Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming exchanged some silver and bought some food and hurried back home.
After arriving home, they distributed fifty taels to each family and instructed the children on what to do.
On the morning of the next day, after meeting with Han Yongsheng, the group drove carriages towards Lin County.
Since the Grand Theater was about to open, Xiaoxiao decided to visit Yongan Fish Pond after the opening of the Grand Theater, so they parted ways with Han Yongsheng after reaching Lin County.
This time, they chose not to stay at Chu Lian’s residence but decided to stay at the Grand Theater instead.
As they entered the Grand Theater, the gatekeeper greeted them, "Boss, madam boss, you’re back."
"Yes, has everyone rested?"
"Not yet, everyone is still practicing on stage."
"...." Xiaoxiao was quite surprised. It was already late, yet everyone was still practicing so diligently.
The group walked towards the stage, and when the performers noticed Xiaoxiao and others, they promptly stopped their rehearsal and shouted in unison, "Boss, madam boss."
"Everyone has worked hard. Don’t overexert yourselves, rest properly, don’t ruin your voices." This was indeed what Xiaoxiao was worried about, as there were no microphones here, and everything depended on loud voices.
"Madam boss, don’t worry, we understand," they assured.
The manager, Tian, even added, "Madam boss, our opening is the day after tomorrow, why don’t you check out our performance now?"
"Alright, let’s see the fruits of your labor these days." Since she wanted to watch anyway, and everyone was so enthusiastic, they might as well watch it now.
Xiaoxiao and the others found a spot and sat down below the stage.
The stage was designed with curtains that had to be manually drawn by someone.
All the performances were arranged like a Spring Festival gala, although they did not have as many acts. It began with a dance by the actors — an opening dance routine. After that, a host came on stage for announcements, followed by songs, ballroom dances, sketches, comedy duos, and other performances, lasting for two hours altogether.
Everyone gave their all, as this was essentially their means for survival at the moment.
Sitting there, Yang Chun, Yang Gang, and Yang Dong were watching such a performance for the first time. They found it unbelievable, and Yang Dong was particularly excited, clapping his hands, "Brother, sister-in-law, this is so impressive."
Seeing his younger brother , Yang Ming quickly interjected, "Keep it down."
"Oh, oh," Yang Dong complied, continuing to watch intently without looking away.
Xiaoxiao herself was also taken aback; such a performance was more than enough to draw a crowd. Once everyone got used to this pattern and kept designing new acts routinely, the Grand Theater should be able to operate successfully. The most important aspect was the content of the programs — without fresh input, they would eventually be doomed.
After the whole rehearsal was over, everyone stood in unison on the stage, looking at Xiaoxiao, hoping for her feedback.
Xiaoxiao was of course generous with her praises, "Everyone performed incredibly well."
While speaking, she also gave a thumbs-up with both hands to everyone, "The performance the day after tomorrow will definitely be a success, keep it up."
Excited by her words, they all expressed special anticipation for the Grand Theater, a place where they could earn their living without selling themselves.
Just then, Manager Tian came over, announcing that dinner was ready. Xiaoxiao called everyone, "Let’s go have dinner now."