The arrival of the opera troupe stirred up excitement in Qinghe Bay.
In the evening, the children from each family were sent out by the adults to save seats.
Mrs. Zhao and Aunt Qin came over to ask Tong Huaqiong to join them for the opera, but Tong Huaqiong said she wanted to rest at home. The two were surprised that the opera enthusiast seemed to have changed, but they understood—as Tong Huaqiong had been busy with her shop and Weaving Workshop business all year, and only during the New Year could she truly rest.
The two ladies chatted with Tong Huaqiong briefly before leaving for the opera site, afraid that the good seats would be taken if they arrived late.
Seeing Tong Huaqiong didn't want to go, Mrs. Hong stayed behind, sitting with Tong Huaqiong to keep warm, roasting sweet potatoes and peanuts over the charcoal fire.
The maids came up to attend to them, but Tong Huaqiong waved them away, instructing them to take Granny Chen and Granny Lei to enjoy the opera.
