Xia Zhi had heard the story of Beidou slaying the sea beast from a storyteller at the teahouse before.
The storyteller had done a decent job, but it was nothing compared to the elegance and grace of Miss Yun Jin's performance just now.
Not to mention, storytellers simply sat stiffly on stage and spoke, unlike Miss Yun Jin, who sang and danced with theatrical movements carefully choreographed to match her lyrics.
This was why creating an excellent opera was so difficult — not only did each line of the lyrics require meticulous refinement and a fitting melody, but every movement had to be choreographed to match, down to the precise expression on the performer's face.
Of course, for Xia Zhi now, none of this was particularly challenging — he was a master of both Art Appreciation and Mastery of Drama. He could tell in an instant what worked and what didn't.
So really, none of that was the important part right now.
What mattered was: because Yun Jin was coming to the shop for a meal today, she had clearly dressed up more than usual.
She wore a beautiful casual outfit — without the chest-binding cloth she normally used while performing on stage — which meant that during certain movements... well… let's just say the view was quite lovely...
After the final note, Yun Jin stood still, slightly out of breath, and looked at Xia Zhi with hopeful eyes.
"Mr. Xia, what did you think of my performance just now?"
"It was excellent."
"You flatter me, Mr. Xia! I know the new opera still has many flaws. Please don't hold back your critique!"
Xia Zhi nodded and paused thoughtfully.
Then he began pointing out some issues, offering constructive suggestions.
He only critiqued the lyrics, though.
While Yun Jin's movements were visually stunning, there were a few spots that could use refinement.
But given his character persona as a blind man, he couldn't exactly comment on what he "couldn't" see — so he kept that part to himself.
Yun Jin listened intently, her eyes growing brighter with every word.
"Miss Yun Jin, as far as I can tell, these are the main areas where your new opera could use polishing."
"Thank you, Mr. Xia!"
"You're welcome."
"But Mr. Xia, I still don't fully grasp the changes you mentioned to the tune and vocal technique in those lines. Would you mind singing it once yourself?"
"Well…"
"Cousin, sing it! We want to hear!"
"Uh…"
"Yes, boss, we all want to hear it!"
"Sigh… You guys really don't give me a choice… Fine, I'll try singing it."
"Wait! I haven't turned on my recorder yet!"
"Me neither!"
"Okay, Cousin, you may begin!"
"Mhm!"
Xia Zhi stood up, cleared his throat, and began to sing.
"Fins glimmer in the nether sea, a tail points toward distant peaks…"
What he sang was a version of the song that he had personally modified.
And he figured this would be a good time to test out the trait [Charming Voice] — so he activated the effect of [Siren's Voice] while performing.
Compared to [Mermaid's Voice], which was also ocean-themed but gentle and serene, [Siren's Voice] carried the tempestuous, alluring power of a stormy sea.
The opera "Tale of the Sea and Mountain" was, after all, a fierce story of mortal versus sea beast — the bold, stirring energy of [Siren's Voice] made it the perfect fit.
The girls were completely mesmerized.
As Xia Zhi sang, they felt as if they were aboard the Crux Fleet, witnessing Beidou's legendary battle with the sea monster firsthand.
The final note faded into silence.
But the girls were still lost in the world of opera.
It seemed that the effect of [Charming Voice] was quite promising.
Xia Zhi sat down quietly and sipped his tea while he waited.
A while later, the girls slowly returned to their senses, exclaiming in awe one after another.
"Boss, that was incredible!"
"Thank you."
"Mr. Xia's voice is so captivating!"
"Thank you for the praise, Miss Yanfei."
…
The one most struck, however, was Yun Jin.
Her cheeks were flushed a deep, enchanting red from sheer excitement — and her eyes locked onto Xia Zhi with an intense, burning gaze.
In that moment, she was no longer the shining opera star of Liyue.
She was his biggest, most passionate fan.
Not that it mattered — Xia Zhi was blind, after all. He could just pretend not to notice.
"Miss Yun Jin, did you gain some insight?"
"Yes! Thank you so much, Mr. Xia! Your performance was absolutely phenomenal! It's truly a shame you don't perform on stage!"
"Haha, I only sing for fun. I've never had aspirations of fame."
"Sigh…"
Regret shimmered in Yun Jin's eyes.
She turned her head and caught sight of Xiangling nearby.
Xiangling looked back at her.
The two locked eyes.
And in that moment, they both recognized something in each other.
Yun Jin recalled Xiangling's strange but heartfelt new dishes — and felt a sort of shared struggle between them.
But there was still a difference: Xiangling was Mr. Xia's apprentice. She could seek his guidance anytime.
Unlike herself…
Ah, how she wished she could hear Mr. Xia sing every day…
Yun Jin turned away and sighed quietly to herself.
——
In the bathhouse, the girls were soaking together.
"Director Hu, yours seem… bigger?"
"Right?!"
"Let me see… yeah, looks like they really are a bit bigger?"
"Seriously! Even my clothes have been feeling tighter lately!"
"Huh? Which outfit?"
"The one I wear all the time! Sister Chi Yu, let's go shopping together in a few days!"
"Sure, we're about to get paid anyway. I'll buy for you!"
Zhu Zi suddenly remembered: "Oh right! Boss said last time we might even get a year-end bonus!"
"What's a year-end bonus?"
"Boss said it's a reward from the store for our hard work throughout the year! Miss Ganyu, doesn't Yuehai Pavilion have something like that?"
"No…"
"Oh, I thought all offices did."
Ying'er chuckled beside her.
Ganyu cast a silent glance at Ningguang.
Right… why don't we at Yuehai Pavilion have bonuses?
I've worked so hard this year, too!
Ningguang answered solemnly, "Secretary Ganyu, rest assured — Yuehai Pavilion will not overlook the efforts of any dedicated employee. We'll implement year-end bonuses as well."
Ganyu nodded, satisfied. "Good."
Keqing cleared her throat and offered a subtle reminder, "Ningguang, given the current state of the nation's finances, the Qixing's reserves are limited…"
But Ningguang remained generous: "No worries — I'll cover it from my personal vault."
Although she had destroyed and rebuilt the Jade Chamber this year, spending an enormous amount of Mora, her collaborations with Mr. Xia on paper-making, lipstick, hand cream, whitening creams and more had brought in considerable new revenue streams. It was clear next year would be a bountiful one — she truly wasn't strapped for cash.
The girls chatted for a while longer in the bath before Hu Tao suddenly dashed out of the pool.
"I'm going to get a massage from Mr. Xia first!"
The others nodded with amused smiles.
Hu Tao headed to the back room, where Xia Zhi was already seated and waiting.
"Mr. Xia!"
"Director Hu."
"Hehe, sorry to trouble you again today."
"Not at all. Another essential oil massage?"
"Mm! I didn't sleep well last night. My chest feels a little tight. I'd like you to focus more on that area this time."
"Understood."
And then… well, that was that.
If anything had to be said, it was this — Director Hu had quite the promising figure for the future.
"Mr. Xia, I'll pay for Miss Ningguang's massage today. Just charge it to my tab."
"Very well."
When Hu Tao returned to the bathhouse and loosened her towel, all eyes immediately turned her way.
Her face, which had only just stopped blushing, turned red all over again.
She laughed and scolded, "Hey! What are you all staring at!"
"We're just curious!"
"What's there to be curious about? It's not like you haven't had massages!"
"But it's different… Hu Tao, your skin looks kind of flushed…"
"It does not!"
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