Venus Dance Troupe were performance prodigies.
The story had been designed by Bai Yuejie.
The theme revolved around a pitiful princess, who, weakened by her stepmother’s schemes, eventually rose to independence and strength and married Prince Charming.
Within the story was a kind and affable old person who showed the princess great affection and tried their utmost to bring her together with the prince. In the story’s conclusion, the old person became the revered Empress Dowager, living a happy and joyful life with the princess and prince.
The show’s intention brimmed with positivity, and coupled with intense, atmospheric music, gracefully soft dance, and a richly unfolding plot, the performance had barely reached the halfway point before it had already earned a full house of applause.
Bai Yuejie, observing the reactions of those around her, felt the incipient gloom and sadness in her heart gradually dissipate.
She turned her head, seeking Shi Lingyan amid the crowd, and noticed immediately Shi Lingyan, slightly bent over, allowing Grandma Shi to lean on his shoulder in an intimate manner.
The grandson and grandmother were talking, paying no attention to the program she had specially prepared.
The warmth that just began to rise in her chest cooled once again.
What were they discussing?
Grandma Shi’s expression was triumphant, and though Shi Lingyan’s face remained as expressionless as ever, the iciness in his eyes was enough to intimidate.
Bai Yuejie quietly moved closer.
Sensing Bai Yuejie’s approach, Grandma Shi had already switched the subject.
Bai Yuejie hadn’t managed to hear anything and felt a twinge of annoyance, but she quickly found a tactful topic to broach, "Where are Grandpa Tang and Granny Tang?"
"They might have gone looking for our old man," Grandma Shi glanced at the performance onstage, "They get along better with him than with me, hmph, if it weren’t for my old friend being unwell and healing up in the United States, I would’ve really liked to bring her over here, too."
Bai Yuejie covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, "Not all elderly are as healthy and lively as you, Grandma Shi. Grandpa Shi and Brother Ling Yan take very good care of you."
Grandma Shi had always been proud of having a husband who doted on her and a grandson who spoiled and respected her.
Bai Yuejie understood Grandma Shi all too well, and as expected, Grandma Shi’s face brightened with pride and satisfaction.
Bai Yuejie continued, "What do you think of this performance?"
"It’s excellent, Yuejie really understands me the best, knows what I like the most," Grandma Shi praised the performance onstage without end, "True to Venus Dance Troupe’s reputation."
Bai Yuejie felt her mood lighten and said behind her hand, "I have another surprise prepared for you."
"More surprises?" Grandma Shi’s eyes sparkled.
"This surprise is not just for you but also for Grandpa Tang and Granny Tang," Bai Yuejie’s expression mysterious, "I know that since Xiao Wu left, they’ve been very sad, dreaming of seeing Xiao Wu again."
Grandma Shi suddenly thought of the recent explosive ’Tang Wu resurrection’ rumor and looked at Bai Yuejie with such an expression, "You didn’t bring Xiao Wu back to life, did you?"
Bai Yuejie pursed her lips into a smile and shook her head, "Xiao Wu has passed, that is an undeniable fact."
Shi Lingyan heard these words, slightly turned his face, and glanced at Bai Yuejie.
Bai Yuejie met Shi Lingyan’s gaze, felt her heart skip a beat and quickly timidly bowed her head.
Shi Lingyan’s eyes held a faint chill as he stepped past her.
Bai Yuejie clearly heard his voice, cold and low, "No matter how much others resemble her, they will never be her."
Bai Yuejie felt a pang in her heart, turned to watch his retreating figure, and said, "But sometimes, living too lucidly is a pain in itself."