Film and Television World Life Record

Xiao Chan said with some wariness, "That man was dressed as a woman, and he was quite beautiful."

Li Mu laughed and said, "I know, she was beautiful when she was a child, why do you care?"

Xiao Chan pouted and said, "I did it for Miss, so that the young master won't suddenly have a childhood sweetheart." With that, she giggled and ran away.

Chapter 625

Qinhuai Wuyi Lane has always been a bustling area in Jiangning City. Although it cannot compare to the spaciousness and grandeur of Zhuque Street and Confucius Temple, it is less commercial and more imbued with the cultural atmosphere of historical accumulation.

"The swallows that once graced the halls of the Wang and Xie families now fly into the homes of ordinary people." Although Wuyi Lane is no longer a place of wealth and privilege reserved for the likes of the Wang and Xie families, its great reputation also means that it is not a place for nouveau riche or ordinary people to live.

In the past two days, one of the houses, with its rustic exterior and elegant interior, has been rented out.

At this moment, in the courtyard, a middle-aged woman dressed in a gray-blue cloth dress was directing several servants who were moving things, occasionally frowning and shouting at them.

Just as things were getting serious, Li Shishi, dressed in men's clothing, quietly entered the courtyard. Just as she was about to go into the room, she was spotted by the middle-aged woman, whose face immediately fell.

"You went out again? Didn't I tell you? Don't go wandering around unless it's absolutely necessary. Jiangning isn't the capital. What if something happens?"

Li Shishi laughed and said, "Mom, I know, I dressed up as a boy!"

The middle-aged woman snorted: "You think you can get away with dressing as a man and that no one can tell you're a woman?"

Li Shishi said, "Mom, we just arrived in Jiangning! Let's go for a walk. Besides, I'm not really alone. I met Brother Yu today, and he came along too."

The middle-aged woman scoffed at her words, "Don't mention Yu Hezhong, he's no good either. He'll fawn over you like a leech."

Li Shishi said helplessly, "Mom, don't say that. Brother Yu is actually a very good person. Besides, we used to be neighbors, and you know him."

The middle-aged woman snorted: "I'm not an unfeeling person, but if it weren't for the fact that we used to know each other, I wouldn't let him in through this door."

"But, Shishi! It's not that I'm criticizing you, but Yu Hezhong is far inferior to you. It's fine to cherish old feelings and invite him to a few gatherings, but have you thought about it? His family background and talent are far inferior. It would be embarrassing for him to attend some poetry gatherings. If he really loses face, and you try to protect him, not only will others misunderstand, but it will also bring trouble to him. He himself might also misunderstand and think that you have feelings for him, and he might take advantage of that."

"People should know their own limitations. If you have unreasonable desires, you won't get them in the end. It's better to make things clear as soon as possible. I know you're soft-hearted, Shishi, and this is for your own good. Make a clean break and let him give up on this idea as soon as possible."

Li Shishi sighed softly, "I understand, Mom."

As she spoke, the woman entered the room, let down her long hair, and began to remove her makeup. Once she had restored her appearance and let down her hair, she instantly transformed back into a gentle and graceful woman.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, and a woman who had changed into a pink dress sat down by the small window. As if remembering something, she laid out her writing implements, picked up a sheep-hair brush, examined it, and then stuck out her tongue to gently lick the tip of the brush. The action was simple and elegant, yet carried a touch of allure.

The middle-aged woman frowned slightly: "Shishi, I've told you about this habit of yours before. You are a renowned talented woman in the capital. Don't act like a child, licking the tip of your pen before writing."

The woman smiled faintly: "I understand, Mom."

He then dipped the brush into the ink, paused for a moment, and began to draw on the white paper.

The middle-aged woman rubbed her forehead and sighed, "Let's not talk about this anymore. Do whatever you want... I heard you went to the old alleyway today. How's it going there?"

Li Shishi said, "Not much has changed, it's still the same as before, except there are fewer familiar faces. The old man who used to teach me the zither is no longer here..."

As she spoke, Li Shishi continued to write, and in a short while, the old alleyway appeared on the paper. After thinking for a moment, she drew a few more figures on it.

Then he said softly, "Hmm, I also saw someone I knew before..."

The middle-aged woman's surname was Li, and her given name was Li Yun. Years ago, she had placed some of the children she was raising in that alley to learn music and singing, and had fostered them for two years. Among them was Li Shishi, who had many memories of that place.

Hearing Li Shishi mention old acquaintances, and thinking of Yu Hezhong, she became wary and frowned, asking, "Someone I knew before? Who is it! Male or female?"

Li Shishi thought for a moment and said, "Does Mother still remember the Ning family who used to live in the middle of the alley, with a blue stone at their door?"

After thinking for a moment, Li's mother said, "You mean the Ning family? I do have some impression of them. I heard they used to be a wealthy family, and some of their members even passed the imperial examinations. However, a few spendthrift sons came along, and the family fortunes were completely ruined. I think everyone in the Ning family has passed away, leaving only one child!"

Li Shishi said, "Yes, Xiao Ning is the only one left in their family now, and that's who we met today."

Li's mother said, "I do remember this Xiao Ning. He was only twelve or thirteen years old when we left Jiangning. His parents had already passed away, and the entire Ning family had fallen apart. The remaining relatives had little contact with them. I never expected that after all these years, such a child would grow up so well."

"How is that child now? I remember he used to sit in the alley reading every day, but he was always shaking his head and swaying, clearly not cut out for studying. How did you recognize him?"

Li Shishi laughed and said, "Mom, Xiao Ning has changed a lot, especially his demeanor. He has a very special air about him, like someone who is destined for great things. I only found out it was him when I saw him sitting at the entrance of the Ning family's courtyard with a book in his hand.

Li's mother said, "What's so special about him? Shishi, don't be fooled. Even though he's an acquaintance, we haven't seen each other for so many years. Who can really know what he's like?"

Then, Li's mother added, "Shishi, don't think I'm nagging, but don't let your old friendship with Yu Hezhong creep back in."

Li Shishi sighed softly and shook her head helplessly: "Don't worry, Mom. It's just that we met as children, and it's just a bit sentimental at first sight. Besides, I knew so many people when I was a child, how could I have so many feelings for them? Meeting in a different place, even if we knew each other before, is fate. We'll just chat for a few words. Maybe we'll never see each other again after meeting today."

Mrs. Li nodded with satisfaction: "That's good. Don't associate with those who can't reach you. One Yu Hezhong is enough. If they come to see you all the time, just to reminisce and try to build connections, our Fanlou will look like a charity."

Li Shishi said helplessly, "Mother is overthinking it. There aren't that many people coming over to curry favor. Even Xiao Ning is doing quite well now. Not only does she have an elegant demeanor, but she also dresses very well and has a maid with her. If I hadn't gone over to greet her, she wouldn't have recognized me."

"You think people want to get close to me, but they might forget about me as soon as they turn around!"

Mrs. Li said proudly, "Hmph... With Shishi's stunning beauty, which man wouldn't be moved? Even if he doesn't show it on the surface, he's definitely thinking about her. Shishi, don't underestimate your charm..."

Li Shishi smiled helplessly: "Mom, stop bragging here. Is there anything else?"

As if remembering something, Li's mother said, "Oh, right, there's one more thing. Recently, for some reason, the news of your arrival in Jiangning has been making headlines here. There are even a lot of rumors circulating, saying that you'll outshine all the literary talents and courtesans in Jiangning. There must be someone stirring things up behind this, but I don't know who it is."

"However, with your great fame, Shishi, such things are inevitable. I think we should go with the flow and hold a poetry gathering at one or two times, so that these bumpkins from Jiangning can see what the capital city is like."

"Of course, I know that you came here not for fame or competition, but simply to relax and see your old home. I promise you that, apart from the poetry gathering, you can wander around and take a look around whenever you have free time."

"In short, let these bumpkins from Jiangning who want to become famous by association with you open their eyes and see what the number one courtesan in Tokyo is like. They can't just try to take advantage of you."

Li Shishi smiled helplessly: "But, won't this offend people? They'll say I'm arrogant. Besides, Jiangning is a big place with many talented people. We might lose!"

Mother Li said, "How could you lose? We're from the capital. I'm not trying to criticize you, but you're too kind-hearted. You never want to offend anyone, just like you were in Bianjing."

"But even if you hold back, the people in Jiangning won't appreciate it, and they certainly won't show any mercy."

"Actually, you don't need to worry. I've figured out what's going on in Jiangning. I used to know someone named Yang Xiuhong who owned a restaurant called Jinfenglou, which was very famous in Jiangning."

"They say this year is the worst year for Jiangning. Those who are currently popular, like Qi Lan and Luo Miaomiao, are simply not good enough."

“Even my sister is an oddball. I don’t know how it happened, but her most popular courtesan, Yuan Jin’er, supposedly ran away. Another woman, who also supposedly redeemed herself from the Golden Phoenix Pavilion and ran away, is said to have opened a business and is doing business on her own.”

"She was so angry. Those two women, why don't they just live a good life and marry a young master to be a young mistress? Why do they have to show their faces in public and run some kind of business? Don't they know how hard life is? What can two women accomplish?"

As she spoke, Li's mother secretly glanced at Li Shishi. Earlier that day at the Golden Wind Pavilion, Yang Xiuhong's words had made her think of her daughters, especially Li Shishi, and she hoped she wouldn't cause any trouble. Now, seizing the opportunity, she quickly gave her some instructions, lest Li Shishi one day abandon her responsibilities.

However, it was clear she had spoken in vain. Li Shishi, who was standing to the side, listened with bright eyes and after a long while, said, "These two sisters are truly admirable..."

Li's mother's heart tightened and she said, "Shishi, what nonsense are you talking about! You must not do this. I treat you like my own daughter."

Li Shishi comforted her, "Mom, don't worry, I won't follow their example."

Li's mother quickly changed the subject: "Shishi, I know you have a conscience. You would never do such a thing, you would never abandon your mother and run away."

……