Master Fan, usually composed, found his brow furrowed by his attendant's panic. He had repeatedly instructed his staff to remain calm, but it seemed to no avail today. Fortunately, his mood was good, otherwise, he would have severely reprimanded the flustered young man.
"Mr. Feng Yi, has arrived!"
The attendant's words sent a jolt through Master Fan. He had been anticipating Feng Yi's arrival for some time.
"Quickly... quickly invite him in!"
Master Fan put down his brush and hurriedly instructed the attendant. He himself rushed towards Miss Yun Jin's chambers.
On his desk, amongst the calligraphy practice sheets, the four characters "Ling Jing Zhi Yuan" were marred by the word "Yuan" (distant), which had been ruined by his moment of panic.
"Miss Yun Jin, Mr. Feng Yi has arrived!"
Master Fan called out quickly outside Yun Jin's room.
"Really? I'm coming right out!"
Yun Jin's heart leaped with joy upon hearing the news. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, ensuring her makeup was perfect. Satisfied, she opened her door and followed Master Fan towards the back hall.
Upon reaching the back hall, Yun Jin saw a handsome young man with bright eyes and pearly teeth waiting in a guest chair.
"You must be Miss Yun Jin? Your performance yesterday was unforgettable. It's a great pleasure to meet you for the first time today!"
As the host arrived, it was only proper for the guest to rise. Feng Yi quickly stood to greet them. However, his gaze was drawn to Yun Jin, who stood beside Master Fan. Today, Yun Jin was not in costume, dressed in simple attire that made her appear even more radiant and graceful.
"Mr. Feng Yi, you are truly a master of your craft. The story of 'Farewell My Concubine' has deeply impressed me. It is my honor to meet you today!"
Yun Jin had not expected the creator of "Farewell My Concubine" to be such a young and handsome man. In her mind, a story with such rich emotional depth must have been written by someone who had experienced the joys and sorrows of life. Seeing Feng Yi's true appearance, Yun Jin's eyes lit up, and she was filled with admiration.
"Ahem... Please, sit, sit! It would be impolite to keep our guest standing!"
Master Fan thought to himself, "This mutual admiration society has gone on long enough! I feel like a third wheel..."
"Master Fan, I've come to settle the debt that Zhong Li incurred here. How much Mora does he owe?"
Feng Yi finally remembered the person beside him and, recalling his purpose, lamented, "Beauty has blinded me!"
"Mr. Zhong Li? He's a regular at the He Yu Teahouse! It's not a lot, only two hundred thousand Mora!"
Master Fan said with a smile. Two hundred thousand Mora was a mere pittance. Miss Yun Jin could earn ten times that amount from a single performance. Zhong Li's debt paled in comparison to the new opera Miss Yun Jin was planning to adapt!
"Entrusted by Zhong Li, I will clear his debt today. Here is two hundred thousand Mora, Master Fan, please check it."
Feng Yi took out a pouch and handed two hundred thousand Mora to Master Fan. The amount in his pouch was instantly halved! Feng Yi felt a pang of heartache, but he remained silent.
"I trust Mr. Feng Yi. Please, you two continue your conversation. I'll have the kitchen prepare some refreshments."
Master Fan weighed the money pouch, then found an excuse to leave, giving the two young people space.
"Mr. Feng Yi, could you tell me more about 'Farewell My Concubine'..."
Yun Jin gazed intently at the young man before her and made her request. Only by fully understanding the background of "Farewell My Concubine" could she truly embody the character and bring her to life. Yun Jin was dedicated to her art and approached theatrical performance with utmost seriousness.
"Of course. It all began with the King of Qin unifying the six states..."
Feng Yi also cared deeply about the theatrical performance of "Farewell My Concubine." Since he was here, he wouldn't mind elaborating further.
"The sands of the Chu River have gathered and dispersed, the sun and moon have witnessed countless changes..."
As he spoke, Feng Yi felt a surge of emotion, recalling a sorrowful ballad from his past life, "Yu Xi Tan," which spoke of the tragic tale of Xiang Yu and his concubine. The words flowed from him, transforming his narration into a lament.
Yun Jin blinked in surprise. Why had Feng Yi suddenly started singing? Yet, as she listened closely, a profound sadness washed over her. This song was about the story of "Farewell My Concubine"! Having read the story many times, it was now deeply etched in her mind. As Feng Yi's song echoed in her ears, Yun Jin found herself embodying the role of Consort Yu.
She took out a folding fan from her waist, rose, and began to dance, her movements harmonizing with Feng Yi's song.
"With a long spear and a steed, I conquered the world, but this farewell is so difficult..."
Feng Yi's emotions soared as he recounted his life of military campaigns from Xiang Yu's perspective.
"Drunk, I trim the lamp and gaze at the sword, my lady dances languidly,
A song of parting on the plains of Gai, the scattered Chu songs echo all around,
With grief, I bid you farewell and drink my sword, my blood, a frost,
Can I let go of a past love, for fate to have its way?
Where your soul returns, that is where I shall roam..."
At the climax of the song, Feng Yi rose and mimed drawing his sword. He then looked down, realizing he held no sword in his hand. A faint smile touched his lips, a sigh at the impermanence of fate. He turned to look at Yun Jin, who was dancing gracefully beside him, like Consort Yu bidding farewell to Xiang Yu. Her red eyes seemed to express her reluctance to part.
"My King, if there is a next life, I wish to accompany you to the wilderness, to live as simple farmers, planting crops and weaving cloth, living freely, without striving for anything, without thinking of anything."
Yun Jin sang Consort Yu's farewell in a theatrical style, pouring out her sorrow and her wish for a future life. Then, using her folding fan as a sword, she mimed slitting her throat, her gaze never leaving Feng Yi. It was as if she were saying, "My King, this is the last thing I can do for you!"
"Consort Yu, Consort Yu, what can be done?!"
As the song ended, Feng Yi held Yun Jin in his arms, much like Xiang Yu holding Consort Yu...
*Clap clap*
"Truly splendid! Mr. Feng Yi and Miss Yun Jin's collaboration was a perfect match, a meeting of minds! Mr. Feng Yi, would you be interested in performing in a play?"
Master Fan's applause from outside the door brought Feng Yi and Yun Jin back to reality. He praised their performance profusely. However, Yun Jin detected a hint of playful teasing in his admiration. Lying in Feng Yi's arms, Yun Jin's eyes fell upon his long, slender neck. Her fingers brushed against his firm abdominal muscles. The overwhelming masculine scent made her heart race. Blushing, Yun Jin struggled to free herself from Feng Yi's embrace, apologizing for her actions. Feng Yi shook his head, unconcerned. He hadn't realized he had also become engrossed in the performance.
"Mr. Feng Yi, would you be interested in joining the Yun Han Troupe and performing the story of 'Farewell My Concubine' with us?"
Yun Jin, witnessing Feng Yi's performance, recognized his immense talent for dramatic acting. If he joined the Yun Han Troupe, with a little training, he could soon become a lead performer.
"Thank you for your kind offer, but my heart is not in it..."
Feng Yi's polite refusal brought a flicker of disappointment to Yun Jin's eyes, though it was unclear whether she was lamenting the loss of talent or something else entirely.