As Seraphelle, with a blossom-like smile, arrived, the welcoming manager was momentarily taken aback.
After scrutinizing her from head to toe, he spoke, "Miss, what have you come here for? Your demeanour, your attire—do not suggest you are here to dance, do they?"
"I wish to sing here. May I have a try?"
The manager hesitated.
Broadway wasn't in the habit of casual recruitment, yet in recent days, Lily was absent, and the boss had yet to assign a replacement. The current singers, once renowned, had faded, prompting dissatisfaction among patrons. Why not let her try then?
"Very well, let us test your talents. And how shall I address you?"
"Call me Seraphelle," she replied sweetly, and without further inquiry, the manager led her through the gates of Broadway.
Passing through a corridor, the manager guided her to the backstage of the theatre, where the band leader awaited. After a brief explanation, they assembled for an impromptu audition to assess Seraphelle's singing prowess.
Since the purity of voice shines in acapella, Seraphelle sang without accompaniment. Equipped with a system prepared with songs of the era, she needed only to select one. Amid choices, she settled on 'Beside the River of Longing'.
Clearing her throat, she began to sing without much ado:
"Since I saw you beside the river of longing, it feels as if a spring breeze has entered my heart's abode. I wish to softly tell you, do not forget me..."
The initial notes captivated all present, causing astonishment. Her voice, truly celestial, prophesied swift success on Broadway, painting the town with her fame.
Before Seraphelle could finish her song, the manager abruptly interrupted.
"Miss Lin, there is no need to continue. You are a godsend. How about starting work today? After the performance, we shall discuss a contract, as our boss is present."
"Your boss?" Seraphelle knew Broadway belonged to Lupercus, but she was unsure if he directly managed the establishment.
"Yes, Mister Lupercus. You know him, don't you?"
"Oh, of course," nodded Seraphelle.
"Alright, let me arrange a change of attire and makeup for you," the manager spoke, brimming with enthusiasm.
With little suspense, Seraphelle embarked smoothly on her golden journey in Golden Beach. Following lively preludes of song and dance, it was finally Seraphelle's turn to grace the stage.
The emcee, unaware of Seraphelle's background, introduced her as instructed by the manager:
"Next, let us welcome our new love song songstress, Miss Seraphelle."
While such titles failed to impress the audience, who viewed them merely as gimmicks, those anticipating Lily's appearance clamoured for her, urging her presence.
Ignoring these distractions, Seraphelle donned a crimson, waist-clinched dress topped with a black veil that partially obscured her face.
Her chosen song this time was a love ballad:
"I yearn to forget you, yet your shadow lingers in my heart's chambers. I wish to forget you, but your melody still encircles me..."
As the prelude played and chatter faded, Seraphelle's voice emerged, silencing the entire Broadway.
On the first note, everyone was entranced, including Lupercus who was conducting business in a private room on the second floor, conversing with a shipping company owner.
Turning towards the stage, Lupercus found his gaze on the woman with a half-covered face somewhat familiar, though slightly obscured. "Sir, this lady sings exceptionally well. I have not heard such a voice before," remarked the owner.
"Yes, Mr. Zhang, she must be new here. This is my first encounter as well," Lupercus, reclining with crossed legs, presented a calm demeanour contradictory to his former life as the Qing Feng gang leader. Instead, he exuded an air of a scholarly gentleman, despite well-grounded knowledge that curbed any provocation dared in his presence.
Suggestively, Mr. Zhang inquired, "Could you allow this singer to come upstairs for a brief chat? My wife adores singing, and whenever I find a good singer, I wish to engage in conversation."
Though veiled with tact, Lupercus comprehended Mr. Zhang's true intent.
Amused, Lupercus whispered to his subordinate, who promptly descended the stairs.
As Seraphelle concluded her presentation, adhering to her principle of standing out, she performed only one song that night and would not return to the stage even if requested.
Amidst the jovial applause, whistles, and encores, Seraphelle gracefully retreated backstage.
Upon her descent, the elated manager promptly approached her:
"Miss, the boss wishes to see you now. Seize this opportunity, for a nod from him could catapult you to national stardom, not just in Golden Beach."
"Oh? Is that so?" Seraphelle beamed a smile that left onlookers dazed.
"Just wait a moment. Let me change my attire first."
"Very well."
While time was of the essence for Lupercus, the delayed beauty was a sight to behold, making the wait worthwhile for all.
Minutes later, Seraphelle returned to her original stylish ensemble, omitting the outer layer to reveal her arms and neck in all their beauty.
Following the manager's lead, Seraphelle ascended the stairs to Lupercus's private room.
Upon opening the door, the well-fed Mr. Zhang rose from his seat promptly:
"Your singing was exquisite. Are you a professional musician?"
Simultaneously, Lupercus turned towards Seraphelle upon her entrance. A single glance, and his stoic countenance, imperturbable as ever, chills visibly overtook him. Little did he expect the woman he had recently spent an intimate night with, the daughter-in-law of the General, to appear on his Broadway stage, singing publicly.
"Sir, I am not trained in music. I simply listen often," replied Seraphelle courteously, extending her hand in conformity with custom.
Deeply impressed, Mr. Zhang gently clasped Seraphelle's fingertips and extended a graceful Western hand kiss.
Observing this scene, Lupercus's complexion soured further. Despite his spectacles, his escalating irritation was discernible.
"Cough, come here," he cleared his throat, gesturing to Seraphelle.
At that moment, regardless of her former identity as the General's daughter-in-law, in Broadway, she was but his woman.
Without hesitation, Seraphelle withdrew her hand from Mr. Zhang and positioned herself on Lupercus's lap.
"Has one day's absence left you yearning for me?"