Chapter 581: Theater Opening

"It is indeed the opera house across the street," Diamond 10 nodded slightly.

"To ensure the safety of our stronghold, we previously conducted background checks on all surrounding businesses. That opera house used to thrive, but then the owner fell gravely ill, and the business gradually declined. Now, only a seriously ill elderly woman and a child live there, and it has been closed for a long time."

"The opera house is reopening. So, the old woman has recovered?"

"That's not important."

Heart 9 took the invitation from Jian Changsheng, casually glanced at it, and tossed it aside. "No one here listens to opera, and besides, now is not the time for leisure."

"Exactly. We've been delayed by the Fleeting Life Painting for too long. Months have passed, and we still haven't located the Red Dust base," Diamond 10 said, his brows gradually furrowing.

"While time is short, we must still act cautiously," Club J, who had been standing in the corner, said calmly. "We've just cleared ourselves of suspicion, so it's not wise to act immediately. It's best to first make natural contact with the outside world and assess the situation. After all, we've been confined here for too long and know nothing of what's happening outside."

"...You're right. Heart Q is still in a coma. We also need to go out and find a reliable doctor."

Jian Changsheng pondered for a moment, then picked up the invitation that Heart 9 had discarded, and tentatively asked:

"If we're going to make contact with the outside world... what about the opera house?"

Everyone's gaze returned to the invitation, deep in thought.

"...The opera house has a large, diverse crowd, making it an ideal place to gather information."

"Most importantly, the opera house proactively sent us the invitation. We would merely be attending by invitation, so even if there are plainclothes officers among the casino staff, it won't arouse suspicion..."

After careful consideration by the group, the value of the invitation gradually increased. As it stood, it seemed like the best stepping stone for their next move.

"Alright, then. Diamond 10 will remain at the stronghold. The three of us will go to the Jinghong Opera House, and then we'll decide on our next course of action," Club J swiftly decided on the strategy.

"Understood!"

Evening.

After several months, three figures finally stepped out of the casino's main entrance.

Jian Changsheng, wearing a black leather jacket, stood by the roadside, watching the pedestrians and vehicles pass by. A long-lost sense of everyday life washed over him. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, as if relieved of a heavy burden.

He opened his mouth, seemingly intending to imitate the talented ancients and lament the hardships of his imprisonment over the past few months, along with the joy of regaining his freedom. But after holding it in for over ten seconds, he finally blurted out:

"Damn, I'm finally back!"

Club J couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Jian Changsheng felt a bit awkward. After a couple of light coughs, he changed the subject. "By the way, did you notice anything unusual when we came out just now?"

"No," Heart 9 said, stretching. "No one paid us any attention, and we didn't detect any other forms of surveillance. It seems there are no plainclothes police officers left among the casino's internal staff."

"That's good."

Jian Changsheng glanced at the invitation in his hand and walked straight towards the other side of the road. After they had walked only a few dozen meters, they saw a surging crowd huddled by the roadside, all craning their necks and gazing in one direction. The queue even stretched to the casino's entrance.

"Whoa," Jian Changsheng couldn't help but exclaim. "What are they doing? That line is longer than my lifeline."

"Isn't that the opera house ahead? They must be queuing to watch a performance."

"This many people???"

"You've been in the Red Dust Domain for so long; are you still surprised?" Heart 9 shrugged. "People here go crazy over celebrities... The opera house opening today probably means they've invited some famous performer."

"But we have an invitation, so it seems we don't need to queue. Let's go check it out."

The three continued forward, passing lines of enthusiastic Red Dust residents. About seventy percent of them were women, huddled together, chirping excitedly as if describing something, their eyes full of anticipation. To the trio's surprise, many elderly men and women were also in the queue, carrying small stools, wearing slippers, fanning themselves, and laughing heartily, making for a lively scene.

The queue comprised people of all ages, from ten to ninety, men and women, young and old.

"Good heavens, what kind of performer is this?" Jian Changsheng rubbed his eyes and said in disbelief. "The audience is way too broad! Even elderly people are following celebrities??"

"We'll find out once we go inside."

As they spoke, the three arrived at the opera house entrance.

Compared to the endless queues outside, the entrance of the opera house appeared remarkably dilapidated, making it hard to believe such a place could attract so many people. The only part of the facade that had any style was the plaque inscribed with "Jinghong Tower."

At the opera house entrance, a formally dressed young man was profusely sweating as he tried to maintain order.

"No pushing from the back! One by one!"

"Excuse me, our seats for today are full. Let me give you a new number, and you can come back tomorrow, alright?"

"Grandma, please put away your stool; people behind you can't pass..."

"Oh, you two are from the rouge shop next door, right? Please, come in, your seats are in the third row..."

The young man saw the trio approaching together and asked:

"And you three are..."

"Oh, we're from the casino. Here's our invitation."

As Jian Changsheng handed over the invitation, Kong Baosheng glanced at it and respectfully gestured for them to enter. "Alright, gentlemen, your seats are in the first row."

"First row?"

Jian Changsheng was momentarily stunned. He then followed Kong Baosheng into the opera house. After passing through the old hall with its red carpet, they arrived at the stage.

The opera house was decorated with a unique style. The area above the stage was surprisingly openwork, allowing a gentle breeze to drift in from the gaps on both sides of the roof, making it very comfortable. In front of the stage, dozens of rows of seats had already been set up, accommodating an estimated eighty to ninety people. The spacing between seats was just right—not wasting space, yet not feeling cramped.

Jian Changsheng and his two companions found their seats not just in the first row, but right in the center. After they sat down, the eyes of the audience members who had waited in line all day to secure seats in the back rows were filled with envy.

Feeling the intense stares from behind his head, Jian Changsheng's expression became somewhat peculiar.

"What's going on...? Aren't we here to watch the opera for free? Why are our seats so far forward?"

Heart 9 casually said, crossing his legs, "Who cares? We're not really here to watch the opera anyway... It doesn't matter where we sit."

"True enough."

Although Jian Changsheng felt that something was off, he tried his best to ignore the burning gazes from behind him. After all, they were there to gather information, so they needed to keep their eyes and ears open.

Just then, Jian Changsheng's gaze fell on the opera house entrance, where a burly figure slowly approached the young man.

Seeing the figure, Kong Baosheng was suddenly taken aback:

"Director Wang? What brings you here??"