Du Juanjuan carried herself with an air of arrogance, saying, "Having a clean face and treating people with courtesy means presenting oneself in a tidy and clean manner when meeting others is a form of politeness. Moreover, applying makeup for important occasions is a sign of respect for the event and its organizers. This is a lesson we from distinguished families must learn. It’s certainly not beyond the abilities of my cousin. As a remarkable dancer, she not only possesses profound dance skills but must also master the basic makeup skills, an area in which she excels. You see, she has only applied light makeup, yet it matches her role so beautifully, doesn’t it look stunning? Oh, and those supporting actresses beside her, she also helped with their makeup. My cousin always thinks of everyone, never hoarding good things just for herself..."
The surrounding military spouses listened to her boast as if it were some arcane scripture, and by the end, all they really remembered was that Wen Qing had done the makeup for herself and the other actors.
Among the admiring sighs from the other military spouses, Du Juanjuan proudly lifted her chin.
Then, her gaze shifted unintentionally to Yang PeiMin. "I’ve heard that Mr. Yang is also skilled at makeup. However, due to her background, her vision and skills might not be as solid. But she’s smart and knows to ask my cousin for advice. My cousin is selfless, benevolent and always willing to help. Consequently, she even visited Mr. Yang’s house once. Later, I’m not sure how but it got around that my cousin let her help with the makeup. I felt that wasn’t right, but my cousin advised me not to worry about such trifles. It was only a few words after all. If it really came down to it, it wasn’t incorrect; she was indeed instructing Mr. Yang in applying makeup on her own face at that time."
Those who were initially engrossed in the performance on stage now couldn’t help but turn their attention back to Du Juanjuan upon hearing her words.
Sitting in front of Du Juanjuan, Yang PeiMin of course heard everything crystal clear, especially since Du Juanjuan had raised her voice intentionally for her to hear.
Yang PeiMin suddenly felt like laughing. She turned around, a half smile playing on her lips as she looked at Du Juanjuan, "Mr. Du, did your cousin Wen Qing not tell you that today’s makeup for the entire troupe was done by me, including Wen Qing’s."
Du Juanjuan opened her mouth to retaliate, but seeing the confidence on Yang PeiMin’s face, uncertainty began to pound in her heart. She knew her cousin’s abilities... With that thought, her face gradually flushed red, cold sweat forming on her forehead. Looking around at the expressions of the people nearby, she felt as if everyone was mocking her. She wished she could disappear into a hole in the ground. She glared at Yang PeiMin with hatred and eyes rimmed red, blaming her! This sharp-tongued country woman!
After saying that, Yang PeiMin offered another slight smile and added, "If Mr. Du doesn’t believe it, you can go backstage later and ask around to find out."
Du Juanjuan’s breathing hitched again, her eyes almost spitting fire as she felt the urgent need to say something to recover from her humiliation. Gasping for breath, she blurted out uncontrollably, "You, you- this is all because my cousin taught you. What credit are you claiming?"
At this point, Yang PeiMin fell silent, shaking her head with a smile that conveyed helplessness. She apologized to the people beside her and then turned away, no longer wishing to engage with Du Juanjuan’s unreasonable tantrum.
This only infuriated Du Juanjuan further.
Such silent dismissal was like an explosion to her. She nearly burst with rage as the expressions of onlookers went from incredulous to scornful.
After all, everyone knew without having to think about it. Yang PeiMin had no reason to lie. The truth of the matter would be clear with a little inquiry. If Wen Qing was skilled at makeup, why go to the trouble of inviting Yang PeiMin from afar? Wouldn’t it be better to handle the matter within the troupe for such an important performance? It was unreasonable to rely on Yang PeiMin, whom Du Juanjuan had just mentioned was newly learning, over a skilled and professional like Wen Qing.
Du Juanjuan had never felt so embarrassed. The nearly palpable glances from those around made sitting there unbearable for her. Thus, unable to finish watching her cousin’s performance, she grabbed Shao Hui to leave.
Shao Hui had been watching coldly the whole time. His face now darkened, and with a stern voice, he said, "If you want to leave, go by yourself. Haven’t we been embarrassed enough?"
And with that, Du Juanjuan covered her face and fled.
Meanwhile, Yang PeiMin paid no attention to the commotion behind her, keeping to herself unless provoked.
The program was short, consisting of only eight acts. Once they concluded, everyone was left with a sense of longing for more. The atmosphere was just right, so a leader spontaneously suggested that any soldiers who wanted to perform could also take the stage for fun.
At this, the crowd was highly enthusiastic, positively jumping at the chance to volunteer.
It was chaotic, nearly everyone was scrambling to go up. Then that leader spoke again, deciding that people would go up in turns based on their seating order, in batches.
Yang Peimin also looked at Shen Yiguang, "Do you want to go up?" She was actually quite looking forward to seeing him sing. Now, because their seats were closer to the front, it would soon be their turn.
Shen Yiguang raised his eyebrow and looked at her, his voice rich and deep, "So, do you want me to go up?"
Yang Peimin nodded her head repeatedly.
Shen Yiguang smiled and gently patted her head.
Then, while it was originally for solo performances, after a group had gone up, perhaps it was because the soldiers’ powerful and resonant voices were infectious, and they sang with passionate vigor military songs that eventually everyone, including the audience, started singing along, turning it into a grand chorus of the entire hall and army.
The robust voices of the soldiers almost seemed like they could lift off the roof.
Shen Yiguang’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Yang Peimin, he too started to belt out the songs.
His gaze was deeply affectionate and spirited.
It had an irresistibly enthralling force.
Yang Peimin’s heart pounded like a startled deer, as if her chest was also brimming full.
She felt she would never forget this scene in her lifetime.
Even though she couldn’t sing.
This massive chorus lasted for nearly an hour, and some were screaming so intensely that their voices had gone hoarse.
Considering that there would be work tomorrow, the leaders felt it was about time and called an end to it, asking everyone to leave the hall in an orderly fashion.
Shen Yiguang saw the crowd was thick and tightly grabbed Yang Peimin’s hand, explaining to anyone who glanced their way that she was feeling a bit dizzy, afraid of her getting pushed over. In the end, he was praised among those dubbed as good husbands.
Yang Peimin curved up the corners of her mouth.
Feeling a sweet sensation in her heart.
They weren’t in a hurry and waited for most people to leave before they started to head out.
It was nearly ten o’clock at night, as they stepped out of the hall’s main doors, the outside was completely dark, with a hazy moon hanging in the sky, a cool breeze brushing by, and the sound of insects chirping. Further away were the excited, chirping voices of people, and she walked shoulder to shoulder with Shen Yiguang on the road home, both quietly aware of each other’s feelings, flowing silently between them. At this moment, Yang Peimin felt it was especially romantic.