Xiaoxiao sat at the table applying makeup to herself. In fact, she hadn’t really said much to the madam, merely mentioning that she wanted to perform a show in the hall that evening and asked her to help spread the word. She couldn’t wait for the evening to pass; she was eager to get the message out, for Yang Ming would surely be frantic with worry if she went missing.
Soon, night fell, and for Yixiang Courtyard, the real festivities were just beginning.
The madam had arranged everything, and there were special greeters at the entrance of Yixiang Courtyard.
"Gentlemen, we have a new girl who will perform in the hall later today. Those who wish to watch, please wait in the hall."
The greeter tirelessly announced this news at the door, causing the men who had come for pleasure that day to linger in the hall, eager to see just how beautiful the newcomer at Yixiang Courtyard was. Considering this was the first time Yixiang Courtyard had organized something , their interest was understandably piqued.
After waiting in the hall for a while, some people began to grow impatient.
"Madam, what’s going on? Why isn’t she coming out?"
"Exactly, all of us are waiting for her alone!"
"Who does she think she is? She’s just another girl for our amusement."
The madam hurriedly pacified these cash trees, apologizing with a smile, "Gentlemen, please be patient, she will be here shortly."
"Hmph, if she doesn’t come out soon, I’m heading over to Chunfeng Pavilion instead."
"That’s right, the girls at Chunfeng Pavilion are more energetic."
"Your Yixiang Courtyard seems to be on the brink of collapse."
The madam had a hard time coping with the comments which made her look rather displeased, yet she still kept a smiling face, "I apologize for the delay, gentlemen, she will be here any moment."
The madam couldn’t express her troubles; ever since Chunfeng Pavilion opened across the street, its business had been nearly snatched away. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken the risk of keeping the girl with the unclear background.
Suddenly, a clear and melodious voice caught everyone’s attention, silencing the previously noisy hall instantly. Everyone was drawn to this beautiful sound—was this the new girl from Yixiang Courtyard?
The sound emanated from the second floor; everyone simultaneously looked up to see a girl standing at the stair railing. From the back, she evoked Pianpian, which made one wonder just how stunningly beautiful she would be from the front.
The girl finally turned around, revealing that her face was veiled, showing only a pair of lively eyes. This only increased everyone’s interest in her, wondering what kind of distinguished beauty lay beneath the veil.
As Xiaoxiao turned her head, she saw the state of the hall and was stunned. Why were there so few people? Weren’t the nights at the brothel supposed to be lively?
This kind of ’lively’ was ridiculously cold; with so few people, how was she supposed to pass the message on?
No wonder the madam had agreed; it turns out this was a brothel on the verge of bankruptcy, desperately in need of a savior!
Despite the meager number of people, she couldn’t give up the chance to spread the message. She had a few days left; she refused to believe that there would be so few people after tonight’s performance.
So she continued to sing:
Every single time, standing strong amidst the loneliness of wandering
Every time, even if I’m heavily hurt, I don’t let the tears shine
I know I always have a pair of invisible wings
Taking me flying, flying past despair
As they listened to the touching melody and gazed upon the mysterious face, the men below couldn’t tear their eyes away. By the end of the song, the hall remained completely silent. Seeing their reactions, Xiaoxiao knew she had chosen the right song, as not every song sounds moving without accompanying music.