Chapter 121: A Slap in the Face (1)

"My goodness, I thought just being able to dine at the Imperial Court was the height of prestige, but I never expected to see Stephen!"

"Exactly! I heard that tickets for Stephen's musical troupe on Broadway are impossible to come by, and their global tour in China is booked solid until the year after next. To think that President Nan managed to hire him for Mrs. Nan's birthday—I simply can't believe it!"

"If I were live-streaming right now, the internet would probably explode!"

Hearing the exclamations of Zhuang Jingjing, Bai Weiwei, and the others, Nan Yao was equally stunned. Once she realized the person they were discussing was the legendary musical maestro Stephen, she looked at Nan Weiye with delight. "Dad, I thought booking Mom's birthday banquet at the Imperial Court was already grand enough, but I never imagined you had also invited Stephen!"

Nan Yao’s blood surged with excitement. Although her mother was the star of the evening, she, as the daughter, would share in the spotlight and the envy of everyone present. "Dad, I had no idea you were this incredible!"

It was no wonder her mother was so devoted to Nan Weiye; his influence and capability were likely unmatched by anyone else in Ningcheng.

Nan Weiye frowned as he looked at the excited Nan Yao, his expression slightly displeased. "What Stephen?" He had indeed hired performers for the event, but it certainly wasn't anyone named Stephen.

Bai Weiwei, Zhuang Jingjing, and the others were still standing at the entrance when Stephen and his troupe walked through the main hall. Stephen led the way, his posture noble and upright. With his piercing blue eyes, flawless features, and an aura of effortless refinement, he looked exactly like the prince he portrayed in his musicals—enough to make hearts race and guests struggle to suppress their screams.

Zhuang Jingjing couldn't help but call out his name, waving at him. "Mr. Stephen, over here! The private room you're looking for is this way."

Hearing her shout, Nan Weiye’s brow furrowed as he looked at Nan Yao. "I didn't invite Stephen. Could it be Shao-xiu?"

Nan Yao let out a puzzled sound before quickly glancing at Fu Shao-xiu, who was busy chatting with a guest. Seeing him looking so calm and composed, her heart lifted. "Dad, if you didn't invite him, then it must be Shao-xiu. We had a little disagreement a few days ago, and he said he would find a way to make it up to me. I never expected him to secretly bring Stephen here!"

Nan Yao’s face flushed with shyness and joy, her eyes shimmering. "Dad, I’m going over to see Shao-xiu now."

She shouldn't have doubted his love for her. To have brought Stephen here must have cost a fortune in both money and effort!

As Nan Yao approached Fu Shao-xiu, just as she was about to mention Stephen, she suddenly heard Bai Weiwei call out, "Mr. Stephen, you’re going the wrong way—"

"Wait, why are they heading toward Private Room No. 1?"

A momentary silence fell over the room.

Nan Yao had invited many friends and colleagues; as young people working in television, they were naturally well-versed in high-end culture. To them, Stephen’s musicals were unreachable, symbols of true prestige and social status.

"They're actually walking into Private Room No. 1!"

"Wait, our invitations say the birthday banquet is in Private Room No. 1. Are we in Room No. 2?"

"Did the Imperial Court manager make a mistake? Room No. 1 was booked by President Nan, and Stephen went into Room No. 1 as well. That means Stephen really was invited by President Nan!"

"Come on, let’s call the manager over and get this cleared up."

Seeing Zhuang Jingjing and Yu Xiaoting heading off to find the manager, Nan Yao’s face shifted, her expression darkening.