The famously idle and easygoing young man of Beijing's high society sits in an opera house listening to Kunqu opera, his eyes half closed as sleepiness takes hold.
On a bright day, a dan performer steps gracefully onto the stage.
Her performance of A Nun's Yearning earns applause from the whole house. She gets through the entire piece without so much as losing her breath, a testament to her years of rigorous training.
Her delicate features are full of feeling, her eyes rippling with emotion, making her impossible not to pity.
The idle young man opens his eyes and looks her way, a hint of amusement in his gaze.
The woman sits before a mirror and removes her makeup, glancing indifferently at the jewelry box someone has brought her. It is full of glittering treasures, not even worth a closer look.
Turning to look at herself in the mirror, she resumes removing her makeup and speaks slowly. "If I were like that little nun, full of sincerity and rushing toward love, I wouldn't be Yan Zhen."
On the sofa not far away, Seventh Master sits with one leg crossed over the other, smiling languidly. He doesn't seem angry at all.
The young attendant takes in the mood in the room, then leans in and asks quietly, "Master, will you be coming again tomorrow?"
He stands and adjusts his lapels with a smile. "Why wouldn't I?"
The jewelry box remains on the table, quietly sparkling.
The man has already left.
Kunqu opera's young dan star X Beijing's playboy
Written on 2021.7.23
Theme: Don't look back
