Chapter 223: Chapter 166: Taking the First Step

Shen Ruoxi playfully pounded Jun Moling lightly, but in the end, she did not refuse. Slowly, she pressed her lips onto Jun Moling’s chest.

On that firm chest, there were scars left there at some unknown time. As Shen Ruoxi looked at them, her heart softened involuntarily.

Such an outstanding man, leading troops to battle at such a young age, and he fought for over five years.

It wasn’t until he was twenty-five that he married the woman he longed for. A little bit of indulgence is only natural.

Suddenly, the bedchamber delights Ning Zhen’er mentioned popped into her mind. Her face blushed instantly, yet she still mustered the courage to continue kissing.

Jun Moling’s body tensed instantly, his whole being was like a taut string.

He was full of surprise, never expecting his own wife to be so proactive!

The slight regret from earlier seemed to vanish completely, leaving only heightened sensations.

“Wife, you brought this on yourself.”

Jun Moling pressed Shen Ruoxi under him once again.

Originally, he did not want to tire her out anymore, after all, they had been entangled for quite a while tonight.

But with his wife teasing him like this, how could he possibly hold back?

So, by the time they called for water to wash up, the sky was already tinged with the light of dawn.

Shen Ruoxi slept until the sun was high and lazily opened her eyes. Chuntao quietly informed her from the side that Ning Zhen’er had come again. As soon as she heard this, her face turned red like a ripe apple.

Though her maid would not gossip no matter how ridiculous she behaved, she now felt a bit guilty, and she couldn’t shake the sense that there was a hint of amusement in their glances.

Shen Ruoxi wished she could cover herself completely but still forced a calm demeanor and said, “Ask her to wait a while.”

Despite her attempts at concealment, the lingering fatigue from indulgence was evident on her face.

Ning Zhen’er noticed it immediately and smiled as she said, “Didn’t sleep well last night, huh?”

Shen Ruoxi’s face blushed even more in an instant, “Let’s get to the main point.”

Yet Ning Zhen’er had no intention of letting her off and, with a curious look, asked, “Is the Prince very fierce?”

Shen Ruoxi had just brought her teacup to her lips in an attempt to soothe her throat, and upon hearing this, she almost spat the tea out, coughing continuously.

Ning Zhen’er, seeing this, quickly covered her lips and chuckled, “No need to be so agitated just because I exposed you.”

Shen Ruoxi glared at her fiercely, “Speak your business. If you keep it up, I will see you out.

My husband said I should keep less company with you because you might lead me astray. Do you want him to order the servants to block you from entering the Prince Mansion?”

Ning Zhen’er straightened up quickly but still teased, “Actually, there’s no need to be embarrassed about this.

Women should be bolder, as this concerns their lifelong happiness.

If you fulfill your man, he won’t have wandering eyes outside. Believe me, if you are a little bolder, he will become insanely infatuated with you.”

Shen Ruoxi suddenly remembered last night. That night, she was indeed a bit wild.

Thinking of this made her blush even more intensely, and she couldn’t help but warn, “Ning Zhen’er, say one more word and just see…”

Ning Zhen’er looked at Shen Ruoxi, who was already married, yet still so shy, and couldn’t help but laugh, “You ancients…”

Shen Ruoxi was startled and questioned, confused, “Us ancients?”

Only then did Ning Zhen’er realize she misspoke, having let the truth slip out in a moment of forgetfulness.

“I mean you people are so old-fashioned, couples should talk about such things,” Ning Zhen’er corrected hastily.

Shen Ruoxi dared not continue this discussion with her. Her upbringing made it difficult for her to face such matters frankly, and to her, last night’s behavior was already her boldest attempt.

She sensed how excited her husband was at the time, but she also knew in her heart that last night was her limit.

“Are we going to talk about business?” Shen Ruoxi said seriously, her face turning solemn.

They as a couple were truly strange. Ning Zhen’er, who usually feared nothing, not even death, sometimes wondered if she would return to her old place upon dying.

But whenever they put on stern looks, she felt a thump in her heart, breeding a sense of fear.

“Alright, alright, today I’ve come hoping you’ll check out that theater with me. According to my observations over the past few days, this theater seems on the verge of closure. If we take it over and see if the performers can put on our plays, perhaps it could rise from the ashes.”

Shen Ruoxi pondered for a moment, thinking since she decided to collaborate with Ning Zhen’er, she should indeed investigate the site thoroughly.

“Alright, let’s head out in a while.”

Shen Ruoxi came out wearing a new outfit, and Ning Zhen’er couldn’t help but admire her, saying she was a natural clothes hanger, almost impeccably perfect.

Such a woman, if in the modern world, could become a star or an actress, and this face alone could draw enormous attention.

Unfortunately, her current status was as a Princess Consort.

If she were an ordinary woman, Ning Zhen’er would definitely hone her into a superstar in this ancient time.

Shen Ruoxi was unaware of Ning Zhen’er’s thoughts as they both went to the theater she mentioned.

It was daytime, and the troupe members were resting, but everywhere they looked, it appeared desolate.

Ning Zhen’er explained her intentions to the class leader, who, upon hearing, sank into deep contemplation.

His troupe was indeed at a critical juncture.

Previously, they were a traveling troupe, singing wherever they went. After arriving in the Capital City, they gathered some foundation and hoped to settle here.

The earlier years were passable, at least sustaining operations, but now the audience for opera was dwindling, and even basic subsistence was challenging.

Yet, with the rent agreement still valid for another half-year, he did not wish to give up so easily.

His eyes lingered on Shen Ruoxi for a long time, seeing her outstanding beauty and extravagant clothing made her even more striking than the woman beside her.

Thus, he specifically asked Shen Ruoxi, “Madam, may I ask what you intend to do with this theater?”

Ning Zhen’er muttered inwardly, “Judging by appearance, huh!?”

But considering the future expenses for leasing the theater would come from Shen Ruoxi’s pocket, she chose to hold her tongue despite her dissatisfaction.

Shen Ruoxi, composed, smiled and said, “To continue performing opera. We can produce different plays and sustain your theater’s operations.”

Upon hearing this, the class leader couldn’t help but sigh, his brows furrowed, remaining silent for a while before speaking slowly, “Madam, I cannot deceive you.

You should know that staging a new play requires a great deal.

For instance, just the costumes alone entail substantial expenses.

Moreover, it’s challenging for old plays to keep going because there’s always a portion of loyal audiences willing to support. However, new plays are different. If audiences don’t accept them, it could result in a total loss!”

Shen Ruoxi chuckled softly, her gaze exuding determination and confidence, “If we never stage new plays, we cannot determine if others will like them.

New plays have the potential to become classics. Clinging to a few old plays will only lead to consuming resources with no return.

Just tell me straight, I’ll provide the funds; are you willing to do this with me!”

Such a chance seemed like manna from heaven for the class leader.

However, being a straightforward and honest man, he didn’t wish to see someone jump into a fire pit, incurring losses and suffering.

“Madam, you’ve never run an opera troupe, and the risks are significant within. If you lose money, what will you do?” The class leader voiced his concerns, his eyes filled with sincerity and worry.

At this point, Ning Zhen’er could no longer contain her impatience, showing a trace of annoyance, she raised her voice, “You’ve rambled long enough! Look at yourself, you’re practically on the brink of starvation.

We are kindly offering rescue from the dire straits, yet you act so naggingly. Is it annoying? Just give a straightforward answer, do you agree or not!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep