Since then, Cheng Fengtai really kept his promise and came to Shang Xirui every day, paying respect by kneeling.
Cheng Fengtai would shout loudly when he saw Shang Xirui, "Boss Shang, good luck!"
Shang Xirui nodded and smiled solemnly, "Second Master, stand up!"
Day after day, they are not tired of saying these two words.
Xiao Lai and Lao Ge have become accustomed to their silly behavior.
Sometimes, if Cheng Fengtai arrives late, Shang Xirui will feel upset.
Cheng Fengtai now keeps all the snacks he eats with black tea at Shang Xirui's place. When he comes, he will drink tea and eat snacks like at home. Shang Xirui's house became like a hotel for him.
At first, when Shang Xirui saw fragrant cakes and crispy egg rolls brought by Cheng Fengtai, he reached for them with delight. But after one bite, he didn't want anymore. Shang Xirui likes sweet foods while Cheng Fengtai does not, so all his snacks are salty.
Cheng Fengtai added milk and white sugar to his black tea, he likes to drink milk tea in the English style. Shang Xirui really liked Cheng Fengtai tea.
Cheng Fengtai's breakfast hour, the same as Shang Xirui's lunch hour, they often eat together.
Shang Xirui has to eat meat, but, the way Xiao Lai cooks like a Northern, sometimes the taste is too heavy and there are food ingredients such as vermicelli and scallion in her cooking.
Cheng Fengtai was not used to such cooking, so he would put his chopsticks on his bowl and say, "Come on! Boss Shang! We go to eat outside! How about eating roast duck today?" His hands around Shang Xirui's shoulder and they left the dining table.
In the past, when there was no Cheng Fengtai, Xiao Lai and Shang Xirui often ate together. Since Cheng Fengtai came, Xiao Lai always ate alone in the kitchen. Xiaolai hated him even more for such small things, she pouted every time she saw Cheng Fengtai coming.
Not long after, Shang Xirui could feel Xiao Lai's dislike. When Cheng Fengtai asked him to go out to eat, Shang Xirui whispered, "This dish is very good, I just eat this, I'm lazy to go out."
Cheng Fengtai, who knew Shang Xirui was greedy for food, looked at him suspiciously. There's no way Shang Xirui refused to eat at the restaurant.
"We always eat out, Xiao Lai is must be unhappy. She is already unhappy!" Shang Xirui said.
Cheng Fengtai also didn't want to make Xiao Lai angry, after that, he would eat a little casually.
However, because Xiao Lai was basically already unhappy, when she saw him, she thought - Isn't my cooking bad? Why is it still eaten! Don't you have money to eat at a restaurant?
Another time, Cheng Fengtai bought Xiao Lai a gift as a thank you for her cooking. She never took it even once, only looked down and walked away, she didn't care Cheng Fengtai called behind him.
Cheng Fengtai put a set of Xie Fuchun's¹ rouge gouache on the front door of her room, thinking it would make her happy, wouldn't every girl like makeup?
One month later, it was still there. Xiao Lai was very determined to be hostile Cheng Fengtai.
*
Because of the playbook that he got from Ning Jiulang on An Wang Lao Fujin's birthday banquet. Shang Xirui became connected again with his love for Kunqu.
Since that day, Kunqu has never left his mouth. He spent a lot of energy and performed the "Peony Pavilion" and "Romance of the Western Chamber" over the last few days, contrary to trends in the world of opera.
Kunqu has always been popular with the upper cultural circle. The literary friends and elegant scholars who loved Shang Xirui responded enthusiastically.
However, it cannot be denied, at the moment the most popular in the opera world is the Beijing Opera, all the other plays are ruled out.
Fortunately, as long as it was Shang Xirui plays, all the seats are still full to the aisle, otherwise, the Opera House manager would have complained to him with great concern.
*
After meeting Shang Xirui at An Wangye mansion. Hou Yukui became more attentive. Hearing Shang Xirui putting aside Beijing Opera to sing Kunqu, he was somewhat worried and invited Shang Xirui to come to his house for several days.
Shang Xirui felt very honored and wore his new gown to listen to the teachings. Everyone guessed, the old man called him, to pass on his knowledge like Ning Jiulang.
In fact, Shang Xirui only learned how to burn opium for Hou Yukui. Hao Yukui only told him about the history of the opera and did not discuss any plays.
Only on the day, Shang Xirui said good-bye, Hou Yukui could not hold back anymore to say, "Sing well, don't be out of focus."
Shang Xirui bowed his head and promised.
*
Shang Xirui had an unusual kind of behavior with the person he adored, he wasn't acting as he pleased and wasn't stubborn.
For example, if someone tells him about why he sings Kunqu, he will answer "Beijing Opera is a play, Kunqu is also a plays. Why am I said to be out of focus because I'm singing Kunqu? What I sing is none of your business!"
But because Hou Yukui who said it, he just kept quiet and obeyed.
Another example is Yuan Xiaodi.
Last time, Cheng Fengtai promised to arrange their meeting, but he forgot. Shang Xirui always remembers, and his heart is uncomfortable if he does not remind Cheng Fengtai. Shang Xirui felt very uneasy.
One day when they had lunch, that day the dish was only a pot of chicken soup with cabbage and tofu with sauce. There is no delicious food. Shang Xirui got his temper and demanded Cheng Fengtai's promise, "Where is my Yuan Xiaodi? You promised!"
Cheng Fengtai stopped his chopsticks and narrowed his eyes at Shang Xirui, "What does that mean by "your" Yuan Xiaodi? Since when has he been yours?"
Shang Xirui knew Cheng Fengtai was only distracting him, he didn't take it this time. He only wants to see Yuan Xiaodi!
Cheng Fengtai pretended he never forgot and answered calmly, "He has been very busy lately. I made an appointment with him. I should be able to meet him in two days. Do we want to go to eat Hunan cuisine? You think first, what do you want to talk about when you meet him."
Shang Xirui stood up, took the chicken leg from the soup and dipped it in soy sauce to eat, his posture was like a bandit in a cottage, "I don't know what to talk to him, I don't want to talk anything."
Cheng Fengtai frowned and smiled, "First of all, change the way you eat, don't be like trying to scare people."
Shang Xirui wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "How could I be like this outside? Boss Shang is very elegant. "
*
On the promised day, the elegant Boss Shang wore a turquoise silk gown with a folding fan in his hand.
Shang Xirui lives a simple lifestyle, his most luxurious clothes are no more than a little hair oil, change into a new gown, and a good fan.
But, because of his good stature, after a little care, he looked very handsome, clean, and smart, like a fragile and gentleman.
*
It's now spring season in the Beiping City. The catkins are swaying in the wind like a gentle snow.
Cheng Fengtai arrived with his car into the alley to pick up Shang Xirui. Looking at Shang Xirui with a shy smile, slowly coming out of the alley, walking between smoke and catkins, he was like a poem or a painting - "Whose young boy who is so handsome on the street".
Unconsciously, Cheng Fengtai got out of the car and leaned against the door. Fascinated to see Shang Xirui from far and near.
Shang Xirui felt very ashamed because of Cheng Fengtai, he said when he was near, "What are you doing!"
Cheng Fengtai grabbed his shoulder and looked at him affectionately, "Boss Shang, a handsome young boy, really beautiful!"
Shang Xirui felt a little proud and embarrassed, shaking his head gently.
*
When they arrived at the restaurant, Yuan Xiaodi was already sitting at the table and waiting for them. Not because they were late, but because Yuan Xiaodi arrived early. He sat and drank a cup of tea gracefully, truly a Confucius merchant.
Yuan Xiaodi grew up as a singer in the opera troupe since childhood, he was often intimidated and had deep inferiority to his background of the actor.
Regardless of how popular he is today, he is always very humble and cautious in front of people. Even in business, the temperament is still the same. Because of his excessive modesty and politeness, he seemed cold and unapproachable.
After getting older, he withdrew from the Opera world and opened a satin shop. The high-quality silk material that came from Cheng Fengtai, was sold to the upper-class lady who listened to his plays so that his business was very high-end, exquisite, and leisurely.
Occasionally, his customers, who invited him to banquets and card games asking him to sing. At times like that, Yuan Xiaodi's heart was very sad, he felt he could not let go of status singing to people for the rest of his life.
*
When Shang Xirui saw Yuan Xiaodi, his legs could not move. Cheng Fengtai pushed his back and let him sit politely with Yuan Xiaodi.
Yuan Xiaodi was noticed Shang Xirui when he saw it. People who sing opera have a special stature, better posture than ordinary people. They are like clouds and water, movements like throwing sleeves, touching fingers and moving eyes look more beautiful.
Yuan Xiaodi looked at Shang Xirui and smiled, "Who is this?"
Cheng Fengtai glanced at Shang Xirui, "This ... Tian Sanxin, a child who loves to listen to plays. Always asking to see you, and he happened to stop by today, please don't be surprised."
Cheng Fengtai takes apart Shang Xirui's name and then rearranged it to make a new name.
Shang Xirui was ashamed, was it Tian Sanxin? It was really not good. Cheng Fengtai answered Yuan Xiaodi's question with a very natural expression. Shang Xirui prefers and is more accustomed to anonymity.
Yuan Xiaodi looked at Shang Xirui once more seriously before talking to Cheng Fengtai about business matters.
Cheng Fengtai desperately tried to bring the topic of conversation to the opera, but Yuan Xiaodi didn't seem to want to talk about it. He only cares about what new satin has been woven this year.
Shang Xirui sat quietly, blushed slightly, glanced at Yuan Xiaodi many times, and did not eat anything.
Cheng Fengtai who saw Shang Xirui acting like this became jealous but also felt funny, without further ado, he simply said,
"Boss Yuan's business is going well, but the play is even better. I listened to the "Jade Hairpin" sung by Boss Yuan. When you say, "It's cold all over my body" I really feel cold all over my body. You really are like a god! Amazing skill! There is also the phrase "O my God" Ei! the unspeakable taste!"
Shang Xirui turned and looked at Cheng Fengtai fiercely. This comment was clearly him who said it and was embezzled by Cheng Fengtai.
Yuan Xiaodi was surprised, "Second Master also listens to the plays?"
Anyone who hears Cheng Fengtai listening to the plays will be surprised. He was a very westernized person, like a foreigner who had just returned to China.
Cheng Fengtai waved his hand, "Ah! I just started and don't quite understand, you will laugh at me."
"Your two sentences are not shallow! I will not hide it from you, out of the whole "Jade Hairpin" playbook, these two sentences are the most proud of."
Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui quickly looked at each other. Shang Xirui's eyes were full of desire as if to say - Look! I know the good stuff, will not be able to escape from my ears. Cheng Fengtai only glanced at him with a smile.
"You sing very well, and retire very early. This is really a big loss in the world of opera," Cheng Fengtai pretended to be a ticket friend, "This makes our ticket friends group feel very dissatisfied."
Yuan Xiaodi felt guilty and said, "As you know, the Opera Kunqu market is not as good as it used to be, and I will only sing Opera Kunqu. As I get older, I want to use my connections at Beiping to switch to a stable business to support my family."
Yuan Xiaodi stopped and slowed down, "If Second Master really likes listening to Opera, I can recommend two people."
For some reason, Cheng Fengtai had a hunch and silently looked at Shang Xirui. Shang Xirui kept his eyes on when Yuan Xiaodi speak.
Yuan Xiaodi went on to say, "The first is Shang Xirui, who is currently very famous. You must know him. "
Cheng Fengtai had guessed that he would mention Shang Xirui, he nodded and said with a smile, "I know, I know him very well."
Yuan Xiaodi snickered to himself, "No, many people who don't listen to plays also know him. His fans only know that he is great at Beijing Opera. I didn't know that he is truly unstoppable. I have the honor of listening to his "Peony Pavilion", well, he sings very well."
Shang Xirui's two eyes immediately shone brightly and he began to get excited.
Cheng Fengtai deliberately lured Yuan Xiaodi to praise Shang Xirui by saying, "I also watched the plays, but I don't understand it, can Boss Yuan teach me?"
Yuan Xiaodi replied, "With Second Master's knowledge now, you will understand."
"I won't sing it, I'll just say the sentence, "Before going to the garden, you won't know the spring color." it was truly a brilliant spring. But, I think Zao Luopao² afterward was redundant."
When talking about Kunqu, Yuan Xiaodi's mouth was slightly sharp, he suddenly turned his head and said, "It's not really redundant, the spoken part is a part of lyrics. But if you read it well, the scenery comes out naturally, even if you don't sing it."
Shang Xirui blushed so he opened the folding fan and fan twice.
When Yuan Xiaodi saw the surface of the fan, he was surprised, "Mr. Tian, is this Mr. Du Ming's handwriting?"
Shang Xirui closed the folding fan and handed it over to Yuan Xiaodi to see, "Yes, this is indeed his writing."
It was Du Ming's handwriting sent by Du Qi secretly from his home.
Yuan Xiaodi took a closer look and said a few words, very fond of it.
Kunqu is always famous for its elegance. After Yuan Xiaodi became famous, he was surrounded by high-ranking literati, like Shang Xirui now.
The difference is, he is more adept at studying books than Shang Xirui. After a long period of studying literature, he has developed his feelings for pen and ink and can write and paint like a scholar.
Shang Xirui suddenly looked at him and whispered, "This fan, you can keep it if you like."
Only after that, Yuan Xiaodi realized his attitude was too clear, no different from request. Quickly, he returned the fan to Shang Xirui's hand and smiled slightly annoyed, "Mr. Tian, I didn't mean it that way, Mr. Du's writing is only for relatives and friends. You gave it to me as a gift, how could I accept it?"
Shang Xirui felt rather embarrassed after being rejected by Yuan Xiaodi, his tongue became knotted.
Cheng Fengtai who saw him thought, how could the child who was crisp and bright on the stage be like a yellow bird, shy like this, he laughed, "Bos Yuan, just accept it. My little friend is not good at talking. If you don't want to accept it, he will be agitated for a few days."
Yuan Xiaodi still persistently refused, after talking a few rounds, he finally accepted it with discomfort.
Cheng Fengtai saw that their cheeks were slightly flushed and he felt funny. He thinks the actors are very sociable. But apparently, Yuan Xiaodi and Shang Xirui are special cases.
Distracted by a folding fan, Yuan Xiaodi changed the topic and talked about Du Ming and literature from the old generation. Shang Xirui did not like to listen to this topic, but he did not speak.
*
Yuan Xiaodi, Cheng Fengtai and brother Tian had finished talking, it was time to go home, the three of them came out of the restaurant together.
Yuan Xiaodi once again expressed his deepest gratitude for the fan gift from Shang Xirui.
Shang Xirui was finally able to muster all his courage and ask, "Earlier, there were two people you wanted to recommend, besides Shang Xirui, who is the other one?"
Yuan Xiaodi laughed loudly, "You really like opera, I have forgotten but you still remember! There is a child from the Yunxi Class named Xiao Zhouzi. He hasn't graduated yet and rarely sings on stage."
Shang Xirui secretly remembered it in his heart. Then he saw Yuan Xiaodi getting into a foreign car and watched him leave before returning with Cheng Fengtai.
As he sat in the car, his cold hands covered his face, he hummed.
"What happened to your face?" Cheng Fengtai asked.
"Fine, just feels a little hot." Shang Xirui answered.
"Boss Shang is now acting like a big girl." Cheng Fengtai drove slowly while mocking, "A girl who nymphomaniac because of Yuan Xiaodi. I thought he was just ordinary."
Shang Xirui shouted, "You don't know how well Yuan Xiaodi sings! There are many good Beijing Opera singers, but in Kunqu, only Yuan Xiaodi! " he hummed, "He was great, and he complimented me well. Oh !!! Second Master! Boss Yuan praises me!"
Cheng Fengtai stretched out his hand and stroked Shang Xirui's hair, "If so, you can't lie to him, why are you so shy? You are both in Beiping City, if you accidentally meet later, how will you explain it?"
"I did not lie to him. I'm not saying that I'm not Shang Xirui. I said nothing. You're the one who lied to him. You lied, my name is Tian Sanxin, huh, that name is really not good."
Cheng Fengtai nodded, "Alright, that's my fault. Next time I will reveal you disguise to him!"
Shang Xirui ignored him, he opened the car window, took a deep breath, and started singing opera. He sang the narration praised by Yuan Xiaodi - "Before going to the garden, you won't know the spring color".
The tone is long, and each of the ten characters has its own charm. His clear voice floated out the window, making people on the street turn to look for Du Liniang.
It so happened that when singing Zao Luopao - "It turned out that everything was colorful, like paying for a broken well ..."
Outside the car window, flashed the walls of the old house in Beiping, which were covered in green shadows of lush acacia trees. This monotonous ancient street scene, accompanied by the singing of the Shang Xirui's garden, creates a subtle and very harmonious conflict in feelings.
The emotions in Cheng Fengtai's heart went beyond words. Together with Shang Xirui, there are often such interlaces of modern and ancient times, crossing the mulberry fields in the emotional ocean in the blink of an eye.
Shang Xirui seemed to have magical powers, like sea mermaid in Greek mythology. As soon as he opened his mouth, the world changed shape, added a little color or faded a little, depending on what scene he was singing.
People who have fallen into this magical world cannot escape their charm. Cheng Fengtai also hummed along with Shang Xirui.
***
¹ Xie Fuchun: the first cosmetics company in China, established during the Qing Dynasty, in 1830. Today, the Chinese Minister of Trade has awarded it the title "China's Inheritance Brand" and "300 protected brands throughout the country".
² Zao Luopao: The most famous song from the "Peony Pavilion" - "Singing Dreams in the Garden"
Du Liniang who was unhappy came to the flower garden, the colors in the garden inspired Du Liniang who felt depressed about her life. Du Liniang could only sigh "Before going to the garden, you won't know the spring color." This admiration mixed with deep sadness. Admire the beauty of spring in the park, but refuse to accept spring in his own life. Du Liniang expressed common grievances of the women who were about to get married in ancient times.