The New Year was always lively, but this time it was rather monotonous, with nowhere much to go. After wandering around outside for a couple of days, they no longer felt like going out for fun.
Going out always cost money. The art troupe's benefits were good, but they still could not withstand too much spending. So once the lively New Year festivities were over, everyone did little besides their usual exercises to stay in shape for the post-holiday performances. The rest of the time, there was nothing much to do. Occasionally, they went out for a stroll; otherwise, they stayed holed up in the dorms reading, chatting, messing around, knitting sweaters...
Wang Yan was different. He still went to the rehearsal room to practice his instruments. Originally, he had planned to practice them all, playing and drumming as he pleased. But his storytelling had become popular, his writing had made him famous, and his "composed" songs had won plenty of praise. As a result, he had been so busy all year that he barely had time to practice. When he rested, he had nothing much to do besides read, so he tinkered with his instruments to entertain himself.
In the large rehearsal room, Wang Yan sat before the piano, his long fingers striking the keys as a graceful melody echoed through the room.
Xiao Suizi stood on the stage, a standard smile she had practiced countless times on her face as she danced to the beautiful melody. Even her winter clothes could not conceal the beauty of her movements or the allure of her figure.
Wang Yan softly sang along with the music he played.
"A great river, its waves so wide—"
"The breeze carries the fragrance of rice blossoms along both banks..."
Hao Shuwen leaned against the piano,