CHAPTER 147: LANCE

Luis was clearly a little surprised. He hadn’t expected Joshua to be his fan. Whether it was true or not, or what the real reason might be, he didn’t know. But seeing Henry on the other side with a not-so-friendly expression, then seeing Joshua blinking up at him, Luis kept the smile on his lips and nodded. "Alright, are you scanning me or am I scanning your code..."

In the end, the ridiculous little episode in the restroom concluded with Joshua adding Luis as a friend.

After saying goodbye to Luis, he brushed his fingers lightly against Henry’s hand, smiled, and said, "Leader, let’s go back. Our performance time is about to start."

Their assistant had also hurried over by now.

Even when they reached backstage, Luther couldn’t help looking at Joshua with suspicion and concern. "Where were you that it took so long?"

Joshua didn’t even blink. "Constipated."

Luther: "..."

Standing to the side, Leonard couldn’t help poking Joshua’s stomach. "Told you to eat your vegetables..."

Joshua instinctively shrank back. Leonard chuckled and said, "Sorry."

Henry frowned slightly as he glanced over at them. It was already time for them to go on stage.

Meanwhile, Lance was seated at the head of the banquet hall. He looked a little bored. His usually messy hair had been neatly styled, and the shabby clothes he typically wore had been replaced with a proper three-piece suit, outlining his flawless figure.

Many of his fans wondered how a director-screenwriter who spent all his time holed up researching film could possibly maintain such a perfect physique.

Lance was feeling a bit bored. Noise came at him from all directions, and ever since he’d walked in, plenty of people had intentionally or unintentionally approached him to chat.

He also knew that in this industry, a lot of things were hard to keep secret—for example, that his new film was currently in the casting stage, along with the criteria he was using to select specific roles.

The newcomers swarmed like hungry wolves catching the scent of fresh meat.

But Lance already had someone in mind. He couldn’t help recalling the figure he’d seen in the elevator that day. Every time he thought about it, his face practically heated up and his heart thumped wildly.

He couldn’t understand how someone could grow up with every single detail on their body fitting his tastes so perfectly.

Of course, he couldn’t know the boy’s personality without actually interacting with him, but that face alone was enough for Lance to grant countless favors in advance.

What made it even more special was that the boy’s face and aura fit perfectly with a character in his new script.

That person lived in that apartment building, so he was probably in the industry as well. It was just... since that day, Lance hadn’t seen him even once.

Lance sighed, a little frustrated. At that moment, the performance of a newly popular boy group began. Rumor had it that they were not only incredibly skilled but also backed by powerful forces. Lance glanced over, only half paying attention—

—but immediately froze.

He saw him. The boy who had been appearing in his thoughts every single day... shining brilliantly on stage.

A breathtaking voice, a flawless physique, and movement—smooth, powerful, yet at times gracefully soft.

He was standing in the center position. Naturally, Lance thought. Someone like that should stand in the center. It was only right.

Lance watched the boy’s black hair sway with every step, and his blue eyes—like a cross-section of the ocean—shimmering as if holding an entire field of stars.

By the time the performance ended, Lance could only feel his heart pounding in a completely unreasonable rhythm. Overwhelmed with excitement, he shot to his feet and applauded.

He didn’t care about the looks he received from all around him, nor the commotion his reaction stirred. His eyes were fixed solely on the rose standing on that stage.

We meet again, my blue rose.

Others, seeing Lance—one of the powerhouses of the film industry—so stirred that he applauded like that, quickly began applauding as well.

Joshua could clearly feel the intense, impossible-to-ignore gaze from below.

He pretended to glance over casually, then paused. Bright blond hair, pale blue eyes... Joshua quickly searched through his memories but couldn’t recall anyone with such a face.

Thinking that his performance might have touched a viewer’s heart so strongly, Joshua returned the man’s gaze and offered a small smile before stepping off the stage.

Lance: "!!!"

He smiled... did he just smile at me?!

Is it too early to start thinking about engagement ring designs right now?!

ShineOn’s performance ended perfectly, and Joshua couldn’t help the bright, excited smile blooming on his lips—one that made anyone watching want to poke at those adorable dimples of his.

When the event finally ended, and they got into the car to head back, Elly suddenly glanced at Joshua and asked, "Joshua, did you and Lance know each other beforehand?"

In case Joshua didn’t know who Lance was, Elly showed him a photo. Blond hair, blue eyes, a sharp, cold face—Joshua recognized him as the man who’d stood up to applaud them.

He shook his head, thought for a moment, then said, "I don’t think so..."

Henry spoke slowly. "Is something wrong?"

Elly shook her head. "Nothing serious. But you all know Lance’s status. For him to suddenly stand up and applaud like that... It’s definitely going to cause a huge stir."

Lance— the youngest director-screenwriter to ever receive several world-class awards. Every film of his had made countless people famous. His scripts were flawless, sought after by everyone.

His name alone was a box office guarantee.

He was only twenty-seven, yet his achievements already made people bow their heads in respect.

What drew even more attention was his family. His family owned mines—actual mines. Diamond mines, ore mines—ridiculously wealthy. It was said that even if he never succeeded, he could simply return home and inherit the family fortune. But he had succeeded, and spectacularly so, film after film.

Though there were debates surrounding his work style, none of those could even be considered actual flaws.

Elly looked at Joshua and said softly, "Lance is currently preparing a new film. There’s quite a bit of information about the script going around. Joshua, if you receive an invitation, you might want to consider it."

Joshua couldn’t help laughing. "Ms. Elly, you know very well—I can’t act."

Elly shook her head. "Lance can teach. He’ll use everything at his disposal to raise someone he deems suitable. Joshua, this might be your chance, if you want to move toward acting sooner."

Joshua paused. His goal, of course, was to become more and more well-known. Even though he felt Elly was worrying a bit too far ahead, he knew she only meant well.

Joshua nodded and said softly, "I understand, Ms. Elly. If I’m fortunate enough to be chosen, I’ll definitely make full use of the opportunity."