Chapter 8, The Dream of King Xiang

The sweetest moments once spent in close embrace have now turned into a ridiculous irony in the face of such harsh words, pouncing on her with claws bared.

Fu Qingquan stared at her in astonishment, perhaps because she had been weak and compliant for many years, and now suddenly rose up in resistance, which made it hard for him to believe

Chenyang expressed a desire to enter into a formal relationship with me

However, Ji Chenyang truly kept his promise, demonstrating remarkable patience. His time spent at the study society grew longer, yet he never became bothersome. On the contrary, the fellow members of the study society were quickly won over by Ji Chenyang, often subtly reminding Nanxi that if she missed this luxurious resort, there would be no Dragon Gate Inn left. Nanxi found it difficult to directly address Ji Chenyang, so she could only tactfully inquire about how busy his company was. Ji Chenyang, understanding her unspoken intentions, smiled proudly and said, "Aren't I here to invite you all to perform? Of course, I need to come and check things out first." Nanxi shook her head with amusement, saying, "You just don't understand."

It turns out that she occasionally still harbored hopes, not knowing when Fu Qingquan would show mercy and grant her a swift release.

Nanxi was taken aback, not expecting Fu Qingquan to react so indifferently. Could it really be because Xiao Xian's return had made him lose interest in her affairs? If that were the case, it would be even better, but Nanxi was still somewhat uneasy and suspiciously asked, "Do you have no objections?"

The personnel configuration in the study group is inadequate, the infrastructure is also lacking, and there are hardly any opportunities for performance exchanges. Economically, the situation has become increasingly dire, leading to a vicious cycle over time. Nanxi has considered transferring to a larger Kunqu opera troupe in another region, but she entered the field late and is not from a professional background. Regardless of seniority or singing skills, she does not stand a chance. Moreover, Fu Qingquan has made it clear that even if she were to become a kite, capable of flying to the ends of the earth, as long as he pulls the string, she would have to obediently return.

Debating this issue with Ji Chenyang is truly a waste of time; in his circle with Fu Qingquan, Fu Qingquan's image is so good that he could be featured in "Touching China"!

Fu Qingquan, in a fit of rage, laughed and said: "Nanxi, do you know what you look like right now?"

Fu Qingquan slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with mockery: "Do you expect me to have an opinion?"

He sat in the car. Did he see anything? If he did see something, what were his thoughts?

Just after climbing the stairs for a couple of steps, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her, making the world spin around. Nanxi tightly grasped the handrail of the stairs, realizing that she had truly overestimated Fu Qingquan's moral standards

I do not have ーー

Then why can't your brother have a friend like me

Fu Qingquan was rummaging through his pockets for cigarettes when he heard these words. He turned around suspiciously and stared at her, asking, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Nanxi suddenly flushed with anger; he actually had the audacity to turn around and mock her about that matter

Professor Zhong was Nanxi's teacher when she studied Kunqu in Beijing. Initially, she felt bored at school, studying a major that no one knew what future it would lead to, which left her quite disheartened. After two years of procrastination, she coincidentally met Xiao Xian, who had gone to work in Beijing and visited her at her school, filling her computer with an entire hard drive of movies, TV series, and various videos. By chance, among them were several youth-themed Kunqu videos, which piqued Nanxi's interest. She discovered that a renowned university in Beijing had a professor offering a Kunqu study class, so she eagerly signed up to attend. The instructor was Professor Zhong, a man in his early thirties, already a notable figure in the Kunqu scene in northern China.

Many, many years ago, that memory is as distant as a past life, or perhaps it should indeed be considered a past life. From the moment she completely lost hope in Fu Qingquan, both she and Fu Qingquan were reborn as new individuals.

At such a time, the external performance introduced by Ji Chenyang for the study society becomes even more precious, not only can it increase some income, but it can also enhance its reputation. The president's calculations are quite clear; with Nanxi in the study society, there is no fear that this young master Ji will not introduce other performances in the future! Moreover, with this opportunity, it will be much easier to apply for government subsidies in the future. Therefore, although there are many other voices in the society who believe that Nanxi's qualifications and abilities are insufficient to take on external performances, the president still unhesitatingly agreed to Ji Chenyang's conditions, making Nanxi the absolute main character of this performance.

"Who are you putting on a show for with your face all night?"

If it comes to a last resort, this is always something he owes her; at the very least, she can take measures to protect herself or completely sever ties with him

A glimmer of brilliance briefly appeared in Fu Qingquan's eyes, only to fade away in an instant: "Is that so? Oh."

Suddenly scolded head-on by Fu Qingquan, Nanxi became somewhat more alert, having anticipated that he would not show any good temper, wouldn't he

No," Nanxi calmed her mind and said with a faint smile, "You have treated me well, and this family has also treated me well, so I am repaying you now. Anyway... I heard that Uncle Ji is in charge of import and export trade, and many of your company's import and export businesses are waiting for him to issue permits, right?

"Did you not say that he knows everything?" Nanxi smiled as she exposed his original lie, "Did you not say that your brother would not compete with you for..."

Ji Chenyang's mouth formed an O shape again, and after staring at her for a long time, he asked: "Why do I always feel that the Qingquan I know is not the same person as the one you know?"

It turns out that a person, someone who once obeyed her every wish and followed her every command, can truly turn so heartlessly against her

"What exactly are you dissatisfied with?" Fu Qingquan's sudden anger arose from nowhere, "Am I lacking in what you eat, or is there a shortage in what you wear? What is it that makes you so discontented with this family?"

That is a return to the most primitive state, the most fundamental way a man can use to humiliate a woman

She did not want to stay in front of him for even a moment, no matter what he said; she did not want to see him again, not even for a moment

"This is indeed a profound knowledge; those who do not understand it still find it appealing, and that is what truly makes it good," Ji Chenyang asserted confidently. "Bai Juyi wrote poetry and even read it to old women, revising it until they could comprehend it."

The character 'sex' has not yet been exported, and Nanxi's willow brows are already raised in anger. Ji Chenyang immediately changed his tone: "However, I am currently a beauty in the eyes of my lover. Why do my eyes often brim with tears? Because I have a deep love for this land!"

So, you remember it so clearly

Nanxi had no choice but to respond: "Just smooth-talking."

Waiting in the living room on the first floor until 11 o'clock, she finally heard the sound of Fu Qingquan parking in the yard. Nanxi thought about what she needed to say to Fu Qingquan later, and her body involuntarily tensed up.

Nanxi was at a loss for words: "How could my brother have a friend like you!"

Nanxi was momentarily at a loss for words. She certainly knew that Fu Qingquan had already conveyed everything to Ji Chenyang without leaving a trace, including how heartbroken he was over the discord between the siblings, and how Nanxi, being young, did not understand the heartfelt intentions of her parents and elder brother. In short, in Ji Chenyang's eyes, he was the perfect embodiment of both shrewdness and capability, as well as being a dutiful son and a virtuous brother.

Before she could finish her words, she was violently thrown back by Fu Qingquan, landing heavily on the sofa. She smiled nonchalantly and said, "I haven't agreed to him yet"

Calm down, calm down, calm down, she told herself this way

Father Fu and Mother Nan, having reached an advanced age, decided to return to their room first. Xiao Xian rushed over right after getting off the plane. After a delightful meal, Fu Qingquan suggested sending her back. Ji Chenyang also felt it was inappropriate to stay too long, and with a heavy heart, he took his leave. Nanxi accompanied him out. As he got into the car, he suddenly leaned out of the window and called, "Nanxi." Nanxi turned her head away, thinking he had something to say, and lowered her head to listen. However, he said nothing, merely reached out to brush his fingers through her bangs, his cool fingertips gliding past her ear and tracing down the contour of her face.

All of this is completely unknown to Nanxi

Fortunately, this year the president has finally come to a realization, stating the need to reorganize and revitalize the study society. Preparations are underway for a series of traditional opera performances, and a significant investment has been made to invite the renowned Professor Zhong from the Northern Kunqu opera community to teach at the society. Professor Zhong conducted an on-site investigation of the local performing arts market and decided to start with public welfare performances aimed at popularization. Since the society's actors are idle anyway, it would be better to combine practice with performance. Every weekend, they will perform two or three acts, charging a nominal fee for tea, which will not only increase some income but also serve a role in popularization and promotion. This opportunity for Nanxi, who stands as a candidate between professional and amateur, to secure more performance opportunities is indeed a fortunate event.

I previously said you are very Chinese," Ji Chenyang said with a sly smile, "the term 'very Chinese' is not necessarily entirely positive; it can refer to traditional virtues, but it can also denote persistent shortcomings...

Not long after, Sister Yang brought the dishes to the table, allowing everyone to eat and chat. It turned out that this year, Xiao Xian had switched jobs to a new company. This time, upon returning to Hangzhou, the company claimed it was to create a good environment for developers, having found a resort for them to work on projects. The actual reason was that the company, in order to improve development progress, had thrown them into Qiyun Villa, which is almost isolated from the outside world, for closed development. Although the environment of Qiyun Villa is pleasant, with clear mountains, beautiful waters, serene clouds, and unique bamboo, it unfortunately cut off most means of communication with the outside world, leaving someone like Xiao Xian, who cannot go a day without the internet, in despair.

You are just like your mother, restless and unsettled like a red-capped white. Fu Qingquan's thin lips and delicate features suggest a cold-hearted disposition, and he truly does not hold back in ridiculing her. "I advise you to save your worries; what kind of woman hasn't Chen Yang seen? With your qualities, you don't even register as a simple dish to him." He scoffed disdainfully.

Nanxi's face suddenly turned red; how could he say such a thing? He—Nanxi could only feel humiliated, gritting his teeth as he replied: "No, no."

His voice was melodious and gentle, a stark contrast to his usual harshness, yet within that magnetic tone lay various forms of sarcasm and disdain

Are you still awake

Fu Qingquan's complexion appeared weary, as if he had been overly strained from driving all night. He tossed the car keys onto the coffee table and seemed to regain his senses after a while, turning his head slightly towards Nanxi with a faint smile and saying, "Is that so? Chen Yang..." The name lightly slipped from his tongue, carrying a hint of sarcasm, "Isn't that just to your liking?"

Ji Chenyang asked in surprise: "What is wrong with me?"

Ji Chenyang was as attentive as ever, while Nanxi felt quite helpless. In front of Fu Qingquan, she spoke very assertively, yet at that moment, she thought Fu Qingquan would definitely try to trip her up. To her surprise, Fu Qingquan simply extended his hands and left the entire situation to her. She attempted to tell Ji Chenyang, "Actually... I am not as good as you think." As a result, Ji Chenyang looked at her and laughed, making her feel uneasy inside. He asked, "How do you know that I think highly of you?" Nanxi was at a loss for words and pouted, saying, "Didn’t you say before that I..."

After a long while, he appeared to suddenly understand, as if he had just grasped what Nanxi was saying, and a faint smile blossomed at the corners of his lips: "So... you remember it so clearly."

How long have you known Ji Chenyang? Why are you so eager to attach yourself to him, singing for his family and bringing him back for late-night snacks? What exactly is wrong with this family that makes you so impatient to get married?

to argue forcefully and unreasonably

She was unwilling to mention anything about that summer again

In reality? In reality, he is nothing but a beast in human clothing, no, no, no, he is worse than a beast. This is what Nanxi thinks; he may deceive the whole world, but he cannot deceive me!

The performance is aimed at the American trade delegation visiting Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Ji Fu is responsible for import and export trade and has had previous interactions with the head of the delegation, Mr. Andrew, who is said to be a fan of China. At the suggestion of Ji Chenyang, Professor Zhong compiled a selection of the repertoire that Nanxi is accustomed to for Mr. Andrew's review. The most frequently performed piece by Nanxi is "The Palace of Eternal Life," but considering that in recent years, Kunqu has mainly gained popularity overseas with "The Peony Pavilion" and "The Jade Hairpin," several other pieces, including "The Garden Tour," were also added. Within a few days, Mr. Andrew responded, selecting "The Palace of Eternal Life: The Dream of the Silk Pavilion." The original study group also has experience performing for foreign guests, and they have almost always included excerpts from "The Garden Tour" and "The Dream of Surprise." This time, Mr. Andrew chose the excerpt from "The Silk Pavilion," which surprised Nanxi. Although Ji Chenyang repeatedly assured that Mr. Andrew had visited Hangzhou in previous years, according to her father's assessment, he was merely a superficial connoisseur of China. It was likely that he randomly selected the repertoire this time, yet Nanxi still did not dare to be careless. Professor Zhong had previously mentioned that her biggest obstacle in performing "The Palace of Eternal Life" was her small stature, and Nanxi feared that she might embarrass herself in front of experts on stage, so she intensified her practice even after returning home.

He—" Nanxi thought for a long time, and finally said reluctantly, "He never says nice things."

Indeed, I am even inferior to plain congee and simple dishes, yet there were those in the past who, in their hunger, would not be choosy and would not spare even plain congee and simple dishes

Nanxi is "a lifetime of mistakes after hearing Kunqu for the first time," especially admiring Professor Zhong for his graceful demeanor and profound knowledge of both Peking and Kunqu opera. After graduation, she wished to stay in the study group to continue her studies in opera, but faced strong opposition from her family, particularly from Fu Qingquan. The reason was simple: as a young girl, why should she choose to learn to sing opera? In defiance, Nanxi developed a stubborn resolve; since Fu Qingquan did not want her to study, she was even more determined to pursue it. After all, hadn't he said before, "Our family does not lack this little money!" After several rounds of negotiation, Fu Dad and Nan Mom finally agreed to let her study opera, on the condition that she return to Hangzhou for her studies. She claimed that she had not been studying for long and that no theater in Hangzhou would accept her, adamantly refusing to go back. Little did she know that the situation was more complicated; not long after, a study group agreed to accept her, and it turned out that the reason they were willing to take her in was due to their poor management and urgent need for donations from social enterprises.

Professor Zhong, who was passing by, chuckled and said, "Mr. Ji, your words are quite reasonable. I believe the preparations are nearly complete. Nanxi, why don't you accompany Mr. Ji for a stroll? Mr. Ji, I have prepared the program list for you to review first. If you have any other requests, please feel free to mention them."

I did not show a long face

I have always believed that he felt a sense of guilt, and thus over the years, in one way or another, he has always shown some care for her. Even when he donated to the study group and spent money to invite renowned performers to teach at the study group, despite the fact that he had often spoken of the initial motivations for these actions in a rather unflattering manner, she still held onto a glimmer of hope, thinking... thinking that at the very least, he harbored a sense of guilt.

Nanxi suddenly retreated, just as he saw Fu Qingquan's car slowly backing out.

And now, she has no mood to care about what is right or wrong, or true or false

Fu Qingquan's eyes indeed turned red with anger, as he grabbed her with one hand, as if he might break her wrist at any moment. A difficult-to-read light shone from his slightly narrowed eyes. After a long while, he asked in a hoarse voice: "Do you know, do you still dare to agree to him?"

"Whatever I resemble, it is all due to your coercion"

Then Ji Chenyang leaned in for a kiss, pressing it against Nanxi's lips

I never expected that this could actually become one of his proud achievements, used to humiliate her

"It's nothing," Nanxi smiled, "I just want to tell you that I have my own life. I am not your caged bird or your fish in a pond, and I am certainly not your woman. I have repaid everything that my mother owed you and everything that I owed you. From now on, how I live my life is my own business, and who I associate with is also my own business. Since you have already introduced him to me—it's not too late for you to stop this now. Didn't you say he is your brother? You can clarify all those unspeakable matters with him; otherwise, if you don't speak up now, then never bring it up again!" From now on, how I live my life is my own business, and who I associate with is also my own business. Since you have already introduced him to me—it's not too late for you to stop this now. Didn't you say he is your brother? You can clarify all those unspeakable matters with him; otherwise, if you don't speak up now, then never bring it up again!

As soon as the words left his mouth, Nanxi couldn't help but feel like slapping himself twice. Everything was perfectly fine, so why did he have to provoke that pervert, Fu Qingquan?

Nanxi straightened her body, lifted her chest, and raised her head: "I have something to tell you"