These marketing accounts had massive follower counts and wide-reaching influence. Almost in no time, many entertainment-focused marketing accounts had reposted this news.

The more moderate ones merely discussed the matter factually and expressed concern about Xiao He’s first stage play; the more radical ones had already started viciously attacking Xiao He for being arrogant, not knowing his own limits, extremely foolish, destroying his own future… In short, all sorts of sarcastic, insinuating tones and disparaging comparisons, completely devaluing Xiao He’s upcoming stage performance.

Of course, there was also the type that “praises to death,” wildly boasting about Xiao He’s acting skills, hinting that Xiao He would soon portray twelve roles single-handedly, astonishing everyone with his skill, and showing all the rivals that Xiao He is simply a god!

How many of these harbored ill intentions was still unknown, but the discussion enthusiasm of netizens was successfully stirred up.

[Stage play acting and acting for filming are quite different, right? Can Xiao He really perform well? Don’t bite off more than you can chew.]

[“Twelve Sins” is my favorite book. I hope the adaptation isn’t too outrageous, otherwise, even if it’s Xiao He, I’ll make a fuss.]

[I was fortunate enough to see “Twelve Mirrors” abroad. Currently, no one in the country dares to take on this script. Although I don’t know how Xiao He’s final performance will be, I have to say his courage is commendable.]

[Is there a foreign version of the stage play for “Twelve Mirrors”? Why can’t I find it?]

[Friendly reminder: “Twelve Mirrors” was only performed at the Frank Goethe Grand Theater. That place only receives the most top-tier guests and artists, and filming is strictly prohibited throughout. If that guy earlier wasn’t just bragging, his family background is probably not simple, huh?]

[Damn? A rich person is actually among us?]

There was a lot of discussion online, but it didn’t affect the offline situation.

Soon, the birthday party began official admission.

Backstage.

Xiao He had already received the news in advance and proactively went to the entrance to greet guests.

Quite a few familiar faces came this time. Some were planning to stay for just a few minutes before leaving, some were dropping by midway to take a look, and others were planning to participate in the entire birthday party. Regardless of whether they would formally appear on stage, Xiao He was very grateful for their arrival.

“Xiao He, happy birthday.”

From afar, Xiao He saw a beautiful woman with ear-length short hair, dressed in a very dashing and cool style, walking towards him.

The woman wore a very form-fitting sporty short-sleeve top and shorts, with a sports headband on her head. Just standing there, she exuded a confident and mature charm.

However, upon clearly seeing who the visitor was, Xiao He almost didn’t recognize her: “Man’er Sister?”

The person before him was none other than Yi Man’er!

Xiao He’s previous impression of Yi Man’er was still stuck on her wearing a red cheongsam, looking gorgeous and radiant. He never expected that after not seeing her for so long, Yi Man’er had transformed into a completely different appearance.

Seeing Xiao He’s astonishment, Yi Man’er smiled with satisfaction: “It seems my transformation is so great that it gave you quite a scare!”

Xiao He immediately snapped back to reality, his expression then turning complicated: “A little bit.”

“Then I’m satisfied. Losing weight recently really put me through the wringer.”

Yi Man’er sighed.

Xiao He took a closer look and noticed Yi Man’er had indeed lost a lot of weight, giving her an overall tomboyish feel.

“Man’er Sister, is this for a new project?”

“Mm, preparing to star in an action film.”

Yi Man’er shrugged, then teased: “Consider yourself lucky, kid. You just happened to catch me before I enter the production crew, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to come this time.”

“Then I truly am lucky.”

Xiao He grinned, just as he saw Lin Yipeng and Pu Rong approaching from another direction.

“Director Lin, Brother Pu, long time no see.”

Xiao He immediately greeted the two newcomers.

Seeing Lin Yipeng, Yi Man’er’s expression changed subtly, but in the end, she said nothing, just smiling and nodding at them: “Hello, Director Lin. Hello, Xiao Pu.”

Since everyone already knew each other, Xiao He didn’t make further introductions. After chatting with everyone for a while, he turned to greet other guests.

Only Lin Yipeng and Pu Rong remained on the spot.

However, when Lin Yipeng looked at Yi Man’er, his smile was faint, even vaguely tinged with displeasure.

Yi Man’er gave a bitter smile and apologized to Lin Yipeng: “I’m sorry, Director Lin. Regarding the script matter before, we truly didn’t know.”

“It’s fine. I’ll still say the same thing. I won’t casually hand out the script for ‘Thief Catcher 2.’ Even if I were to write a completely new script, I wouldn’t let anyone else play the role that’s most important in my heart.”

Lin Yipeng gave a slight nod. “Please don’t take offense, Teacher Yi.”

Then Lin Yipeng turned and walked away, leaving Yi Man’er with an awkward expression on her face.

Only Pu Rong was still somewhat confused. He jogged to catch up with Lin Yipeng: “Director Lin, from what you both just said, has the sequel come out? When did that happen?”

“It’s nothing. You misheard.”

Lin Yipeng shook his head, fell silent for a moment, then said to Pu Rong: “I have a new script on hand, not ‘Thief Catcher 2.’ Are you still interested?”

“Of course I am. I can adjust my schedule anytime coming up, no problem at all.”

Pu Rong nodded, then seemed to think of something and asked Lin Yipeng: “But Director Lin, what about Xiao He’s side…”

“I’ve already asked about his schedule. There’s basically no chance this year.” Lin Yipeng helplessly spread his hands, but then a sly smile appeared on his face. “However, his spirit will be with us.”

Pu Rong: “Huh?”

“Achoo— Achoo—”

Xiao He, who was talking to someone, sneezed violently several times.

He rubbed his nose, looking suspiciously left and right.

That shouldn’t be possible. With his current recovery ability, could he really catch a chill?

Mother Xiao immediately frowned: “Look at your clothes! You definitely caught a chill just now! You’re not even on stage yet, put on a jacket first!”

Although it wasn’t snowing here, the weather was still somewhat cold. Many people were even wearing down jackets. Only Xiao He at the scene was dressed thinly and casually, showing no awareness of keeping warm.

Scolded by his mother like this, Xiao He instinctively hunched his shoulders: “No, Mom, I’m really not cold.”

However, there is a kind of cold called “Mom thinks you’re cold.”

Before Mother Xiao could launch into a full lecture, Xiao He quickly signaled Xiao Chen with his eyes: “Mom, you and Dad should head to the venue first. It’s going to get really busy here soon, and I won’t be able to look after you. I’ll have Xiao Chen accompany you.”

“No need, no need, we can go by ourselves.”

Mother Xiao immediately stopped nagging, afraid of affecting Xiao He’s work. She quickly turned around, pulling Father Xiao to leave.

Xiao He finally breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time, a luxurious black Rolls-Royce was successfully stuck in traffic.

The woman in the back seat glanced at the time on her wrist, looking displeased: “How much longer?”

The driver in front had sweat beading on his forehead and helplessly turned to explain: “President Yu, this area is completely gridlocked. I’m afraid we won’t be moving for a while.”

A hint of frustration appeared on the woman’s coldly beautiful face. Finally, she simply opened the car door and got out.

“I’ll walk.”

The driver worriedly leaned out the window: “President Yu, you alone…”

“It’s fine.”

Yu Wan briskly took off her high heels, smashed them a few times on the roadside curb, and in the blink of an eye, turned those heeled shoes into flat shoes without heels.

Then she put the shoes back on and walked briskly forward, leaving only the dumbfounded driver behind.

—When it comes to chasing stars, she’s dead serious!

On the other side, the viewers had also begun entering the venue one after another. The sky gradually darkened.

The central stage was brightly lit, surrounded by a vast sea of people, with melodious piano music lingering in the venue.

“Over here.”

Zhou Bowen, who had found the seats first, immediately waved to the few people behind him.

“I’ve already swapped seats with them. We can sit together.”

Zhou Bowen flashed Lin Zhuwan a big grin.

“Thanks, babe!”

Xi Han, who had come with them, looked left and right, then silently opened her camera, ready to record the exciting moments at any time.

Soon, accompanied by the final notes of the piano piece, the host walked onto the stage.

The venue immediately buzzed with excitement.

And as the host introduced him, the young man they had been waiting for finally walked forward, stepping into the light.

Xiao He held the microphone, looking at the twinkling support lights in the audience below, a trademark gentle smile appearing on his face.

“Hello everyone, I am actor Xiao He!”

The next moment, what answered him was the earth-shaking cheers of the venue.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep