Grab The Heroine and Run Away Ch.21.1

5/5

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In the aftermath of the live broadcast incident, a deputy director of the program and the five individuals involved were dismissed. The originally prepared content for the live broadcast was canceled, and the rankings from the public performance would be announced during the recording of the next round.

Many of the lower-ranked trainees, who were determined to seize the opportunity to showcase themselves during the live broadcast, heard the bad news and immediately welled up with anger. They cursed Xing Yujin repeatedly in their hearts and swore that they would never buy any product from the Xing family again!

For these trainees, a few more seconds of screen time might be a chance to turn the tables. The resentment they felt towards Xing Yujin was itching at their hearts.

However, due to the confrontation between Xu Heran and Xing Yujin, the scene of the unfamiliar and beautiful girl pinning down the famous Xing Family’s Crown Prince and rubbing his face on the ground sparked discussions. Many curious bystanders clicked on the trending topic and became interested in the 《Starlight Girls》 program, searching and watching.

The program’s keywords remained in the entertainment trending searches all night long, bringing a considerable amount of attention to the show. Clicks on previous episodes surged significantly.

The director was both happy and conflicted. He sensed the continuing downturn in the atmosphere of the training camp. With a grand gesture, he arranged for Lin Weining, the current first-place trainee, to conduct a day-long live broadcast in the dormitory under the theme “A Day in the Life of My Trainees.”

This live broadcast lasted much longer than the ones during program recordings. If Lin Weining was willing, all the trainees could appear in front of the camera, and even having each of them sing a song would be sufficient!

In addition to the live broadcast, the program also granted each trainee an extra four hours of phone usage time. They could make calls to their families, engage with fans online, campaign for votes, and more.

The atmosphere of the training camp suddenly turned around.

“Knock, knock.”

A knocking sound echoed, and Xu Heran, lying on the bed, called out loudly, “Come in!”

Xin Nuo walked in, with clothes resting on her arm.

“Nuo Nuo!” Xu Heran bounced up from the bed, leaving her tablet behind, and happily exclaimed, “Why are you here? Didn’t you go to do a live broadcast with Sister Weining? I’m sure a lot of people would want to see you!”

Xin Nuo’s lips curled into a smile as she placed the freshly laundered clothes into Xu Heran’s wardrobe. She kicked off her shoes and stepped onto the soft carpet, leaning against the wall, and let out a sigh.

Huh?

An alarm bell rang in Xu Heran’s mind. She sensed that something was off with Xin Nuo.

“Yeah, do you want to watch our program? The seventh episode of the public performance is already out. I feel like our votes will definitely not be lacking!” Xu Heran said cheerfully.

“Not interested.” Xin Nuo drawled her words, tucking the pearl pillow into her embrace and exhaling, “Let me stay here with you.”

In the dormitory, only Xu Heran’s room lacked a camera.

Xu Heran quickly got off the bed, knelt on the floor, and looked at the girl lying in the gap between the wall and the table. Xin Nuo had her eyes half-closed, and her eyelashes trembled anxiously. Her long black hair spread out on the off-white carpet like flowing ink.

Cradling her cheek, Xu Heran gazed tenderly at Xin Nuo. They remained silent, and a serene atmosphere filled the room.

Taking a deep breath and making a determined decision, Xin Nuo took her phone out of her pocket.

Xu Heran’s heart skipped a beat as she suddenly remembered contacting her family.

In the original storyline, there was a countdown-like communication between Xin Nuo and her mother.

Xin Nuo’s mother used to be a renowned dancer, successful in her career and with a harmonious family. However, a sudden car accident took away her beloved husband. Fortunately, the child in her womb was safely born, but Xin Nuo’s mother was left with lingering health issues from the accident. She required continuous treatment and care, leading to the premature end of her career.

In order to support the family and raise Xin Nuo, she established a dance studio to teach dance. However, her body couldn’t withstand the strain, and not long after Xin Nuo reached adulthood, her mother couldn’t hold on any longer. This was the turning point for Xin Nuo to enter the entertainment industry; she needed money.

In the novel, Xin Nuo struggled desperately, forced to navigate relationships with several powerful and influential men. She was oppressed, and when she resisted, her mother became entangled and tragically passed away… If you counted, it had only been these past two years.

“Ding ding dong, ding ding dong…”

A lively ringing echoed, and soon, the person on the other end of the phone picked up, a gentle voice flowing into the room through the speaker.

“Hello, Nuo Nuo.”

In an instant, all the oxygen around Xin Nuo seemed to be sucked away, her brain spinning and muddled in a vacuum. The voice she had longed for day and night was now right within reach. Xin Nuo lifted her arm abruptly, covering her face. Her chest heaved intensely, she bit her lip tightly, suppressing a choked sob that escaped from her throat.

“…” Xu Heran furrowed her brows. She wanted to hold Xin Nuo, but she hesitated. Xin Nuo usually appeared carefree, but who could have known that her delicate shoulders bore the weight of her mother’s life.

Having been in the training camp for so long, she must miss her mother terribly.

A faint bitterness spread from the depths of her heart throughout her body. Xu Heran cradled her cheek, her gaze determined as she made a silent vow.

She would never allow Xin Nuo’s mother to pass away prematurely. She would ensure Xin Nuo had a proper debut and became the brightest star, shielding her radiance from any demons or monsters.

“Hmm? Nuo Nuo, are you tired?” Xin Nuo’s mother noticed her silence and softly asked, “Rest well, don’t worry about things at home. I’m doing well now, I’ll be discharged in a couple of days.”

Xin Nuo’s fingers tightly gripped the phone, her knuckles slightly paling. She struggled to open her mouth, but no words came out.

Don’t be discharged, please don’t be discharged.

She managed to open her mouth with difficulty, her voice slightly trembling as she uttered a feeble “no.” Beside her, someone exclaimed crisply, “Hey, Mom.”

Xin Nuo: “…”

Xin Nuo’s mother: “…?”

On the other end of the call, Xin Nuo’s mother took the phone away, glancing at the name and number on the screen, and hesitated before responding, “Huh?”

“You must take care of yourself, I’ve been worried about you.” Xu Heran said.

Xin Nuo’s mother replied with a smile, “I’m doing well, Mom is fine. Don’t worry, dear. How are you doing in the program?”

“I’m doing great, everyone has been taking care of me!” Xu Heran said happily, “I’ve even made some good friends!”

“Really? Mom saw that you’re doing well in the program, so Mom can rest assured. Our Nuo Nuo is doing great.”

Xu Heran proudly lifted her head, “That’s right!”

Xin Nuo: “…………”

She was at a loss, tilting her head back to suppress the warmth that welled up in her eyes. She raised her hand and used her fingertip to wipe the corner of her eye, helplessly saying, “Can you recognize my voice?”

Xin Nuo’s mother smiled and said, “It doesn’t quite sound like it.”

“Hehehe.” Xu Heran pretended not to see Xin Nuo’s reddened eyes and boldly said, “I’m playing a game with Sister Nuo Nuo, betting whether you can guess who’s calling. Sister Nuo Nuo lost!”

Xin Nuo’s mother’s slightly worried heart settled, and she chuckled, “Is that so? What does Nuo Nuo have to do as a punishment for losing?”

Xu Heran’s eyes twinkled as she deliberately avoided Xin Nuo’s warning gaze and replied with a couple of “uh-huh”s, a lightbulb appearing above her head with a “ding.” She grinned, “Sister Nuo Nuo lost, so she has to sleep with me tonight!”

Both Xin Nuo and her mother were puzzled at the same time. What kind of punishment was this?

“You have to serve me tea, tell me bedtime stories, and pamper me to sleep.” Xu Heran licked her lips playfully and winked at Xin Nuo.

A gentle laughter came through the speaker, “Is that you, Heran?”

She had been watching the program all along, because Xu Heran had initially been angry and upset with Xin Nuo. However, in the two episodes that were newly aired, it was clear that they had reconciled. She understood her daughter well; Xin Nuo’s attitude towards Xu Heran wasn’t fake. That put her mind at ease.

“Go play your game.” Xin Nuo pointed at Xu Heran through the air, turned off the speaker, and regained her composure. Leaning against the wall, she continued chatting with her mother.

“This girl has a nice voice, I can tell.” Xin Nuo’s mother remarked.

“Then why did she call you ‘Mom’ and you responded?” Xin Nuo exposed her mother’s “lie,” ; “You’ve been chatting with her, too.”

“Haha… I’ve been watching the show all along. Girls of her age have their tempers. Since you’ve become friends with her, as the older sister, it’s fine to give in to the younger sister. Of course, you don’t need to tolerate being bullied either,” Xin’s mother spoke softly. When she said this, she considered Xu Heran’s identity. She didn’t wish for Xin Nuo to become excessively wealthy or powerful; she just wanted her to avoid being oppressed by those with influence and power. Making friends would be even better. Xin Nuo was all alone, and with her health issues, she couldn’t protect Xin Nuo. How could she not worry?

“Don’t worry, I understand,” Xin Nuo responded. She lifted her hand and gently patted the head that had stealthily come closer, her lips curling up, “She’s just a little fool.”

Before Xin’s mother could say anything, Xu Heran immediately retorted, “Who, who’s the fool? Mom—she’s talking about me!”

Now, Xin’s mother was completely convinced that Xin Nuo and Xu Heran truly had a good relationship. She listened to the banter between the two through the phone, a gentle curve forming at the corner of her mouth.

“You’re so annoying. Go call your mom.” Xin Nuo was pushed into a corner by Xu Heran, panting.

“I won’t!” Xu Heran sounded a bit guilty. She hadn’t interacted with Xu’s family yet, and she was a bit afraid. She watched Xin Nuo end the call, muttering, “Let me chat with my mom a bit longer.”

“Get lost.” Xin Nuo couldn’t take it anymore, “You’re so clingy, Xu Heran!”

“Ahwoo, my princess!” Xu Heran spread her arms wide, wearing the pajamas that Xin Nuo had lent her when she spent the night in her room. Her outstretched arms looked like the bedsheets flying in the air, and she pounced, covering Xin Nuo.

“Beautiful princess, I love you—”

“Kneel beneath my pajamas, my princess! Let’s create the crystallization of love. If you lay an egg, I’ll let you go!”

“Ahwoo—”

“Xu Heran!!”

The noisy laughter echoed through the door, resonating clearly in the hallway.

“Click—”

Lin Weining’s raised finger came to a halt, her eyes widening in astonishment. In her hand, the barrage messages on the live streaming device suddenly intensified.

“What are they talking about?”

“Wow—playing so excitingly? Let me see too!”

“Xu Heran and Xin Nuo laying eggs?”

“Just came in, what? Xin Nuo laid an egg for Xu Heran?”

“Xin Nuo has this skill too?”

“Spread the word, Xin Nuo laid an egg! Whose is it?”

“Of course, it’s Xu Heran’s!”

“Hi~”

Xu Heran pushed open the door with disheveled hair, the white cap of her pearl pajamas hanging on her ears. Her face was flushed, her eyes glistening with moisture, making the already unusual live broadcast even more… exciting.

“Um… Are you all watching a movie?” Lin Weining asked with a smile.

What movie about dragons and princesses? Besides that, she couldn’t think of any other context, except for giving birth… to what.

Lin Weining blushed.

“A movie?” Xu Heran ruffled her hair, pushing the loose strands back from her forehead. She revealed a clean face and casually said, “No, I’m playing with Nuo Nuo.”

A question mark appeared in Lin Weining’s eyes, and she nodded hesitantly.

Playing…?

Xu Heran still remembered her campaign tactics. She leaned over the live streaming device in Lin Weining’s hand, squinting as she looked at it. She frowned, “Slow down with the comments, I can’t see clearly… Giving birth? Who’s giving birth, me? Impossible, I’m not even of legal age yet! I don’t even have a boyfriend!”

“Huh? Starting chaos and abandoning at the end?”

Xu Heran was furious, “Who’s starting chaos and abandoning at the end? I’m very faithful, you know! What’s this about not having a boyfriend but having a girlfriend? Where do I find a girlfriend?—Xin Nuo?”

“Hiss—”

Xu Heran tilted her head back as if in battle, the faint pink on her face from teasing Xin Nuo hadn’t faded yet. She looked at the rapidly scrolling “Xin Nuo” in the live broadcast and inexplicably thought of the recent stage, the girl with her head raised, the devout gaze of the audience fixed on her. Although she hadn’t felt it during practice, in front of thousands of people, the darkness below the stage and the shimmering lights were like a surging galaxy.

She couldn’t see the faces of the people below, couldn’t hear the fervent support, only Xin Nuo’s and her own breaths echoing in her ears as they leaned against each other time and time again.

“Gulp.” Xu Heran suddenly swallowed hard, averted her gaze, crossed her arms, deliberately put on a serious face, her eyes shifting around, her tone solemn, “These people are really strange, I’m still a kid, I don’t understand.”

Lin Weining’s gaze fell on her flushed face.

“How long are you going to stand in the corridor?”

A gentle voice came from inside the room, and the speaker walked out of Xu Heran’s room. She was dressed in a simple white short-sleeved shirt and gray long sports pants. The hem of the short-sleeved shirt was tucked into the pants, revealing a delicate waist that was barely larger than a palm’s width. The thin, close-fitting fabric outlined the girl’s perfect curves. She looked like a carefully nurtured lily branch in a vase, its milk-white petals gently unfurling to reveal a sweet stamen, brimming with shyness, awaiting someone’s plucking.

“Xin Nuo—”

“Xin Nuo, I love you!!!”

Xin Nuo raised her slender white arm and greeted the fans in the live chat with a smile.

The barrage in the live chat was filled with “Xin Nuo” and confessions. The live broadcast room seemed to become exclusively for Xin Nuo, and the heat level in the upper right corner skyrocketed the moment Xin Nuo appeared.

However, Xin Nuo, who had caused the spike in heat, casually glanced at the barrage, then disinterestedly looked away. A smile played at the corners of her mouth as she patted Xu Heran’s shoulder and whispered, “Stand properly.”

“Okay, okay.” Xu Heran’s attention shifted from the live chat to Xin Nuo the moment she appeared. She obediently stood in front of Xin Nuo, tilting her head slightly, waiting for Xin Nuo to straighten her clothes for her.

Soft, warm fingers traced through the golden-brown hair. The previously messy strands gently fell, framing Xu Heran’s snow-white face. Her bluish-purple eyes curved, blinking softly, as if pink hearts could pop out.

An odd sense of satisfaction rose within Xin Nuo. She had initially intended to retract her hand, but it paused, gently pinching Xu Heran’s earlobe. She spoke in a warm voice, “Done.”

“Thank you, Nuo Nuo.”

Lin Weining felt a subtle sense, a kind of… well, a feeling of being neglected.

Hello, does anyone remember her in the live stream?

Lin Weining sighed inwardly, lowered her head, and glanced at the live chat. She casually muttered, “Calling Sister Nuo Nuo in front of outsiders, and just Nuo Nuo without outsiders, tsk tsk tsk, a little trick of the younger generation. Huh?”

“Are you talking about Heran?” Lin Weining didn’t quite understand.

What does “younger generation” mean, what trick?

Her fans quickly chimed in, “It’s okay, dear Weining, it’s just a plot of the little couple’s schemes, we’re unique!”

Little couple?

Who?

Xu Heran and Xin Nuo?

Xu Heran is only sixteen, no, wait—Xu Heran and Xin Nuo are in a relationship? Wait a minute—both of them are girls!

Lin Weining was puzzled, bewildered, and lost. However, in a corner of her heart, there was a hint of realization.

No wonder Xu Heran and Xin Nuo’s relationship suddenly became so affectionate… but is this kind of thing allowed? How did the fans know… She didn’t even know, they are together every day!

With confusion in her heart, she told Xin Nuo about Xu Heran performing in the hall, then went to the hall alone. Many trainees were waiting for her in the hall. Lin Weining handed the live streaming equipment to them and found a corner to sit down. Only a few girls who rarely went online were still immersed in their own astonishment.

The world is developing so quickly, and she can’t keep up.

The twenty-year-old girl had her mouth slightly open, her beautiful face looking dazed.

At this moment, a tall, long shadow drifted past her. The owner of the shadow sat on the steps, stretching out two long legs and swiping her phone. After a while, the owner of the long legs raised her head, glanced at the stone-like girl beside her.

“Mmm.” Haya shrugged her shoulders and continued to look down at her phone. After a while, not knowing what she had come across on her phone, she chuckled. Lin Weining subconsciously looked at Haya when she heard the sound, but what she heard was a voice coming from Haya’s phone.

“What kind of little trick, you’re just jealous of the good relationship between me and Sister Nuo Nuo . I’m going to call her Nuo Nuo, Nuo Nuo Nuo Nuo Nuo—”

Haya: “Hehehehehe…”

Lin Weining: “…”

Sitting on the second tier of steps, Lin Weining lowered her head and unintentionally caught a glimpse of Haya’s phone. Haya was watching a video, and in the video, Xu Heran and Xin Nuo were hugging and smiling at each other.

“Cough.” Lin Weining cleared her throat and asked, “Haya, what are you watching?”

Haya leaned back, her sharp eyebrows and eyes, and her aggressive and glamorous face without heavy smoky makeup made her look aloof and unapproachable. If it weren’t for sitting next to her, Lin Weining would have doubted that she was hallucinating, suspecting that the laughter just now was not from Haya.

“Fairy~” As soon as Haya spoke, her enthusiastic voice instantly diluted the coldness brought by her appearance. She patted the step beside her. “Come over.”

Fairy is the name that fans gave to Lin Weining. She has an elegant and indifferent temperament, and she exudes a fairy-like aura on stage. However, this is the first time that the trainees in the camp have called her that, and it feels a bit strange.

Lin Weining smiled, stood up, and walked over to sit next to Haya. Before she could even settle down, a large hand reached out and hugged her waist, pulling her into Haya’s embrace.

“!!!”

Lin Weining was startled, a faint blush creeping up her ears. She instinctively placed her hand on Haya’s chest—above her chest, that is. Haya lowered her eyes without paying it much attention, and the hand that was hugging her waist moved upwards, resting on Lin Weining’s shoulder. Haya applied a bit of force and pushed her towards her side.

Haya bent down, looking mysteriously at Lin Weining with an arched eyebrow, using a domineering expression and a playful tone, she asked, “Fairy, wanna bump fists?”

“Ah?”

“Your little cutie is here uninvited~”

In the live chat of 《Starlight Girls》 a little head popped up. Xu Heran, who had changed into practice clothes, waved at the camera. Standing in front of the camera, with her hands crossed over her abdomen, she earnestly said, “Hello everyone, I’m Trainee No. 59, Xu Heran. Please support me!”

There was only one camera, and the trainees waiting for the live broadcast sat on the floor of the hall, lining up for their “turns.” Jiang Qiong sat next to Xu Heran, holding her phone and watching the live broadcast.

“Ran Ran, is it true that many Star Makers asked Xin Nuo if she gave birth to a child for you?”

Xu Heran pretended to be calm, “I want to sing a song for everyone.”

“Ran Ran, someone also asked if Sister Nuo Nuo is registered to you, and only you can call her that? Are you the only one who can?”

“The name of this song is—”

“Explain to everyone, is it because Xin Nuo won’t allow us to call Xu Heran by his nickname, that’s why we call you ‘Ran Ran’?”

“Call—Jiang Xiaoqiong¹, have you had enough?! When did Nuo Nuo tell you not to call me by my nickname?” Xu Heran collapsed and shouted in frustration.

Jiang Qiong ran away with her legs, her voice drifting from off-screen, “Haven’t you noticed? Whenever we’ve called your name, Xin Nuo no longer uses it. Even Sister Yueyin called you ‘Little Pearl’ once before, and didn’t Xin Nuo immediately change it?”

Laughter echoed all around, except Jiang Qiong stood opposite Xu Heran, smugly waving her hand in a flower-like manner, “Do you believe that if I call you those two words, Xin Nuo will give you a new name again tomorrow?”

Xu Heran rolled her eyes dramatically, providing a collection of eye-rolling shots for her.

“In that case, is it my fault?” Jian Yueyin, holding a guitar in her arms, apologized to Xin Nuo, “I underestimated the situation, I’m sorry.”

Xin Nuo was smiling, she looked at the pleading look Xu Heran gave her and gestured, “It’s okay, next time I’ll call her ‘Pearl.'”

“Hey!”

Xu Heran, frustrated, waved her hand like Jiang Qiong, shaking it while asking, “Are you going to let me sing or not?”

“Sing, I’ll accompany you.” Xin Nuo stood up with a smile, walked to the electronic keyboard, and began to play. She had learned to play for a while because of filming, and she hadn’t forgotten.

Another round of cheering erupted from the crowd, and the trainees, who were more enthusiastic than the fans in the live chat, joined in the fun.

Everyone was joking around, laughing, treating it all as a playful moment.

Including Xu Heran and Xin Nuo at this moment.

The things placed boldly on the stage seemed unreal.

The black-haired girl sat upright, curving her lips at Xu Heran.

The hall fell silent, and the melodic prelude began.

The smile on Xu Heran’s face faded, lingering deep in her pupils, like an ever-burning flame. She took her seat, under the raven-like dense eyelashes. Each glance revealed a blue-purple pupil rippling like water mist, as if she had entered the song’s emotion in the blink of an eye.

“Moonlight illuminates the sky, sprinkling radiance to adorn the ocean…”

When singing, Xu Heran seemed like a different person.

Seated in the center of the hall, the gaze of hundreds of thousands of people in the live chat fixed upon the singing girl. As she extended her hand, swaying and raising it high, her fair fingertips seemed to have momentarily hosted a butterfly, its transparent wings fluttering toward the boundless starry sky.

The song was short, and the fans in the live chat had yet to fully recover from the atmosphere of the song. In the camera’s frame, the girl with chestnut-brown hair lowered the microphone, revealing an unabashedly radiant smile to the camera. Her eyes were like jewels, pure and trusting.

“This is a song I really like. If you enjoy it too, please support me. I’d like to continue singing for all of you.” Xu Heran stood up and bowed once again. “Thank you.”

Not long after the live broadcast ended, discussions about Xu Heran resurfaced.

“Seriously, if it weren’t for what happened before, I’d vote for the little princess to the death. Her looks and talent! Did you see her hitting those high notes while sitting? Amazing!”

“So beautiful, her vibrato pierces the heart, wuwuwu… How can she sing so well!”

“The little princess used to focus more on dancing, but starting from the previous performance, including this live broadcast, her singing ability has been astonishing! I dare say her singing skills are among the best among all trainees. No one can refute that, right?”

“This group is truly surprising. Each member’s skills are stronger than the last. Director Gou didn’t even give Haya and her group screen time before! Jian Yueyin is so impressive too. She can write lyrics, compose, and she’s a powerhouse singer! Group Ten is really a treasure trove! They could debut directly from the performance stage! Did Xin Nuo and Xu Heran pick them based on height?”

“I feel like the little princess started taking things seriously after admitting her mistakes. During this period, whether it’s the aired programs or the released behind-the-scenes footage, her attitude is so serious—most importantly, she’s unbelievably adorable! I really want to secretly take the little princess home, have her smile at me, sing for me, dance for me, wuwuwu…”

“Well… can you afford to take care of her? That’s the little princess we’re talking about!”

“I’m so torn. I want to vote for Xu Heran, but I’m afraid this is all a deliberate act. After all, she’s the investor’s own daughter. What if she changes her tune after getting the votes?”

“No need to worry about that. Think about how the program team supported her before. And what’s the result? Who doesn’t know she’s pretentious and full of herself? And look at the current behind-the-scenes footage. Clearly, everyone really likes Xu Heran. Oh, by the way, the hot pot incident in the released footage was orchestrated by Group Ten, right? I can’t stop laughing. Seventy people catching forty-nine. Truly fitting for you, little princess!”

“Let it go, let it go. If you’re being deceived, just be deceived. I admit, I’m a visual simp! I didn’t want to vote for her either, but she looked at me with those blue-purple eyes and called me ‘sister’!”

“You’re just dreaming. Besides calling Nuo Nuo ‘sister,’ who else has she called ‘sister’? Names with ‘sister’ attached don’t count, okay?”

“I don’t care! She called me ‘Sis Pearl’!”

“Warning, Xin Nuo!”

“Ugh… I can’t believe it. Xin Nuo registered on Weibo, and her first post is actually sharing a link to vote for Xu Heran! The Xinran Sisters are for real!”

“What!!!”

“Minor warning, I’m still young!”

“Xu Heran, you know nothing about love! Being a scummy girl, leading others on, then not taking responsibility! Quick, someone grab her and stuff her into Xin Nuo’s blanket!”

“Ran Ran, Mom’s got your dowry ready. When you’re eighteen, we’ll send you over to her place, bang bang bang, a three-year deal.”

“Mom up ahead, what great poetry!”

“… “

What on earth!

Xu Heran slapped her phone down with a “smack,” utterly exasperated. She crossed her arms in annoyance for a moment, then immediately picked the phone back up and looked at Xin Nuo’s recently created Weibo account, letting out a burst of hearty laughter that revealed her bright white teeth.

Xin Nuo’s Weibo was named “Starlight Girl Xin Nuo,” with a profile picture of a fair palm cradling a thumb-sized pearl. The pearl was a harmonious fusion of deep blue and rich purple, forming a dazzling color that refracted brilliant light in the camera.

It was the color of Xu Heran’s eyes.

Not long ago, she had been lying on her bed watching videos when Xin Nuo suddenly messaged her asking if she had any nice photos for a profile picture. She originally thought Xin Nuo wanted it for a smaller profile picture. Without much thought, she sent this photo from her gallery.

Little did she know Xin Nuo would actually use it for her main profile picture.

It’s kind of embarrassing… hehe!

Blushing a bit, Xu Heran immediately and emphatically liked Xin Nuo’s first Weibo post. She had also recently registered for Weibo. She had never used it before, especially not abroad. After she finished voting for Xin Nuo on the official website and shared it on Weibo and all the communication apps on her phone, she contentedly lay back on her bed, a satisfied smile with a hint of “weirdness” appearing on her originally beautiful face.

What Xin Nuo didn’t know was that the pearl in the photo was born in the deep sea, flawless and extremely rare. It was a gift from Xu Heran’s elders shortly after her birth and was still securely stored in their family’s treasure trove to this day.

The hand in the photo was hers as well.

The more Xu Heran lay there, the more excited she became. As her thoughts raced, she suddenly sat up, grabbed her phone, and dashed out. After a moment, she turned back, picked up a small basket from the floor.

The dormitory for the top seven contestants was at the end of the corridor.

“Nuo Nuo—”

“Your  Little Pearl has arrived.” Sun Lingxi was wearing headphones and watching a movie. Even through the headphones, she could hear Xu Heran’s excited voice. She didn’t lift her head as she teased Xin Nuo.

“I’m coming in.”

“Please come in.” Lin Weining opened the door.

She had been running around all day today and had just finished washing up. She was currently applying a facial mask.

“Big sister Weining, you worked hard today!” Xu Heran rummaged around in a bamboo basket, stuffing things into Lin Weining’s arms. “Please have some snacks.”

“Thank you,  Little Pearl.” Lin Weining ended up with a handful of things in her arms and smiled. She turned around to close the door when a tall, slender figure drifted past and then slowly drifted back. The figure’s gaze fell onto what she was holding.

Haya raised an eyebrow.

“… Want some?” Lin Weining tentatively asked.

Haya audaciously hooked a jelly with her finger. “Tuition.”

The master has entered the room. From now on, it’s up to the individual’s cultivation. Ning Ning, let’s kowtow!

Thinking about the new path she had embarked on today, Lin Weining nodded solemnly.

Giving the betrothal gifts to #Xin Nuo#!

In addition to the three of them in the dorm, there was also Tan Yutong, who came in third this time. Xu Heran distributed snacks to everyone, carrying a bamboo basket as she quickly climbed onto Xin Nuo’s bed.

Xin Nuo casually silenced her phone and said to Xu Heran, who was already seated, “You’re pretty self-aware.”

“Hehe.” Xu Heran didn’t feel embarrassed at all. She casually asked, “What are you looking at?”

“Nothing.” Xin Nuo sat up and looked at her small bamboo basket. “Where did you get this from, and how did you manage to bring it in?”

“Isn’t today a day of indulgence? Sister Cui gave it to me.” Xu Heran settled in, smoothed her hair, and handed her phone to Xin Nuo. “Quick, take a picture of me!”

“… Did you come to me just to take a picture?” Xin Nuo was puzzled.

Xu Heran not only needed her help to take a picture but also needed her hand.

Before long, Xu Heran changed all her social media profile pictures. Under the bright light, her fair and supple palm cradled a girl’s chin. Her bright eyes were open, both hands resting on the edge of the bed, and she was smiling with her head tilted back.

In the radiant pupils, a river of stars flowed, leaving behind a clear shadow.

“She’s really something…” Sun Lingxi, holding potato chips, mumbled as she looked at Xu Heran’s new photos.

Lin Weining passed by her from behind, overheard her muttering, pursed her lips, and took some of the candy Xu Heran had given her, placing it beside Sun Lingxi.

Sun Lingxi couldn’t help herself, “Candies, anyone?”

“No, you can’t. The child is still young,” Lin Weining instinctively said.

Sun Lingxi immediately widened her eyes, “Weining, even you…”

She quickly raised her hand, and the two of them held hands tightly.

Kissing in friendship.

One of the people involved sat on the bed, laughed, casually liked the photo Xu Heran had posted, and let out a soft sigh.

Indeed, they were still so young, and emotional… Xin Nuo blinked her eyes slowly, her smile gradually fading.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis

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1. In Chinese names, “Xiao” (小) is often used to convey endearment or indicate the individual’s junior status within the family. It’s a way to show affection for younger family members, like children or younger siblings, and establish a sense of hierarchy. Additionally, “Xiao” can emphasize the small or young nature of something, such as “Xiao Guo” (小国) for a small country. ↩︎