Chapter 145: Whether a program is good or not, the audience's applause is the touchstone

In the days that followed, busyness scattered the longing.

The military wives were no longer busy with "zero-cost shopping" at the beach; they were all busy forming groups and teams—singing, dancing the Yangge, performing folk duets, playing the accordion—it was everywhere.

During the day, the open space in the family compound was filled with rehearsals; it was incredibly lively.

The old gentlemen from the retirement home were also invited to watch the program in the military auditorium. The seats arranged for them were in the front row, with a great view.

Shen Man didn't sign up for a program, but Political Commissar Ji sent someone to negotiate with her, ordering a batch of sponge cakes and red date cakes to serve as desserts at the venue.

So, she was destined not to be idle; she was busy.

Pei Yan Ting was a formal military doctor at the Military Region Hospital and was not subject to reassignment.

However, she did apply for the on-site medical logistics support, just in case any emergencies occurred at the venue.

Everything was ready, and on May 1st, the Military Region's cultural performance officially opened in the auditorium.

The first to appear were the ten groups of military wives who had successfully registered. Because it was their first time on stage, facing so many spectators and even recording reporters, the first group performed stumblingly and caused quite a few laughs.

But thanks to having rehearsed earnestly countless times, they finished the performance smoothly.

"Clap, clap, clap."

The applause was thunderous as they sent off the first group of military wives, whose faces were red enough to bleed.

The atmosphere instantly heated up, and the military wives waiting in line to go on stage felt their hearts jumping into their throats!

So nervous, so many people, and there were recording reporters!

"Manman, I'm so nervous. What if I forget my lines later?"

Ye Qinghong nervously gripped Shen Man's hand, her heart thumping wildly.

Shen Man closed her rouge box, examining her masterpiece while comforting her:

"What are you afraid of, Sister Qinghong? With Sister Cuicui and Sister Qingxue providing harmony, just bring out the courage you had during rehearsals and sing loudly~"

The Huangmei opera *The Female Imperial Son-in-law* is a classic that has been passed down for a hundred years!

Even if you can't get first place, you can still get third!

Zhao Cuicui and Ye Qingxue echoed her. Although they were also nervous, seeing the red eye makeup they had applied to each other, they suddenly felt less nervous.

None of the other competing military wives had anyone to do their makeup.

And it must be said, the makeup Shen Man did was indescribably beautiful!

"It's almost our turn. Don't think about anything else, just follow what we rehearsed."

"Good luck!"

"Good luck!"

Following the host's announcement, the third group was called—the Huangmei opera *The Female Imperial Son-in-law* brought by Ye Qinghong, Zhao Cuicui, and Ye Qingxue, appearing in heavy makeup...

Shen Man listened with great interest from backstage. With her sharp eyes, she saw Grandpa and the Master nodding and tapping along to the rhythm; they seemed to like it very much.

Seeing this, she felt that the performance by Sister Qinghong and the others was steady.

So she packed up her cosmetics and prepared to slip off backstage to find her sister-in-law to watch the performance together.

"Shen Man."

Suddenly, she was stopped by a comrade she had met once before and had almost forgotten the name of.

The other party was wearing a nice performance costume, wearing beautiful makeup, and looked like she wanted to chat with her.

Truly having forgotten the other person's name, Shen Man looked at her, confused, and asked:

"You are... what do you need from me?"

"I am Li Jiaojiao. I think I owe you an apology.

Because of me, I brought you some unpleasantness before. I hope you can forgive me.

I promise, I don't like Jiang Ye anymore."

Li Jiaojiao rubbed her fingers nervously, her face full of shame. She was as humble now as she had been arrogant before.

"Oh, oh, so it's about this."

Shen Man nodded in sudden realization, as if she had just recognized who the other person was, and then said sincerely:

"I forgot about that long ago and didn't take it to heart. You are so beautiful and have such a good job; you will definitely find a suitable partner in the future."

For those who harbor malice, she keeps them in mind, regardless of age or gender.

For those who harbor no malice and have turned over a new leaf, she will not push them to the brink.

"Thank you."

Hearing this unexpected response, Li Jiaojiao felt a slight sting in her nose.

After looking up to compose herself, she revealed a smile full of fragility:

"Actually, you are prettier than me, and your personality is gentle and kind. No wonder Jiang Ye likes you. I also wish you two a long and lasting relationship, growing old together."

"Definitely."

Hearing the praise and blessings from her former "love rival," Shen Man couldn't help but laugh.

A smile wipes away old grudges.

After all, the two had never been excessively hostile; it hadn't reached the point of a death feud.

Other military wives waiting to perform looked at the two in confusion. Since when did Shen Man and that comrade from the Art Troupe get along so well?

Wasn't it said before that they were at odds because of Regiment Commander Jiang?

Regardless of what others thought, the heavy stone in Li Jiaojiao's heart was finally completely lifted.

"Shen Man, I'll be performing the Peacock Dance later. If it's good, remember to clap for me."

"Alright, if it's not good, I won't clap."

Shen Man agreed. Whether a program is good or not, the audience's applause is the touchstone!

After Li Jiaojiao left, other military wives gathered around, one after another asking Shen Man if the other person had come to provoke her.

"No, she just came to say hello. There is no bad blood between us; she is a pretty good girl."

In this day and age, rumors don't stop with the wise; they only grow more intense.

She took this opportunity to clarify things with the military wives to avoid other versions of the gossip spreading later.

Just as they were talking, the Huangmei opera program on stage reached its end, and the applause was like a tidal wave—

"Clap, clap, clap."

"One more! We haven't heard enough!"

"It's great, it's great! One more!"

Shen Man peeked from behind the curtain. Good heavens, seeing Grandpa clapping, he was so excited.

The Master and the others were the same. It seems the target audience for Huangmei opera has always been the middle-aged and elderly!

As for children and young people, they don't realize the beauty of Huangmei at first; by the time they listen again, they are already characters in the play.

Ye Qinghong and the others didn't expect such a good response and were at a loss, bowing and thanking the audience repeatedly under the host's guidance.

After they left the stage, the purpose of the cultural performance had been achieved—the scene was already heated up!

The military wives performing next all put in their best effort, bringing out their best state.

Shen Man secretly circled around to where her sister-in-law was and sat down next to her stool.

"Manman, do you want some melon seeds?"

"Yes."

Shen Man nodded. Today, inside and outside the auditorium, it was packed layer upon layer. The snacks she made were supplied exclusively to the officers and leaders on the Sea Island.

Ordinary military wives and soldiers were each given a handful of melon seeds and peanuts.

Even so, the cost was not small. ===== CHAPTER 146 =====