Chapter 223: A Cinematic Moment
Toan Phuong gave the waiter a polite reminder, a gentle way of questioning the request:
“We’re just regular people, you know.”
“Yes, I understand. But the three of you just look so cinematic. Being regular makes it even better!”
Toan Phuong and Huong Tra didn’t mind at all. The only one who looked slightly hesitant was Kieu Ly. The other two exchanged a look and silently left the decision to her. Always kind-hearted and willing to help others, Kieu Ly gave a slight nod:
“Go ahead.”
The waiter, clearly delighted, quickly snapped a few photos and then disappeared into the back. Moments later, he returned with three glasses of iced tea and a large pitcher, placing them gently on the table.
“These are from the owner. She’d also like to treat you to this meal as a small token of thanks.”
Toan Phuong and Kieu Ly glanced at each other in surprise. Huong Tra, quicker on the uptake, cheerfully accepted the gesture and picked up her glass:
“Well then, we won’t be shy about it. Thank you! Wishing the restaurant lots of success!”
Once the waiter left, Huong Tra couldn’t help but exclaim:
“So it’s true—you can eat off your looks!”
Kieu Ly brought her glass to her lips, sipping slowly and lost in thought. During their time together, she and Toan Phuong had rarely gone out to eat. If you didn’t count their time in London, there were really only two occasions: the vinegar hotpot dinner and that seaside trip. Sure, she’d dined out with friends, but never experienced anything like this. Maybe the one the shop owner was starstruck by… was Toan Phuong.
She smiled slightly:
“It’s because you’re too handsome. You’ve got fans wherever you go.”
In truth, had the person asking for a photo been a male waiter or the owner a man, Toan Phuong would’ve politely declined. He didn’t like sharing images of Kieu Ly—especially not with anyone who might admire her the wrong way. But since it was a woman, he let it slide.
Still, he couldn’t help thinking that trading a photo for a meal felt… cheap. But hey, it was helping someone—so that made it worth it. Besides, he had to admit, the owner clearly had an eye for potential. One day, when he finally debuted, even a million-dollar deal might not be enough to make him a brand ambassador. This restaurant owner might’ve just hit the jackpot.
And somehow, when he was with Kieu Ly, his heart felt softer, more generous. She truly was the kind of person who brought luck to those around her—a hidden blessing for those fortunate enough to cross her path.
After finishing dinner, the trio walked to August Revolution Square, where the concert was taking place. Though it wasn’t time yet, the area was already packed with fans, creating a somewhat suffocating atmosphere. None of the three had experience “idol-chasing” before, so being in the middle of it all was a bit of a shock.
Though the evening temperature had cooled, heat still radiated off the pavement and from the tightly packed crowd. A breeze tried to make its way through, but the surrounding tall buildings blocked most of it. As they waded through the sea of bodies, all three wrinkled their noses at the mix of sweat and perfume hanging thick in the air. Crowds like this always came with a risk of harassment. If today hadn’t been a special occasion, Toan Phuong wouldn’t have brought Kieu Ly to a place like this at all.
Gripping Kieu Ly’s hand tightly, he led the way toward the stage area, while she held on to Huong Tra’s hand to keep from getting separated.
The organizers had placed giant fans around the venue to help with the summer heat, but it wasn’t doing much—there were simply too many people.
When they reached the stage-side section, the three showed their VIP tickets and were guided to their seats. Sitting right next to the stage, they could finally feel the breeze from the industrial fans directly, slowly drying their backs and foreheads. At that moment, all three felt incredibly lucky to have a friend in the industry. Thanks to that connection, they had VIP access. Meanwhile, other fans were still squeezing into standing zones, no seats, no relief. How did they even put up with it?
Huong Tra, trying to tame her short hair whipping around in the artificial wind, muttered:
“Next time, I’m staying home. I’ve been here five minutes and I’m already halfway steamed.”