The courtyard gate slowly opened, and what came into Yu Qing’s sight was the pavilion in the yard. In front of the pavilion was a path made of small pebbles.
The bright sunlight bathed the pavilion in a warm glow.
Yu Qing glanced sideways at Wen Ci. “I’m a little envious of you.”
Wen Ci smiled.
She knew she was indeed lucky. If Jiang Ye hadn’t disliked the harsh conditions of the northwest, this marriage might not have even fallen to her.
Wen Ci went inside to bring out some stools, then poured Yu Qing a cup of water. She spoke unhurriedly, “Dr. Yu, what do you think about incorporating drums into the dance? Using water sleeves to strike the drum surface during the performance?”
Drumming required the dancer to control the force of their sleeve movements, and since it was her idea, Wen Ci needed Yu Qing’s approval first.
“Hearing you say that, I think it’s a great idea.”
Yu Qing had to admire Wen Ci’s creativity. Originally, water sleeve dances were silent, but adding drumming would create both a visual and auditory impact.
“What are your thoughts on the water sleeves?” Wen Ci asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Should we keep the traditional water sleeve costumes, or should we modify them?”
Yu Qing pondered for a moment. “I think the traditional design is fine. If we modify it rashly, it might make drumming more difficult, and we wouldn’t be able to change it back.”
Wen Ci nodded, agreeing with Yu Qing’s reasoning.
They only had one day off to travel to Haishi. If their modifications to the water sleeves failed, they wouldn’t have time for adjustments. It was better to play it safe.
After finishing her water, Wen Ci took off her outer coat and said, “Shall we practice a little?”
“Sure.”
Under the radiant sunlight, the two of them danced gracefully. Their styles were different, but their movements blended seamlessly, creating an unexpectedly harmonious performance.
Their gazes met in silent understanding as they stopped at the same time. Wen Ci curled her lips into a smile. “We should put costume-making on our to-do list.”
She had thought she would need time to synchronize with Dr. Yu.
But now, it seemed unnecessary.
“Mm-hmm.”
As they chatted, the figure of a man gradually approached from outside the courtyard. His tall, imposing silhouette was visible, carrying vegetables in both hands.
Wen Ci’s eyes lowered slightly.
Why was Huo Jingyuan home so early today?
Huo Jingyuan stood outside the courtyard, debating whether to enter. He had planned to come home early to cook so that dinner would be ready when Wen Ci arrived.
But she was already home—along with a colleague.
Wen Ci wiped the light sweat from her forehead and bounced over to the entrance in a few quick steps. Peering out, she met Huo Jingyuan’s gaze and smiled. “Why are you home early?”
“What about you?” Huo Jingyuan countered.
Wen Ci answered honestly, “The Northwest Military Region is preparing for a military arts performance. Our hospital selected Dr. Yu and me to perform on stage.”
Huo Jingyuan’s eyes darkened slightly.
He had heard the political commissar mention the military arts performance a few days ago. Half of the training grounds had been cleared to set up the venue.
But he hadn’t expected his wife to be participating as well.
“What are you performing?”
Wen Ci grinned. “Water sleeve dance.”
Water sleeve dance costumes were usually blue, symbolizing fluidity and grace, and dancers would wear pale, delicate makeup.
Yu Qing put on her coat. “Well, I’ll be heading off now. See you tomorrow.”
“Stay for dinner before you go,” Wen Ci offered.
Yu Qing glanced at Huo Jingyuan from the corner of her eye.
Seeing his cold and expressionless face, she shivered and forced an awkward smile.
“No need, no need.”
She definitely didn’t dare to stay any longer.
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