From then on, Cheng Fengtai really kept his promise, and came to Shang Xirui every day when he got up to say hello. When Cheng Fengtai saw him, he yelled: "Good luck, Boss Shang!" Shang Xirui nodded and smiled solemnly: "Second Lord, get back down!" Day after day, he never gets tired of saying these two words. Xiao Lai and Lao Ge are very used to this crazy couple. Occasionally Shang Xirui would be dissatisfied if Cheng Fengtai came late one day. Cheng Fengtai now stores all his black tea and dim sum in Shang Xirui's place, he drinks tea and snacks when he arrives, treats the business house as a hotel just like at home. He doesn't like to eat sweet, and his desserts are always salty. When Shang Xirui first saw those delicious cakes and egg rolls, he was so happy that he grabbed them and bit them, but he only took one bite of each, and didn't like any of them because they were not sweet. Cheng Fengtai put some milk and white sugar in the black tea for him, and he likes to drink English-style milk tea very much, it was a waste of Cheng Fengtai's good tea.
When Cheng Fengtai was having breakfast, it was when Shang Xirui was having lunch, so they often ate together by the way. Although Shang Xirui must see meat at every meal, Xiao Lai is a northerner's way of cooking, sometimes the taste is a bit heavy, and there are some ingredients like vermicelli and scallions. Sometimes Cheng Fengtai is not used to eating, so he put his chopsticks on the bowl and said, "Go! Boss Shang! Let's go out to eat! How about some roast duck?" He put his arm around Shang Xirui's shoulder and left, leaving behind table dishes. In the past when Cheng Fengtai was away, Xiao Lai would eat at the same table with Shang Xirui. Since Cheng Fengtai came, Xiao Lai ate alone in the kitchen. For such a trivial matter, Xiao Lai hated him even more, and frowned annoyedly when seeing him. Later Shang Xirui sensed it, and when Cheng Fengtai wanted to go out to eat again, Shang Xirui said quietly: "These dishes are pretty good, forget about eating, don't bother to go out." Cheng Fengtai knew he was the most greedy, it was impossible not to fall in love with it Restaurant, looked at him suspiciously, Shang Xirui wondered: "We always do this, Xiao Lai won't be happy. She's not happy anymore!" Cheng Fengtai didn't want to provoke Xiao Lai, so he honestly ate a little. However, when Xiao Lai sees it, he will be very unhappy and think: Don’t you think my cooking is not good? What else do you eat! Don't you have money to eat out? She never took any of the gifts that Cheng Fengtai bought her as a thank you for her cooking skills, she turned around and left with her head down, regardless of what Cheng Fengtai yelled from behind. A set of Xie Fuchun's rouge and gouache was placed at the door of her room, thinking of forcing it to her behind her back, she wouldn't want it, would she? Girls like it. It's still hanging there after a month. She intends to have a quarrel with Cheng Fengtai.
Shang Xirui got Ning Jiulang's slightly repaired playbook on the day of Wang An's Lao Fu Jin's birthday banquet, and reconnected his love for Kunqu Opera. Since these days, Kunqu opera has never left his mouth. After he picked up Kunqu Opera, he put in a lot of effort and went against the trend to perform the complete versions of "The Peony Pavilion" and "The Story of the West Chamber" for several days. Kunqu opera has always been popular among the upper class, and Shang Xirui's literati friends responded enthusiastically to it. However, in today's world, Peking Opera is undoubtedly the most popular, and other operas are always accompanied by the last. Fortunately, as long as it's Shang Xirui's play, the seats are still full, otherwise the theater manager would have to be in a hurry with him. After Hou Yukui met Shang Xirui in Prince An's Mansion, he paid more attention to him. Hearing that he had put aside Beijing opera to sing Kunqu opera, he couldn't help feeling a little worried, and recruited Shang Xirui into the mansion for days. Shang Xirui was flattered and put on a new gown to listen to the teachings, everyone guessed that the old Hou was going to teach him, just like the breath of immortality Ning Jiulang gave him back then. In fact, Shang Xirui only learned how to serve the big smoke and burn the bubbles from Hou Yukui, and Hou Yukui talked about the history of Liyuan, but didn't tell him any jokes. Only one day when Shang Xirui was leaving, Hou Yukui couldn't help but say: "Sing well, don't be half-hearted, the show is wasted!" Shang Xirui bowed and promised.
Shang Xirui really has an uncharacteristically benevolent attitude towards the people he admires, and he is not so willful and stubborn. For example, to Hou Yukui, if someone said this to Hou Yukui when he was singing, he would definitely say: Beijing opera is also opera, and Kunqu opera is also opera. With Hou Yukui, he can only be obedient. Another example is Yuan Xiaodi. Last time Cheng Fengtai casually promised to arrange for them to meet, don't forget about it. But Shang Xirui always remembered, and didn't remind him when he remembered, holding back his anxiety. Shang Xirui is so awkward.
One day at lunch, there was only a pot of cabbage chicken soup and tofu in sauce from the previous night. There was nothing delicious, so Shang Xirui got angry and asked Cheng Fengtai for trouble: "Where is my Yuan Xiaodi! You promised of!"
Cheng Fengtai stopped his chopsticks, squinted his eyes and looked at him: "What is 'your' Yuan Xiaodi? How did he become 'your'?"
Shang Xirui knew he had made a slip of the tongue, so he didn't accept it, he just clamored to see Yuan Xiaodi. Cheng Fengtai pretended not to forget it, and said calmly: "He has been very busy recently, I have an appointment with him, and we should see each other in two days. Shall we find a place to eat Hunan cuisine? Think about it first, see you What to talk to people face to face."
Shang Xirui stood up, took out a chicken leg from the casserole, broke it off with his bare hands, dipped it in soy sauce and ate it, his posture was like a bandit in a cottage: "I don't know what to say to him, I won't say anything. "
Cheng Fengtai frowned and smiled wryly: "You change your eating habits first, then you will scare people to death later."
Shang Xirui wiped his mouth with the back of his hand: "How could I be like this outside. Boss Shang is so gentle."
On the day of the date, the elegant boss Shang held a folding fan in his hand and wore a stone blue silk jacket. He lives a simple life, and the most important daily attire is nothing more than a little oil on his hair, a new dress, and a good fan. But because of her beautiful appearance, as long as she takes care of her a little, her appearance will be extraordinarily radiant, clear and delicate, like a glass man. This is the fragrant season in Beiping City. A few strands of willow catkins are rippling in the wind, like gentle snow. Cheng Fengtai drove the car to the alley to pick up Shang Xirui when it was time, watched Shang Xirui walk slowly from the other end of the alley with a shy smile, walking in the smoked wind and willow catkins, like a poem or a painting Painting - "Who is on the Moshang's young man is full of flair". Cheng Fengtai got out of the car involuntarily, held on to the door, and watched Shang Xirui from far to near with fascination.
Shang Xirui was embarrassed by his stare, approached and said: "What are you doing!"
Cheng Fengtai held his shoulders, and looked at him closely with admiration: "Boss Shang is a handsome young man, so handsome!"
Shang Xirui was a little proud and a little shy, he shook his head slightly.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Yuan Xiaodi sat at the table and waited for them. It wasn't that they arrived late, it was that Yuan Xiaodi came early, sitting there in a gentle manner, drinking a cup of tea in a gentle manner, what a Confucian businessman.
Yuan Xiaodi grew up from the lowest class of actors in the previous dynasty, and was used to being bullied. She had a deep inferiority complex about her background as an actor. No matter how popular he became later on, he was always very humble and cautious in front of others. Even now that he is in business, his temper is still the same. Even because of his excessive humility and politeness, he gives people a feeling of being cold and hard to get close to. When he got older, he quit Liyuanhang and opened a silk and satin shop. The high-quality silk material from Cheng Fengtai was sold to the high-class ladies who had listened to his plays, so the business was very high-end, very refined, and very leisurely. Sometimes customers invited him to banquets, to card games, and occasionally asked him to show his voice. At this time, Yuan Xiaodi felt very sad in his heart, as if he would never be able to get rid of his identity as an actor for the rest of his life.
When Shang Xirui saw Yuan Xiaodi, he couldn't move his feet. Cheng Fengtai pushed him on the back to make him sit down, while being polite to Yuan Xiaodi. Yuan Xiaodi paid close attention to Shang Xirui when he saw him. Their opera singers have a special temperament, their posture is more upright than ordinary people, and their demeanor is smooth, no matter what they do, they seem to be shaking their sleeves, fingering their fingers, and their eyes are also radiant and beautiful of.
Yuan Xiaodi looked at Shang Xirui, smiled and said, "Who is this?"
Cheng Fengtai glanced at Shang Xirui: "This is me... a kid who loves to listen to operas, Tian Sanxin. I always wanted to meet you, so I brought him here today. Don't be surprised." Cheng Fengtai temporarily took Shang Xirui Rui's name was taken apart to rebuild one. Shang Xirui felt a little embarrassed, what is Tian Sanxin, it's really ugly. I have greeted Yuan Xiaodi here, and his expression is very natural, presumably because he often hides his name and is used to being deceived.
Yuan Xiaodi took another serious look at Shang Xirui before chatting with Cheng Fengtai about business matters. Cheng Fengtai tried his best to bring the topic to opera, but Yuan Xiaodi didn't seem to want to talk about it, anyway, he only cared about how to weave this year's new satin. Shang Xirui sat silently on the side, blushing slightly, peeping at Yuan Xiaodi thoughtfully, and stopped eating. Seeing him like this, Cheng Fengtai felt jealous and amused at the same time, so he simply stopped going around and said directly: "Master Yuan's business is doing well, and the play is even better. I heard the preface of Mr. Yuan's "The Story of the Jade Hairpin". Said: 'Your body is cold', you actually feel cold on your body. You are amazing! You really have kung fu! There is also the phrase 'Oh my God', hey, the taste is indescribable."
Shang Xirui turned his head and glared at Cheng Fengtai fiercely, the comment was obviously made by him and was embezzled by Cheng Fengtai.
Yuan Xiaodi was surprised and said: "Second Master, you also listen to the opera?" Anyone who heard Cheng Fengtai listened to the opera would be surprised. He has always been a person with a deep degree of Westernization, like a person who has just returned from studying abroad.
Cheng Fengtai waved his hand and said: "Hey! I'm just getting started, and I don't understand much, you're laughing at me."
Yuan Xiaodi said: "Your two sentences are not shallow! To tell you the truth, I am most proud of these two sentences in the entire "Jade Hairpin"."
Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui looked at each other quickly, Shang Xirui's eyes were full of color, as if saying: I know a lot about goods, even good things can't escape my ears. Cheng Fengtai glanced at him with a smile.
"You sang so well and left so early. It's really a big loss for Liyuan Tour." Cheng Fengtai really pretended to be a fancier: "It makes us fanciers, even if we want to feast our ears."
Yuan Xiaodi was ashamed: "You also know that the market of Kunqu opera is no longer what it used to be, and I can only sing Kunqu opera again. When I get older, I think I should take advantage of my contacts in the capital and change my career to do some stable business to support my family." Live the day." He paused, then smiled slowly and said, "If the second master really likes to listen, I can recommend two people to you."
Cheng Fengtai had an inexplicable premonition, and secretly looked at Shang Xirui. Shang Xirui couldn't take his eyes off Yuan Xiaodi when he was talking.
Yuan Xiaodi really went on to say: "The first one is the famous Shang Xirui, you must know him."
Cheng Fengtai guessed that he would mention Shang Xirui, and it came true, he smiled and nodded: "Yes, I know very well."
Yuan Xiaodi sneered self-deprecatingly: "That's not true. There are not many people who don't listen to operas who don't know him. However, opera fans only know that his Beijing opera is good, but they don't know that he is a real mess. I am fortunate to hear It's really good to play "The Peony Pavilion" by him."
Shang Xirui's eyes widened brightly, and he started to get excited.
Cheng Fengtai deliberately induced him to praise Shang Xirui a few more times, and said: "I also watched that play, I don't know much about it, Master Yuan, tell me?"
Yuan Xiaodi said: "Based on Erye's knowledge just now, I can't understand. I won't talk about the singing, but just say the line: 'If you don't go to the garden, how will you know the beauty of spring', you really read a piece of it." The spring is gorgeous. I think the soapy robe at the back is superfluous.” When he said that, the corners of his mouth were a little sharp, and he immediately turned around: “It’s not really superfluous. To be honest, it’s just a hook. After reciting the Daobai, there is no need to sing, and the artistic conception will come out."
Shang Xirui blushed from his praise, turned on the fan and slapped the wind twice. Seeing the landscape painting on the fan, Yuan Xiaodi said in surprise, "Young Master Tian, is this work written by Lord Du Mingfu?"
Shang Xirui closed the fan and handed it to him to watch: "Yes. It's his." This is the handwriting that Du Qi secretly gave him from home.
Yuan Xiaodi took it over and looked at it carefully, and praised a few words, he liked it very much. Kunqu opera has always been known for its elegance. After Yuan Xiaodi became famous, he was surrounded by a group of high-class literati, just like Shang Xirui now. But he is more fond of books than Shang Xirui, and under the long-term training of literati, he has cultivated a pen and ink sentiment, can write and draw, like a scholar.
Shang Xirui suddenly winked a little today, and said shyly: "This fan, if you like it, keep it."
Yuan Xiaodi realized that his behavior was too obvious a hint, no different from asking for it, and quickly returned it to Shang Xirui, smiling annoyedly: "Master Tian, Yuan didn't mean that. Master Du's handwriting is only As a gift to relatives and friends, I think you are also a gift from others, so how can I accept it?"
Compared to Yuan Xiaodi, Shang Xirui cares more about Du Mingfeng, after being rejected, he was a little embarrassed, tongue tied and unable to speak. Cheng Fengtai thought to himself that this child was as crisp and spicy as an oriole bird on stage, how could the audience be so shy, and said with a smile: "Master Yuan just accept it, my little friend is not very good at talking, you If he doesn't accept it, he'll be in a turmoil for several days." Yuan Xiaodi still resolutely refused, and after a few rounds, he accepted it with a blushing face. Cheng Fengtai saw that their cheeks were slightly red, one big and one small, and thought it was funny, in his impression, opera singers are probably sociable and open-minded people, Yuan Xiaodi and Shang Xirui are exceptions.
Disturbed by the fan, Yuan Xiaodi put aside what he had said just now, and talked about Du Mingrong and his elder civil servants. Shang Xirui didn't like to hear this, but he was too embarrassed to talk. Yuan Xiaodi and Cheng Fengtai had finished chatting, talked about things, and almost finished their food and drink, so it was time to leave. The three of them went out together, and Yuan Xiaodi once again expressed his gratitude to Shang Xirui for the gift of the fan. Shang Xirui finally plucked up the courage to ask him: "The two people you want to recommend, besides Shang Xirui, is the other one?" who?"
Yuan Xiaodi laughed aloud: "You really have a heart. I forgot about it, thank you for remembering! There is also a child from Yunxi Class, named Xiao Zhouzi. He hasn't graduated yet and rarely sings on stage. "
Shang Xirui silently remembered it in his heart. Then Yuan Xiaodi got into the rickshaw, watched him go far before going back with Cheng Fengtai. Sitting in the car, he covered his face with cold hands and moaned. Cheng Fengtai said what happened to your face? Shang Xirui said it's okay, it just feels a little hot.
"Boss Shang looks like a big girl now." Cheng Fengtai drove the car slowly, and said disdainfully: "It's still a big girl with nympho, as for? Isn't it just Yuan Xiaodi? I can't see it As for."
Shang Xirui said loudly: "You don't know how good Yuan Xiaodi can sing! There are a lot of good singers in Peking Opera, and only Yuan Xiaodi is the only one in Kunqu Opera!" He continued to hum: "He is already so good, he still praises I'm good. Oh!!! Second master! The original boss praised me!"
Cheng Fengtai freed up a hand to stroke his hair, and said with a smile: "Then you can't lie to him, are you that shy? We are in the same city of Beiping, and at what poker game did we meet, let me see what you think." explain."
Shang Xirui said: "I didn't lie to him. I didn't say I wasn't Shang Xirui, I didn't say anything. You lied to him, you lied to him that my name is Tian Sanxin - that's an ugly name."
Cheng Fengtai nodded: "Okay, it's still my fault. Next time I'll tell him to dismantle your diorama!"
Shang Xirui ignored him, rolled down a section of glass window and started to sing while blowing the wind, and sang the verse that Yuan Xiaodi praised so much - "If you don't come to the garden, how will you know the beauty of spring". The tone is elongated, and each of the ten characters has its own high and low charm. His voice was so bright, and the voice floated out of the window, making people on the street turn their heads to find out where Du Liniang came from. Immediately behind is the Zao Luo Pao - "It turns out that there are so many purples and reds blooming everywhere, and they are all like this, and they are given to ruins..." From the car window, one can see a large stretch of old houses and old walls in Beiping, with intermittent dark green shadows of pagoda trees And pass. These ancient and monotonous street scenes, paired with Shang Xirui's garden, have a subtle sense of conflict, yet are very harmonious. The emotion in Cheng Fengtai's heart is beyond words. With Shang Xirui, there is often such a feeling that the present and the past are intertwined, and the vicissitudes of life change in an instant. Shang Xirui seems to have a magical power, like the sea monster in Greek mythology. As soon as he speaks, the world changes, a little bit of color is painted, or a little bit faded - it all depends on what play he is singing. Those who fall into this magical world cannot escape the bewitchment.
Cheng Fengtai also followed Shang Xirui and hummed out of tune.