Chapter 104 Reunion with Hongxiu
Sensing the hostility in the young man's eyes, Fang Shijie immediately introduced himself.
"My name is Fang Shijie, and I am the owner of Mulou Restaurant. Miss, you've come by for a stroll. Are you satisfied with this lantern festival?"
Jiang Ling then noticed that, without realizing it, they had walked back to the entrance of Muyun Tower.
I just heard from driver Lao Liu that this lantern festival was funded by Mulou Restaurant.
When they returned from their stroll, they unexpectedly ran into the person in question.
Jiang Ling smiled and said, "The lantern festival is very lively. Thank you for your trouble, Boss Fang."
Fang Shijie's smile remained gentle as he turned slightly and gestured an invitation: "It is fate that we meet. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and my restaurant has invited the best music troupe in the city to perform songs and dances. I imagine you are quite accomplished in music, and I would like to invite you to enjoy the performance with me. Would you do me the honor?"
Jiang Ling hesitated for a moment, and was about to speak when Fang Shijie suddenly added.
"The upstairs private rooms are quieter, perfect for a rest."
It was peak time for the crowds, and the square in front of the building was packed with people. All sorts of noises were mixed together, making her feel dizzy and her legs a little sore. She was just looking for a place to sit down and rest.
Besides, it's rare for her to come out, so it's good for her to see the world.
She looked up at the brightly lit Twilight Pavilion restaurant in front of her, thought for a moment, and then nodded: "Very well, then I'll trouble you, Young Master Fang."
"It is my honor that you would do me the honor of visiting, young lady. Please follow me." Fang Shijie's smile deepened as he stepped aside to lead the way.
Jiang Ling followed behind him, and as she walked, she couldn't help but take in the ancient restaurant, which was made entirely of wood.
This was the first time she had ever experienced real ancient architecture up close.
Although there are many well-preserved ancient buildings in modern times, most of them have been restored and are quite different from their original appearance.
She marveled to herself that in ancient times, without reinforced concrete, houses could be built so beautifully and sturdily solely based on the mechanical structure of wood and the ingenuity of craftsmen.
Xiao Ran was entering such a luxurious and grand place for the first time, and she followed closely behind Jiang Ling with a mix of nervousness and curiosity.
To be honest, he didn't really like the feeling here; he always felt some invisible pressure.
Perhaps he realized that his clothes were the same color as the other guys there.
Gradually, I developed some feelings of inferiority.
Looking up at Sister Jiang, she was so composed and graceful, as if she were born to be here.
Suddenly, I remembered what Grandpa Zhao had told him: Sister Jiang might really not be from an ordinary family...
Fang Shijie led Jiang Ling and Xiao Ran to a private room on the second floor.
The view here is excellent; push open the carved wooden window and you can see the entire stage downstairs.
The restaurant put a lot of effort into its renovation, achieving near-perfect soundproofing so that no noise from the street outside could get in.
The waiter quickly served tea and several plates of delicate pastries, then quietly withdrew.
Downstairs on the stage, dancers were gracefully moving to the music, their flowing sleeves fluttering and their figures exquisite.
Fang Shijie did not mention the strange music that happened by the river at noon today.
He sensed that Jiang Ling was unwilling to talk about the matter, and although he didn't know why, he still maintained his composure and respect.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, he casually steered the conversation elsewhere, asking in a gentle voice:
"It is truly fate that we meet you here today. Judging from your words and manners, you are not like an ordinary country girl. May I ask where you are from? I have traveled all over the country for many years and may have visited here before."
Jiang Ling picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and replied vaguely, "I have been wandering around with my family since I was a child, and I have no fixed hometown. My knowledge is limited, so please forgive me, young master."
Seeing that her answer was vague, Fang Shijie knew that she did not want to talk about it in detail. He smiled slightly and did not ask any further questions. He simply pushed the snack plate towards her and Xiao Ran.
Just then, a song downstairs ended, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Jiang Ling, fearing he would continue to press her about the phone ringtone, glanced downstairs and began to talk about the performance she had just witnessed:
"The dance troupe hired by Mulou Restaurant is indeed extraordinary; the choreography of that dance was exquisite."
"The troupe that just performed was from Yunshaofang in the city. They are especially known for their dances that incorporate elements of Western Region culture. If Miss Jiang likes it, I can introduce them to your residence for a song and dance performance."
Jiang Ling smiled slightly, about to reply, when the music started up again downstairs, and a new performer had already taken the stage.
A dancer dressed in a fiery red dress gracefully walked to the center of the stage. Her figure was slender and her movements were light. She looked somewhat familiar.
By the dim light, I could make out that it was Hongxiu!
Fang Shijie noticed her unusual expression and immediately turned his head to ask, "Oh? Miss Jiang knows this person on stage?"
Jiang Ling composed herself and smiled slightly: "I recognize you, you're an old friend."
She hadn't seen Hongxiu for a long time, and she had been thinking about going to the peony garden later, but she never expected to run into her here.
Fang Shijie was slightly surprised. "The lady below the stage is none other than the most popular courtesan under the Peony Pavilion, Miss Hongxiu. Miss Jiang actually knows her?"
This afternoon he had already sent someone to inquire about Jiang Ling and learned that she was just a shop owner of a rural general store.
I originally thought she was just a village girl with a little knowledge of music.
But in the evening, I saw the message that came back.
This general store seems to be more than it appears...
"It's a bit complicated. I've only met her a few times and we haven't had many conversations. But it felt like we hit it off immediately."
Jiang Ling gave a brief explanation, her gaze still following the red figure below the stage.
Hongxiu's dance was clearly the result of years of hard work; every gesture and movement was full of charm, and she was also very emotionally invested, indicating that she had taken her words to heart.
When the song ended, the audience erupted in applause.
With a graceful bow, she prepared to leave.
Seeing this, Fang Shijie beckoned to the waiter waiting outside the door and whispered a few instructions to him.
The waiter accepted the order and hurried downstairs.
Backstage, Hongxiu had just breathed a sigh of relief and was preparing to quickly remove her makeup, change her clothes, and go to Jishui Village to find Jiang Ling when she saw a waiter from Mulou Restaurant approaching.
"Miss Hongxiu, our master invites you upstairs to a private room for a chat."
Hongxiu immediately frowned, feeling extremely unwilling.
I finally finished my business in Beijing and rushed back for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
She had planned to go find her sister after her dance today, but it was already late, and she was afraid the shop would be closed if she arrived too late.
Before leaving, my mother repeatedly reminded me not to offend the owner of the Mulou Restaurant.
Mother rarely spoke so sternly. Having spent many years in the world of prostitution, Hongxiu keenly sensed that the owner of the Mulou Restaurant was no ordinary person.
After much deliberation, she had no choice but to suppress her displeasure and reluctantly nod.
Accompanied by her maid, Hongxiu tidied herself up a bit and, steeling herself, followed the waiter to the private room on the second floor.
Upon reaching the door of the private room, she took a deep breath, lowered her eyelids, and bowed softly:
"Hongxiu greets Boss Fang. May I ask what brings you here, Boss Fang?"
"Miss Hongxiu, there's no need for such formalities. The Hu Xuan dance you just performed was truly magnificent," Fang Shijie's gentle voice rang out.
"Mr. Fang, you flatter me. This is Hongxiu's duty."
Hongxiu then dared to raise her eyes slightly, her gaze quickly sweeping across the room.
The first thing that catches the eye is the distinguished young man in the main seat, who must be Fang Shijie, the owner of Mulou Restaurant.
However, when her gaze shifted to the side, her eyes widened in surprise!
"Sister Jiang?!"
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