To express their gratitude to Han Yongsheng and Guo Feng for their support at the event, Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming decided to invite them for a meal.
The chosen venue was Yuelai Restaurant.
Upon entering Yuelai Restaurant, they heard a vivid and colorful speech in the main hall.
Someone asked with great enthusiasm, "Hey, did you go to the morning show at Joy Grand Theater?"
The speaker’s face showed regret, "What a pity, you really should have bought tickets to see it."
"You went? Tell us about it."
Seizing the moment, the speaker adopted a tone suggesting he had done something quite impressive, "Well, then I’ll tell you about it, let me start off with some jokes I heard there..."
The narrator was so animated, Xiaoxiao felt he could have performed at the Grand Theater himself, and everyone listened with particular seriousness, becoming greatly interested in the Joy Grand Theater.
After the story, some asked, "Is it true that the girls from Yixiang Courtyard were performing?"
"Not only them, there were male actors too."
"Of course! You think I’d lie to you? The opening this morning was particularly grand, and their owner declared on the spot that Joy Grand Theater sustained itself on performances and if anyone wanted women, they should head over to Chunfeng Pavilion; they were not selling themselves at his place anymore."
The storyteller continued his lively narration about the performance at Joy Grand Theater.
Xiaoxiao felt quite pleased; this was far better than any self-promotion they could have done themselves, and the group proceeded to a private room.
"Mrs. Yang, I must say, I admire you, your Grand Theater has become so popular," said Han Yongsheng as soon as he entered the room. He was genuinely impressed. She, a girl in her teens, had so many ideas—from the ring that came from her to the likely proposal of the fish pond.
He thought such a woman was anything but simple, and speculated what the vista would be if the fish pond were to collaborate with her.
"Ha ha, it’s all just busy work, not much silver to be made," Xiaoxiao replied modestly.
"So popular and yet no silver to be earned?" Guo Feng was surprised and inquired bewilderedly.
"That’s right, the tickets are cheap and we have many people to support." Her Grand Theater had set locations and prices, and anyone could do the math and know whether she was making money or not.
Upon hearing this, Guo Feng and Han Yongsheng thought there was sense in it, but they still couldn’t understand why she would open it knowing the profits were so slim.
Guo Feng didn’t pursue the matter further, but instead sought another topic of conversation, "Why isn’t Xiangxiang here this time?"
"My sister is busy with business at home."
"Her, always busy with her little business and paying no mind to the important matter of marriage. We’re worried for her," Guo Feng complained as soon as Wang Xiangxiang came up in conversation.
"Hehe, it’ll be soon," Xiaoxiao was rather envious of Wang Xiangxiang; though she had no relatives at home, she still had so many people caring about her.
"Huh?" Guo Feng expressed his surprise and then turned to ask Han Yongsheng, "Did your proposal go through?"
"It’s not him," Yang Ming hurriedly explained, "It’s Chu Lian, the Young Master of Yuelai Restaurant. Those two are in love; it’s just a matter of them marrying."
After his initial surprise, Guo Feng commented, "So it’s that kid. Not too bad, better than no one at all, at least she’s getting married."
"Hey now, Guo Feng, is my sister really that bad? It’s as if you’re saying any man will do, as long as she’s married off."
"Haha, isn’t she always picking and choosing? In the end, she was left to choose from what remained," laughed Guo Feng.
Hearing the conversation among the three, Han Yongsheng felt somewhat indignant and spoke up, "Heh, it’s not decided who she’ll marry yet!"