"Move!"
Ye Hai's first instinct was to pull Song Xi away from the scene, but before he could grasp her wrist, Song Xi dodged him.
Ye Hai paused, but in the next second, he realized Song Xi's identity had been exposed. If she were seen acting intimately with a man, it would be even more disadvantageous for her.
"Is that Song Xi?"
"She looks like it, she's wearing a mask!"
"Song Xi!"
Although Song Xi was just an ordinary artist, she was still quite a rarity to ordinary people, especially to encounter her in such a mundane setting.
Song Xi and Ye Hai, along with the girl behind them, looked bewildered. The girl stared at the back of Song Xi's head in disbelief.
What, she was Song Xi?
Then they…
"Who is that guy next to her?"
"Don't know him, but he's really handsome!"
"Could he be her boyfriend?"
"No way!"
"Miss Song," the comedian's voice came from the microphone. At this point, Song Xi had no choice but to stand up, and amidst the intense gazes, she removed her mask.
A spotlight hit her head. Despite being notoriously unflattering, it bathed her in a divine and dreamy aura, as if an angel had descended.
The entire venue erupted in deafening cheers.
Song Xi appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly, she was utterly baffled, wondering where things had gone wrong.
She was invited onto the stage, and the comedian handed her a microphone. The planned stand-up routine had unexpectedly turned into an interview.
"Is this Song Xi's first time watching a stand-up show?"
Song Xi was actually dazed, her brain completely shut down. She nodded slowly, speaking the truth: "...My first time."
"What do you think of stand-up comedy?"
"It's very good."
"That's a bit vague, can you elaborate?"
Song Xi swallowed nervously. "Witty, humorous, and full of positive energy."
"Hahahaha!" The comedian burst into laughter. "Do you have a favorite comedian?"
This put Song Xi in a difficult position. It was her first time watching, and she was about to offer a diplomatic answer like "I like them all" when the other person seemed to have anticipated it and interjected, "You can't say you like them all, pick one!"
Song Xi: "..."
She was being put on the spot.
As minutes ticked by, under the scrutiny of hundreds of eyes, Song Xi finally hesitated and said, "...A Xiu?"
The comedian's eyes turned cold. "You have good taste."
Song Xi didn't understand the meaning behind her words but inexplicably felt the comedian had ulterior motives.
"Have you ever thought about doing a stand-up routine?"
Song Xi shook her head in panic.
The comedian pressed on, "Really not planning to try? You know, many artists have appeared on 'People Stand Up,' and they all did quite well!"
'People Stand Up' was short for 'Everyone Loves Stand-Up Comedy.'
As she said this, Song Xi could finally confirm that there was something problematic going on behind the scenes.
She smiled faintly and didn't respond.
The female comedian wasn't going to let her off the hook easily and directly stated, "Everyone knows that stars who appear on 'People Stand Up' usually tell a joke or two. If Song Xi can tell one, we'll support her appearing on 'People Stand Up.' What do you all think!"
"Great!"
Before Song Xi could answer, the audience responded for her.
This was essentially cornering her.
If she performed well, it would imply she had aspirations to be on the show. If she performed poorly, not only would she be ridiculed online, but if she ever actually went on the show, she would be thoroughly mocked.
Who exactly was targeting her like this!
"Miss Song, please."
Cornered, Song Xi took a deep breath.
"Then I'll tell a little joke I heard online. My friend went to buy oysters, and on the way home, all the oysters jumped out of the bag and burrowed into the ground. Oh, so that's why they're called: 'Oysters love mud.'"
Silence fell over the venue.
Someone in the crowd let out a snort, trying to suppress laughter. "Pun, bad review!"
Then, peals of laughter erupted.
Song Xi let out a sigh of relief, her palms covered in sweat.
For someone who had just started exploring stand-up comedy, telling a pun was already quite good.
The female comedian also hadn't expected that if asked, she would actually go through with it!
Hmph, at least she was better than those who feigned reluctance.
"Alright, Miss Song, you can return to your seat now."
Song Xi nodded. "Thank you."
The stand-up show continued, but half the audience's attention had long since left the stage. They secretly turned to discreetly take photos of Song Xi.
The girl behind them also tried to take a picture, but Ye Hai's glare made her almost drop her phone.
Recalling Song Xi and her boyfriend leaving earlier, she had intended to strike up a conversation with the man. Unexpectedly, he had acted like a different person, looking at her coldly and saying in an unfriendly tone, "Stay away from me, I'm not interested in women like you!"
One moment he was attentive and gentle in front of Song Xi, and the next his face had changed. The girl was startled and didn't dare approach Ye Hai again.
After what had just happened, the stand-up comedians who hadn't yet performed complained, "It's all your fault. Now nobody's listening; everyone's taking pictures."
The comedian pretended not to hear and sent a text message on her phone.
[I've done what you asked. When will you transfer the money to me?]
A few minutes later, a reply came.
[Why the rush? You'll get it when the time comes.]