Thiên Ân's group approached the main entrance hall.There, two men in neatly pressed suits stood on either side of the door, their hair slicked back in proper fashion. A long line of people was waiting ahead, each handing over their tickets to be checked before entering.
When it was their turn, Đức Minh's father handed over the tickets, and the entire group stepped inside.
The moment Thiên Ân entered, he was struck by how different the interior felt compared to the outside — vast, soaring, and bathed in natural light from the glass dome above.Continuing the architectural style from outside, the grand foyer was adorned with white and gold marble across the floors, walls, and towering pillars. Delicate golden decorations glimmered along the staircase railings and window frames.
The centerpiece of the hall was a magnificent twin staircase rising symmetrically toward the upper levels. Hanging from the dome above was a colossal crystal chandelier that bathed the space in a dazzling glow of light and luxury. Around the hall stood sculptures and paintings depicting scenes from Greek mythology and the theater's storied history.
Thiên Ân had thought the exterior was beautiful — but the interior was even more breathtaking, like stepping into a palace.Beside him, both Đức Minh and Hoàng Nam were equally awestruck. Hoàng Nam slapped Đức Minh's arm in excitement.
"Ow—! What was that for?!" Đức Minh winced.
"Hey, Đức Minh, am I dreaming or what? This place is insanely beautiful!"
A little annoyed but still proud, Đức Minh replied,"Of course it is! This is one of the biggest and oldest theaters in the country. Did you really expect anything less? Honestly..."
Hoàng Nam chuckled sheepishly and rubbed his nose.
Little Đức An gasped loudly, "Mom, Mom! It's so pretty here! Like a real palace!"
Mrs. Mai Linh smiled, holding her daughter's hand. "Yes, it truly is."
Not far away, a crowd of reporters gathered, their chatter and camera clicks filling the space with noise. Guests entering the hall added to the lively hum of conversation and movement.
Then a voice called out from the distance,"Hey, old Huy! Over here!"
Recognizing the man, Đức Minh's father smiled and led his family over quickly. "Well, well, it's been a while, old Triệu! You're here for the concert too?"
The man named Triệu laughed heartily. "Of course! How could I miss it when Kudo Shizuka herself is performing tonight?"
Mr. Huy chuckled and began introducing his family."This is my wife, Mai Linh."
Mrs. Mai Linh smiled politely and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Haha, Huy, your wife is truly beautiful," Mr. Triệu said with a grin.
Mr. Huy continued, "And these are my kids — the older one is Đức Minh, the little one is Đức An. The two beside them are their friends, Hoàng Nam and Thiên Ân."
The four young ones quickly greeted him in unison,"Hello, Uncle Triệu."
Mr. Triệu laughed warmly. "Ah, Huy, your kids are all so handsome and lovely."
Mr. Huy replied cheerfully, "Haha, yours aren't bad either!"The two men laughed heartily together.
Just then, a middle-aged woman appeared, leading two boys by the hand. She looked mildly irritated, clearly searching for her husband. Upon spotting him, she called out sharply. Mr. Triệu turned and waved at her with a slightly nervous smile.
Thiên Ân observed them quietly.Mr. Triệu was a bit stout but had a kind, cheerful face, slightly shorter than Mr. Huy. His wife, Mrs. Như Vân, dressed elegantly, her hair loose and a designer handbag dangling from her arm. Her expression showed a trace of annoyance as she approached.
Mr. Triệu quickly introduced, "Honey, this is Huy's wife. Those two are their kids, and the other two are their friends."
Though still a little displeased, Mrs. Như Vân greeted them politely,"Hello, everyone. I'm Như Vân — it's a pleasure to meet your lovely family."
Mrs. Mai Linh responded with a friendly smile, "Nice to meet you too."Her eyes then fell on the two chubby boys beside Mrs. Như Vân. "Are these your sons?" she asked kindly.
"Yes," Mrs. Như Vân replied, introducing them briefly.
Meanwhile, the three boys — Đức Minh, Hoàng Nam, and Thiên Ân — exchanged quiet remarks, whispering to each other as they sized up the two plump children who resembled their father.
At that moment, a man who appeared to be the theater manager tapped a spoon gently against a glass.Ding, ding...
The crowd's chatter hushed. Everyone turned toward him.
He announced,"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm the event coordinator here. The performance will begin shortly. Please proceed to your seats and make yourselves comfortable. Thank you."
With that, he stepped down and hurried off.
Mr. Huy turned to the group. "Let's go in too."
The entire party followed the usher into the grand auditorium.
Inside, the hall opened into a majestic horseshoe-shaped design with several tiers of balconies. Plush crimson velvet seats filled the room. The walls and ceiling were intricately carved, gilded with gold accents along the balcony rails and ceiling trims.Paintings of Greek gods and myths adorned the ceiling.
At the front, the massive stage was veiled by a luxurious red curtain embroidered with golden patterns.
Thiên Ân's group was seated in the central section. They filed through the rows to their places.Thiên Ân sank into the soft velvet seat.
Beside him, Hoàng Nam stretched with a groan of relief."Finally! We've been walking forever!"
Đức Minh could only sigh, speechless.
Thiên Ân looked around. He guessed that the seats closest to the stage were reserved for the country's most influential figures.To his sides, he noticed several young fans clutching albums and photos — clearly devotees of the performer. Reporters and photographers filled the back rows.
As Thiên Ân observed, the lights began to dim slowly.A cool breeze from the air-conditioning swept gently through the rows of seats.The faint rustle of hundreds adjusting their posture gradually faded — leaving only a deep, expectant silence.
Then, a soft golden light poured down upon the stage.