Grab The Heroine and Run Away Ch.24

Xu Heran slumped in her seat, her long legs stretched out on the floor, one hand in her pocket, the other hand tucked into her sleeve, covering her flushed face.

After a moment, she sat up slowly, unable to resist leaning against the chair, and cautiously peered out, stealing a glance at Xin Nuo who sat on the first-place throne with a calm and indifferent expression.

It was at this moment that she suddenly realized that this position was separated from Xin Nuo by only one row of seats.

“Hmm…” Xu Heran scratched her chin, the skin there had long turned red from her rubbing.

Song Fenghua, sitting in front of her, suddenly turned around and met Xu Heran’s blushing face. The girl’s blue-purple eyes shimmered, a hint of moisture lingering at the corners, like an iris just plucked from water, transparent droplets rolling gently down its soft petals.

Song Fenghua was momentarily stunned, a look of amazement flickering in her eyes. She looked at Xu Heran intently and spoke amidst the latter’s forced composure, “Yueyin said to sit properly.”

“Oh!” Xu Heran quickly sat up straight, the blush on her face gradually fading. She stuck out her tongue and gave Song Fenghua a bright smile. Subconsciously, Song Fenghua playfully curved the corners of her mouth. Her smile may have been faint, but it was a sincere response.

“Well then, I will announce the last trainee,” Ning Yunfei began, “She is the lucky one in this ranking, and she will secure the 42nd place to advance!”

In the audience, the 29 trainees had come to terms with their situation. Many of their expressions relaxed as they speculated about who the last trainee might be.

“Blue Lan? She was 37th last time.”

“Du Yuefei and Qin Yueqing from Angel Entertainment are still here!”

People whispered to each other, and then someone glanced to the side and exclaimed in surprise, “Right! Except for Jiang Qiong from Team Ten, everyone else made it, right?”

Jiang Qiong sat alone in Team Ten, her face showing no signs of sadness.

A trainee smiled and said, “Haya and Laurel both made it. Their ranks are still so high. Do you think one of them is the 42nd place?”

“Impossible, she was in last place before,” someone retorted.

The speaking trainee thought about it and shrugged.

Jiang Qiong pulled off a loose thread from her clothes, contemplating whether to try a different career after returning home. Her uncle owned the company she belonged to, and she was one of the few artists under its label. She was considering whether to stay at the company as an assistant in the future when a beam of light “whooshed” down onto her.

Lost in her thoughts about her future path, Jiang Qiong lifted her head in confusion, her eyes meeting her own image on the big screen.

“The 42nd trainee, Fantasy Economy, Jiang Qiong, 398,242 votes.”

“Congratulations, you have successfully advanced!”

Jiang Qiong: “…”

Jiang Qiong: “…………”

“Oh no, Team Ten has two ‘woofwoof’ dogs.” Jiang Qiong joked to herself, but couldn’t help blushing as she walked up to the stage to take the microphone.

Having mentally prepared herself to be eliminated and not ready to give a thank-you speech, Jiang Qiong briefly entertained the idea of just giving a couple of “Woof” barks to everyone. However, as she raised the microphone, words of gratitude naturally flowed from her mouth.

“Thank you to the Star Makers who knew I was 70th, but didn’t give up on me and voted for me. Thank you to everyone in Team Ten for allowing me to join and be a part of such a wonderful stage. Of course, I have to thank our Little Pearl, thank you for choosing me back then, may our friendship last forever!”

“Woof!” she exclaimed in her heart.

Behind Jiang Qiong, Xu Heran raised her hand and gave a thumbs up.

Out of 70 trainees, 28 were eliminated.

As the host, Ning Yunfei offered words of encouragement to the eliminated trainees. Then, under Xin Nuo’s lead, everyone bowed to the camera to express their gratitude. Ning Yunfei led the remaining 42 advancing trainees to another recording hall.

“Although you have successfully advanced, this is not the end. Two weeks later, there will be new stages awaiting you,” Ning Yunfei said to the trainees standing on the steps.

“To prepare for the new stage, I will now announce the new rules.”

Many trainees, still immersed in the sadness of parting from friends, quickly straightened their shoulders, paying full attention to Ning Yunfei’s words.

“In the fourth round of elimination, out of the 42 trainees, only 21 will remain on this stage.”

“Twenty-one…”

Directly eliminating half of them!

At this moment, the 21st trainee, Sheng Ruanxin, swallowed nervously, and behind her, Luo Xi’s face turned pale, her eyebrows involuntarily furrowing.

They must advance!

After announcing the number of eliminations, Ning Yunfei immediately continued, “The third performance will take place in two weeks. The song for the performance will be decided by each group of trainees themselves!”

As this announcement was made, many people showed surprised expressions. They could choose their own songs? If they could pick songs that matched their personal styles, it would definitely lead to impressive performances!

“Are you girls now more concerned about your teammates?” Ning Yunfei asked with a smile.

“Yes—”

Ning Yunfei shrugged and said, “As you all know, trainees in the debut spots have some special privileges. For this round of team formation, the top seven will still enjoy certain benefits.”

“Xin Nuo, Mu Yueliang,” she suddenly called out the top two names, “You two will have the privilege of selecting teammates first, but it will be done in turns, and you can only choose one teammate per round. Xin Nuo has the priority to choose.”

Mu Yueliang raised her hand and asked, “Sister Feifei, can we choose from the third to seventh places?”

Ning Yunfei nodded, “Of course you can.”

The expressions of the other trainees instantly turned subtle. Well, how should one put it? The top seven are the most popular trainees, and if these two start picking from them, then the remaining teams won’t have teammates with substantial popularity. However, on the flip side, there would be more opportunities to showcase themselves and chances to not be overshadowed by others.

“Nuo Nuo, you should pick first,” Xu Heran’s eyes lit up. She couldn’t help but stand up straight. Although she hadn’t spoken, her expression was filled with “pick me, pick me, pick me quickly!”

She wanted to be with Nuo Nuo!

After Ning Yunfei finished announcing the rules, they didn’t immediately start selecting. The program had a ten-minute break, allowing the cameramen to change tapes and the trainees to touch up their makeup, drink water, or discuss the selections.

Sun Lingxi from the “Fish Harmony” team ran over to Mu Yueliang and whispered, “How do you want to choose?”

She and Mu Yueliang were trainees from the same management company. Besides her, there were three other “Fish Harmony” trainees who advanced. At that moment, everyone gathered around to hear how Mu Yueliang planned to proceed.

“I have an idea,” Mu Yueliang whispered to them.

Hearing her words, a few of them showed surprised expressions. Sun Lingxi whispered, “It’s feasible, but I think Xin Nuo will probably choose Xu Heran first.”

“Not necessarily. If she doesn’t choose her, I’m definitely going to grab the opportunity!” Mu Yueliang said. “We need to be flexible. However, I don’t have that many spots to offer you guys.”

“No worries, just do your thing,” Sun Lingxi said with a smile.

There were only seven debut spots, and it wasn’t possible for them to occupy them all, nor was it realistic.

“Fish Harmony, go for it!”

Mu Yueliang bid farewell to the trainees from her company and then exchanged words with other trainees from different companies who approached her. It wasn’t long before the staff announced that they were ready to begin recording. Mu Yueliang flexed her fingers, ready to step back onto the stage. At that moment, the corner of her clothes was gently grabbed by a delicate hand.

“Xu Yanran?” Mu Yueliang looked at the girl who had stopped her, confusion in her eyes. She put on a polite smile and said, “We’re about to start filming. Is there something you need?”

Xu Yanran was Sun Lingxi’s teammate from the previous stage. Sun Lingxi had complained about her privately, saying that she cried a lot, giving her a headache. It seemed like everyone was picking on her.

Mu Yueliang subconsciously glanced at the camera to make sure it was off. She didn’t want to start crying again. The audience might think she was bullying Xu Yanran.

“Sister Yueliang, I’d like to ask you to choose me as your teammate,” Xu Yanran said softly. She was taller than Mu Yueliang, and when she lowered her head, a slight shadow fell on Mu Yueliang’s face.

“I have a big piece of news that can generate a lot of buzz and discussion for our group. If you choose me, I guarantee you won’t regret it,” Xu Yanran said, curving her lips into a smile. She looked at Mu Yueliang with a cute expression, like an innocent white flower blooming in the field.

“Sister Yueliang, do you have the courage to take a gamble?”

After Xu Yanran finished speaking, she flashed a mysterious smile at Mu Yueliang and then turned and jogged away.

“…Mysterious,” Mu Yueliang said somewhat displeased. She couldn’t help but feel curious about what Xu Yanran had said. She had to admit that Xu Yanran had really played on her willingness to take risks.

“Well, this is a bit troublesome.”

Xu Heran sat on the steps, propping her chin and watching Xin Nuo, who was surrounded by a crowd. She had originally wanted to approach Xin Nuo directly, but before she could take a step, a tide of people surged behind her and rushed towards Xin Nuo.

For a whole ten minutes! Xin Nuo didn’t have a moment to spare!

“Sigh.” She sighed in annoyance. Her gaze, however, didn’t leave Xin Nuo. She noticed that Xin Nuo was polite and maintained a distance from the others, not getting too close or hugging them. When she saw that, her mood instantly improved by several degrees.

Exactly, Nuo Nuo should be close and affectionate with her.

The girl who didn’t sense any problem with her own thoughts stretched lazily, and stood up amidst the urging of the staff. She turned towards Xin Nuo who was looking her way and flashed a big smile. She then raised her hands and made a large heart above her head.

Nuo Nuo ~love you~

Choose me!!

Not long after, Ning Yunfei returned to the recording hall.

“The two trainees should have a rough idea of the teammates they want to choose. Now, Xin Nuo and Mu Yueliang, please step forward and face the forty trainees on the stage. Take turns to choose the teammates you like.” Ning Yunfei said.

Xu Heran couldn’t help but stand up straight, her eyes fixed on Xin Nuo. She stood erect, palms pressed against her pants seam, with a look that said, “I’m well-behaved and obedient, don’t consider anyone else, just choose me.”

However, Xin Nuo didn’t look at Xu Heran. Her cool and gentle gaze swept over the faces of the trainees in the four rows, finally resting on Jian Yueyin.

Xu Heran’s gaze uncontrollably widened, anxiety in her heart. Beside Xin Nuo, Mu Yueliang unexpectedly glanced at Xin Nuo, a smile curving her lips. Since Xin Nuo had given up on Xu Heran, then she wouldn’t min—

“I choose Trainee Number 5, Xu Heran.”

Xin Nuo’s gentle voice fell, her eyes still on Jian Yueyin. On stage, Jian Yueyin couldn’t help but raise her hand, pointed at Xin Nuo, and shook her head, laughing.

“Phew…”

Xu Heran’s shoulders slumped suddenly, and she exclaimed, “You scared me!”

A smile spread across her face uncontrollably.

“Oh~ It seems that there’s a strong friendship between Trainee Xin Nuo and Trainee Xu Heran. What’s going on, Heran? Do you feel that Xin Nuo wouldn’t choose you?” Ning Yunfei teased her, asking, “You seemed quite nervous before not being chosen?”

The staff member next to her had just picked up the microphone from the table where it was placed, ready to run over and hand it to Xu Heran. However, they saw the girl standing in the third row lower her hand, lift the hem of her short sleeved shirt, and suddenly pull out a microphone from her waistband.

Wait, from where?

Everyone: “…”

Ning Yunfei: “…”

Xin Nuo: “…………”

“I’m not nervous, of course! Nuo Nuo will definitely choose me!” Xu Heran’s smile was resolute. If her voice didn’t tremble, everyone would believe her.

“Hold on, is there still time to change now?” Xin Nuo deliberately turned to ask Ning Yunfei, “No other meaning, just afraid she might suddenly take out some weird stuff again.”

“Hahaha!”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Xu Heran hurriedly walked down, fearing Ning Yunfei would agree. She ran to Xin Nuo’s side, stuck out her tongue, lifted her clothes, and a flash of white skin, blindingly bright, passed under the pink fabric.

“There’s nothing else, don’t believe me, touch it!”

She grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand and placed it on her waist.

Xin Nuo was momentarily stunned. Her fingers suddenly touched warm flesh through the thin fabric, and felt the tight and smooth skin of the young girl, all softness.

“Oh~”

Other trainees on stage covered their mouths, widened their eyes, and some intentionally used their hands to block their eyes, but their fingers were spread apart. They deliberately imitated Xu Heran’s tone and yelled loudly, “I’m young, can’t bear to see this!”

“Mind the influence!” Ning Yunfei couldn’t help but wave her hand.

“You guys are so weird!” Xu Heran was slapped on the hand by Xin Nuo. Angrily, she raised her hand and stuffed her clothes into her pants, muttering, “I’m still underage, okay!”

Xin Nuo’s gaze slid from the corner of her eye, landed on Xu Heran, and she chuckled.

“Please, Trainee Mu Yueliang, make your choice.” Ning Yunfei continued to host.

Finally, it was my turn.

Mu Yueliang straightened her chest, took a breath, and without hesitation, called out a name amidst the hopeful gaze of Xu Heran.

“Angel Entertainment, Trainee Number 26, Jian Yueyin.”

“Hmm?”

“She actually chose Jian Yueyin. Wasn’t Fish Harmony the one who liked to point to her own teammates when she came up?” Xu Heran was momentarily stunned, looking at the equally puzzled Jian Yueyin walking down the stage.

“Hello.” Jian Yueyin greeted warmly, standing behind Mu Yueliang.

Next, it was Xin Nuo’s turn.

“Who do you want to choose?” Xin Nuo whispered to Xu Heran.

Xu Heran was somewhat conflicted. To be honest, she really liked the combination of the last performance’s Team Ten. Everyone had good personalities and decent skills, but Jian Yueyin had already been chosen by Mu Yueliang, and it wasn’t possible for the others to come together.

At this point, they had to consider the song and choose the right people. But Xu Heran didn’t know the style of song Xin Nuo wanted to perform. She needed to choose a very versatile and inclusive trainee. So…

Xu Heran raised her hand and whispered a name in Xin Nuo’s ear.

A hint of a smile flickered in Xin Nuo’s eyes as she raised the microphone without hesitation. “Number 42, Jiang Qiong.”

Standing in the last row, Jiang Qiong’s eyes lit up and she rushed down the stage.

“Clap.”

Team WoofWoof came together, exchanging high fives.

Xu Heran’s choice of Jiang Qiong wasn’t out of sympathy. She had spent some time with Jiang Qiong and found her adaptability and learning ability to be remarkably strong. She had only been a trainee for six months, but her stage performance was by no means weak. Moreover, as Jiang Qiong had mentioned before, she had a little bit of everything, and she was willing to learn what the team needed her to, making her a very accommodating glue that could fill any gaps in the team at any time.

Not to mention, Jiang Qiong had a great personality.

After Xin Nuo chose Jiang Qiong, fearing that Xin Nuo might change her mind, Mu Yueliang immediately said, “Number 12, Song Fenghua!”

“…”

Xu Heran cocked her hip, tilting her head.

A soft “wow” could be heard from the trainees on stage. If they weren’t mistaken, were these two teams vying for the members of the last round’s Team Ten?

Of course, it made sense. Right after the performance, Team Ten had taken the top spot in the previous round’s performance, with the entire team advancing. Four lower-ranked trainees had risen to the top, and from both skill and popularity perspectives, it was indeed worth fighting for!

Among the top seven trainees, those who hadn’t been chosen for the debut positions occasionally looked back to see who was left.

In the audience, Xin Nuo’s gaze shifted between Haya and Laurel, somewhat uncertain.

Haya, who understood the situation, raised an eyebrow and took a step forward, raising her hand in Laurel’s direction. Laurel remained expressionless, but she also raised her hand.

Rock-paper-scissors.

Laurel flashed a victorious “scissors” sign at Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo smiled and said, “Number 25, Laurel.”

“Number 20, Haya,” Mu Yueliang followed closely.

“Hmm…” Xu Heran looked at the teams beside her and furrowed her brows slightly. Mu Yueliang, who stood at 158 cm, was surrounded by much taller girls, giving her a somewhat suppressed feeling. Additionally, Jian Yueyin was gentle, Song Fenghua was aloof, and Haya appeared proud. But all the trainees from Fish Harmony were sweet girls. How could she choose a song that accommodated all of them?

Could it be… Xu Heran glanced at Jian Yueyin.

Did they also want to compete for the twenty thousand votes?

At that moment, Xu Heran suddenly heard a faint chuckle from Xin Nuo. She turned her head in surprise and saw Xin Nuo’s eyes lowered, lips curled in a cold smile.

Did she hear it wrong?

It must be a mistake. Nuo Nuo wouldn’t be mocking her. Xu Heran shook her head. Then, she heard Xin Nuo, still using a gentle tone, say, “Fish Harmony, 8th-place trainee, Sun Lingxi.”

The chosen Sun Lingxi and Mu Yueliang both froze.

Xu Heran: “…”

Well, she hadn’t heard wrong. Nuo Nuo was deliberately doing this.

She rested her arm on Xin Nuo’s shoulder, tilted her head slightly, and looked at Xin Nuo’s profile.

Nuo Nuo was naughty, and she liked it!

When Sun Lingxi hesitatingly walked over to Xin Nuo’s team, Mu Yueliang finally realized what was happening. She bit her lip and immediately said, “Fish Harmony, 13th-place trainee, Shu Yuemeng!”

Apart from Lingxi and Yuemeng, the remaining trainees from Fish Harmony didn’t have very high rankings. If Xin Nuo wanted to choose, she could go ahead!

Mu Yueliang raised her chin triumphantly, but then heard Xin Nuo’s casual voice.

“Sixth teammate, Angel Entertainment, Lin Weining.”

Mu Yueliang: “…………”

Amid a series of gasps, two consecutive times, Lin Weining, who was currently in seventh place, displayed a radiant smile and walked down the stairs.

“Sister Weining! Sister Weining!” Xu Heran really liked Lin Weining. She grabbed Lin Weining’s hand and shook it.

Xin Nuo’s calm gaze drifted lightly and landed on Mu Yueliang. Mu Yueliang felt like there was a heavy stone on her shoulders. Despite Xin Nuo’s smiling expression, she always felt as if Xin Nuo was saying, “Aren’t you going to fight for it? Come on, fight for it.”

At this moment, among the top seven trainees, there were only three remaining: 3rd place Youyou, 4th place Sasa, and 6th place Sang Shiyi. However, Mu Yueliang was hesitant to choose any of these three. In her heart, each of these three high-ranking trainees had the potential to overshadow her and snatch the center position. Right at this moment, Mu Yueliang realized that Xin Nuo was truly confident, even more daring than she was!

Xu Heran, Lin Weining, and the high-ranking Sun Lingxi—was she not afraid of dividing screen time and votes with them?

Thinking this, Mu Yueliang sighed softly and her gaze lingered between 9th and 10th place. Finally, she clenched her teeth and said, “10th place, Jingrui.”

With this, the top ten trainees were selected, and the two teams each had six members. Undoubtedly, these two teams were the biggest rivals among the remaining teams.

“For the last one, you make the choice.” Xin Nuo handed the microphone to Xu Heran, looking refreshed.

Xu Heran: “…”

After you’ve teased Mu Yueliang, you’re making me choose the last one. Is that okay?

However, Xin Nuo’s gaze glanced her way, and Xu Heran immediately cowered. Her gaze happened to fall on a girl, and she promptly said, “Number 17, Lin Ran.”

With this, a seven-member team was formed.

Mu Yueliang licked her lips, went through everyone in Xin Nuo’s team, and felt immense pressure. She suddenly remembered the time during the break when Xu Yanran stopped her and the words she whispered.

“What could generate such high heat and buzz?” Mu Yueliang furrowed her brows as she lingered among Xu Yanran and her own company’s trainees. Finally, she gritted her teeth and exclaimed, “I’ll take the gamble!”

“For the final trainee, I choose Transcend Entertainment, Number 39, Xu Yanran.”

On the stairs, a girl with a somewhat pale complexion revealed a smile amidst the crowd. She walked down with light and graceful steps. As she passed team one, she suddenly looked up, smiled at Xu Heran, and her eyes held a hint of provocation.

“?”

Xu Heran blinked, lifted her hand to rest on Xin Nuo’s shoulder, and squinted her eyes.

From this angle, was she competing against Xu Yanran again?

Great, she wanted to win against Xu Yanran one more time!

Twenty minutes later, the team formations were complete. The forty-two trainees were divided into six teams, and they would compete for first place in the performance two weeks later, with the winning team sharing one hundred and fifty thousand votes.

“Since each team has chosen their own songs this time, all teams will be your opponents. Trainees, please don’t take this lightly,” Ning Yunfei asked, “Do you all have confidence to achieve victory on the next stage?”

Everyone shouted, “Yes!”

“Very well, please remember this determination. Keep up the good work!” Ning Yunfei applauded with a smile.

“Cut.”

As the recording ended, including Ning Yunfei, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, the director suddenly raised a megaphone and said, “I have three things to announce. First, because the day after tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival, we have another special recording tomorrow. Please be prepared. After tomorrow’s recording is finished, you will have a day off to celebrate the festival.”

The trainees who had been confined for a long time cheered with surprise.

Director Liu waited for their celebration to subside, then continued, “Secondly, since the ranking has concluded, trainees who need to, can apply to the staff for a ten-minute phone call with their company or family.”

“Yay!”

“Lastly, the eliminated trainees have already left the training camp. The remaining trainees will rearrange the dorms according to the rules. After you return, please pack your belongings and move to the new dorms today.”

As the director’s voice fell, many trainees wore blank expressions on their faces. Although they were mentally prepared and knew that the recording after the rankings was for the eliminated trainees to pack up and leave, hearing it in their ears still triggered a sense of sadness and sorrow that was hard to suppress. For some trainees ranked lower, they couldn’t help but think about themselves. Would, the next time, it be them who were eliminated and had to leave?

Amidst the atmosphere enveloped in sadness, a pair of blue-purple eyes suddenly lit up.

Xu Heran looked to her left, then to her right. She raised her hand and counted her fingers twice, her eyes growing brighter.

“Hey!” She suddenly grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand. “Nuo Nuo, I’m fifth, and you’re first! So, can I live with you?”

The girl standing in front with an indifferent expression was taken aback.

“Uh, you want to move in with me?” She raised an eyebrow slightly. “Are you sure? There are seven of us in one dorm.”

Whenever she felt uncomfortable or inconvenient, she would go to Xu Heran’s room to sleep. Xu Heran’s bed was comfortable and spacious. At least when she slept there, she wouldn’t have all sorts of strange dreams.

“Well… even though that’s true, if I move in, I can be with you every day!” Xu Heran wagged an imaginary tail and snuggled up to Xin Nuo, her thoughts becoming more idyllic.

Xin Nuo asked her with a smile, “When aren’t we together?”

“It just feels different!” Although she knew Xin Nuo was right, they had indeed been training together every day because they were on the same team, how could Xu Heran admit it? She simply tried to explain herself.

“If we live together, it’s like cohabitating! We’ll be together day in and day out, it’s a legitimate arrangement!”

Xin Nuo: “…”

“If we don’t live together, does that mean we can’t be together?” Xin Nuo asked with a chuckle.

Xu Heran pondered, her expression serious.

“In that case… it can only be considered an affair, right?”

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Xin Nuo: …

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis

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