Chapter 40.3

Jian Yueyin won against Haya and was the first to perform.

“Alright, now it’s just the songs left!” Xu Heran said happily.

Sun Lingxi scratched her head. Wasn’t it decided in less than five minutes? Mu Yueliang looked around and sighed softly. She always felt that there was some kind of unspoken understanding between them.

For the song selection, they would discuss within their teams. Jiang Qiong looked at Xu Heran and Xin Nuo, and deliberately grinned, “Oh, look here, some people intentionally formed duos because they want to sing sweet love songs!”

Xu Heran shook her head gravely, “I’ve recently heard a song that really moved me. I want to try it with Xin Nuo.”

“The name of the song is 《When Love Has Become the Past》.”

“Ah, Xu Heran, if you dare to sing 《When Love Has Become the Past》 with Nuonuo, I’m going to beat you up!”

“Xu Heran’s gone crazy! Help!”

“Have you seen this voting slip? Each person only has one voting slip per round! If you let ‘PengRanXinDong’ (Pounding Heart, Exciting) BE me, I’ll make this voting slip die a miserable death!”

“Help!!! Is Xu Heran really going to sing this song? No way, she shouldn’t do something like this!”

“But, it’s Xu Heran, after all. She’s not afraid of anything!”

“Waaaahhhh! Xu Heran!!!”

“Why didn’t they release the duet song selections this episode!! I even know that Jian Yueyin is going to sing a song she wrote herself!”

“Yueyin is really brave… but, did you guys see what happened with Angel Entertainment? It seems like Sasa got into an argument with Angel, and then it somehow involved Lin Weining. The manager has been mocking Lin Weining on Weibo these days.”

“Lin Weining’s manager has a bad temper and doesn’t do their job. They should replace them quickly!”

“But, I feel like Angel Entertainment doesn’t seem to have any intention of protecting Lin Weining. Didn’t Lin Weining’s promotions get canceled during this period? The promotions on Angel Entertainment’s official account were deleted. I heard through the grapevine that Lin Weining had contact with other management companies privately, and the manager found out, so the company sided with the manager.”

“Which company? Universal! I’m suddenly excited!”

“No, it seems to be Dream Entertainment… Also, did anyone watch that Summoning Team? Many fans want the original Seven from the Tenth Team to debut. Is it true or just a marketing tactic from some company?”

“Look at these seven people. Which company has the capability for marketing? Oh, except for Xu Heran’s company, hahaha.”

“Haya’s company doesn’t even do promotions, they’re getting scolded every day. The official account has been inactive for ten years. Laurel… what’s the name of Laurel’s company? Jiang Xiaoqiong’s minor supporting role dedicated to the company. Jian Yueyin, oh, Jian Yueyin also got into a fight with her manager. Her manager’s alternate account on Weibo cursed at her and then got exposed. Hahaha, it’s hilarious. And our individual trainee Xin Nuo, Sun Fenghua’s team is more like a dance troupe, not a team.”

“Xin Nuo is half a Universal artist now. Universal is managing her. I think she’ll probably sign with Universal in the future.”

“Sign! Why wouldn’t she sign? It’s her girlfriend’s home~”

“I also want the Tenth Team to debut. They’ve had a different atmosphere since their first formation. Their teamwork and synergy are different from other teams. Does anyone feel the same as me? Even in this team formation, Yueliang and Lingxi didn’t react, but the other eight understood.”

“So why can only seven members debut! Ning Ning is amazing too! Yueliang and Lingxi are also working so hard and cute! Ugh, I can’t bear to let go of any of these ten treasures!”

“I’m so frustrated too! Damn director! It’s all because of the damn director!”

“Sister Cui, these past couple of days, we contacted Ms Lin Weining. She said she didn’t have any intention of changing companies before Angel Entertainment takes a stance.” On the phone, a manager from Universal Entertainment was talking to Cui Qi.

“Mhm,” Cui Qi said, “Angel Entertainment signs new artists for a minimum of five years. Lin Weining has been with Angel for so long, and they indeed played a role in nurturing her.”

“She’s a good girl.”

I just like it when things are like this.

Cui Qi smiled, “Keep an eye on it. By the way, is it true that the conflict between Lin Weining and her Dream Entertainment manager was due to private contact and the manager?”

“Yes, Dream Entertainment has been actively scouting new talents during this time. I heard that some trainees from Fish Harmony have also met with them.”

“Oh~” Cui Qi nodded, “I see.”

The voice on the other end of the call chuckled, “Once the voting results are out, no matter what, the trainees from the small companies have certainly made their moves.”

“Let them. Who wouldn’t like good talents?” Cui Qi chuckled lightly, “But I don’t like to see good talents go to waste. Everyone will have to rely on their own abilities.”

“Yes, Sister Cui, I understand.”

Cui Qi hung up the phone, glanced at the calendar on her phone screen, took a breath, and her eyes glimmered slightly.

It’s almost here.

She smiled faintly, then dialed another call, “Teacher Yu, hello, this is Cui Qi. We have a few kids here whose stage costumes trouble you. Oh, it’s nothing. Tomorrow, can I send someone to pick them up? Alright, thank you…”

Countdown, 0 days.

At the tail end of August, the final stage of Starlight Girls arrived amidst the long-awaited anticipation.

The performance stage for the final stage was fully managed by Universal Entertainment. It was an indoor stage within the Universal Entertainment compound that could hold up to five thousand people. Fans who held up their support items entered the recording venue with nervous excitement after passing through security checks.

“Wow… It’s so splendid!”

The dazzling lights twinkled on the ceiling, and the spacious seating seemed endless. This time, every fan who came to the venue not only brought water, snacks, and support sticks, but there was also an extra 100 yuan shopping voucher and a 100 yuan meal voucher in the bags on their seats. These vouchers could be used at the self-operated businesses around Universal Entertainment.

“Ah, there’s even a box of milk under the seat. Is it for me?” someone exclaimed.

Those who heard immediately bent down, then widened their eyes in surprise. Among the over five thousand seats now, each one had a box of Starlight Milk placed beneath it.

“So generous!”

“Is this really Universal Entertainment?”

Fans who arrived at the venue couldn’t close their mouths. They couldn’t resist posting their gifts on social media, capturing their excitement and sharing it amid a mix of amazed and envious comments.

I got tickets! This is so amazing!

Beside them, a girl who had just finished posting on Weibo, her chest puffed up in satisfaction, locked eyes with another person nearby. They exchanged a glance.

“Pearl Baby?”

“Little Pearl.”

“Sisters, hello!”

The two newfound friends excitedly shared their support items with each other, wearing pearl headbands and tall shell-shaped ear decorations.

“Xu Heran! Charge, momma!”

Backstage.

A spacious waiting room.

Xu Heran took a deep breath, turned around, and extended her arms towards Xing Nuo. “How do I look?”

In the mirror, the black-haired girl in the red dress curled her lips up. “You look great.”

Xu Heran’s eyes brightened happily. “Nuo Nuo, you’re the most beautiful!”

She stood beside Xing Nuo, reached out with both hands, and gently hugged Xing Nuo’s shoulder, leaning down to nuzzle her ear.

“Let’s debut together, Nuo Nuo.”

Xing Nuo’s eyes curved. “Mhm.”

“Welcome the 5,000 audience members in the venue, as well as all the Star Makers in the live stream room to our final stage!” Ning Yunfei announced, then suddenly spread her arms wide and lifted her face with a smile.

“Ah ah ah!”

Under the stage, enthusiastic cheers erupted.

“This will be the last time I say these eight words,” Ning Yunfei chuckled, “Dreams set sail.”

She pointed the microphone towards the audience below, the gigantic screen in the spacious hall that was several times clearer than the sports arena’s screen, and the area beneath the stage, where cheers formed an ocean along with written messages.

“Starlight shines!”

“140 trainees, and finally, 10 stand on this stage! Beside me, there are 7 chairs. Tonight, on this dazzling stage, seven girls with dreams will carry everyone’s expectations and embark on a new journey of starlight life!”

“Here, on behalf of the entire production team, all the staff, and all the trainees, I want to thank all the Star Makers for their support of this program. I want to thank Universal Entertainment for providing the stage. And at the same time, I want to express gratitude to all the girls who have worked hard to practice for this stage. This summer has been especially unique because of your presence!”

Ning Yunfei’s voice echoed into the live stream room and reached the ears of the ten trainees backstage.

“For this final performance, all you need to do is enjoy the last three stages. There won’t be live voting this time. All you need to do is take the voting tickets you received this round, log into Universal TV, search for the 《Starlight Girls》 section, and cast your precious vote for the girl you admire. This is also our last voting opportunity!”

As Ning Yunfei’s words fell, no one in the audience pulled out their phones. The ones present were all loyal fans of the show, and they had already cast their votes well before now.

“But, before the stage concludes, our SMS voting is still open. Send the edited message to the designated number provided by the program. Your votes will be doubled! The voting channel will only be open during the performance!”

Ning Yunfei raised her hand high. “Now, the voting channel is open!”

Everyone in the audience quickly took out their phones to vote.

Ning Yunfei smiled. “Is everyone ready?”

“Let’s also feel the countdown~”

“Five, four, three, two, one!” Ning Yunfei lifted her hand. “Let’s give a round of applause to welcome the first team of trainees performing on stage! She’s an all-round talented girl who excels in both singing and songwriting among the trainees. She’s also a solo performer for this stage! Let’s welcome Jian Yueyin!”

“Yueyin!!”

“Yueyin, the divine voice! Yueyin, we love you!”

“Yueyin, we’ll always support you!”

Jian Yueyin’s fans shouted, not knowing what hardships she had faced during this period. But the moment Jian Yueyin walked out with a smile, they couldn’t help but smile along.

“Thank you, everyone.” Jian Yueyin stood at the center of the stage. “I’m very happy to have this opportunity, to have a true and complete stage of my own to sing for all of you. Thank you for the support you’ve given me all along. I’m really happy to be here.”

“The song I’m going to perform is ‘《Me in the Ocean》.'”

Seated backstage, Xu Heran and Xin Nuo looked at the screen and simultaneously held hands, raising their heads.

The stage suddenly dimmed, and the large screen in the hall turned into a blue ocean. Amid the sound of the sea, Jian Yueyin chuckled softly and her hand rested on the guitar.

“I’m adrift in the ocean, perhaps in the next second, like a wave breaking.” Jian Yueyin gently swayed her body, her clear voice playing with the hearts of the audience.

“Hmm?” Xin Nuo tilted her head, looking at Xu Heran whose eyes had suddenly turned red. She turned her head back, gazing at the screen again, but then she raised her hand and entwined her fingers with Xu Heran’s.

“If I turn into bubbles, can I drift to the other side of the sea?”

“I’ll pick up my loneliness, let it dry out, and scatter it quietly with dreams. When I sink in the sea, feeling lost…”

“Who can lift me up and show my colors? Who can dry me out and hold me in their hands? Me in the ocean, in disarray, me in the ocean, sinking.”

“I can’t tell.”

In an instant, countless people in the audience’s eyes turned red.

“…”

“Me in the ocean, sinking.”

The melancholic song came to an end, and the screen filled with surging waves, as if wanting to engulf the girl on the stage.

“Jian Yueyin!!” Fans shouted from the audience.

“Well, thank you.”

Jian Yueyin detached herself from her emotions, smiled, bowed, and waved her hand. “I hope to bring more songs to everyone. Thank you.”

“Yueyin—I love you!”

“Sis Yueyin is amazing.” Jiang Qiongqing couldn’t help but say, carefully wiping away the tears at the corner of her eyes.

Haya let out a muffled acknowledgment. She took a deep breath and clapped forcefully. “We’re great too! Let’s go! The final battle! Charge!”

“You’re all the best. Forget all the rumors and gossip. We just need to give everyone the most perfect stage, you know?” The end of Haya’s sentence was directed towards Lin Weining.

The gentle girl raised a smile.

“Yeah.”

“Now, let’s welcome the seven trainees with unique characteristics, but cute and beautiful!” Ning Yunfei shouted loudly. “Let’s welcome the Seven Stars Team!”

“Ah ah ah, Song Fenghua!”

“Fenghua, go for it!”

“Jiang Xiaoqiong! Jiang Xiaoqiong, charge forward!”

“Haya—Haya, marry me!!”

“Huahua, huahua, huahua!”

“Ning Ning, don’t be afraid, we’re still here!”

“Hearts connected, fear nothing!”

“Moon waxes and wanes, only you are flawless! Yueliang, go for it!”

The fans of the seven individuals surged at once, various voices, various colors of support flashing on the stage. The seven girls strode onto the stage, waving to the audience below.

“Thank you, thank you everyone!” Haya looked at the tearful Lin Weining, raised the microphone, and smiled, “The song we’re performing is 《Fire and Meteor》.”

The audience below erupted into applause, fans in the livestream waved flags and cheered.

Not easy, the 《Starlight Girls》, a program for selecting a girl group, finally had a serious girl group song again!

The best part was that this song was from a senior girl group. Each member of the previous girl group had their own unique style—cute, sexy, charming, gentle… each had their own part.

Xu Heran stood at the side of the stage, applauding enthusiastically.

The Seven Stars Team is amazing!

Now, it’s only her and Xin Nuo left.

“Dream sets sail, the final stage of Starlight Girls, the last two trainees are ready! Applause, please welcome Xin Nuo, Xu Heran!”

“Ah ah ah ah!”

“Little Pearl!!!”

“Xin Nuo! Nuo Nuo! The Knights will always protect you!”

“Hermits’ nine calls, resplendent with flames!” Pearl’s voice was like a bell.

“A single Danxin, a call of a hundred promises!” The Knights’ momentum was like a rainbow.

The two fan groups echoed back and forth, in perfect harmony with the dense barrage of the livestream, creating the atmosphere of tens of thousands of people.

At this moment, a girl in a red dress with a faint smile at the corner of her mouth walked out from backstage. Her black long hair cascaded down her back like the cut of the night. She gently waved to the audience below, her pitch-black eyes gleaming like starlight, a gaze igniting flames in the hearts of fans.

“Xin Nuo!!!”

Another girl walked out briskly, wearing a cream-colored dress and tying her hair in a pink bundle. Her beautiful face, with its ethereal and peculiar blue-purple eyes, seemed like galaxies spinning in the universe.

“Ah ah ah ah, Little Pearl.”

“Hello, everyone, good evening. Did you vote for me?” Xu Heran said with a smile. She held Xin Nuo’s hand and walked down amid sharp cries.

“Please remember to protect your voice. While support is great, don’t overdo it~” Xu Heran smiled warmly and got her palm pinched by Xin Nuo.

The two girls exchanged a glance, sitting facing each other in two silver high chairs.

“Do you know what song we’re going to sing?” Xin Nuo asked with a cool tone, her eyes slightly raised, her shifting gaze falling to the audience below, a smile flowing.

In that moment, the expressions of Pearl and Knights’ fans in the audience twisted slightly, a sense of alarm filling the air.

The fans watching this scene in the livestream burst into laughter, “What’s happening?”

“Is there still someone who doesn’t know that Little Pearl said she’s going to sing 《When Love Has Become the Past》?”

“Little Pearl! You still have a chance now! Drop your weapon! You still have a chance to turn back!”

“Hehe.” Xu Heran smiled, blinked at the camera, “Since everyone knows, we don’t need much introduction, right?”

She looked at Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo smiled and nodded, tilting her head. Her black hair cascaded down her ears, and her silver earrings resembled planetary rings that revolved like stars, reflecting a silver light. The girl with black hair had bright eyes and met Xu Heran’s gaze.

“Then let’s begin.”

Xu Heran’s eyes seemed to be warmed by that light. She lowered her head, chuckled softly, and her ears felt slightly warm.

At the moment when fans tightly held their hearts, the piano’s melody started.

Xu Heran and Xin Nuo raised their microphones simultaneously.

“You’re a night sky getaway, You’re the star that I can’t replace, “③

In that moment, the hearts of everyone in the audience and the livestream went “thump” as if dropping to the ground, and then “whoosh,” they lifted again, because—

“I’m super impressed! Such a touching song, ahhh!!!”

“Heartbeat accelerating! What else can I say? Heartbeat accelerating szd!!”

“Really!!”

The gentle and cool voices blended together, like two vines of soft flowers entwined. Because they were intertwined tightly, they possessed strong power. The vines wound and grew, upward and upward, climbing the blue-black night, reaching for the twinkling stars, circling the round moon, until they stopped in front of the brightest star.

An array of flowers, dotted with starlight.

She plucked the brightest star and placed it in her palm.

“I’m ready for you.”

As the song ended, the two girls gazed at each other, locking eyes. Suddenly, Xin Nuo moved her gaze away, raising her hand to touch her ear.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

The crowd beneath the stage seemed to awaken from a dream.

“Nuo Nuo, you’re amazing!!”

“Xu Pearl! I love you!”

Xu Heran sat on a stool, wiggling her butt, “Thank you, I love myself too.”

Pearl Bai: “!!!”

Trash Pearl is starting to toy with our emotions again!!!

After the three stage performances concluded, Xu Heran took a deep breath, stood up, looked at Xin Nuo, and the two of them exchanged a glance before bowing to the audience.

The host, Ning Yunfei, stepped onto the stage, allowing the ten trainees to return to the stage and stand on either side of her.

From the beginning of the program until now, the seven debut seats that had accompanied the program for nearly half a year were moved up to the elevated platform behind the stage.

The first-place seat gleamed with golden light, followed closely by the second and third places, while the four silver seats with the numbers four, five, six, and seven were situated one level below.

“Dreams set sail, starlight shines. This is the live stage of 《Starlight Girls》 final performance! Now that the performances of the ten Starlight Girls have all concluded, we want to thank everyone for their ongoing support! Our voting channels are about to close!”

Ning Yunfei shouted, “Countdown, ten!”

In the grand hall, golden numbers began to count down.

“Nine!”

“…”

“Three”

“Two”

“One! Voting ends! Voting channels are closed!” Ning Yunfei announced, “In our final vote tally, during this brief counting period, I will announce an important matter!”

“Starlight Girls, 140 trainees, seven members debut as a group! They will make their debut in two weeks on the Hai City 《Music Night》 live program! The debut song is still being collected, and the final debut song will be revealed alongside the girls when they debut as a group!”

“Our seven girls’ group name has been decided, and they will be active under the name S.G.S for a period of two years!” Ning Yunfei slid down, and Xu Heran immediately jotted down three letters in her palm.

The fans in the audience quickly repeated the group name in their minds.

“May I ask if any of our ten trainees know the meaning of SGS?” Ning Yunfei asked with a smile.

Xu Heran’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, “SGS, seven girls! Seven Fairies!”

Ning Yunfei: “…”

Fans in the audience: “…”

Truly remarkable.

Jiang Qiong Haya nodded in agreement and even high-fived Xu Heran.

Xu Heran immediately wore an expression of “See, they all think I’m right.”

Xin Nuo turned her head and bit her lip.

“Not bad, a good name, easy to remember!” Xu Heran gave a thumbs up.

Jian Yueyin said helplessly, “It’s Star Girls, isn’t it?”

“Shining Girls?”

Ning Yunfei questioned herself in her heart, why did she bother asking more, why!

She concealed the turmoil in her heart and smiled, “That’s right, it means Shining Girls.”

Xu Heran smiled, squinting her eyes, “Still, Seven Fairies is easier to remember.”

“Um…” Xin Nuo responded softly.

In the audience, an echoing response was heard.

Ning Yunfei almost couldn’t maintain her expression. She finally received a prompt from the director and immediately turned to the camera.

“Our voting has ended. Now, we will announce the rankings in reverse order starting from the sixth place!”

At this moment, all the playful thoughts vanished. On the stage and off the stage, representatives from major companies seated in the front row, as well as eliminated trainees who came to watch the live event, took a deep breath simultaneously.

Cui Qi folded her hands in prayer.

Outside the livestream room, in a quiet hospital ward, in a distant Blue Country estate, and in many households, countless pairs of eyes were fixated on the stage.

“In the final stage, securing the sixth place is… the trainee who will debut as an idol under the identity of SGS!”

In the grand hall, a massive golden crown appeared on the incredibly high-definition screen.

On the stage, the ten girls’ hearts raced as they stared at the crown, watching it spin and freeze in place.

A photograph appeared.

“Ahhh!!!”

By the riverside, the woman tremblingly smoking a cigarette suddenly covered her face. Behind her, three boys howled and rushed out from the platform, laughing and shouting.

“Unique Voice Laurel: 10,324,845 votes.”

“Congratulations!”

Xu Heran turned around and saw transparent tears streaming down Laurel’s expressionless face. She tightly clenched her fists and walked towards the center of the stage.

“Thank you to all the star makers who have always believed in me and supported me, thank you to all the stages that have supported me and encouraged my teammates, thank you to my family who has protected and supported me over the years, thank you to the friends I’ve met in this place, thank you,” Laurel said emotionlessly, her voice carrying a sob. She lifted her hand and wiped her face forcefully, “My name is Laurel, which means Laurel and crown. I want victory, and we will all achieve victory.”

“Thank you!”

After Laurel finished speaking, she bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle.

“Congratulations, Laurel. Please take your seat, enjoy your shining moment!”

Ning Yunfei took a deep breath, “Obtaining the fifth place in the final stage, the last trainee to debut, please be announced!”

Music started playing, and the defiant expression of the Bold Girls appeared.

Blast Entertainment’s Haya: 10,982,177 votes.

Haya took a breath, spread her arms, and hugged the people on her left and right. “It’s okay, you know, things will get better, right?” Haya said softly, patting Lin Weining’s shoulder.

Lin Weining, who had always been gentle, wiped away her tears and forced a smile, “Yes, I know. Congratulations, Haya.”

Haya nodded and walked towards the stage.

“Coming to this stage, in addition to all the star makers and friends who have supported me, the person I most want to thank is Xin Nuo, who pointed me out three months ago. Without that stage back then, there wouldn’t be the me standing here now. Thank you to all the friends who have allowed me to be here, thank you!”

Haya smiled, turned around, and walked up the steps to take her debut seat.

“In the final stage, fourth place, debuting trainee—”

Years Studio’s Song Fenghua: 11,274,578 votes.

In a corner of the stage, an elegant and beautiful woman tightly covered her face, crouching on the ground and crying.

The usually aloof girl’s eyes turned red, and glistening tears slowly fell.

“Thank you, really, I really want to say thank you. Thank you, everyone, thank you to everyone,” Song Fenghua trembled as she put down the microphone, turned around, and locked eyes with Xu Heran. She wore the brightest smile she had ever shown.

Infected by the atmosphere of the stage, Ning Yunfei’s eyes slightly welled up. She suppressed her emotions and spoke loudly, “In the final stage, the third trainee!”

The remaining trainees tightly held the hands of those next to them.

“Congratulations!”

Angel Entertainment’s Jian Yueyin: 14,568,938 votes.

“Hah,” Jian Yueyin suddenly shook her head. She hugged everyone left, tightly embracing Lin Weining and wiping the tears from her face.

“Yueyin sis, take my portion with you, do your best,” Lin Weining bit her lip, struggling to say.

“Weining, you still have a chance, don’t give up,” Jian Yueyin patted Lin Weining’s head, “Let’s work hard together.”

Jian Yueyin walked onto the stage, raising the microphone.

“During this time, many things have happened. I used to be accustomed to darkness, but since I met all of you, I feel that rather than enduring the darkness, it’s more important to turn oneself into a star. When you’re shining, darkness can’t approach.”

“Thank you all for being willing to support me, support my singing. Thank you to everyone who voted for me, thank you to my friends, they are all the best stars.”

Ning Yunfei took a deep breath, looking at the remaining six girls. Among them, three would ultimately debut.

“In the final stage, seventh place, the last trainee!” Ning Yunfei shouted loudly, “Please announce!”

Xu Heran held onto the hands of Xin Nuo and Jiang Qiong. Apart from her and Xin Nuo, Jiang Qiong, Lin Weining, Mu Yueliang, and Sun Lingxi were silent, shedding tears. Xu Heran felt Jiang Qiong’s grip on her hand, firm and unyielding.

“Jiang Qiong, look up,” Xin Nuo whispered.

The redhead girl’s body trembled, raising her head, gritting her teeth, and staring at the spinning crown.

Three seconds later, she locked eyes with her own reflection.

“Wow!!”

Jiang Qiong suddenly burst into tears.

“I thought it wasn’t mine! I thought this time I couldn’t hold on! Aaahhh! I, Jiang Xiaoqiong, can still have today! Xu Pearl! Xin Nuo!” Jiang Qiong cried as she hugged Xu Heran tightly, then went to hug Xin Nuo.

Xu Heran’s eyes turned red as she ruffled Jiang Qiong’s hair. “Don’t wipe your snot on Nuo Nuo’s skirt!”

“Shut up!” Jiang Qiong shouted, “I, Jiang Xiaoqiong, have risen from now on!”

“I’m tough!” Jiang Qiong said, and then tears welled up again. She couldn’t even express her gratitude properly as she was hugged by Haya and dragged to her seat.

“The atmosphere group tonight is definitely not me,” Xu Heran shook her hand.

Xin Nuo took a deep breath.

“In the final stage, the second trainees!” Ning Yunfei’s voice descended. The fans in the audience suddenly got excited; the long-awaited moment had finally come.

Two cameras were pointed at Xu Heran and Xin Nuo.

Ning Yunfei looked at Xu Heran, about to say something, but immediately turned her head, “The second-ranked Starlight Girl! Please announce.”

At this moment, Xu Heran suddenly raised her hand and pressed it against her heart.

Xin Nuo looked up, the two of them locked in a straight gaze. Neither of them was willing to look away first.

“Let’s run together towards the sun.”

“Even if the wind and rain are strong, the journey is tiring. Don’t give up on the dream that shines.”

Amid the theme song that had already played countless times tonight, the massive golden crown came to a halt.

“Aaahhh!!!”

“Little Pearl!!!”

“Let’s congratulate Little Pearl!!!”

“Pearl!!!”

Xu Heran’s ears suddenly twitched, and she swiftly turned her head, looking at the central screen of the main hall.

On the screen, the black-haired girl smiled gently, as if all the tenderness in the world was captured in her unintentional smile.

Individual trainee Xin Nuo: 18,311,651 votes.

“Hahaha!” Xu Heran suddenly hugged Xin Nuo and ran with her towards the center of the stage.

“Xu Heran!” Cui Qi in the audience couldn’t help but shout loudly. As she shouted, she started clapping happily.

“First place trainee,” Ning Yunfei said directly.

Universal Entertainment’s Xu Heran: 21,238,483 votes.

“It had to be you!” In the audience, as if rehearsed, the fans shouted in unison. Xu Heran hadn’t even cried yet, but they wiped their tears excitedly.

“But of course, we have to invite Nuo Nuo first,” Xu Heran said with a bright smile. In front of countless people, she tightly embraced Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo chuckled, “Alright, let Little Pearl have her way.”

“Hahaha!”

“Thanks to everyone who supported me, it’s because of you that a girl named Xin Nuo can stand here. Thanks to the production team, thanks to all my teammates and friends, and of course, thanks to our Little Pearl too,” Xin Nuo playfully raised an eyebrow, “This isn’t the end, we’ll fight again another day.”

“Aaahhh!!!”

“Thrilling Xin Nuo!!”

Xu Heran remained composed, “But I’m the first now.”

“Thank you—”

Xu Heran opened her arms wide, lowered her head deeply, bowing to the audience and the cameras.

“Thanks to everyone who voted for me, we did it hahaha!” Xu Heran stood upright, grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand, approached the microphone in her hand, her blue-purple eyes shimmering with flowing light, resembling a brilliant galaxy.

“The first belongs to me, and it belongs to you too.”

“It belongs to all of you.”

---

The author has something to say:

[Started typing early in the morning because I woke up too early and couldn’t sleep, and as I typed, I wanted to write all the way to the formation part. That’s why this chapter is so long, haha. It was so exciting to finish typing at 00.00. If there’s an update tomorrow, it’s probably me checking for bugs and making edits, hearts! The seven members of the formation were decided even before I started writing the story. I have to give red envelopes to the little darlings who matched my brain waves at that time! And this song, I find the lyrics very beautiful. I decided to use this song for the ending even before I started writing the story. I’ve finally written up to this point! Applause!]

①看的最遠的地方：張韶涵

②海闊天空：beyond

③Somber (Acoustic版)：Violet Days / morgxn（貼下歌詞）

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End of Volume 1

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis

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