Chapter 555: 寿宴开始

Jinghong Tower.

Kong Baosheng was squatting on the threshold of the theater's main entrance, an old wooden box beside him. At this moment, he propped his chin with one hand, gazing blankly at the light drizzle on the street.

Today, Kong Baosheng was dressed in a brand-new white shirt with an exquisite black vest over it. Chen Ling had specially taken him to buy these clothes yesterday. It was Kong Baosheng's first time wearing such formal attire, and he was careful with every move. He even had a newspaper placed under him, to prevent the dust on the threshold from soiling his trousers.

"Why are you all dressed up like that today, kid?" one of the "door gods" at the entrance asked with a sneer upon seeing him.

"I might have a human appearance, but you two truly look like dogs," Kong Baosheng retorted, glaring at them. Over the past few days, he had grown bolder towards these two annoying "door gods." He then proudly declared,

"Today, our master is going to attend the birthday banquet of the Beidou Consortium, and as his assistant, I'm going with him!"

"The Beidou Consortium's birthday banquet?"The two men were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Oh please," they scoffed. "An actor from a rundown theater wants to attend Chairman Mu's birthday celebration? Do you even know what kind of people get invitations to that banquet? You must still be dreaming!"

Kong Baosheng gritted his teeth. Just as he was about to stand up and argue with the two men, the door behind him slowly opened.

A figure slowly walked out from behind the stage. The hem of a large red opera robe swayed gently with each step, lightly sweeping across the theater hall, and stopped behind Kong Baosheng.

Upon seeing this figure, the two "door gods" froze in place simultaneously.

Today, Chen Ling had once again put on his familiar opera robe. It was the first time anyone had seen the owner of this theater truly dressed in costume. Although Chen Ling's handsome appearance was evident on ordinary days, now in costume, his entire demeanor became even more extraordinary and ethereal. The two "door gods" had seen many extremely handsome celebrities in their time, but upon seeing Chen Ling in his opera robe, they couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise.

Kong Baosheng turned his head and was also taken aback. A faint light glowed in his eyes:

"Sir, you're much more handsome than those big stars! I've seen photos of famous actors from the past, and they don't even come close to you..."

Chen Ling was already good-looking. After embarking on the Path of the Opera God, his appearance had become even more refined and natural. Although it wasn't noticeable on a daily basis, a comparison with his photos from before embarking on the Path would reveal a difference. Moreover, he was currently using the fictional face of "Lin Yan," and after Chen Ling's deliberate adjustments, his looks were even more exceptionally handsome.

His senior disciple brother had also mentioned this point during his time at the Ancient Opera Repository: The core of the Path of the Opera God lies in performance. The emotional feedback received from the audience would subtly change a person's appearance, which is known as the "red aura nurturing people." In short, no one who embarks on the Path of the Opera God remains ugly... except for comic characters, of course.

Otherwise, so many people in the Mortal Realm wouldn't dream of finding the Ancient Opera Repository and embarking on the Path of the Opera God, thereby becoming revered superstars and reaching the pinnacle of their lives. However, most people who harbor such thoughts are destined to have no connection with the Path of the Opera God.

Chen Ling smiled faintly, patted Kong Baosheng's head, and didn't continue the topic:

"Are all the things packed?"

"Yes."

"Let's go, the birthday banquet is about to begin."

Under the bewildered gaze of the two "door gods," Chen Ling stepped out of the theater. Kong Baosheng, carrying the wooden box, was about to follow when he suddenly remembered something, picked up two oil-paper umbrellas from a corner, and hurried after him.

"Sir, the umbrellas!"

The light drizzle, carried by the slanting wind, gently lifted the hem of Chen Ling's large red opera robe. Chen Ling looked back, took the oil-paper umbrella, and casually opened it. The dark yellow canopy, like a flower without petals, silently blossomed in the misty rain.

On this street, the large red opera robe was still quite eye-catching. Passersby cast sidelong glances at Chen Ling. Upon seeing the face behind the umbrella's brim and the curtain of rain, a hint of awe flashed in their eyes, and they began to whisper among themselves.

Kong Baosheng held an umbrella for himself with one hand and carried the wooden box with the other. He quickened his pace, following the red-clad figure, and gradually disappeared at the end of the street.

Beidou Consortium.

"I am Wang Jincheng, Director of the General Police Bureau. This is my invitation."

At the entrance of the manor, the Director, dressed in a sharp black uniform with medals pinned to his chest, handed over an invitation and spoke expressionlessly.

Upon seeing the invitation, the manor's butler, responsible for greeting guests, flashed a look of surprise in his eyes. He seemed not to have expected the Director to actually grace them with his presence. After all, Chairman Mu Chunsheng had repeatedly tried to invite people from the police bureau to dinner before, only to be mercilessly rejected. The police seemed to have no intention of getting too deeply involved with them, so sending an invitation to the police bureau this time was merely a shot in the dark.

"Ah, Director Wang, what an honor to meet you," the butler said respectfully. "Your presence, Director, truly brings glory to our Beidou Consortium."

The Director waved his hand dismissively and handed a reasonably well-packaged box to the butler.

"Today is Chairman Mu's grand birthday, after all," the Director said. "I brought some decorative items as a gift. Though not expensive, it's a token of my regard."

"Director, you are too kind," the butler said, taking the gift box with both hands, his face beaming with smiles. "Please come in quickly. If you need anything, feel free to ask a server or myself. The banquet officially begins in an hour. I hope you enjoy yourself."

The Director nodded slightly and walked straight into the manor. Although the banquet hadn't officially started, many guests had already arrived, and the manor was already bustling with activity.

Just then, a faint sound emanated from the Director's pocket. His expression subtly changed. He found a secluded spot and discreetly pressed the button on his walkie-talkie.

"What is it?"

"Director, our people monitoring the dance hall sent word: Two individuals from private room 001 went to the birthday banquet with Li Ruohong."

"What?!" The Director's brows furrowed deeply. "Are you saying Li Ruohong brought those two suspected Twilight Society members to the banquet? What exactly is he planning?"

"I don't know. Our people have already started searching the dance hall. We should have results soon."

The Director pondered for a long time before saying:

"Alright. Inform me immediately of any developments."

"Understood."

The Director put away his walkie-talkie. His gaze swept across the banquet venue. A moment later, he slowly stood up, took a glass of champagne from a server, and casually moved closer to the manor's main entrance.

Li Ruohong bringing those two Twilight Society members to the banquet certainly implied a premeditated plan. He wanted to see what those two looked like first... He had a premonition that beneath the surface of this birthday banquet, hidden currents were at play.

Meanwhile,

The butler was meticulously registering guests and gifts with paper and pen. Just as he looked up, he saw a red-clad figure holding an oil-paper umbrella, slowly walking towards him in the light drizzle.