3. Gardenia fragrance

Xiao Fengming openly arranged for his sisters to privately attend the hall meeting, and he was clearly losing control. His son's heart was not in this line of work at all. He did not want his son to engage in such lowly pursuits. "Since you do not wish to enter this profession, focus on your studies. It would be good to secure a position in a large company in the future, and being an accountant is also respectable." This was his personal wish. He encouraged Zhanfeng to study hard, hoping for his son's success. Understanding his son's nature, he ordered him to complete his homework at the theater before returning home each day. "Since you do not wish to enter this profession, focus on your studies. It would be good to secure a position in a large company in the future, and being an accountant is also respectable." This was his personal wish. He encouraged Zhanfeng to study hard, hoping for his son's success. Understanding his son's nature, he ordered him to complete his homework at the theater before returning home each day. Although Zhanfeng was reluctant, he did not dare to neglect his duties and could only comply with a drooping head. Gui Feng and Gui Yun were both following the master's orders, appearing to accompany Zhanfeng while actually supervising him. However, Gui Yun performed better; she would ask Zhanfeng to be her little teacher and learn some classroom knowledge from him. Gui Feng and Gui Yun were both following the master's orders, appearing to accompany Zhanfeng while actually supervising him. However, Gui Yun performed better; she would ask Zhanfeng to be her little teacher and learn some classroom knowledge from him. Zhanfeng was pleased to take the lead in teaching, but after a few sessions, he became puzzled: "Gui Yun, how do you know so many characters?" "My father taught me. I also attended primary school for a few years back in my hometown," Gui Yun replied, somewhat proudly.

Xiao Die said, "The raincoat is really cheap." Gui Yun replied, "Keep the money safe—" Her words were only half-finished, as her eyes were fixed on a corner ahead. There, a white convertible car was parked, inside which sat four glamorous women, looking around and chattering away. Gui Yun was focused on the last row, specifically on a woman wearing a white dress with red plum blossoms and a high collar. Unlike the other women, she did not have curly hair; instead, she had her hair styled into a thick braid, which she wrapped around the top of her head and secured at the back of her neck, with the end of the braid pinned with a small plum blossom hairpin, revealing her slender and graceful neck. Her head was lowered, and she remained quiet, making her stand out even more among the loud women dressed in red and pink.

Guiyun felt anxious: "Has Boss Huang given them anything?" Du Banzhu replied: "I heard he hasn't yet; Boss Huang is quite tough." Qing Gu sighed: "They are not bad, but such a large family, under this kind of pressure, can collapse just like that! Alas—"

Little Die is indeed young, lively, and fresh. In a moment of excitement, she scurries back and forth along the tree-lined path, unafraid of strangers. A pair of small braids tied with red ribbons bounce around like little butterflies flitting through the trees. A reckless foreigner, aiming to bully her, reaches out his hand, but Guiyun quickly pulls Little Die back, stepping back coldly while maintaining a polite smile, ensuring not to offend. She raises her voice, calling out: "Sir, would you like to buy some flowers?" Noticing her, others pay attention, and she calls out even louder: "Sir, two dollars each, not expensive." The foreigner awkwardly withdraws his hand and slips away. Coming out to make a living, three to five hardships are inevitable. Little Die feels guilty, but Guiyun reassures her: "It's just a brief pause, there's nothing to fear."

Gui Feng, your singing today was truly excellent. Zi Juan should be as understanding as this, and when it is time for her to step back and allow Dai Yu and Bao Yu to express their feelings, she should do so promptly. Your performance on stage is becoming increasingly precise; one day, you will surely achieve greatness. "Zhan Feng turned his back to Du Ban Zhu, made a face at Gui Feng, rolled his eyes, and embarrassed Gui Feng with a bright red face.

In the past, when her biological father earned some extra income, he would buy gardenias for her. She could be delighted for half a day with just one flower, and her father would hold her and smile, saying she was a sensible and content girl. The distant memories are becoming increasingly faint, while the present is filled with fragmented days. The theater troupe is not without its complications; Gui Feng, with her phoenix-like demeanor, is low-key and well-behaved, naturally handling matters more appropriately. However, there are some who do not manage well, which often leaves the troupe's leaders in a state of distress. Some sisters, having seen more of the world, learned to gamble, and when they lost, they could not pay their debts, leading to gamblers storming into the theater. The troupe leader, Du, had no choice but to nod and bow, sending them away. Turning back, he was filled with anger and pointed at the useless ones, saying: "Those who gamble and lose their spirit are like white-faced murderers; not being able to take on the responsibilities has brought such disgrace upon us!" The one being scolded was Xiao Qiuyue, who looked disheveled and dirty, her sharp face even more pointed, clutching the troupe leader's pant leg and crying. Her mother and sister also came to plead for her.

At this moment, unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin appeared out of nowhere. The foreign lady they had encountered earlier walked briskly towards them, her body wrapped in a qipao, moving with less grace than a Chinese woman, yet exuding a fierce presence. She strode forward to block the foreign man Meng Lang, speaking a torrent of foreign words, causing the foreigner to turn red in the face.

Gui Yun went upstairs to take a look, thinking that Gui Feng must have fallen asleep. The tobacco pipe of Master Du was empty, so he took some from the five-drawer cabinet and casually pulled out the half piece of pear syrup candy they had bought, glancing at it. He said to Gui Yun: "Starting tomorrow, Gui Feng's allowance will need to be calculated differently, and you shouldn't always be so stingy when buying these things to try."

Guiyun watched as Master Du added more sugar, finally finding the tobacco leaves and lighting them. The faint wisps of smoke slowly rose, transforming like shifting clouds, ever-changing in an instant. In just three to five months since that day, the portrait of Xiao Fengming on the outer wall of the Fengping Theater was replaced by that of Gui Feng's Su Sanjie.

Children love sweets, and there is a small shop selling this peculiar, medicinal-flavored yet overly sweet pear syrup candy in the alley next to the theater

Lai Gui Feng has made her grand entrance. Her obedience, her cleverness, her beauty reminiscent of a pear blossom drenched in rain, half-shy and hesitant, captivates the hearts of the people. Perhaps they have truly grown weary of Xiao Feng Ming's soul-stirring yet utterly insecure beauty. In such an uncertain time, they seek a resilient and secure Su San. Master Du has made the right choice, and from now on, Lai Gui Feng's reputation will soar, ensuring a full house and overflowing silver shields. Xiao Feng Ming stands in shock, realizing her influence has waned. On her final night, she performs "Crying Spirit," mourning the deceased Liang Shan Bo, as well as the collapse of her own esteemed position.

Xiao Fengming shook off Qing Gu's hand: "Am I still supposed to wait for the manager to send me some kind of reward?" As she turned up the stairs, only the sound of "dong dong" echoed in the night. Manager Du felt both heartbroken and breathless: "What a sin, what a sin—" He called out several times but could not continue. Qing Gu turned back to comfort him: "Don't be angry with her." Gui Yun sat still, not moving at all, her hand gripping the pen, icy cold. Manager Du calmed down, pondered for a moment, and came up with an idea: "I think we should have Gui Feng sing Li Xiuying in the next performance of 'The Jade Hairpin'!" Qing Gu turned back again to soothe him: "Don't be angry with her." Gui Yun sat still, not moving at all, her hand gripping the pen, icy cold. Manager Du calmed down, pondered for a moment, and came up with an idea: "I think we should have Gui Feng sing Li Xiuying in the next performance of 'The Jade Hairpin'!"

Guiyun smiled and said, "This foreign lady is helping us!" After reprimanding the foreign girl, she turned to Guiyun and the others, saying, "He is very embarrassing." Just as Guiyun was about to thank her, the lady hurried away, truly a person of quick temper. Her companion was sitting in a nearby pavilion, in front of an easel, and it was that Chinese youth. Guiyun saw the lady walk back to the pavilion. They were not far from here; she had just been too focused on buying flowers earlier to notice. Guiyun could still hear the youth laughing and saying, "You are being impulsive again. That young lady has already taken care of it." The foreign girl snorted and did not respond. Sitting opposite the easel, she was probably posing for the youth. Guiyun found it interesting and looked a few more times. As the youth began to animate with his brush, Guiyun unconsciously took a few steps closer.

Are you afraid of Xiao Fengming? Qing Gu understood her husband's meaning. We haven't been able to keep her for a few days; if this continues, it will only harm ourselves. A small theater troupe can change the situation in an instant. A person's fate can be altered with just a nudge.

Zhan Feng felt that the momentum was not strong, and then turned to discuss geography. "You see, our teacher said that this place and that place have all been occupied by the Japanese invaders." He opened a map of China and spoke passionately.

Gui Feng could only sigh: "There are many things I have not learned from the senior sister, and in many aspects, I am not as good as her. What a pity"

"Little Heat Faint" relies on making a strong first impression in business. "If the tailor does not eat my pear syrup candy, the scraps will be made into pants; if the cook does not eat my pear syrup candy, the pig trotter will be turned into bone soup; if the doctor does not eat my pear syrup candy, the nearsighted will become blind; if the carpenter does not eat my pear syrup candy, the villa will become a land hall." Seeing three familiar little friends approaching, he adjusted his melon hat and shouted the revised lyrics on the spot: "The pear syrup candy is both fragrant and sweet; middle school students who eat my pear syrup candy will have smooth sailing in exams and praise from teachers; little girls who eat my pear syrup candy will grow more and more beautiful, I call her Ilya." After finishing a song, he adjusted his melon hat again and shouted the revised lyrics: "The pear syrup candy is both fragrant and sweet; middle school students who eat my pear syrup candy will have smooth sailing in exams and praise from teachers; little girls who eat my pear syrup candy will grow more and more beautiful, I call her Ilya." After finishing a song, he casually extended three fingers and shook them: "Three." The pear syrup candy was wrapped in oil paper, and Guiyun took it to pass to Guifeng, while Zhanfeng took out two coins to pay, clearly dividing the tasks.

As the sun rises and sets, and the stars shift in their courses, a new act begins, with fresh talents emerging, akin to newly bloomed roses, their vibrant beauty undimmed by any shadow.

Street vendors have also become popular. Not only the common folk support them, but also the wealthy gentlemen and ladies who sit in the elegant boxes at the theater. They are not inclined to mingle with the commoners to eat these foods; instead, they call their drivers or rickshaw pullers to purchase them and bring them home to enjoy

In her heart, Guiyun also sighed; she had heard this sentiment many times. Gui Feng's greatest concern was clear to her. Gui Feng, in her belief in fate, felt that no matter how brilliantly she performed, she would always be overshadowed by Guiyun. Only Guiyun was the lucky star of the performance. This was what Qing Gu had said. Qing Gu also remarked, "He - Tu - Shu, you are the best singer among this group of children, I am counting on you to stand out." She had always believed in Qing Gu's words, and on stage, she began to emerge, gradually showcasing her talent, even to the point of overshadowing Xiao Fengming. Qing Gu had reiterated, "He - Tu - Shu, you are the best singer among this group of children, I am counting on you to stand out." She had always believed in Qing Gu's words, and on stage, she began to emerge, gradually showcasing her talent, even to the point of overshadowing Xiao Fengming.

The Yangtze River's waves push the previous ones forward, and under the surge of the new waves, the once-prominent Xiao Fengming, who had shone brightly in Sichuan, was struck hard on the small stage of the Fengping Theater, shattering completely. Everything happened so quickly, so fast that even those who had anticipated it were caught off guard.

"One must pay attention to the traffic lights while walking; being too reckless is unwise." Is he scolding her? Guiyun unconsciously pouted slightly, and the young man also felt that he had been reckless; he had not yet let go of her. Upon reflection, he released her hand and took a few steps back

Then, she vaguely saw the tear stain under her left eye. The man had a hard time picking up the fabric, tossed it all into the car, leaped into the vehicle through the door, and proudly honked the horn twice, the "beep beep" sound cutting through the bustling city, sharp and arrogant. After the honking, the sound of the car engine followed, the car was about to leave. Guiyun also realized this, and without further thought, she rushed to cross the road, but there was a crosswalk ahead, and the opposite side had a red light; she couldn't get across, watching helplessly as the car was about to leave. She didn't want to miss it, so she looked at the car again. The car sped away like the wind, leaving only the laughter and screams of glamorous women. She felt lost and dejected, her steps faltering. The green light was on, and a car behind her honked, but she couldn't hear it. Just then, a strong arm pulled her forcefully towards the roadside, and she fell heavily into that person's embrace. The car behind her also braked urgently, it was a familiar black Mitsubishi. Someone got out of the car to check the situation, a man in a checkered suit, tall and broad, with eagle-like eyes that had an involuntary coldness when he stared at people. He was indeed staring at Guiyun: "Are you okay?" Guiyun, still in shock, stared at him like a wooden chicken, unable to say a word. Another person got out of the car, round-headed and bald on top, glancing at Guiyun before asking the man who had come out first: "Mr. Fujita, is everything alright?" He was actually Japanese! The man named Fujita did not respond, quickly confirming that Guiyun was unharmed before bending back into the car.

In just a fleeting moment, Guiyun watched as the car came and went, heading in the direction of the white convertible.

Guiyun laughed: "Xiao Rehun, your song is getting smoother and smoother, even better than our Gui Feng!" Zhang Fengtao teased: "Xiao Rehun, flattering, what a racket!" Xiao Rehun joyfully bantered with the children, creating a lively atmosphere. Suddenly, Gui Feng tugged at Guiyun: "Look." At the entrance of the alley, there was a striking figure engaged in dubious activities under the dark night. The bright pink cheongsam paired with a cashmere shawl was eye-catching, and her carefully curled hair swayed with her steps. She bent down and slipped into a black Mitsubishi sedan. Suddenly, Gui Feng tugged at Guiyun again: "Look." At the entrance of the alley, there was a striking figure engaged in dubious activities under the dark night. The bright pink cheongsam paired with a cashmere shawl was eye-catching, and her carefully curled hair swayed with her steps. She bent down and slipped into a black Mitsubishi sedan. With a loud "bang," the door slammed shut. The car sped away.

Gui Feng was still blushing. "Gui Feng sings well, and you don't sing opera, why do you have to make fun of her?" The one who interrupted was Gui Yun. Zhan Feng thought to himself, as a man, he shouldn't argue with girls. He had his own way. "A good man doesn't fight with a woman. Let's go, let's go, we are going to buy pear syrup candy at the little shop at the alley entrance." He quickly won the girl over. The theater was just letting out, and the wonton and porridge stalls on the street were bustling with business. "A good man doesn't fight with a woman. Let's go, let's go, we are going to buy pear syrup candy at the little shop at the alley entrance." He quickly won the girl over. The theater was just letting out, and the wonton and porridge stalls on the street were bustling with business. This is the livelihood of small business owners in Shanghai, relying on a coal stove, a large iron pot, and a few stools to manage their living. Those with some skills can make the aroma irresistible and attract customers first. These inexpensive food stalls truly rely on real skills!

A man carrying several large bundles of fabric walked out of the store over there. With too many items in his hands, he was unable to manage them all, and before he could reach the car, everything fell to the ground with a loud crash. The women laughed unabashedly. However, the woman in the white qipao did not laugh; she merely turned her head to look, slightly leaning forward, her bangs curling neatly on both sides of her forehead, revealing a delicate widow's peak. Her face was a finely shaped oval, and her expression was absent-minded. This face, this expression, felt so familiar, as if I had searched for it in dreams several times. But the woman in the white qipao did not laugh; she merely turned her head to look, slightly leaning forward, her bangs curling neatly on both sides of her forehead, revealing a delicate widow's peak. Her face was a finely shaped oval, and her expression was absent-minded. This face, this expression, felt so familiar, as if I had searched for it in dreams several times. Gui Yun's heart jolted suddenly, as she desperately searched through her old memories, piecing together and trying to deduce the possible coincidences.

Before she could finish her sigh, it was time for her to take the lead, radiant and poised, capturing all the elegance. At merely sixteen or seventeen years of age, she was like the first sweet fragrance of morning breeze, akin to the newly bloomed gardenia, scattered throughout the corners of the Shikumen. Guiyun particularly adored the gardenia, which resembled magnolia; upon hearing the flower seller in the alley calling out "gardenias, white magnolias," she would rush out to buy one to wear. The gardenia, small and white, exuded a rich fragrance, pinned to the button on her collar, resembling a piece of jade. Guiyun particularly adored the gardenia, which resembled magnolia; upon hearing the flower seller in the alley calling out "gardenias, white magnolias," she would rush out to buy one to wear. The gardenia, small and white, exuded a rich fragrance, pinned to the button on her collar, resembling a piece of jade

Gui Feng sat quietly to one side, reciting the script without glancing away. When Du Ban Zhu lifted the curtain and entered, he was pleased to see everyone so serious and would begin to praise them. He always started by praising Gui Feng

One thousand men's raincoats have just arrived in the UK, originally priced at 35 yuan, now priced at 19.9 yuan. Below the banner, three foreigners are negotiating, essentially vying for the upper hand. The scene is bustling and noisy.

The door creaked open, and under the night sky, Xiao Fengming stumbled in like a ghost, her face pale, hair disheveled, makeup smudged, and looking haggard. Guiyun called out, "Senior Sister." Xiao Fengming stretched and yawned, saying, "Everyone seems so lively; I could use some sleep." Du Banmaster snorted coldly, "Is this a home or an inn?" Xiao Fengming stopped, clearly unwilling to yield. "I consider it an inn, hoping that you, Banmaster, could lend me a hand!" Du Banmaster suddenly stood up, angered: "What are you saying?" Xiao Fengming swayed her way to Du Banmaster, speaking softly, "Why don't we speak frankly? You take your star to the meeting, and I will find my own fun." Du Banmaster pointed at her with his index finger: "You— you—" He was so furious he couldn't find his words, causing Qing Gu to hurriedly press his chest to calm him.

In the dimly lit backyard of the Shikumen house facing north, where the morning light barely penetrates, a few rose bushes are planted, their dark red blooms hidden in the shadows, still unable to fully emerge. The girls in the courtyard are calling out, their voices rising in the shadows, eagerly facing the direction of the faintly emerging sun, striving to reveal their brilliance

Still, Sister Fengming sings better. Every time I share the stage with her, I learn a lot. However, if I could take the lead role, that would be truly wonderful—" Gui Feng's face turned red, and she stammered. Gui Yun couldn't sing herself, but always encouraged Gui Feng: "Keep working hard, and you will stand in front of people." Once Master Du walked away, Zhan Feng's spirit returned: "You little drama fanatic, you get so happy when praised!"

As the lights begin to glow, the neon signs on Xifailu shine even brighter, creating a lively atmosphere. A row of shops facing the street, including the Violet and Book Hair Salon, the Siemens Beauty Salon, and the sign of Baode Food Store, are all obscured by discount banners from a newly opened French business company.

Xiao Fengming twisted her hips as she climbed the stairs, saying, "I don't need to rely on you to find a safe haven. Tomorrow I will move out, and tonight I will let you have one last lesson, which can be considered repaying your kindness." Aunt Qing stepped forward and grabbed Xiao Fengming's arm, saying, "How can you associate with the Japanese? They devour human flesh without leaving a bone!"

Thank you. "You're welcome." He was about to leave, but turned back again, his sword-like brows raised, clearly visible under the neon lights. This scene seemed familiar, yet hazy, perhaps just a blurred memory from a corner of a dream. She was once again taken aback, unsure of what was happening today

It is a painting of a real Western figure! Such works are rarely seen, hence it feels fresh. The artist is fully engrossed in his work. Guiyun stands there watching, his hand raised, standing coldly and seriously. It seems he will not tire, nor will he be distracted. His posture is rigid, his hair soft, swaying with the wind, and he is not to be disturbed by anyone. He holds a palette of vibrant colors, nearly finished, and the Western beauty in the painting is lifelike, smiling at the Western beauty across from her. Guiyun feels as if he is blushing, just like when he secretly watched the lessons in class as a child. The colorful brush paused. The Chinese youth turned around; he had a young and handsome face, with bold eyebrows and clear, penetrating eyes. With a smile, he clearly knew she had been standing behind him for a long time. He said: "Miss, have you finished looking at the Western mirror?" His words were quite blunt, and Guiyun's face turned red, feeling angry, she ran back and said to Xiaodie: "We must go home." Xiaodie still had a rose unsold in her hand, but Guiyun pulled her hand and left. The two of them organized their buckets and items at the park entrance, roughly calculated their earnings, and took out a few coins to give to the park's gatekeeper before finally leaving.

Qing Gu feared that he might suddenly become angry, so she changed the subject: "A few days ago, that Mrs. Huang who wanted to be Xiao Qiuyue's godmother seemed quite absent-minded, and she hasn't been around much lately!" Du Ban master frowned: "I heard that their family has encountered some troubles recently, owing a debt to a Japanese person, and they are being forced to use a scroll of authentic cursive script by a famous Song Dynasty calligrapher from their collection as collateral." "Alas! What a sin!" Gui Yun did not understand and asked: "Why does the Japanese person want cursive script?" Du Ban master sneered: "Hmph, the Japanese have a big appetite, like robbers, and they covet the treasures left by our ancestors."

After the song ended, she waved her sleeves and saw a black Mitsubishi parked outside. The path behind was well-prepared. Although the future looked bleak, it was not a complete disgrace; she managed to maintain her remaining dignity and left the stage that had once brought her great prominence. A proper retreat, accepting the outcome of the gamble. A wise leader knows how to preserve the dignity of their glorious past. "The senior sister is someone who knows how to let go and take hold," Guiyun would always sigh when mentioning Xiaofengming to Guifeng.

Upon thinking of Xiao Fengming, Duban Zhu felt a sharp pain in his heart and slammed the table heavily: "She always sabotages things and mingles with the Japanese, which is utterly disgraceful!"

The person who rescued her held her left arm with his right hand, and she was still leaning against him. They both looked at the car that was driving away. When she looked up, it was him. The young man, with his strikingly thick eyebrows slightly furrowed, gazed down at her with a hint of reproach. He said, "Miss, have you seen the foreign mirror again?" Breathless, Guiyun felt both grateful and embarrassed, managing a shy smile. After being teased by this young man twice, she felt bashful. He repeated, "Miss, have you seen the foreign mirror again?" Breathless, Guiyun felt both grateful and embarrassed, managing a shy smile. After being teased by this young man twice, she felt bashful.

Guiyun is willing to pluck the most vibrant rose and place it in Guifeng's hair. Guifeng, with her naturally peach blossom-like face, is adorned with powder, concealing her budding emotions. This veiling of her heart adds to her charm. Guiyun says to her: "Mother said I should try my voice on stage, so you must be more accommodating to me!" Guifeng, adjusting her makeup in front of the mirror, sighs with her brows and eyes: "Guiyun, your fortune is better than mine, you will surely do well."

Guiyun saw the words "Changchun" outlined in red brush strokes within the occupied area, and she recalled Xiaoyan: "My Xiaoyan escaped from here." Zhanfeng still remembered: "I will definitely help you find Xiaoyan in the future." Guiyun nodded and then shook her head: "I only hope she is doing well and does not become a little beggar again"

"He is Japanese!" said Zhan Feng. "Xiao Re Huan" has set up his stall and is improvising: "The Japanese devils ate my pear syrup candy, let them suffer from intestinal obstruction and go back home, yi er lang dang yao!" "Do the Japanese devils also buy your pear syrup candy?" Gui Yun asked. "Xiao Re Huan" replied, "I actually hope the Japanese soldiers come to buy it, I can just mix in some rat poison." Everyone laughed heartily. Back at Shikumen, before going to bed, Gui Yun, as usual, prepared boiled eggs for the Du couple as a late-night snack. "Xiao Re Huan" said, "I actually hope the Japanese soldiers come to buy it, I can just mix in some rat poison." Everyone laughed heartily. Back at Shikumen, before going to bed, Gui Yun, as usual, prepared boiled eggs for the Du couple as a late-night snack. Master Du and Aunt Qing were sitting under an oil lamp, one calculating accounts, while the other was knitting a wool sweater for Zhan Feng. When Gui Yun arrived, Master Du called her over to look at the accounts together. "She has a good memory and a steady temperament, these matters are not difficult for her." It is always unsettling to leave such matters to others, fortunately, Gui Yun has learned well. Aunt Qing thought of Gui Feng: "Gui Feng is again talking about playing the lead role in a play, I see that this child's ambition cannot be concealed, when shall we send her to perform at the hall?" "No, if she is to perform, it should be on stage, she cannot go to the hall." Aunt Qing realized she had misspoken and hurriedly said, "Yes, yes. I just worry that she may not be clever enough on stage and get bullied by Xiao Feng Ming."