“What, is it strange that I'm going to Sumeru?”
Luo Chen's matter-of-fact question directly silenced the two.
“That's not it.”
They simply had an instinctive reaction.
In fact, Lumine and Paimon were quite happy to have someone to accompany them. More people meant more fun, after all.
Although they had anticipated enjoying loneliness on their journey, who wouldn't want to be carefree and happy if they could?
Besides, this man before them had incredible skills.
As far as they knew, even without a Vision, he could easily take down sea monsters in just a few battles.
It was no exaggeration to call him the pinnacle of humanity.
“Great! From today on, we're temporary travel companions!”
Paimon, realizing what was happening, clapped her hands with delight, her greedy eyes scanning Luo Chen.
With a big spender like this, they'd have a better trip, right?
Then, just as they finished settling the companionship, they heard a sound coming from the stage.
“Yun Han She's headliner, Yun Jin, greets you all here.”
With a clear and crisp voice, Yun Jin, dressed in a vibrant theatrical costume, stood on the stage.
Her long black hair flowed down to her waist. She wore a flowing cloud-patterned dress and light makeup, which made her even more beautiful than usual.
Paimon was the first to express her admiration.
“Wow! Yun Jin, you're so pretty!”
To make her presence known, she flew into the air and waved her hand forcefully.
Her small size was concealed by her height, and since she was in the front row, Yun Jin immediately spotted her.
Along with Paimon, Lumine and Luo Chen were also noticed.
After a moment of surprise, a sweet smile bloomed on Yun Jin's lips as she gently waved to the two in the front row.
In this setting, it wouldn't be appropriate to catch up right away, as the opera performance was about to begin.
The seasoned performers were all in place, and the stage props were set up.
With a playful wink, she gave them a look that suggested they'd chat later, and Yun Jin immediately entered the performance.
At the same time, a melodious and ancient opera song filled the hall.
In an instant, the noisy teahouse fell silent. Within a few seconds, you could hear a pin drop.
Her voice reached the clouds, and her tenderness flowed like water.
As soon as Yun Jin opened her mouth, a sorrowful atmosphere enveloped the surroundings.
It was a song about an innocent girl being bullied by a dishonest merchant.
As the girl's sorrowful and mournful pleas filled the gaps in the narrative, everyone present almost simultaneously envisioned the same scene.
Under a blanket of snow, a poor girl of eighteen, forced to sacrifice her purity to secure a home for her elderly father who had been evicted from their old house.
Language has power and is filled with emotion. Opera, as one of its mediums, when performed by talented performers, elevates it to new heights.
Just like Yun Jin right now.
As the plot unfolded, the audience in the theater became incensed, wishing they could go onstage and beat the villain to a pulp.
Her every movement, her every gaze, her voice trembling with sobs, constantly tugged at the audience's hearts.
For performers, this should be considered the highest form of praise. No wonder even Zhongli was surprised by this young woman.
Luo Chen didn't need to turn his head to know how the audience in the hall was reacting.
Just from Paimon stopping her eating and focusing intently on the stage, he could tell everything.
Not just inside the hall, but even the corridor leading to the Ruyi Tea House was packed.
Yun Jin's charm was evident.
Many merchants felt that even for Yun Jin alone, it would be worth buying the entire Ruyi Tea House.
“It's almost over.”
But even the most beautiful opera must eventually end. As the elderly father died, the plot took a sharp turn.
The eighteen-year-old girl went from meek and vulnerable to bravely resisting, then enduring hardship, and finally achieving revenge.
A series of rapid-fire events kept the audience on the edge of their seats, their hearts pounding, and their eyes not even blinking.
Opera endings are both happy and sad.
Fortunately, Yun Jin's new opera had a happy ending.
Once the song ended, the audience, pulled out of their immersive experience, let out a long sigh, then closed their eyes to savor the lingering emotions, reluctant to let it end.
“This Yun Boss's opera, I've heard it before, but every time I hear it, I hear something new.”
“At first, I found Yun Master's opera a bit difficult to understand, but once I persevered and pondered it further, I immediately felt the elegance of the art. It's truly impressive.”
“Who says it isn't?”
The audience expressed their personal insights and praised wholeheartedly, naturally eliciting a satisfied smile from Yun Jin, who was taking her bow on stage.
The audience and the performers are one. Positive feedback brings joy to both sides.
“Thank you all for coming tonight. Yun Jin thanks you again.”
Her graceful and elegant posture would earn praise from anyone who saw it.
After she finished her thank-you, Yun Jin slowly returned backstage to remove her makeup and change clothes.
When she reappeared, she looked slightly different from when she was performing on stage.
Apart from her flowing cloud-patterned dress, her opera hat was gone, and the blue false braids at the back of her head had also been removed, making her look much more refreshed.
The only thing that hadn't changed was the red eyeshadow on the corners of her eyes, adding a touch of allure to her delicate and pretty face.
With almost perfectly measured, light steps, Yun Jin approached Luo Chen, a radiant smile playing on her lips as she asked, "How was my performance? Did it meet your expectations?"
Paimon couldn't wait to be the first to speak: "You performed so well! I want to learn! It's just, it's a little bit worse than God's Blessing, haha!"
“Paimon, you're so funny. If there are any shortcomings, you can tell me.”
Not the least bit offended, Yun Jin's voice, which had a hint of Wu Nong soft language when she was singing, was now crisp and decisive.
Scratching her cheek, Paimon said sheepishly, "Well, I just think it would be better if God's Blessing had me in it!”
So that's where your difference comes from?
Lumine was speechless. Anyone with a normal brain wouldn't make such an abnormal assessment.
She felt embarrassed for her.
Unlike Paimon, who was swayed by her own subjective thoughts, Luo Chen gave a very high evaluation.
“Compared to last time, you've improved slightly in a few subtle areas. I'm sure it won't be long before there is no performer in all of Liyue who can surpass Yun Master.”
“I've told you how many times, don't be so formal. Just call me Yun Jin.”
Luo Chen:：“……”
The girl with long black hair had a gleam in her eye, her voice slightly childish, her intimacy apparent.
Every time this happened, Luo Chen couldn't help but marvel.
The “Sea King” talent was terrifying. Truly, anyone could become a fish in his net.
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