A chubby man was the first to take the stage. Smiling, he clasped his hands in a salute to the audience in all directions.
"Friends, neighbors, ladies, and gentlemen! Today is the grand opening of our Qingxiang Society! I'm not the most talented performer, and my skills are rather plain, but I hope my simple tricks can warm up the stage for you all. If I fall short in any way, I ask for your kind indulgence."
After this standard opening spiel of the trade, the man reached for a large square blanket on the table. He flashed both sides to the audience, showing there was nothing hidden, before draping it over his left shoulder.
"'With a flick, this blanket brings good fortune! Four feet wide and five feet long! Hang it east, it hides the sea! Hang it west, it blocks the sun!'"
As he finished the chant, the man gave the blanket a shake and produced a glass fishbowl from within it.
The fishbowl was even filled with water, with several goldfish swimming to and fro inside.
