Xin He seemed indifferent to the girls’ selection, allowing them the freedom to decide their own roles.
"Very well, prepare your most skillful talent for the Oiran competition next month," Xin He said lightly, showing no signs of dissatisfaction.
Qiaoqiao huffed slightly, raising her head in a somewhat proud manner before turning to leave.
Meanwhile, Ru Lu appeared hesitant, remaining in place.
Xin He turned to her and asked, "What do you think?"
Playing with the handkerchief in her hands, Ru Lu finally ventured, "The young master mentioned earlier that the dance Hua Rao will perform is sure to become famous overnight?"
Xin He laughed lightly and responded, "At least that’s how I see it, and I have quite a bit of confidence in that. But ultimately, the choice is yours. If you can’t bear the thought of playing a supporting role, you could follow Qiaoqiao’s decision and prepare your own program."
After biting her lip and pondering for a long while, Ru Lu made up her mind, "I will be a backup dancer."
Xin He raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Oh?"
Although she hadn’t expected either of them to accept the roles, she was particularly surprised by Ru Lu’s decision, considering her status as the top performer. After all, it’s not easy for someone to readily lower their own standing.
Qiaoqiao’s decision was as she predicted, but she didn’t expect that Ru Lu would be willing to play a supporting role.
Noticing Xin He’s surprise, Ru Lu looked down, appearing somewhat embarrassed, "After all, the talent that I was to prepare doesn’t stand out."
This venue had hosted the Oiran competition previously, and while there usually weren’t many guests, there were even fewer who were dazzled by her talents.
She understood her abilities well; if not for her attractive face, she wouldn’t have been able to reach her current position. So, when Xin He offered her the chance to play a supporting role for Hua Rao, possibly providing her an opportunity for recognition, she was ready to take the gamble.
Xin He smiled and responded, "Don’t belittle yourself. Being naturally beautiful has already made many envy you."
Ru Lu bowed in gratitude, "Thank you for your praise, madam."
"Very well, if that’s the case, then go and assist Hua Rao. Once I’ve chosen the other backup dancers, I will train all of you together," Xin He said.
"Yes."
After Ru Lu left, Xin He ordered, "Call Qing Lei in."
Feeling a bit hoarse, her voice was noticeably unnatural. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
Seeing this, Shulan quickly brought over a cup of tea, "Madam, please rest. You’ve been busy all day."
Xin He took a sip of tea but shook her head, "Where’s the time to rest? One month is not a long time, there’s still a lot to do."
Qing Lei stepped in, her face showing signs of anxiety as she timidly looked at Xin He, "Greetings, madam."
Xin He laughed kindly, "What are you afraid of? I can’t possibly eat you. Come over here."
Moving a few steps closer, Qing Lei asked, "What would you like to order, madam?"
"I’ve heard you have a lovely singing voice that’s very popular in this establishment," Xin He said.
Qing Lei bowed gracefully, "Singing is all Qing Lei knows to do."
Xin He continued, "Your voice is well-suited for classical music. I have a new song for you, it’s somewhat classical, but also somewhat not. Compared to other classical songs, it’s more modern. If you can perform it well, it will definitely stand out."
Considering Qing Lei’s classic beauty, slender waist, and outstanding figure, Xin He didn’t want to add too much modern flair to her routine. But in the spirit of innovation, she gave her a more modern song.
"Old Beauty?" Qing Lei looked at the name on the song sheet Xin He handed her, mumbling, "I’ve never heard of this song."
Xin He laughed, "Of course you haven’t. Once you perform it on stage, everyone will know about it. I don’t need to teach you how to sing it. Just do it your way. The sheet music and lyrics are clear. Start practicing, okay?"
"Yes."
After Qing Lei left, Xin He finally felt like she could breathe. At least the arrangements for the top performers were settled. Everything else seemed simpler for now.
"Xiaoyu."
"Yes."
"Go check outside and ask Madam Chen to help choose from the remaining girls. We need seven who can dance and are reasonably attractive. They will serve as backup dancers for Huarao. Keep an eye on everything and help with the selections. My eyes are starting to blur. I doubt I can pick any good ones now," Xin He instructed, rubbing her temples.
"Yes," Xiaoyu bowed and then departed.
Xin He held her teacup but didn’t drink, her eyebrows furrowing as she seemed deep in thought.
Seeing Xin He’s tea cooling, Shulan couldn’t help but ask, "What are you thinking about, madam?"
Xin He drew a deep breath, "No matter how much I think, I’m still one person short."
Shulan expressed her bewilderment, "One short? You mean our establishment still lacks a type of beauty?"
Xin He nodded, "We seem to have all types of beauties, but after repeated consideration, we’re still one short. Regrettably, all the best girls in the establishment are already assigned roles. Now that we lack people, I don’t know where to find more."
Offering a suggestion, Shulan said, "Miss Qiaoqiao doesn’t have a program right? Maybe she can fill in for now."
Xin He shook her head, "This Oiran competition is meant to be a sensation. No detail can be compromised. She’s not suitable and she can’t carry the event."
Qiaoqiao was undoubtedly beautiful, but her beauty lacked uniqueness. If you considered classical beauty, her boudoir style far eclipsed her classical charm, nowhere near Qing Lei’s level. As for being enchanting, she seemed somewhat contrived and was far from Hua Rao’s natural appeal. As for the rest, the less said, the better.
What Xin He now lacked was one pursuing the ’cuteness’ path. Simply put, she was looking for someone who was extremely cute!
As for Qiaoqiao’s aloof personality...
Xin He shook her head. Such a persona would completely ruin the idea she had in mind.
"So, what do you plan to do, madam?"
"Let’s wait and see. I need to think. Maybe Xiaoyu will choose someone suitable from the backup dancers."
Noting the day was turning to evening, Shulan suggested, "Let’s stop here for today. We should head back or the master will start questioning us. Before he left, he instructed that you must return home before dark."
Feeling exhausted, Xin He agreed, "Let’s go back."
When she returned home, she found Marquis Mu Houchu already waiting for her. Seeing her weary face, he couldn’t help but feel concerned, "Why are you rushing so much? What will you do if you overwork yourself?"
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