Explore Chapter 5 of "八十一梦 五子登科" with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Jin Ziyuan left the Yang residence overjoyed. He returned to his lodgings, changed into a brand new Western suit, and instructed his chauffeur to prepare the car. In the evening, he drove to the amusement park in the southern part of the city, where the lights were dazzling and the crowd was buzzing. He reserved a private box on the second floor and had barely sat down when he saw a gorgeously dressed woman approaching gracefully, flanked by two maids. The woman was none other than Miss Yang. She wore a pink qipao with a silver-gray vest over it, with light makeup that made her even more radiant and captivating. Jin Ziyuan quickly rose to offer his seat, smiling: "Miss Yang, you have truly honored me with your presence. I am deeply flattered." Miss Yang gave a slight smile and sat down beside him, saying, "Mr. Jin, you are too kind. I heard the opera here is quite good, and I was just thinking of coming to watch."
On stage, "The Drunken Beauty" was being performed. The lead actress excelled in both singing and acting, drawing thunderous applause from the audience. Jin Ziyuan, however, was distracted, stealing glances at Miss Yang. He saw her fixated on the stage, occasionally nodding gently to the rhythm, her expression utterly absorbed. Jin Ziyuan couldn't help murmuring, "Miss Yang, does this play please you?" Miss Yang turned her head and smiled, "The singing is quite good, but the costume is rather ordinary." Jin Ziyuan agreed, "Exactly. Another day, I shall invite you to Beiping to see Mei Lanfang's opera-that would be truly superb." Hearing this, Miss Yang's face flushed slightly, and she said, "Mr. Jin, you're teasing me again."
Just then, a waiter entered the box and said in a low voice to Jin Ziyuan, "Mr. Jin, there is a gentleman outside asking to see you, claiming to be your friend." Jin Ziyuan frowned, stood up, and said to Miss Yang, "Please excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back." He stepped out of the box and went downstairs to the hallway, where he saw a man standing at the foot of the stairs. The man was dressed in a gray long gown and a fedora, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back. Jin Ziyuan looked closely and recognized him as a broker surnamed Wang whom he had met earlier at the bank. When the man saw Jin Ziyuan emerging, he quickly clasped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "Mr. Jin, long time no see. I heard you were here enjoying the opera, so I took the liberty of dropping by." Jin Ziyuan said indifferently, "May I ask what business you have in mind?" The man lowered his voice and said, "There's a good business opportunity I'd like to discuss with you. It's not convenient to talk here. I'll call on you another day." Jin Ziyuan nodded, exchanged a few perfunctory words, and then returned to the box.
When Miss Yang saw him return, she asked, "What was the urgent matter?" Jin Ziyuan smiled and said, "Nothing important-a friend wanted to discuss some trivial business. Let's continue watching the opera." By then, the play had changed to "The Fisherman's Revenge," with gongs and drums clashing, making a lively din. Jin Ziyuan, however, could not focus on the performance. His mind was preoccupied with the broker's words. He thought about how prices were soaring and how hoarding goods for speculation was a golden opportunity. If he seized the chance, he could make a huge profit. He also considered that he must not neglect Miss Yang. She was the daughter of an official family. If he could secure this marriage, he would have connections in officialdom. The more he thought, the more pleased he became, and a smile crept across his face.
After the show, Jin Ziyuan escorted Miss Yang home. The car glided slowly through the night. Miss Yang leaned back in her seat, her eyes slightly closed. By the light of the street lamps, Jin Ziyuan gazed at her fair, delicate face, a wave of emotion stirred within him. When they arrived at the gate of the Yang residence, Miss Yang got out of the car and turned to him, saying, "Mr. Jin, tomorrow is my mother's birthday. Please come earlier." Jin Ziyuan readily agreed and watched her go inside before instructing his chauffeur to return to his lodgings. Indeed: Accompanying a beauty to the opera with intent; A gentleman awaits on the steps-a greeting harmless.