Jiang Shuwan gave Li Chengyun a thumbs-up with a fake smile, then lifted the curtain to look outside.
As winter faded and spring arrived, the further down the mountain the carriage went, the greener the treetops became. Upon entering the capital, many people shed their old clothes, and the number of shops along the streets increased. There were also people carrying water and selling firewood, making the whole market very lively.
"Your Highness, we've arrived at the opera house."
The carriage stopped at the two-story opera house in the East Market. Jiang Shuwan nodded to the coachman and then glanced back at Li Chengyun inside.
"Hurry up, don't let anyone see us."
"Together."
"What are you doing—"
Jiang Shuwan was shocked. She thought that after dropping Li Chengyun off at the theater, they would go their separate ways. However, the first thing Li Chengyun did after jumping off the carriage was to pull her inside.
She couldn't pull or tug at him on the street, because that would attract unwanted attention and she would be the one who suffered.
Especially during the imperial examinations in spring.
Helpless, Jiang Shuwan could only let him drag her into the theater.
The first floor of the theater was packed with people. The performance of Farewell My Concubine on stage was in full swing, and the audience was too busy cheering to notice them. That's when they were allowed to go up to a private room on the second floor.
The first thing that catches the eye is a beautiful peony painting, its blossoms symbolizing wealth and prosperity, and its vibrant colors dazzling the eye.
The interior of the private room is decorated primarily in red, with gold accents, creating an exceptionally luxurious and opulent atmosphere.
This fits the stereotypical image that Li Chengyun has always given people.
The room was neatly arranged with tables and chairs. In addition to the seats, there were two soft couches with several small soft pillows on them. The embroidery and the quality of the cushions were excellent.
The fruits and pastries on the table were all of exquisite quality, and wisps of smoke were still burning in the incense burner, which could be identified as high-end goods. The window was directly facing the stage, and the surrounding private rooms were empty. The entire second floor had been reserved by Li Chengyun.
Finding tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, Li Chengyun knew how to enjoy life even better than she did.
Jiang Shuwan looked around, a pang of jealousy welling up inside her.
Although she owns many businesses, she is also very busy with affairs, and she is not as free as Li Chengyun. Thinking about it this way, she really feels like she is losing out.
Seeing that it was still early, he didn't think about leaving and found a soft couch to sit on and rest.
Although the carriage, which was of the county princess standard, was nice, my buttocks ached from the bumpy ride. I'll have to get a spring made for it tomorrow.
As she pondered, she reached for a cup of tea on the low table and drank it. The temperature was just right. The snacks on the table were her three favorites. A maid came in and asked if she wanted a foot massage.
...
Listening to opera, getting a massage, and eating snacks at the same time—is there really such a treat in the world?
Jiang Shuwan looked at Li Chengyun in surprise. He had just taken off his cloak with the help of a maid and was washing his hands. When he saw Jiang Shuwan looking over, he hummed and said, "Don't worry, we're all on the same side."
"..."
Since you've let people in, of course I believe they're one of yours.
I just think it's a waste of your talent that you don't go into public relations.
"Thank you, I won't massage your feet, but could you please massage my shoulders instead?"
Jiang Shuwan spoke to the massage girl, then looked at Qingxing. When the girl came in, she was very wary of Li Chengyun, but once she entered the private room, her attention was immediately drawn to the stage. Before Jiang Shuwan could even sit down, Qingxing was already sitting on a small stool watching the play.
He had a large pear dangling from his mouth, his eyes fixed intently on the actor on the stage.
Every time the other person sang or recited, she would gesture with her little hands, and her eyes would become even rounder; she was very immersed in the role.
Even if Li Chengyun were to sell himself now, Qingxing probably wouldn't find out.
Shaking her head helplessly, Jiang Shuwan shifted to a more comfortable position.
She moved the teacup next to Qingxing a little, afraid that Qingxing might accidentally knock it over and burn herself while dancing around.
She continued with her massage, unaware that Li Chengyun's gaze had swept over her several times. The young masseuse's eyes trembled, as if she had heard something unbelievable.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Lowering her head, the massage girl obediently stood behind Jiang Shuwan and massaged her shoulders.
As soon as she started, Jiang Shuwan realized that the other person had a very good grasp of the acupoints, which was much more comfortable than when Qingxing massaged her. However, Qingxing couldn't know this.
The massage girl was very skilled, and Jiang Shuwan was so comfortable that she almost fell asleep when Li Chengyun, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.
"Not as good as me."
"..."
After a moment of stunned silence, Jiang Shuwan realized that he was referring to the female lead on stage. Judging from the costume, she was quite pretty and had a good figure, but she was indeed not as beautiful as Li Chengyun, who was stunningly beautiful.
As for the singing style...
"I don't know, I don't understand," Jiang Shuwan said casually, while picking up a handful of melon seeds from the table and cracking them open.
"What a waste of resources."
As if to conceal her answer, Li Chengyun snorted coldly, then remained silent, but his expression clearly showed his disdain for someone like her who lacked artistic talent.
Jiang Shuwan was speechless, thinking to herself, "Is this person crazy? You dragged me here, and I didn't look down on you, but you're looking down on me..."
Jiang Shuwan gave Li Chengyun a disgruntled look, too lazy to pay him any attention. The masseuse behind her finished her massage, and she instinctively reached for a tip.
When she touched her purse, she realized that she had left her money pouch on the carriage. She guessed that Li Chengyun had accidentally dropped it when he pulled her. Since she had no money on her, she reached out to ask Li Chengyun for it.
Li Chengyun was very generous and tossed her a bag of gold leaves.
"Remember to pay me back."
"..."
Jiang Shuwan retracted her statement that he was very generous, gave the maid a tip, and then threw the purse back to Li Chengyun.
On the stage, the female lead was still singing sweetly, her voice as clear and melodious as a nightingale singing in a valley.
Jiang Shuwan listened intently for several lines, but couldn't discern any difference between her singing and Li Chengyun's. In the end, she gave up and focused on eating sunflower seeds.
It was this act of eating sunflower seeds that made Jiang Shuwan discover that Li Chengyun had a problem.
This person is a germaphobe.
While eating sunflower seeds, the shells inevitably fly everywhere. Jiang Shuwan instinctively reached out to pick them up, when she suddenly noticed Li Chengyun looking over.
She paused in picking up the sunflower seed shells, then picked up her teacup instead. After finishing her tea, she deliberately swept her hand across the ground, spilling half a plate of sunflower seed shells. Li Chengyun's pupils widened noticeably as if in shock, but the next second, he turned back as if nothing had happened.
You little brat, just wait and see how I deal with you!
"Your Highness, it's already this late, when are you planning to let me go back?"
Jiang Shuwan sat down with a smile, and while talking, she slapped Li Chengyun on the shoulder.
Staring at the remaining claw skin on her right hand, Li Chengyun's eyes were practically spitting fire with disgust.
"Please sit over there. Men and women should keep to themselves." He said, while hurriedly patting his shoulder clean.
"We're all family, there's no need for so many taboos."
Jiang Shuwan smiled and tried to put her arm around him.
Li Chengyun, who is always thick-skinned, stood up abruptly and jumped three steps away, making Jiang Shuwan laugh so hard that her eyes disappeared.
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