Chapter 226: A Youthful Spirit
 “What are you trying to say? I don’t look like a man?”
“I’m not the only one who thinks so. Even Huong Tra said you’re starting to look kinda... gay.”
“Gay?”
Minh Nhat hadn’t expected people to be saying things like that behind his back. Not a single good word—just criticisms. Still, he needed to focus on the rest of the show, so he decided to set those thoughts aside for now.
Toan Phuong wasn’t officially part of VNP, but when Minh Nhat suggested having him join the backup dance crew—with the condition that he perform wearing a mask—the organizers had immediately agreed. They still regretted not being able to recruit Toan Phuong into VNP. Maybe, after this performance, the blinding stage lights would finally win him over.
Throughout July, Toan Phuong had been practicing alone at home, occasionally joining rehearsals with the dance troupe. Though he was an amateur, once he stepped onto the stage, he immediately captured attention—even the cameraman’s. And he did it all without wearing a speck of makeup, which left Minh Nhat questioning everything.
Sometimes, Minh Nhat found himself feeling envious of his best friend. But not everyone is born under a lucky star. Since he wasn’t naturally favored by the heavens, he’d just have to work even harder.
After his body had cooled down and dried off, Toan Phuong returned to his seat in the VIP area. Huong Tra beamed at him and said something, but he couldn’t make it out—it was far too loud in there to have a proper conversation. Kieu Ly, on the other hand, simply looked at him with a gentle gaze and a soft smile.
He sat down beside her, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek, then turned his attention back to the stage to enjoy the concert seriously.
Kieu Ly pondered for a moment, still trying to process everything. Eventually, she took out her phone and messaged Toan Phuong:
– My heart was racing earlier. I was so excited, just waiting for you to reveal your talent as a singer.
– I just wanted to give you a surprise for your birthday. I never intended to debut in such a half-hearted way.
– Even a stage this grand wasn’t good enough for you?
– This is Minh Nhat’s stage. I was just borrowing a bit of the spotlight. I don’t want to compete with my friend.
– So you held back to let Minh Nhat shine?
– The spotlight belongs to Minh Nhat in the first place.
– I’m so proud of you. You didn’t rely on your looks or your father’s fame, yet still shined so brightly.
– You’re getting better at flattery. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.
– I’m really happy.
– Then how about you reward me with five rounds tonight?
Kieu Ly blushed slightly, stopped replying, and focused back on the concert. She was his wife now—he could have as much as he wanted.
For the first time in her life, she realized that even noisy, crowded places could bring such joy and happiness. It truly made her feel young again. Thinking back, when Manh Hung had dropped her off at the airport to study abroad, he had advised her to listen to more music to stay youthful. Turns out, that had been sound advice.
About thirty minutes later, it was time for Minh Nhat’s second performance with his music group. At that point, both his solo fans and couple shippers screamed wildly. Just hearing it made Huong Tra shiver a little. As far as she knew, neither group welcomed the sight of a girl standing next to their idol. Her breakup with Minh Nhat had actually been a huge boost for his career.
But still, Huong Tra couldn’t help wondering if she was imagining things. On stage, while singing a love song with the group, Minh Nhat kept looking straight at her.
It had been three years since the breakup—what was left to hold on to?
After Minh Nhat’s performance ended, Toan Phuong messaged Kieu Ly and Huong Tra, suggesting they head over to the restaurant for dinner. Since the crowd had settled into their seats and the VIP area was close to the stage, the three of them were able to slip away easily by walking backstage to avoid the masses.
The restaurant wasn’t far from the concert venue, so they walked. The three of them strolled side by side along the sidewalk, bathed in soft moonlight.