Fang Xiyue had always been well protected and rarely encountered guests who came to watch the opera. However, today her senior brothers and sisters were busy, so she had to take on this responsibility.
Fang Xiyue looked at the two with gentle eyes and said kindly, "May I ask what the guests wish to inquire about?"
"Hmm~ Was that 'Battle of Jinshan' you just performed! You performed it very well. I've been to many opera houses myself, but you can definitely be considered among the top performers in these opera houses." Qi Wen said with a smile, his eyes still lingering with a sense of unfinished enjoyment. He loved to comment in person after the opera.
Fang Xiyue said softly, "Thank you, young master, for your praise!"
"Why don't you perform a segment for me on the spot! The climax part!" Qi Wen said excitedly. Among all the operas, this was his favorite.
"This... isn't it a bit inappropriate!" Fang Xiyue frowned. Was this guest really here to watch the opera or to cause trouble?
"Brother Qi, forget it! If you want to see it, you can come again next time. Why force it?" Xing Yuan quickly stopped Qi Wen before he could speak.
Although she didn't like watching opera, she would be willing to watch if her sister performed. Therefore, she didn't want her sister to perform for this guy alone, even if he was the male lead.
Qi Wen gradually calmed down and looked at Fang Xiyue apologetically, "It was my oversight. You should rest well after finishing your performance."
Qi Wen thought of another good idea, "How about this! In a few days, I'll set up a stage in my mansion and invite you to perform at my residence?"
Xing Yuan looked at Qi Wen and felt that her previous thought was a bit immature. How could such a person be entrusted with important tasks?
Xing Yuan cleared her throat and smiled faintly, "Didn't Brother Qi just say he wanted to invite the younger brother to see the main actors? Why are you trying to poach them now?"
Qi Wen was stunned and looked at Xing Yuan with confusion. Didn't he realize that it was just a casual excuse he had made? But since he had said it, he couldn't go back on his word.
Qi Wen laughed heartily, with a clear teasing tone, "What, Brother Xingchen suddenly became interested in opera?"
Xing Yuan shook her head, stood up, and walked in front of Fang Xiyue. With a smile, he said slowly, "I'm not interested in opera, but I am interested in this leading lady. May I have the honor of knowing the name of this beautiful lady?"
Everyone was stunned. Qi Wen reacted even more strongly. Before inviting Xing Yuan over, he had naturally inquired about her. Rumor had it that Xingchen was like him and didn't associate with women. How could it be that after their first meeting, Xingchen suddenly showed admiration for someone else for no reason?
Qi Wen was momentarily stunned, opened his mouth, and finally remained silent. He would just watch quietly to avoid doing anything unpleasant.
At this moment, Qi Wen belatedly realized that he had only spoken a few words with that person, and it had already made Xingchen jealous. No wonder the atmosphere was so tense earlier. It turned out that even heroes couldn't resist the allure of beauty!
Fang Xiyue also looked at the handsome and courteous young man in front of her with a dazed expression. She had never believed in love at first sight. She had seen too many scripts, and the male protagonists in the scripts were mostly approaching the female lead for their own benefit.
Fang Xiyue didn't think she was the female protagonist in any story, nor did she believe she had anything of value that others would covet.
After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke with a conflicted expression, "My name is Fang Xiyue! The 'Xi' symbolizes the rising sun."
Xing Yuan smiled with tenderness in her eyes and said softly, "A very beautiful name. The person who gave you this name must have had great hopes for you! My name is Xingchen! I am one of the countless stars in the sky."
Fang Xiyue was momentarily captivated by Xing Yuan's beauty but quickly regained her composure. Calm down, he's definitely not a good person, he might have some ulterior motive! Fang Xiyue, you must not be swayed! The more handsome a man is, the more he lies.
Fang Xiyue reprimanded herself internally for her infatuation and poured a basin of cold water on herself. Finally, she calmed down, took two steps back, and said, "Young master is joking!"
"I never joke!" Xing Yuan frowned slightly and looked at Fang Xiyue with a serious expression.
Then, with sincere eyes, he said, "As long as you are willing, I can marry you according to the traditional betrothal gifts and ceremonies!"
Fang Xiyue was startled and looked at Xing Yuan with suspicion. Did this person have a problem? Who proposes marriage on the first meeting?
Moreover, Fang Xiyue lowered her head, hiding the dimness in her eyes. Since ancient times, their profession had been called actors, and their status had always been very low. However, in an era when even having enough to eat was a luxury, they couldn't afford to be picky about their jobs as long as they could fill their stomachs.
Xing Yuan looked at her sister's silent refusal and felt quite disappointed. She had only thought about being with her and forgotten that her sister didn't remember her now. It seemed she would have to proceed step by step and use strategy.
Fang Xiyue said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, young master, but you might have mistaken me for someone else. We need to start preparing for the next performance. I'll take my leave now."
Xing Yuan watched them leave, her eyes somewhat dim, appearing very dejected.
Qi Wen saw Xing Yuan looking lost and heartbroken, and he no longer mentioned inviting them to perform at his mansion. There were matters of importance and urgency. Although Qi Wen loved to have fun, he knew when to do what.
Moreover, Qi Wen had a strange premonition that if he really invited them back to perform for him alone, their chances of cooperating would be slim.
"Brother Xingchen! There are plenty of fish in the sea! If you like that type of person, I can introduce you, and I guarantee you'll find someone you like." Qi Wen ushered everyone out and comforted the dejected Xing Yuan.
"No need!" Xing Yuan's voice was faint. She didn't want anyone else besides her sister.
Qi Wen said enthusiastically, "Great! Then if you like someone in the future, just tell Big Brother. Big Brother will help if he can."
"Yes, thank you!" Xing Yuan replied calmly and took the initiative to say goodbye, "I still have some things to attend to, so I'll leave now."
"Brother Xing, go ahead and take care of your business. We'll meet again next time." Since the other party wanted to leave, Qi Wen couldn't stop him and directly arranged for another meeting.
"Okay!" Xing Yuan walked towards the door, then seemed to remember something and turned back. Her exceptionally indifferent voice reached Qi Wen's ears.
"Next time, don't arrange to meet in such a lively place. I hope you can find a quiet place. I want to have a serious and earnest talk with you."
After saying that, Xing Yuan walked out and closed the private room door.