Chapter 34.2

Cui Qi had arranged a car with enough seats, and she led the seven girls back to the training camp. The car played melodious songs, and Cui Qi smiled, casually asking, “Did everyone have a good time today?”

The trainees nodded innocently, “Yes, we did!”

Cui Qi’s smile deepened, “How do you all feel about our Universal Entertainment?”

Jiang Qiong immediately gave a thumbs-up, “It’s fantastic! If my company were this good, I’d sleep here every night!”

Upon hearing her words, Cui Qi promptly responded, “Of course, it can become your company, as long as you’re willing.”

Jiang Qiong: “…?”

She froze, and the other girls did too.

The voice of the once-in-a-century genius Xu Heran, who was boasting about her extraordinary talents to Jiang Qiong, abruptly stopped. She perked up her ears and whispered to Xin Nuo, “I smell a conspiracy.”

Xin Nuo immediately flicked the genius’s small face.

“Uh, but I have a company now,” Jiang Qiong scratched her head, speaking softly.

Cui Qi smiled, glancing at them through the rearview mirror. “No worries, we’re just having a casual conversation.”

Lin Weining looked at Sun Lingxi, hesitating before nodding.

“No need to overthink it; it’s a quite common thing. Just look at Ji Yinghou, she signed with Universal Entertainment now. In the entertainment industry, it’s rare for artists to stay with one company forever. Companies and artists choose each other and help each other grow. I’m just recommending Universal Entertainment to all of you, giving you more options,” Cui Qi explained.

Cui Qi had more age and experience than the managers from these companies. She easily sent back the drivers sent by several companies and drove a group of young and talented trainees back to the training camp.

“In my eyes, all of you are impressive. There are only seven spots for the debut of Starlight Girls, and I can’t guarantee that Ran Ran will definitely debut,” Cui Qi stated firmly.

Xu Heran widened her eyes.

What? That’s not what you told me!

Didn’t you say that with my beauty and strength, I’ll definitely debut alongside Nuo Nuo?

“Moreover, the group formed after debut will only last for two years. By then, everyone will have to go their separate ways and return to their respective companies to plan their future paths,” Cui Qi said softly. “Though I can’t guarantee that the artists or trainees who join Universal Entertainment will become incredibly famous, I want to let everyone know that Universal Entertainment is just beginning, and we need a lot of energetic newcomers. Our resources will definitely be given to the right people.”

“If in the future, any of you feel that your current company isn’t suitable, you can consider Universal Entertainment as an option,” Cui Qi said with a slight smile.

“It’s a mutual choice.”

The Universal Entertainment car drove all the way to the dormitory. After uttering those words, Cui Qi didn’t engage in the trainees’ conversation. The girls were a bit embarrassed since they were approached actively, so they closed their eyes and went to sleep.

They woke up only after the car came to a stop.

After getting out of the car, Jiang Qiong held Xu Heran’s hand. “I suddenly feel like Sister Cui is a bit frightening. But among those who are trying to poach, is it really me? Am I just an afterthought?”

Xu Heran immediately rubbed her reddened head. “Of course it’s you! But your boss is your uncle, right? Are you willing to abandon your uncle to join Universal?”

Jiang Qiong swatted away her hand that was playfully messing with the most expensive hair on her body and looked brightly at her.

“What? I still have an uncle?”

Xu Heran: “…”

She spoke affectionately and earnestly, “Jiang Qiong, quickly sign with Universal. Once you’re done, I’ll immediately have Sister Cui arrange a TV drama for you—《The Years of My Heartless and Unrighteousness.》”

“Pah!” Jiang Qiong snorted angrily, looking at Xin Nuo. “Xin Nuo, what do you think?”

Xin Nuo replied gently, “Take your time to consider.”

The meaning behind her words was clear.

Jiang Qiong’s journey with Starlight Girls was entirely unexpected, and though she had stubbornly and luckily survived two rounds, everyone knew about her uncle’s company. If Jiang Qiong truly wanted to become an artist in the future, it could only be said—consider carefully.

“Fine, after tomorrow’s elimination, let’s see where I stand. If I’m out tomorrow, I’ll pack up and join Sister Cui immediately. I can become Xu Pearl’s assistant in the future,” Jiang Qiong thought contentedly. After speaking, she looked at Xin Nuo. “By the way, Xin Nuo, you’re an individual trainee. Haven’t you considered Universal?”

With that, Xu Heran pulled Xin Nuo’s arm. The black-haired girl’s back hit Xu Heran’s chest, and behind her, a noticeably shorter girl tilted her head, her pink bangs perking up. Xu Heran proudly and triumphantly said,

“Does anyone still not know? Nuo Nuo has been part of my family for a long time. Of the three standing here, you’re the only outsider~”

Jiang Qiong: “…”

The friendship among the members of the Woof Woof Team was once again strained, and they exchanged eye rolls.

The news of Xin Nuo joining Universal Entertainment was still confidential. Cui Qi intended to sign a two-year contract with Xin Nuo once the final debut was decided, allowing for renegotiation of the terms after the group disbanded. With Xin Nuo’s good relationship with Xu Heran and her boundless potential, Universal Entertainment had no reason to mistreat her.

The seven who had finished shooting the advertisement received a warm welcome from the trainees, but everyone’s attention quickly turned to the upcoming second round.

It was still Saturday, and the summer sky remained clear.

The weather was gradually getting hot, and the trainees standing in the hall were nervously breaking out in cold sweat.

Above the hall, only 21 seats were left, and only 21 trainees could remain.

“Dreams take flight, stars shine bright. Welcome everyone to the announcement of the rankings for Starlight Girls.” The host Ning Yunfei was as beautiful as ever, holding three envelopes in her hand as she stood gently and resolutely in front of the 41 trainees.

“After a week of intense competition, the voting results are in my hands. Which 21 trainees will stay? I believe everyone is as eager as I am to find out,” Ning Yunfei said.

“For this ranking, we will begin from the 20th place trainee and announce in descending order,” Ning Yunfei continued, then took out the envelope from the middle.

The sound of paper tearing reached the ears of the trainees. Jian Yueyin folded her hands together and turned to Jiang Qiong from the team beside her, smiling.

“Have you packed your bags?”

Jiang Qiong licked her lips, her expression serious, and nodded.

Jian Yueyin smiled and said, “I’ve packed as well.”

A cold voice said, “So have I.”

Jian Yueyin was taken aback, looking at Song Fenghua. Her gaze softened, and she raised her hand to pat Song Fenghua’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’ve already worked hard.”

No, I haven’t worked hard enough.

Song Fenghua lowered her gaze, fingers curling into her palms.

She also wanted to be like others, radiant and confident, exuding charm on the stage, as bright as the sun. Why couldn’t she do it?

Song Fenghua clenched her lips tightly, looked up at Team One, and focused on Xu Heran’s figure.

Among the team members, the girl with pink hair was already the most eye-catching due to her height. Her expression was somewhat nervous, but not as much as the first time. She clung to Xin Nuo in fear, but her fingers remained attached to Xin Nuo as if they were glued.

The two held hands and spoke softly with lowered heads. It wasn’t clear what they were talking about, but when Xin Nuo’s lips met hers, the girl with blue-purple eyes burst into laughter. Her bright eyes seemed like a river formed by countless gem and diamond fragments, radiating light, making it impossible to resist, forever immersed in this river.

Song Fenghua silently watched Xu Heran.

At that moment, Xu Heran turned around to look at her teammates. When their gazes met, the girl with pink hair hesitated, then quickly raised her hand, offering encouragement and support to Song Fenghua.

“Go for it!”

Song Fenghua stiffly raised her hand.

“The 19th ranked trainee, Song Fenghua from Years of Work Studio, with 1,571,724 votes.”

Song Fenghua’s raised hand hadn’t even come down when she suddenly froze in place. In her line of sight, the pink-haired girl and Xin Nuo exchanged words. She saw Xin Nuo nod, and immediately, Xu Heran ran over.

She received a sweet and citrusy hug.

“Congratulations on advancing!”

“Keep it up, little Fenghua. You can do even better. We all believe in you,” Xu Heran released her, then turned to Jian Yueyin, asking, “Right, Yueyin?”

“Yes,” Jian Yueyin nodded, “Advancing means you have a chance. Give it your all on the next stage.”

Song Fenghua’s voice was somewhat hoarse. She blinked her eyelashes and nodded.

“Go for it.”

Song Fenghua took her seat. Ning Yunfei announced the next name, “18th place, Blast Entertainment, Haya, with 1,876,474 votes.”

Before Xu Heran could even approach Xin Nuo, Haya, who was tall and had long arms, extended her hand. The people in front of her were immediately pulled into her embrace. Innocently caught in the hug, Lin Weining hung her hands down.

“Where’s your fishing net?” Xu Heran shouted from the edge.

Haya burst into laughter, releasing her hold and stepping onto the stage to express her gratitude.

17th place, Luo Xi; 16th place, Shu Yuemeng.

When Ning Yunfei announced the name “Jian Yueyin,” Xu Heran immediately sighed in relief. Before she could speak, Xin Nuo quickly interjected.

“Please, Miss Sentimental Pearl.”

Xu Pearl frowned, quickly hugged Jian Yueyin, then rushed back.

“This is called cherishing old acquaintances!” Xu Heran said, “I even hugged Yueyin for you!”

She knew that Xin Nuo had a closer relationship with Yueyin among the many trainees.

“Is that so?” Xin Nuo smiled slightly, suddenly reaching out.

Jian Yueyin, who was walking toward the stage, froze. The surrounding trainees and Xu Heran also froze.

Xin Nuo, taking the initiative, reached out her hand to hug someone other than Xu Heran?

Everyone’s gaze shifted unanimously toward Xu Heran, overhead.

Xin Nuo and Jian Yueyin embraced lightly.

“Something feels off,” Jian Yueyin whispered.

“Mhm,” Xin Nuo smiled. After sending Jian Yueyin onto the stage, she turned her head to look behind her, where Xu Heran stood with a sulky expression.

Of course, something was off. Since returning to the training camp, certain people hadn’t been as clingy. Was there anything more off than this?

Xin Nuo playfully extended her hand to Xu Heran, asking, “Want to hold hands?”

Xu Heran swatted her hand away.

You said that, didn’t you?

Xin Nuo grinned and looked toward the stage.

Three seconds later, a pair of hands tightly wrapped around her waist. A pink and furry head rested on Xin Nuo’s shoulder, and Xu Heran spoke softly and gently.

“I want a hug.”

“Starlight Girls’ fifth ranking, 14th place trainee,” Ning Yunfei looked toward a team, “KPP Entertainment, Lin Ran, with 2,684,747 votes.”

Lin Ran breathed a sigh of relief. She had risen three places in this ranking, which was a decent achievement.

“Who in our team has a lower ranking? Jiang Xiaoqiong, Laurel?” Xu Heran communicated with Xin Nuo.

Now, she and Xin Nuo didn’t need to worry too much about their rankings, unless their performance on stage had a major mistake.

“What do you think?” Laurel asked Jiang Xiaoqiong.

Jiang Xiaoqiong imitated Laurel’s deadpan expression, “Sisters at the bottom, hand in hand, whoever goes up first is the dog!”

Ning Yunfei’s voice followed suit.

“13th place, Unique Voice, Laurel, with 2,874,168 votes.”

Laurel: “…”

Jiang Xiaoqiong: “…”

“Just wait,” Laurel nodded at Jiang Xiaoqiong, then turned to high-five the others before going onstage.

“Woof!” Jiang Xiaoqiong exclaimed, as if seeking help from Xu Heran, “I’m done for, I’m going to be dissed by Huahua!”

Xu Heran was taken aback, “How dare you offend Her Majesty Hua!”

“Your Highness, we’ve been dogs for so long, you mustn’t abandon us in this dire situation!”

“But that’s Queen Hua!” Xu Heran shivered in fear, “Should I cover my eyes?”

As the camera turned around, Xin Nuo lowered her head, rubbing her temples and hiding the slight upward curve of her lips.

“11th place, Thunder Entertainment, Sang Shiyi. 3,045,477 votes.”

Ning Yunfei’s voice caused all the trainees to go quiet simultaneously.

“My goodness, Sang Shiyi dropped out of the debut positions!”

With a cold expression, Sang Shiyi walked onto the stage with reddened eyes, and the atmosphere in the room became somewhat heavy.

“10th place, Best Entertainment, You Yu. 3,456,004 votes.”

“!!!”

“Wasn’t You Yu third last time?”

“She dropped seven places in total!”

Xu Heran, who was just bouncing with energy a moment ago, felt her pupils contract. Subconsciously, she hugged Xin Nuo.

You Yu, who was two places above her, dropped straight to tenth. Was she also in danger?

“9th place, Dream Entertainment, Liu Yueming. 3,915,471 votes.”

A girl from the same team as You Yu, rising from 18th to 9th, showed a happy smile.

“This time when I went to the hospital,” Xin Nuo suddenly turned to Xu Heran and said, “I saw a lot of Dream Entertainment advertisements, related to Starlight Girls.”

The true online girl, Jiang Qiong, immediately came over, “Dream Entertainment is big, with many popular artists. A lot of celebrities are reposting Dream Entertainment’s official account, urging fans to vote for Dream Entertainment trainees.”

Xu Heran nodded.

Onstage, the host looked at the last name on the envelope, her surprise evident. She lifted her head, “8th place trainee.”

Xu Heran felt the host’s gaze often directed her way.

“Fish Harmony, Mu Yueliang. 4,261,241 votes.”

“I…” Jiang Qiong immediately switched languages, “Super shocking!”

Xu Heran hugged Xin Nuo tightly, “Shocking, absolutely shocking!”

Mu Yueliang, who was second in the previous ranking!

“The top seven are being completely reshuffled!”

“My goodness, this is too intense.”

“Only two people from one team?” Xin Nuo suddenly said.

In that team, Sun Lingxi and Lin Weining exchanged a glance and took a deep breath.

“Next, I will announce the ranking of the trainees debuting this time.”

“The 7th place trainee,” Ning Yunfei smiled, “Love Entertainment, Jing Rui, congratulations, 4,364,141 votes.”

From Team Two, Jing Rui stood up, waved to everyone with a relaxed smile, and went on stage to express her gratitude.

“Jing Rui’s luck has always been bad. Her teammates’ rankings weren’t very high before on stage. This time, in Team Two, she finally moved forward a bit,” Jiang Qiong switched to spectator mode, explaining to Xu Heran and Xin Nuo.

“6th place, Angel Entertainment, Sasa!”

“4,649,418 votes.”

Team five’s captain, Sasa, almost cried, her face showing a range of emotions as she went on stage.

Lin Weining, also from Angel Entertainment, clapped for her with a smile and then heard her own name.

“Fifth place, Angel Entertainment, Lin Weining, 4,732,621 votes.”

“Sister Weining!” Xu Heran clapped excitedly, “Sister Weining, you’re amazing!”

“Thank you, everyone,” Lin Weining felt a big sigh of relief in her heart and revealed the most relaxed smile she had worn all week.

Only four members remained in Team One.

Sun Lingxi looked at Xu Heran, Xin Nuo, and Jiang Qiong, considering who to approach.

“Fourth place, Fish Harmony, Sun Lingxi.” Ning Yunfei’s gaze seemed to linger on Team One.

“5,443,518 votes.”

Sun Lingxi raised her head, tightly clenched her fist, her eyes reddened. Suddenly, she jumped up and gave Jiang Qiong a hug.

“Thank you, thank you!”

Xu Heran, who had been composed the whole time, suddenly trembled.

She looked at Xin Nuo, then at herself, and then at Xin Nuo again.

Although it wasn’t great to say it out loud, both she and Xin Nuo were in the top three, weren’t they?

Xu Heran’s eyes sparkled as she held Xin Nuo’s hand, looking excitedly at Ning Yunfei.

Onstage, Ning Yunfei smiled and met her gaze.

“Congratulations, the third place trainee, Universal Entertainment, Xu Heran, 8,532,419 votes.”

Sun Lingxi, who had just taken her seat, opened her mouth wide and nearly fell off her chair.

Directly pulling ahead by three million votes?

In the audience, the trainees buzzed with astonishment, each person’s face showing surprise.

“Hehe.” Xu Heran hugged Xin Nuo and turned to go on stage.

“Thank you to all the Star Makers who voted for me. Thank you for making me the third among so many outstanding, beautiful, lovely, and kind trainees! Thanks to all the members of our team. Without you, we wouldn’t have such a great stage! Lastly, I want to thank my dear Sister Nuo Nuo. Thank you for always helping me. I hope we can be together on the next stage~”

Xu Heran raised her hand and made a heart gesture toward Xin Nuo.

“Love you all~”

Onstage, Haya clapped fervently.

In the audience, Jiang Qiong clapped and said, “Little Pearl wasn’t second?”

Xin Nuo smiled slightly, “I’m really curious who’s in second place.”

Jiang Qiong looked at her smiling face and silently stepped back.

Once Xu Heran took her seat in the third-place spot, Ning Yunfei raised the letter, “For this ranking, let’s congratulate the second-place trainee. Dream Entertainment’s Tan Yutong, with 8,542,011 votes.”

“Hiss, just ten thousand more than Little Pearl,” Jiang Qiong whispered, “Dream Entertainment really worked hard this time. Oh, by the way, did you know? Mu Yiyue, the one with billions of Weibo fans from this year’s hit movies and TV dramas. He’s Dream Entertainment’s top star now. With his promotion, I bet a lot of people voted for Tan Yutong.”

Jiang Qiong was half a head shorter than Xin Nuo and didn’t notice that when she mentioned Mu Yiyue, Xin Nuo’s eyes suddenly turned icy.

Mu Yiyue?

Xin Nuo repeated the name in her mind and slowly revealed a smile as the camera turned to film the first-place trainee.

Her pitch-black eyes bloomed like roses in the night.

Very well, Mu Yiyue. We now have another account between us.

After the rankings were announced, the 21 trainees were led by the staff to another recording location. They were given paper and pens and instructed to write a letter to their future selves. The program team would keep these letters for the trainees.

Everyone knew that this was to allow time for the eliminated trainees to pack their belongings and leave. At this point, most people’s moods were relatively down.

Except for certain individuals.

“Nuo Nuo number one~ Our Nuo Nuo number one~”

Xu Heran glided in a moonwalk, stamped the letter into the mailbox, and began swaying left and right in front of the camera. Jiang Qiong rushed over, standing behind her, and the four arms of the two began to wave up and down. Just as Haya had left the room, she “whooshed” back over, and the three of them performed a synchronized dance.

“Jiang Xiaoqiong, how come you’re last again?” Xu Heran asked while shaking.

“Yeah, yeah, this kid doesn’t study well. Most likely a waste,” Haya chuckled.

Jiang Qiong was sandwiched between the two, with Laurel nearby watching closely, trembling like an elementary school student being asked about grades during the New Year.

“How would I know? I don’t want it either!” Jiang Qiong wiped her tears.

Being able to make it in was already great; she had packed her luggage for nothing. Yay!

“Pearl, we’re leaving,” Xin Nuo said in a gentle voice.

Before Jiang Qiong could react, Xu Heran, who was blocking her, “whooshed” out, holding Xin Nuo’s hand, and happily dashed toward the grass, swinging her feet.

Seeing the opportunity, Laurel moved her wrist and took Xu Heran’s previous position.

“I’ll take over.”

Jiang Qiong: “…”

Help me!

“Nuo Nuo, you’re first again, that’s great,” Xu Heran said cheerfully, “Shouldn’t there be a reward for being first?”

“I think you should reward me. I worked really hard to campaign for you~” Xu Heran took the opportunity to seek benefits for herself.

Xin Nuo remembered her on stage, facing her own fans’ angry gazes while chanting “Xin Nuo, Xin Nuo” along with the Knights, and fully agreed, “Then what reward does our Little Pearl want?”

With a sway in her hand, Xu Heran blinked her eyes and turned her head. The girl who could easily make eye contact with Xin Nuo smiled meaningfully, her gaze trailing down Xin Nuo’s face, passing over her nose, philtrum, and finally landing on her transparently coated pink lips.

“Um.”

A perplexing sound escaped Xu Heran’s throat.

Xin Nuo raised an eyebrow, “Hmm?”

“I need to think, I need some time!” Xu Heran’s ears turned red, and she spoke loudly.

Xin Nuo chuckled and playfully patted her on the buttocks.

“Fool.”

“!” Xu Heran widened her eyes.

Has Nuo Nuo learned mind reading? I haven’t done anything bad yet!

Thinking that since her buttocks had already been patted, it wouldn’t hurt to let it happen, Xu Heran was about to raise her hand, but before she could touch Xin Nuo, a horn suddenly sounded nearby.

Both Xu Heran and Xin Nuo instinctively looked in the direction of the noise. Along the wide asphalt road near the dormitory building, a row of black cars was parked. When Xu Heran’s gaze fell on them, the central car door opened, and a male student stepped out.

The young man was tall, with black hair and eyes, sharp eyebrows, and a gaze like stars. He was dressed in a clean white shirt and black trousers, with a tie beneath the shirt. He looked like a thriving white poplar tree on campus.

“Oh!” Xu Heran exclaimed in surprise.

“Do you know him?” Xin Nuo asked softly.

“That’s someone I know indeed,” Xu Heran quickly led Xin Nuo over, happily saying, “Xu Junran! You’re done with your exams. I sent you a message, did you see it?”

Xu Heran’s twin brother, Xu Junran, had his hands in his pockets, leaning against the car as he appraised Xu Heran from head to toe.

“Tsk, you’ve really grown taller,” Xu Junran said in a bored tone.

Xu Heran immediately raised her hand, causing Xu Junran to instinctively move back. After meeting Xin Nuo’s gaze, he pursed his lips. Clearing his throat, he stood upright.

“Xu Heran, I saw it. You’re laying hands on people.”

“What! You saw that?” Xu Heran deliberately exclaimed, turning around and hugging Xin Nuo, playfully caressing up and down her arm. “So what if I laid hands on someone! Jealous, aren’t you? You single dog!”

Xin Nuo: “…”

Xu Junran: “…”

“Buzz.” Beside Xu Junran, the black car window silently slid down, revealing a cold and exquisite face.

Xu Jiamu leaned back slightly, looking at Xu Heran’s suddenly stiff face with an expressionless gaze.

“Indeed, there wasn’t any.”

“You’re quite something, Xu Heran.”

Haicheng, the hotel where Xu Heran and Xin Nuo had spent a night on the floor last time.

Top-floor suite, the waitstaff retreated quietly after placing the last dish on the table, leaving the space to the “family” inside.

“So hungry.” Xu Junran picked up his chopsticks.

“Really? Why aren’t you lying down yet?” Xu Heran remembered his fishing punishment and coldly taunted him, “Oh dear, is the college entrance exam tiring? Have some fish head to replenish your energy. How about it? Will you become the top scorer in the capital?”

“Yeah, yeah. You must be tired from your competition too. Heard you got third place this time. I got you some cold dishes with beef tendons, pig trotters, and chicken feet. Eat more to nourish yourself.”

In the middle, Xu Jiamu lowered her head, wearing silver-rimmed glasses as she replied to emails. Xu Heran and Xu Junran sat to her right, while their only guest sat to her left.

After a war of words between Xu Heran and Xu Junran, where they launched verbal attacks and then counterattacked, Xu Heran put down her chopsticks and subconsciously looked for Xin Nuo. She saw the person she was searching for propping up her chin, smiling across the table at her.

Xu Heran shed tears of sorrow.

Xin Nuo and I are separated by the dining table, just like the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl across the Milky Way.

She secretly glanced at Xu Jiamu. Her sister had insisted that Xin Nuo sit on the left side as soon as she entered, leaving her and Xu Junran on the right. Even more strict than the Queen Mother.

“I think we don’t need to be so formal. We’re all young people, so let’s sit closer to foster relationships,” Xu Heran said seriously.

“You care too much about relationships,” Xu Jiamu retorted coldly. “Just eat your meal.”

Her sister’s authority was overwhelming. Xu Heran sighed, “I request that this peeled shrimp be given to Xin Nuo.”

Beside her, Xu Junran was shocked.

Xu Heran, even Mom hasn’t eaten shrimp peeled by you!

Xu Jiamu didn’t even raise her head, placing an empty bowl on the turntable and then pointing. The bowl slid to a stop in front of Xu Heran.

“…You’re quite ruthless!” Xu Heran sighed helplessly, placing the peeled shrimp in the empty bowl. Without her needing to move, Xu Jiamu exerted force on the turntable, and the bowl containing the shrimp slid in front of her.

Expressionless, Xu Jiamu removed the empty bowl, used chopsticks to pick up the cleanly peeled shrimp, and began to chew slowly and meticulously.

Xu Heran: “!!!”

Xu Junran: “???”

Xin Nuo: “…”

Xin Nuo’s gaze shifted from the empty bowl to Xu Jiamu’s face, her expression subtle. Xu Jiamu’s gaze turned to Xin Nuo, raising an eyebrow.

In the air, as if unseen lightning clashed with each other with a “crack.”

Xin Nuo curved her lips, giving a gentle smile.

“Sister!” Xu Heran stood up angrily. “That shrimp was for Xin Nuo! I’m deducting one hundred points from your reputation, and I’m sitting with Xin Nuo!”

Seizing the opportunity, Xu Heran stood up, carried her bowl and chopsticks, and dashed toward Xin Nuo, fearing that Xu Jiamu might call her back.

Xu Jiamu didn’t stop her. When Xu Heran was seated, Xin Nuo, who had been quiet all this time, smiled even more. She picked up the public chopsticks and delicately picked up a whole shrimp from the plate, offering it to Xu Jiamu with a gentle voice.

“Please.”

Xu Jiamu: “…”

Very well, she’s truly a woman who can make Xu Heran, whether as an older sister or a younger sister, hold grudges just like Pei Er.

Xu Jiamu smiled, not teasing the two young ones any further, and resumed her work on the computer.

“Don’t be fooled by my sister’s serious demeanor. She’s quite mischievous. When we were kids, she made Xu Junran wear pigtails and dresses every day.” Xu Heran whispered to Xin Nuo, “We’ll just ignore her during the meal.”

Innocently exposed to a dark history, Xu Junran: ???

In reality, Xin Nuo didn’t need to care about Xu Jiamu and Xu Junran, nor did she need to concern herself with their identities. However, they were Xu Heran’s family, so when Xu Heran pulled her into the car, she didn’t refuse.

The only person she cared about was Xu Heran.

Xu Jiamu focused on her work, while Xu Junran played with his phone and ate. They had their own matters to attend to, so Xin Nuo relaxed and enjoyed the meal with Xu Heran.

After a while, Xin Nuo put down her chopsticks and suddenly heard Xu Jiamu’s phone ring.

Xu Jiamu glanced at the caller ID and answered the call. Beside her, Xin Nuo, who had been observing Xu Heran eating, suddenly froze. From Xu Jiamu’s lips, she heard a name.

“Sea City Non-Tech Limited Company.”

In her past life, this was the company that provided her with financial support. The name was the same.

Xu Jiamu’s expression remained calm. “Hmm, there’s no need to acquire it. I don’t like that name.”

She continued her conversation with the subsidiary company’s manager. When she looked up, she noticed the focused and inquisitive gaze of the girl beside her, tinged with suspicion.

Xu Jiamu: “?”

Meanwhile, Xu Heran hadn’t received any more treats from Xin Nuo for a minute. Curiously, she raised her head and saw Xin Nuo gazing at her sister just a moment ago. Xin Nuo’s look was serious, affectionate, and full of tenderness.

Xu Heran: “????”

What’s going on!!!

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The author has something to say:

Xu Heran: Angry and frustrated.jpg

Xin Nuo: ????

Xu Jiamu: ????

And Xu Junran, clueless while playing with his phone: ??? And for this chapter, it’s better to read in conjunction with Chapter 30 for a deeper understanding.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis

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