Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 385 - 385 386 The Age of Adolescence_1

Chapter 385: Chapter 386 The Age of Adolescence_1 Chapter 385: Chapter 386 The Age of Adolescence_1 “Lord Lu has given me too much credit,” she said.

Lord Lu wanted to say more, but he always felt a strong aura emanating from Yu Ze. As he spoke, he found himself at a loss for words and had to awkwardly close his mouth. This man was always an enigma to him, and although Lord Lu dared not stare too long or occasionally wondered about something in his heart, he never dared to ask more.

He turned to Lu Qi’er and said, “Alright, now that you’ve seen it, are you satisfied? Hurry up and go back.”

But he saw Lu Qi’er staring fixedly at the stage, dazed as if lost in a trance.

Tianniu nudged Lu Qi’er and whispered, “Qi’er, Qi’er, what are you doing? We’re leaving.”

It was then that Lu Qi’er came back to her senses and muttered dazedly, “That Linghu Chong is really good-looking. What’s his name?”

Tianniu was startled for a moment before replying, “You’d have to ask Sister Mu about that, she definitely knows.”

Muniang smiled and said, “He is the leading performer of the Mei Team, named Zhong Yulang. His performance is indeed quite impressive. Do you like Linghu Chong, Qi’er?”

Lu Qi’er blushed and nodded, “I like him, I really do.” Previously, when Tianniu had told her the story, Lu Qi’er had greatly admired the character of Linghu Chong in the tale, but she never dared to believe that such a man could actually exist in the world. After watching the play, she truly felt that Linghu Chong existed! That man with his picturesque features and worldly demeanor was the man of her dreams!

“Sister Mu, who is the one playing Linghu Chong?” Lu Qi’er asked shyly.

Muniang was slightly taken aback – did Lu Qi’er seem to be smitten?

Turning to Lord Lu, she saw that he had not caught onto anything remotely suggestive, truly a coarse man at heart, unaware of a young girl’s thoughts. But, if he had realized something now, he probably would have been furious.

“Qi’er, you go back first. Sister Mu has some things to take care of. I shall visit you another day,” Muniang deftly changed the subject.

After all, Lu Qi’er was the legitimate daughter of the County Chief. If she truly took a fancy to a performer like Zhong Yulang, how could her father ever agree? Although Muniang was not a person to care about social status differences, she did not wish to see young Lu Qi’er suffer such an early heartbreak. With her naivety, she was not suitable for the profoundly scheming Zhong Yulang – it would be a loss!

Only then did Lu Qi’er leave reluctantly.

Muniang breathed a sigh of relief, “Speaking of which, Qi’er and Tianniu are both nearly thirteen. It really is the best age to be infatuated. The awakening of young love is truly terrifying.”

Yu Ze raised an eyebrow, “Are these words born of your own sentiment?”

“Quite,” Muniang admitted. In her past life, she had been a studious Engineering student, never having experienced romance. Yet, even in her prime years, it wasn’t that she hadn’t had crushes on boys. Unrequited feelings, however, were just too painful.

“So, who did you fancy when you were thirteen?” Yu Ze asked.

Muniang suddenly caught the scent of a thick jealousy. His tone was particularly awkward. She realized her husband had dipped into the vinegar jar again.

Muniang replied annoyedly with a laugh, “When I was thirteen, I was thinking that in two years, some shameless man would climb onto my bed to become my husband, and I was eagerly awaiting your arrival every day!”

Yu Ze’s mouth stretched into a wide smile, “Really?”

Muniang pinched him, “Shameless!”

Muniang stood up and went straight to the backstage where the actors were already waiting, each looking jubilant—their first performance had clearly gone well, with everyone looking forward to the next one.

“This first performance was a success, thanks to everyone’s hard work these past days. The coming days will likely be even busier, but rest assured, the benefits will not escape you. If the theater’s revenue increases after the next show, I’ll give everyone a bonus to show my appreciation!”

Everyone leapt for joy, cheering, “Great! With Lady’s words, no matter how tiring, it’s nothing to us!”

“Alright, go and rest. Have lunch quickly; there’s another performance this afternoon. Brace yourselves and put on a good show,” Muniang encouraged them.

“Yes!” Ever since they started working for their new employer, everyone’s passion had been ignited.

After everyone dispersed, Muniang then sought out Zhong Yulang to ask about the rehearsal situation in recent days—after all, though they had a successful opening, it was key to keep pushing and not to slack off.

Zhong Yulang’s expression suddenly darkened, “It might be better to find a replacement for Ren Yingying’s role.”

Muniang’s eyes widened, “Are you telling me now that the female lead has no one to play the part?!”

Since Ren Yingying’s character didn’t appear early on in the play—where the first three acts focused on Linghu Chong’s story at Mount Hua, mainly involving Zhong Yulang and Shen Dong—Muniang had chosen an actor with a feminine appearance to take on the female lead.

Zhong Yulang said gravely, “The Lady had initially chosen Yun Guan’er for the female lead, but he is not very keen on rehearsing. Instead, he prefers to cozy up to the high and mighty. He used to be Mrs. Luo’s favorite, and after Luo fell from grace, he found himself another influential patron.”

Muniang nearly choked on her spit. So, there really were men who liked being slept with! Since she took over Mei Garden, she had never forced the actors to take clients. Everyone was delighted; but it seemed Yun Guan’er found her to be in the way, cutting off his source of income.

Indeed, if one’s shameless, being a male concubine does earn money faster than an actor; and to think that someone could be so devoid of shame.

“How many rehearsals has he missed?” Muniang asked coldly.

“He has made excuses for several times, claiming he was tied up with his patron and specifically asked me to inform you,” Zhong Yulang replied.

Muniang scoffed, “Inform me?! Who does he think he is? I still hold his Servant’s Certificate. Now he dares to dictate terms to me—that’s some nerve!”

She then glared at Zhong Yulang, “You knew all along he was unreliable, so why didn’t you say a word when I chose him for the female lead? Now, in such an emergency, where can I find a suitable female lead?”

“Shall I send someone to fetch him?”

Muniang snorted, “If he doesn’t want such a good opportunity, it’s his loss. Sooner or later, he’ll regret it until he’s blue in the face. The role of Ren Yingying is pivotal. I never give someone who wastes an opportunity a second choice. But underestimating me to this extent is just too bold. Have someone tie him up and bring him back—I’ll deal with him myself!”

“Yes.”

Muniang felt a surge of anger inside. The most urgent issue was, where could she find a replacement for the female lead now?!