After about three hours, the performance ended successfully.
In addition to the performers, some of the village’s most respected elders and village officials held a banquet.
The location was A-Fu Restaurant, not far from the village theater.
True to its name, the owner had the word "fortune" in his name and had been running this restaurant in the village for decades, unwaveringly.
From his prime to his twilight years.
From two people to two people.
"Pei Zhi, that performance of The Butterfly Lovers just now reminded me of the one you and Yong Wen did back in the day."
The restaurant wasn’t large, with only four tables, all of which were now fully occupied.
Such liveliness was rare in the countryside.
Owner Deng Fu came over to propose a toast.
"Old Deng, why are you serving dishes? Where’s A-Xiang, that kid?"
The Lan Family naturally sat at the same table with Zhang, the party secretary, and Ma, the college dean, among other village officials.
"He’s cooking up a storm; he’s been busy all afternoon. I’m getting on in years, so I can only do these odd jobs."
"That A-Xiang kid is good, his cooking is better than yours. At least you’ve got someone to carry on your legacy," Zhang, the party secretary, said with a smile.
"Uncle Fu, where’s Aunt Zhao?"
As she drank with Deng Fu, Lan Peizhi stood up on her own initiative.
Years ago, when she performed at the village theater, she would often eat at this restaurant with her colleagues since going home for meals was inconvenient.
Deng Fu rarely charged them; most of the time, he provided the meals for free.
"She left us last year."
Lan Peizhi’s gaze became slightly more intense.
"It was the old heart condition, her heart was weak. She had never really experienced great fortune in her lifetime, but at least she didn’t suffer much in the end."
Owner Deng Fu’s smile was serene.
Zhang and the others fell silent.
Lan Peizhi quietly sipped her drink.
Time flies, things change and people move on.
"By the way, why didn’t I see that Yong Wen lad?"
Owner Deng Fu changed the subject.
"He’s gone back," explained Dean Ma.
Deng Fu was surprised, "The village hasn’t been this lively in a long time. How could that boy be absent?"
"Brother Yong Wen has been busy harvesting shrimp lately, very busy."
The kid Martial Saint mumbled, showing some bias in favor of Shang Yongwen.
Deng Fu muttered to himself and didn’t dwell on the topic, instead turning to look over at the table with the day’s performers.
"Pei Zhi, I hear that young man is your friend?"
Lan Peizhi glanced over at the table.
It was also quite lively, as it was full of young people without many restraints. They were toasting freely, laughing and joking, and the straightforward Tian Xue was even draping her arm over Jiang Chen’s shoulder.
"He’s really talented. I’ve seen The Butterfly Lovers countless times, but the changes they made to the play today were truly exquisite."
Owner Deng Fu praised highly, having enjoyed the full performance earlier.
Lan Peizhi neither agreed nor disagreed.
"Kid, how old are you this year?"
The young performers were all very polite, and when the time seemed right, they successively offered toasts to the village elders.
Jiang Chen noticed Tian Xue’s grandmother, a kind-looking elderly woman whose gaze towards him was especially warm.
Jiang Chen nearly blurted out his real age before catching himself in time, "Twenty-eight."
"You’re twenty-eight?"
Before the grandmother could react, Tian Xue couldn’t help but express her surprise.
She had always thought he was about her age.
Jiang Chen nodded without changing his expression, as he had lied to the Lan Family and thus had to stick with his lie to the end.
"Everyone says I look younger than I am."
"Twenty-eight is not that old," mused Tian Xue’s grandmother, then she asked, "Got a girlfriend?"
At this point, Jiang Chen obviously couldn’t tell the truth and could only shake his head humbly in a junior’s demeanor.
Seeing this, Tian Xue’s grandmother smiled even more kindly, deepening the wrinkles on her face a bit more.
"You and Xiao Xue have such good chemistry, you should keep in touch. Having one more friend is always a good thing."
Tian Xue could clearly understand the old woman’s implication, instantly flushing red with embarrassment. She was calm and composed while acting, but at that moment, she felt too shy to even look at Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen, unable to respond, could only smile and stay silent.
"Don’t mind it, ha. My grandma is . Every time I come back, she pushes me to find a boyfriend," Tian Xue whispered after they moved away from the table.
Jiang Chen smiled carelessly.
"Are you really twenty-eight years old?"
Tian Xue shook her head, her eyes still fixed curiously on his face that seemed more and more... pleasant to look at.
As someone who worked in media, Tian Xue really had a knack for socializing. Even when dealing with the village’s officials, she was adept, but she became somewhat reserved when faced with Lan Peizhi, her presence noticeably diminished and her speech slightly stuttered.
"Lan-, Lan Auntie, I’m Tian Xue."
Jiang Chen watched from the side, secretly finding it interesting.
how many could remain composed in the presence of the "Blood Bodhisattva"?
Lan Peizhi spoke softly.
"Thank you for the compliment, Lan Auntie," Tian Xue said, blushing as she quickly expressed her gratitude.
After the performers offered their toasts to the village officials, Lan Peizhi said to Jiang Chen, "Don’t go after dinner."
Jiang Chen looked at her in surprise.
But Jiang Chen didn’t ask further and silently nodded in agreement.
Realizing that Lan Peizhi might have something to discuss with him, Jiang Chen controlled his drinking. His alcohol tolerance wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either, and he didn’t want to get too drunk and make a fool of himself.
"Pei Zhi, here’s the food and drink you asked for."
"Thank you, Uncle Fu."