The next day, after lunch, the women of the Xiao family and Xiao Anlan took two separate cars to the Changchun Garden in the eastern part of the city.  

This was the oldest and most renowned opera house in Liucheng. The viewing area had three levels: the first-floor hall, second-floor private seats, and third-floor private rooms.  

Yesterday afternoon, Madam Xiao had arranged for the largest private room on the third floor.  

When the Xiao family women arrived, they immediately caught the attention of many onlookers.  

The ladies ranged from young to mature, vibrant to elegant, lively to composed. Yet without exception, they were all stunningly beautiful, dressed in stylish, modern attire. Their collective presence was a breathtaking sight, drawing everyone’s gaze.  

Though many in Liucheng might not know what Master Xiao looked like, most recognized Madam Xiao and the concubines. This was largely because Madam Xiao enjoyed bringing them out in public.  

As she often said, “With a group of beauties following me, I feel radiant wherever I go.”  

The opera house owner personally welcomed the group to the third floor.  

Xiao Anlan walked behind the women, and naturally, Yu Wanru followed behind as well. As they walked, Xiao Anlan softly introduced the layout of the opera house to her.

The performance that day featured Xu Xiaochun, the celebrated star of the Qingxi Troupe, performing his signature play, The Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers.  

The sound of string instruments filled the stage as a graceful figure emerged, dressed as a palace beauty.

The once-bustling opera house immediately quieted down.  

The beauty’s face was partially obscured by a round fan, which slowly parted to reveal finely sculpted features. The upward tilt of his eyes conveyed silent emotion, and wherever his gaze fell, murmurs of admiration followed.  

Before he even began singing, many were already captivated.  

The noblewoman on stage opened her lips and began:  

“The ice wheel of the sea rises high,  

Behold the jade rabbit ascending the east.  

The wheel departs the sea, the world shines bright,  

Under the radiant moon, it seems Chang’e left her palace tonight…” 

Everyone was entranced, except for Xiao Anlan, who stifled a yawn.  

Opera’s slow and drawn-out style was not to his taste, and the overly ornate delivery tested his patience.  

Glancing at the women beside him, he noticed they were all engrossed, including his wife.  

Though the star performer on stage appeared as a woman, he was unmistakably a man. Seeing his wife so focused on another man made Xiao Anlan feel somewhat jealous.  

Reaching under the table, he took Yu Wanru’s hand in his, expecting her to respond shyly. Yet, she didn’t even glance his way.  

Feeling challenged, he mischievously scratched her palm.  

Yu Wanru instinctively clenched her hand but still didn’t acknowledge him.  

Determined, Xiao Anlan tried again, but when she remained indifferent, he frowned, grabbed her hand, and gently bit her fingertip.  

This finally got a reaction. Startled by the unexpected sensation, Yu Wanru let out a small gasp.  

Everyone in the private room turned to look.  

Madam Xiao, noticing her son’s smug expression and her blushing daughter-in-law, glared at Xiao Anlan. “If you’re bored, go take a walk outside. Stop disturbing everyone else.”  

Xiao Anlan asked Yu Wanru, “Darling, do you want to take a walk with me?”  

Embarrassed and annoyed, Yu Wanru turned her head away, refusing to answer.  

Xiao Anlan sheepishly rubbed his nose. “I’ll just stay here, then,” he said to his mother.  

Madam Xiao, both exasperated and amused, replied, “Then behave yourself.”  

After that, Xiao Anlan refrained from causing trouble and managed to sit through the rest of the performance.  

….

In the following days, Xiao Anlan became busy with negotiations for a major client at the Wanchang Hotel. Leaving early and returning late, he had little time to spend at home.  

Fearing Yu Wanru might get bored, Madam Xiao suggested she go out and meet friends.  

Although Yu Wanru didn’t find solitary reading dull, she didn’t want to dismiss her mother-in-law’s kindness. Besides, she had promised Su Xiaoman to go shopping together, so that afternoon, she asked the driver to prepare the car and headed east.  

After visiting her own family, she went to the Su residence to pick up Su Xiaoman.  

The two strolled along the streets, chatting as the driver followed at a reasonable distance.  

Su Xiaoman said, “I told my parents about wanting to move out. My father has agreed to help me find a suitable place in the city. Once I move, I’ll invite you over.”  

Yu Wanru nodded. “You can ask my father for help, too. With his connections from running our shops for so many years, he knows many trustworthy people.”  

Su Xiaoman smiled. “I won’t hold back if I need help.”  

Yu Wanru playfully chided, “After all these years of friendship, why even bother with formalities? By the way, Anlan mentioned one of his old classmates works as an editor at the Liucheng Daily. If you ever want to submit an article, he can introduce you.”  

Su Xiaoman gratefully replied, “Thank Young Master Xiao for me. When I earn my first payment, I’ll treat you both to a meal.”  

“I’ll hold you to that,” Yu Wanru said with a smile. “Didn’t you say you wanted a qipao like mine? Since we’re out, let’s visit the tailor.”  

“Good idea. Moving to a new place calls for a fresh start, with new clothes and a new mood.”  

As they chatted, a hesitant voice interrupted them, “… Xiaoman?”  

They turned to see who it was, their smiles fading as they recognized the speaker.  

It was Su Xiaoman’s ex-husband, Zhou Junsheng.