs as elders. Even if we're proud of our children, we won't say it out loud or let them know. You're a good child, and your parents will definitely be proud of you."
Gu Yaoniang nodded and replied, "Yes."
The middle-aged man before her had a kind face, spoke gently, and was very considerate and approachable. With such a father, Gu Yaoniang understood where Wang Zhilan's gentle and kind nature came from.
-
Outside the Golden Jade Pavilion, many people, unable to find enough space, could only peer out from the entrance, straining their ears to listen to what was happening inside.
Although it's not very real, it's better than nothing.
After some time, many of the people at the entrance had dispersed and gone to do their own things.
The man, who had been somewhat displeased at not being able to go inside to listen to the storytelling, had already left, but now that the crowd had dispersed, he returned. He remained at the door, gazing inside with lingering reluctance.
Although it was hard to hear clearly, it was very lively.
His gaze fell on the shop assistant standing at the door, who was responsible for stopping people from rushing in, and he couldn't help but glare at the young assistant again.
The young waiter was quite helpless and could only smile ingratiatingly at him.
He turned his head away from the waiter and continued to listen attentively to the storyteller's voice in the Golden Jade Pavilion, which was sometimes loud and sometimes low.
Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind and placed on his shoulder, startling him.
He hurriedly turned around and saw that the person's face was covered by a bamboo hat, and although the color of his clothes was not bright, it was clear that they were of excellent quality.
He silently assessed the newcomer's identity and decided that he couldn't afford to offend him, so he swallowed back the curse that was already on the tip of his tongue.
The newcomer's voice was deep: "Would you like to come in and listen to the storytelling?"
He looked at the newcomer, his disdain barely concealed despite his attempt to hide it: "Who are you? Do you think you can take me in?"
The man did not answer, but turned around and walked into the dark alley next to Jin Yu Lou.
The man was baffled and didn't follow. Instead, he muttered a curse under his breath: "Crazy."
Unexpectedly, the person seemed to have heard him, turned around, and in what appeared to be an instant, was right in front of him. Without a word, they grabbed him and dragged him into the alley.
He felt a sense of foreboding and wanted to shout, but his voice was dry and he couldn't make a sound. He could only watch helplessly as the man in the straw hat easily "helped" him into the dark alley.
-
"Smack!"
The gavel struck the octagonal table, producing a crisp sound that startled the guests who were engrossed in the story, eliciting cheers from them.
Amidst the commotion, Mr. Li casually bowed to the guests and then retreated to the back of the hall.
As everyone was still savoring the moment, a woman let out a soft "Eh," her voice slightly nasal, adding a touch of allure to her tone: "Sir, you still haven't told me what happened to Eighteenth Sister!"
"Yes, yes! What happened to Wang Sheng afterward? Did he become the top scholar in the imperial examination?"
A male voice then asked.
The guests in the hall were clearly intrigued and were eagerly awaiting what fate awaited the two young men Mr. Li had mentioned.
Mr. Li clicked his tongue lightly, smiled, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I have finished telling today's story."
The people inside the building let out drawn-out sighs of discontent.
Mr. Li clasped his hands in greeting and raised his voice: "Ladies and gentlemen! Don't bite off more than you can chew! If you still wish to hear more, tomorrow, around 1-3 PM, I will still be here, and I cordially welcome you all!"
A voice, brimming with anticipation, asked loudly, "Will you be lecturing at Jinyulou from now on, sir?"
Mr. Li nodded with a smile: "That's how it is right now."
Having received Mr. Li's confirmation, everyone reluctantly watched him descend from the platform.
Some people lingered in the lobby as they left Jin Yu Lou, secretly savoring the poignant story they had heard and the tea and snacks they had eaten that day.
Many others, adopting a "since we're already here" attitude, decided to stay at Jin Yu Lou since it was almost dinnertime, and had dinner before leaving.
-
Mr. Li retreated to the back hall and went to the resting room that Gu Yaoniang had specially prepared for him.
He opened the door and saw the young girl Tingting sitting on one side of the desk, smiling at him.
Seeing him enter, Gu Yaoniang smiled and said, "Sir, you are a man of great talent. The seats are full today."
If Bitao were here, she might roll her eyes.
This Mr. Li is the same eloquent peddler who used to sell "May wealth flow in" ingot-shaped river lanterns at high prices on Mid-Autumn Festival nights.
Jin Yu Lou's business was doing very well, but it seemed that there was no further profit to be made.
Starting with food, Gu Yaoniang felt she had reached her limit in Shuojing City. So she decided to try another approach to boost Jin Yu Lou's business.
On Le Bao Street, I saw the same eloquent peddler from before, who was now peddling his storybooks with great flair.
Gu Yaoniang suddenly had a brilliant idea, so she invited the peddler over, gave him a little makeover, and he became Mr. Li.
Bitao was quite dissatisfied with this Mr. Li, thinking him to be glib and never telling the truth. The two would almost always argue every time they met.
Mr. Li bowed to Gu Yaoniang and said, "Master."
How are you feeling today?
Gu Yaoniang asked.
She secretly praised herself in her heart—how wonderful! Today is Mr. Li's first day telling stories at Jinyulou, and she has shown him kindness; she is truly beautiful inside and out.
Mr. Li looked hesitant, as if he wanted to speak but was too embarrassed to do so, which made Gu Yaoniang chuckle.
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