The troupeās performance was in the townās theater, unlike the open-air shows in the village with makeshift stages. The theater not only had a spacious stage and gas lighting, but also the audience seats were quite impressive.
Xie Yumian had been preparing for over a month, playing the lead female role of Xiāer in this performance of "White-haired Girl." Due to her outstanding appearance and a stroke of luck, she was directly chosen by the troupeās leader, giving her the opportunity to play such an important role in the drama.
After dressing up, one performance after another began in front of her. She waited nervously behind, as "White-haired Girl" was scheduled last, as the finale, so she had to wait for a long time.
While waiting, she stood behind the red curtain, sneaking a peek at the audience below. With just one glance, she saw Xu Zheāan sitting in the front VIP seats. The man, in his upright military uniform, looked exceedingly handsome and distinguished.
She had already seen during rehearsals that Xu Zheāanās name was on the invitation list. She knew he would come, so she had been quietly paying attention.
At that moment, she saw another familiar face.
"Jiang Lai?!"
How could she be here?
And she was sitting next to Xu Zheāan!
How could she sit next to Xu Zheāan? By what right? Why?
Xie Yumian instantly lost her composure, with her eyes fixed on Xu Zheāan and Jiang Lai, unable to relax for a moment, full of questions and uneasy guesses, as if there was a hammer pounding in her heart, making her breathless.
"Yu Mian, what are you doing? You canāt watch from here."
Xie Yumian was suddenly tapped, startling her back to her senses.
She looked blankly, suddenly seeing Jiang Lai leaning her head directly towards Xu Zheāanās ear! The two were so close it seemed like they were about to kiss!
What is Jiang Lai doing! Shameless woman, already married, yet still daring to get close to other men!
Xie Yumian was uneasy, although she had physically returned, she seemed like she had lost her soul.
At this moment, Jiang Lai sat next to Xu Zheāan, with the overseas Chinese geologist sitting on the other side, providing translation for them.
Due to work reasons, Jiang Lai often had to move around the town. After all, the geologistās research mainly focused on this area, and with their smooth communication, Jiang Laiās English was even more fluent than the translator she brought along. The geologist and Jiang Lai thus developed a friendship.
Xu Zheāan watched the two communicate effortlessly, laughing and chatting like long-time friends, which made him admire Jiang Laiās abilities even more.
He came specifically to invite this geologist to the city for research and study, and even brought along a friend who had studied abroad for many years to help with translation. Yet, upon arrival, the translator was unnecessary, as Jiang Lai could handle everything effortlessly.
From the county secretary, Xu Zheāan heard that Jiang Laiās spoken English was entirely self-taught, which made him even more curious and amazed. How could a country girl manage to teach herself to speak like a native? It was truly unbelievable.
Then Jiang Lai turned around and whispered.
"Mr. Mai has agreed and can leave for the city in a couple of days."
"Thatās great. Thanks to your help with translation, our cooperation has gone so smoothly."
Jiang Lai was indifferent.
"Iām just getting paid to do a job; thereās no need to thank me."
Xu Zheāan glanced at Jiang Lai. Her delicate features and fair skin, though dressed simply, exuded an ethereal quality, not like someone who had endured hardships in the countryside. She was even cleaner and more beautiful than his own pampered sister.
Xu Zheāan was full of curiosity about Jiang Lai, and for once, initiated a conversation with her.
"How do you know so many specialized terms? Our conversation involved many terms only professionals would understand, yet you could translate them perfectly. Iām very curious; could you explain this?"
Because he was a soldier, he was accustomed to a commanding tone, and speaking to Jiang Lai, he maintained the attitude of a superior.
"Before coming here, the secretary of the county informed me about Mr. Mai, so I specifically looked up the relevant information. The countyās bookstore had many professional English books, which helped me a lot."
"Youāre outstanding, more than any girl Iāve ever met. Your talent will make great contributions to our country. Have you considered working in the city?"
"What would I do in the city?"
"The country is progressing, and its steps towards openness wonāt stop. I believe our nation will soon reach a peak in international trade. At that time, talents like you will be the most precious and rare for our country.
I want to be fully prepared for when everything arrives."
Jiang Lai nodded.
The real day of opening was only two or three years away. In fact, from various aspects now, one could see that the country was slowly loosening its control in this regard.
Many people had already started doing business boldly. People like Jiang Lai and Xie Jian, who profited from selling secondhand furniture, were not few. Even if caught, they would only receive verbal warnings, not the severe consequences most people imagined.
Xu Zheāan was also aware that the trend was unstoppable, thus watching Jiang Lai with a sense of urgency in his gaze.
"I still have my own matters to attend to. After I finish them, I can consider your proposal."
"I will continue to stay in touch, until you agree. Of course, thereās no need to worry about other aspects; we certainly wonāt mistreat you."
At this point, the performance began as the host took the stage, followed by the actors.
Jiang Lai watched with great interest, as Little Buding commented along.
"The performance style of this era is still a bit conservative. No women showing legs, boring."
"If you like seeing legs, in the next world, send me somewhere where they show them."
Modern life truly has its perks.
Although itās nice here, the material conditions are still too poor. What good is money if you canāt buy things, and still canāt enjoy life?
Performance after performance concluded, and finally, Xie Yumianās "White-haired Girl" began.
Because the actorsā makeup was so heavy, if it werenāt for the different hairstyles and clothes, it would be hard to tell them apart. Yet Jiang Lai still recognized Xie Yumian at a glance, unable to help but admit she was a true fan of the leading lady.
Next to her, Mr. Mai occasionally asked Jiang Lai some questions, as he couldnāt understand what was being sung, but he could mostly understand what he saw.
Whenever Mr. Mai spoke with Jiang Lai, Xu Zheāan would promptly ask.
"Does Mr. Mai have any needs?"
"No."
At that moment, Xie Yumian on stage immediately noticed the two sitting closely together, and in an instant, her steps faltered.