The waiter behind them quickly brought out a huge wooden board with the words "All food and performances are free, but drinks must be paid for" written on it in enormous characters.
Everything is clearly stated.
The group of girls, singing and dancing, approached Xu Yuehuai. The girl at the head of the group didn't rush in but bowed, and Xu Yuehuai returned the bow.
Behind them, several women flirted and posed provocatively, deliberately displaying their alluring charm for everyone to see.
A group of men stared wide-eyed.
From the crowd, a fierce-looking woman roared, "You damned bastard, have you never seen a beautiful woman before? Go, go, go inside and take a look."
The henpecked son was reprimanded and quickly pulled out of the crowd by the tigress.
Xu Yuehuai glanced at the dazzlingly dressed girl across from him, smiled, and pointed inside, "Miss Bai, everything is ready. Thank you for your hard work tonight."
"Everyone gets what they need and is happy with it. What's the hardship or not? We're all just doing this for a living."
The one referred to as "Miss Bai" was a maid named Bai Ruiji from the Imperial Capital's Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution).
This woman was incredibly beautiful, and her dancing was absolutely exquisite. However, three years ago, she was framed and her house was burned to the ground. A horrific burn scar appeared on her right cheek. After that, Bai Ruiji went from being a hot star to a pitiful person who was ignored by everyone.
Men in the capital city have a fondness for beautiful women.
Although Bai Ruiji has regrouped, all her former admirers have now disappeared, which means Xu Yuehuai has given her another chance to take the stage.
Bai Ruiji has endured much scorn and prepared for this day, which is the only time she can perform on stage.
"Give it your all, let's cooperate tonight for a win-win situation, and make a fortune!"
"Yes, I will definitely use my ultimate move today."
On the second floor opposite, Li Feng stared in disbelief.
He rubbed his eyes, then rubbed them again, and asked the waiter next to him in surprise, "Really? I didn't see that wrong, did I? The food is free, and even the show is free?"
"Shopkeeper, you read that right. Everything is free. Most importantly, all our customers have gone over there."
Li Feng gripped his sleeves, furious: "Outrageous! Xu Yuehuai and her ilk have no sense of martial ethics!"
At this moment, Li Feng overlooked their methods.
His sharp, hawk-like eyes were fixed on the opposite side. The customers downstairs quickly paid their bills and went to the other side one after another. So, who would pay for anything if there was a free dinner?
Xu Yuehuai's group quickly became packed.
Twelve girls of varying shapes and sizes began to sing and dance lightly to the sound of lively music.
The music drifted out, and a large group of men and women in colorful clothes hurried in. When they came in, they saw that the women were performing gracefully on stage, displaying their lithe figures.
The stage was surrounded by tables and chairs on all eight sides to the west, but the VIP seats were fenced off, making it impossible to see the song and dance performance from such a distance.
The crowd stood at a distance, some of them scratching their heads anxiously.
"I want to go inside and take a look," the man said with a lecherous grin.
"Would you like to go inside?" Third Sister smiled sweetly. "The food is free, the tea is free, and the viewing is free, but you'll need to pay for a table of osmanthus wine. I wonder if you'd be willing to go inside..."
Third Sister hadn't finished explaining the rules yet.
The man was eager to get closer. "Enough talk, two taels of silver, I'll book two tables."
Zhou Wan signaled to the waiter to let them pass.
This nouveau riche had already secured a favorable position, sitting in the audience, interacting with the graceful woman on stage while eating. The dishes were a good mix of meat and vegetables.
Xu Yuehuai had already calculated that everything today seemed like a sure loss, but that might not be the case.
When the crowd saw that they only needed one or two taels of silver to go inside and watch the song and dance performance, they hurriedly paid the bill.
Looking at the overcrowded scene, Third Sister sighed, "This place is so big and it's not enough, heavens."
"This is nothing," Xu Yuehuai smiled with satisfaction and patted San Niang on the shoulder. "In the future, I also plan to do a chain project. In other words, our stores will flourish in many different ways."
"Damn, this is great."
The shop was already packed, but people were still coming in one after another.
Xu Yuehuai had the waiter deliver the complimentary cassia seed tea and flower tea to the guests, and even thoughtfully prepared small stools for everyone.
The girl on stage danced gracefully, captivating the hearts of the men, young and old, in the audience.
Everyone was overjoyed.
During the intermission, Xu Yuehuai gracefully stepped onto the stage, surveyed the thousands of spectators below, and said, "Tonight, we have other projects. I brought Osmanthus Wine from Xichuan, San Niang brought Shaodaozi from Mobei, and there is also Fenjiu from Yulin, Shaanxi, Xifeng from Chang'an, as well as Choujiu and Xiecun Yellow Wine, etc. You are welcome to sample them."
"In addition, we have a playlist here, and you can request songs and dances."
After she finished speaking, Third Sister presented everyone with a beautifully designed song list.
There are some on every table.
Following that, Zhou Wan brought over samples of various fine wines and liquors.
"This store does not force you to make purchases," these words were prepared by Xu Yuehuai in advance. "Everyone who can come here is wealthy and generous. Whether you buy or not is your own choice. However, these exquisitely packaged nectars are of good quality and inexpensive, making them an excellent choice for visiting relatives and friends."
At this point, a scholar dressed in pristine white at the next table began to savor the moment.
"This music should only exist in heaven, how often can it be heard on earth? With delicacies and fine food, this is a paradise of gentle pleasures. Thank you for buying this 15-year-old Xifeng wine and osmanthus wine."
Three taels of silver.
Third Sister approached and took the silver with a smile.
"What?" a rough-looking man next to him cursed. "You think I, a butcher, am broke? My family is rolling in money, much richer than you nouveau riche. Girl, come here, buy me one of each. Here's ten taels of silver, keep the change."
Zhou Wan smiled and said, "Thank you, sir."
The packaged drinks were delivered quickly.
The packaging, made of rosewood and adorned with exquisite and beautiful carvings, is so appealing that it's hard to put down. As people look at it, they become restless and agitated.
"Who do you think you are?" A spoiled brat stood up. "Prepare one of each of them for me."
"Yes, yes."
Zhou Wan gestured to the little girl to hurry up and prepare.
Following that, everyone paid their bill one after another, creating an unprecedented scene.
Someone requested a song and dance performance, and Bai Ruiji led everyone onto the stage, singing and dancing wildly while throwing flirtatious glances. Who could resist that?
Occasionally, he would even go down from the stage to pour drinks for these men, and everyone willingly paid the bill.
By dawn, everything was finally over. To ensure the safety of Bai Ruiji and the other geishas, Xu Yuehuai told them to rest at the inn.
Bai Ruiji removed her mask, her eyes filled with pain and sorrow, torn by an indescribable emotion. After a long while, Bai Ruiji finally calmed down. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to perform on stage again."
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