Gateway to Happiness - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Set The Stage

The little water reservoir at the Lu Family’s backyard was just done. However, Lu Xiao Shu was too worried about the fish pond, so she stubbornly pestered her brother and father to work on it with her. They made it wider and deeper.

They piled the mud and sludge from the bottom of the pond on the edges of the pond, and planted lots of mulberries, bamboos, bananas, etc., around the little water reservoir. Every day, they would check on it, and it kept them constantly occupied.

Naturally, Lin Fang was always by her side to serve her in any way she wanted. Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan’s round chubby face slimmed down during his time with them.

Finally, Lu Xiao Shu was done tormenting everyone. The fishes in the pond could also take a rest without humans constantly disturbing them. Lin Fang and Zhou Yuan too, could let out a breath of relief.

“Now that we are finally free, why don’t we invite a theatrical troupe to the village and set up a stage for them to perform some shows? Everyone has been exhausted these few days!” That day, they finished everything perfectly, but Zhou Yuan was worried that he would have fewer chances to come by, so he suggested it out of haste.

As he spoke, his eyes fleeted towards Xiao Xue.

Xiao Xue could not help perking up at the sound of that. She was really excited, and Zhou Yuan was secretly delighted to see that. He laughed, “So, it’s decided then? We can discuss it with the adults and let them notify the villagers. At the same time, they can arrange and set up the stage!”

Seeing that he was proposing everything animatedly while Lu Xiao Shu and Xiao Xue had no opinions, Lin Fang could not let that fatty Zhou take all the glory. He hastily nodded and said, “That’s right! It would be so much fun if there was a show! I was thinking the same thing too! We could just find a suitable place to set up the stage. As for looking for the troupe, we’ll take care of it! We’ll pay for them too!”

“Yes! Yes! It’s just for fun anyway!” Zhou Yuan added. Both of them got more animated as they discussed.

Lu Xiao Shu could not help glancing at Zhou Yuan. I guess this fatso’s luck is quite good. He made a wild guess, but it ended up perfect. My dear sister loves to watch shows. His strategy is just perfect!

Of course, Xiao Xue was thrilled. However, she was still wary of that “Zheng Yuan” as if he’s a curse. She might not say it out loud, but she glanced at her little sister out of habit.

Naturally, Xiao Shu would not brush off her hint, so she nodded and smiled, “I think it sounds good! But this must be discussed with the mayor. Or else how could we find space and the men to set the stage up?”

“Then, we’ll go inform him now!” Lin Fang said without a hitch, “Let’s have it during the next few days. The Yang’s Theatrical Troupe from town is excellent. I’ll have a word with them later today…”

Xiao Xue could not help interrupting, “Are you sure the mayor will agree to this if we bring it up? Why not let our parents and uncle discuss it?”

When it comes to whatever Xiao Xue said, Zhou Yuan would agree to it completely. He nodded and grinned, “Xiao Xue is right. It would be better if we tell Mister and Madam Lu first!”

Seeing how he commented on her suggestion, she turned away from him.

While they were speaking, Miao Chu He entered from outside and asked what they were talking about. Lu Xiao Shu explained everything to him with a bright smile.

He laughed, “That’s a great suggestion from all of you! I was just thinking about how tired everyone had gotten. It would be good to have some entertainment! However, Lin Fang and Zhe Yuan are guests. We’ll invite the troupes, so you don’t have to worry about it. That’s it. I’ll go and talk to the mayor about it!”

How would Lin Fang and Zhou Yuan allow it? They were suggesting it to win over the favor of the love of their life. They could afford to be extravagant just to be happy. So, they insisted on handling the matter as they argued with Miao Chu He about it.

Miao Chu He was annoyed but amused at the same time. As an adult, of course, he would not seriously argue with them. However, it was not very nice to let them pay for it. The only thing he could offer was to split the fees. Each of them would pay an equal amount, and only then it was settled.

Lu Xiao Shu did not feel courteous since Zhou Yuan was obviously scheming something, so who cared if he wanted to waste money? As for Lin Fang, his actions were even more inexplicable!

Recently, she realized that he was very competitive with Zhou Yuan. Pfft! It’s just another rich kid’s temperament! Anyway, all he has is money, so this will be nothing for him.

Immediately, the matter was settled, and the mayor was happy with no objections about it. There were rarely any events like this in the village. With everyone enjoying themselves, how could it not be exciting?

Thus, the mayor agreed to it and was willing to provide a huge stage. He even offered to be in charge of the troupe’s food and accommodation.

Soon, the news circulated in the village and everyone was looking forward to it.

Zhou Yuan found a few opportunities to secretly ask Xiao Xue what shows she liked to watch. He wanted to give a heads-up to the troupe so that they can prepare for it.

Xiao Xue gave him a look as she was hesitant to answer.

Zhou Yuan put on a smile and assured, “The show will last three days! There’s time so we can put in a request so that it won’t trouble anyone later.”

He knew that Xiao Xue was not selfish and did not want to trouble anyone with her own desires.

She finally said two shows, and Zhou Yuan could not contain his joy. He nodded with a grin, “Okay! I’ve memorized it. I’ll inform them to arrange the shows properly!”

On the other side, Lin Fang was asking Lu Xiao Shu the same question.

Lu Xiao Shu gave no mind to things like this. Watching shows was a physical strain to her because she could not sit still for hours. She simply said a few shows like the ‘Uproar in Heaven’, and the ‘Legend of the Deification’ show that she would hear her mother chatting about daily.

Every time there was an opera show in the countryside, it was like an unspoken agreement to request popular shows like these. If an old lady from any rich family was having a birthday, there would be no difference other than adding a request for “The Gift of Longevity”. It was like common sense and no one had to say anything to remind it. Lin Fang was very disappointed and he felt like he was defeated by Zhou Yuan this time. I guess I’ll bring Xiao Shu to ride horses next time…

With money, time, and connections, they got things done pretty fast. On the evening three days later, the Yang’s Theatrical Troupe arrived in the village with grandiose as they came in carriages. It attracted the attention of countless people.

This time, Lin Fang and Zhou Yuan had both paid for a large part of it. They purposely reminded the troupe to present the best and most spectacular performances using their highest quality props and makeup. Since the pay was very high, the leader of the Yang’s Theatrical Troupe was all smiles. How would they turn down such an offer?

Because of that, when they stepped into the village, they had already attracted everyone’s attention.

It was not only the locals, the neighboring villages had also received the news. On that day, every family finished their breakfast very early before leaving for Feng Ye Village in groups.

It was like a rule. Whenever any village was hosting a good show, the neighboring villages would come visit to hype up the atmosphere. With more people showing up, it signified that this village had a good relationship with the other villages. They would most definitely welcome everyone.

Of course, the people from other villages were very tactful in leaving the good seats for the locals. After all, it was not their land and the troupe was paid by someone else.

Frankly, even if they wanted to grab a good seat, they would not get a chance because the villagers here had already arranged the seating in the afternoon. The village children would be there early to play and to guard their seats at the same time. They were long awaiting to watch the shows at night.

Laughter and chatter filled the vast village plaza. As the people started to gather, the excitement got higher. Just by glancing around, all you could see were people standing everywhere.

Lu Xiao Shu’s family arrived after finishing their dinner. They sat down on the seats assigned to their family.

The atmosphere was very lively. It was not because Lu Xiao Shu had seen it in her past life, it was just that every time she saw something like it, she could not help the feeling of excitement and sorrow. Her emotions were strongly affected by it in spite of herself. She would no longer be able to witness such an atmosphere from her past life.

Miao Cui Lan and the others took their seat. Soon, the ladies from other families excitedly scooted over and started to gossip. Xiao Xue, Xiao Shu and Xiao Yu sat on the other side obediently.

Miao Cui Lan looked around for them and ordered Xiao Xue to watch over her sister out of worry. She reminded her to make sure Xiao Shu did not wander around. She also worriedly mentioned how crowded it would get at night, and why they should not run off when the show was over, that they should wait until everyone left before getting up so that they wouldn’t get knocked over or stepped on.

Actually, Miao Cui Lan felt that her daughters were getting bigger day by day. They were not the same as the little girls back then. Even though they knew the people from the other villages, the place would be in chaos when the show ended. It was quite possible that someone might seize the opportunity to harass them in the dark while everyone was pushed together in the crowd.

If someone like that touched them inappropriately, it would have been a huge disgrace for them!

Xiao Xue used to not understand it. However, she understood her mother’s hidden meaning this time and she nodded with a small smile. She blushed and smiled, “No worries, mother. Xiao Shu and I will be here waiting for you to pick us up before leaving.”

It’s a good thing that Xiao Xue understands! Miao Cui Lan grinned and nodded before sighing exasperatedly at Lu Xiao Shu, “I know that you like the excitement, but not the shows. What a strange child! If you don’t want to watch, you should leave and go home earlier. Don’t go wandering around when the show ends, understood?”

Lu Xiao Shu stuck her tongue out and grinned, “Yes, mother! I’ll be here accompanying my sister, is that alright?”

“Oh, my girl!” Miao Cui Lan chuckled. Hearing her friends calling her, she left and sat down with them.

The curtains were pulled back on the stage. The bright colorful lanterns had been hung up in two rows, the sky had just turned dark as the lanterns lit up together. The gongs sounded like the noise of pea-sized rain droplets showering down, and the chatter immediately died down like a wave retreating from the shore.

Soon, there was silence. No matter what they were doing before, everyone stopped and focused on the stage. They waited for the show with heads tilted upwards and eyes wide open.