Everbright District, Iris Theater.
Before He Xi even approached the grand and imposing theater, the clamor of voices surged toward him like a tide, packing the usually spacious Arts Avenue so tightly that not even water could pass through.
He Xi had no choice but to turn sideways and squeeze through the gaps between people.
Perfume and sweat mingled together with the restless agitation of the crowd, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
"Please, please, Lucky Madam, let Miss Wen Nai leave from this direction later. I have to touch her just once."
A young man in an apprentice's robe stood with his eyes closed and hands clasped, muttering under his breath.
"Even if I have to use [Mage Hand], I'm going to touch the hem of her skirt."
His companion grabbed his eager wrist and warned him in a low voice, "Are you insane? Keep it down! As admirers, we must maintain elegance and decorum at all times! If anyone hears you talking about using a cantrip to defile the holy maiden, do you believe they'll toss you into a sewer like garbage?"
"Huh? Decorum? You've got the nerve to lecture me?" the young apprentice retorted indignantly. "Did you forget what you shouted at that streetwalker just now?"
"Ahem, that was art... that was admiration for beauty!" His companion's gaze wandered.
Seeing him stubbornly refuse to admit it, the young apprentice suddenly pinched his throat and imitated his companion's infatuated tone from earlier. "Please, just say your name is Wen Nai, then look at me like I'm trash. I can add another 5 Silver Scale!"
"Damn it! Keep your voice down! Th-this... this..."
His companion's face instantly flushed red. Guiltily, he looked around in every direction, terrified that someone might overhear their shameful exchange.
However, the surrounding crowd clearly had