At 4:30 in the early morning, there was fog in the sky, and not a trace of daylight could be seen, yet the Zhou Family's Troupe became lively.
Today, the troupe had three major performances, three main stages for three hosts, and the entire troupe was mobilized.
Most of the troupe's masters got up early to start their busy work.
Even Lao Ma, who stoked the boiler, was being urged to work.
"Lao Ma, stop sleeping and quickly stoke the furnace up. So many people are waiting for hot water."
Lao Ma pulled off his blanket, took up his shovel, and swiftly shoveled coal into the furnace, making the fire roar to life.
The more coal he burned, the more coal ash it produced. Plus, he had fallen asleep last night and forgot to clean the ashes, now almost blocking the furnace door.
He shoveled the coal ash into a small cart and ran toward the main gate.
The shadow that had been lurking on the wall followed Lao Ma.
...
