Chapter 47

“Could you perform one more time?” Xu Heran stood behind Li You, hands gripping the back of his chair, excitedly asking, “I don’t mean anything else, I just want to see our Nuo Nuo’s splendid performance!”

She raised her hands, left hand below and right hand above, gesturing a rolling movement.

“Like this, swoosh—”

Little Pearl raised her hand, her eyes sparkling, mouth agape.

“Clap!”

Among the front row seats, several individuals who had been “busy” with their heads down simultaneously froze upon hearing Xu Heran’s words. Then, the scriptwriter holding a teacup clicked his tongue repeatedly, and the other script writer who had fastened his button proceeded to unbutton it again, patting his clothes with his palms to camouflage the suppressed laughter. The assistant director, the only one who couldn’t disguise his laughter through sound, gripped his wrist tightly, his expression contorted from the effort of holding back.

In the midst of the crowd, the lean director propped his right leg over his left, arms folded. A second later, he lowered his leg and raised his head, calmly telling his trembling assistant, “Go and fetch Miss Xu a glass of water.”

Shut her mouth for now!

“Oh, oh!” The assistant turned and hurried out, finally unable to contain herself as she closed the door.

“Hahaha!”

In the corridor, the nervous artists raised their heads in alarm, watching the assistant who was rubbing her face while laughing heartily.

… Is this crew made up of normal people?

Seeing that Mu Yiyue still hadn’t stood up, the assistant director quickly got up and walked towards the stage, asking, “Emperor Mu, are you okay?”

“Ah, we’ve used this prop for a long time, and the table legs aren’t even. It’s our fault you fell. I’m really sorry!” The assistant director tried to save face for Mu Yiyue. After all, no matter what, he was an emperor, a big star. They couldn’t really let someone have an accident on their set.

Mu Yiyue’s mind cleared, and in an instant, humiliation, shame, anger, jealousy… a myriad of emotions spread within him. Before the assistant director could reach the stage, he quickly stood up, his face dark.

“I’m fine,” the man gritted his teeth.

He had lived for thirty-four years, and ever since he entered the entertainment industry at the age of twenty-five, he had never felt so ashamed!

The assistant director quickly turned his head and loudly told the people below the stage, “Emperor Mu says he’s fine.”

Did all of you hear that?

“It’s good that you’re okay,” Xu Heran quickly added, “I heard my mom say that when people get older, they have to be careful when walking or doing things, take it slowly, because older people can’t afford to fall. It’s good that Emperor Mu is okay!”

“…”

In the front row, the scriptwriters drank water and unbuttoned their clothes, while another assistant director took over the task of keeping track of time. Li You’s expression remained unchanged as he turned his head to look at the door.

“Xiao He hasn’t come back yet?”

I told you to get the water!

The assistant who was getting water and Mu Yiyue’s manager rushed in together—more accurately, it was Mu Yiyue’s manager who rushed in first, while the assistant held disposable cups and couldn’t stop him.

“What’s going on? What’s wrong with our Yiyao!” Mu Yiyue’s manager rushed to the stage, grabbing the man’s arm and inspecting him. He breathed a sigh of relief, but then his expression turned serious in an instant, his tone more forceful, “Yiyao still has three more films to shoot this year. If you cause problems for him here, can you handle the consequences?”

“”Huh?” Xu Heran paused and tilted her head, “Jiang Xiaoqiong was watching an ancient palace drama in the car, and the little eunuch in front of the empress talked like this!”

Everyone: “…”

Luckily, her voice wasn’t too loud, only causing trouble for a few people nearby. The assistant director on the stage quickly explained, “Emperor Mu said he’s fine. He just accidentally fell during the rehearsal.”

“Accidentally! How can you accidentally fall during a rehearsal? He’s a grown man, not a three-year-old child!” Mu Yiyue’s manager raised his arm to argue, “Who are you trying to fool!”

“Is it that Director Li doesn’t want our Dream Entertainment investment anymore, so he’s deliberately picking on our Yiyao?” Mu Yiyue’s manager looked towards the audience, glaring at Xu Heran.

He was addressing Mu Yiyue, but it made Mu Yiyue’s expression even darker.

“Enough, it was my own carelessness that I fell. It has nothing to do with Director Li.” Mu Yiyue suppressed his anger, trying to calm the flames and force a smile. He struggled for a while, but his facial expression was strained. Besides the crew, there were also male actors who were competing with him sitting in the audience. He was in the same line of work as these people, all competitors. No matter how embarrassing it was, he couldn’t lose his composure in front of them!

“The chair was a bit uneven,” he took a deep breath, his smile twisting slightly, “Miss Xin’s performance caught me off guard. I’ve been acting for so many years, and it’s the first time I’ve seen such a performance. I overextended the motion when turning and didn’t notice I fell.”

Mu Yiyue’s manager immediately glared at Xin Nuo.

Xu Heran raised an eyebrow and coldly smiled.

Damn it, this guy wants to drag Nuo Nuo down with him, throwing his unmanageable role onto someone else? From what he just said, if those who didn’t see Xin Nuo’s performance heard it, they might actually think Xin Nuo did something she shouldn’t have!

She rolled up her sleeves, about to speak, when Li You in the front row held up a glass of water and “thunked” it onto the table in front of her.

“Miss Xu, please,” Li You said politely.

Xu Heran: “…?”

Xin Nuo never expected Mu Yiyue to be shameless enough to disappoint her. Upon hearing Mu Yiyue’s words, her mood remained unaffected. With both hands behind her back, she turned around, her right hand placed on her waist, lifting her head to look at Mu Yiyue. The flexible Emei dagger danced between her fingers.

“Oh, I see,” Xin Nuo smiled slightly, “My bad then. How about we try it again?”

She raised her hand and placed it in front of her. The Emei dagger spun lightly and stopped in front of her. The unsharpened end of the Emei dagger flashed silver, landing in the dark depths of her eyes.

“I also think I didn’t perform well just now. This time, I’m sure I’ve learned my lesson.”

Xin Nuo’s eyes curved.

“…”

“……………”

“Gulp.” Everyone on stage heard Mu Yiyue swallow nervously. His expression was terrified, and he hadn’t even realized he had taken a step back out of fear.

In the audience, Xu Heran, who had sipped some water to moisten her throat, lit up. She clapped the table and raised her hand, cheering, “Yay! Let’s do it again! Swish, swish, swish, clap, clap, clap!”

Li You immediately looked at the assistant, and the assistant quickly said, “I’ll go right now!”

“Emperor Mu wants to try again?” Li You tentatively asked him.

Mu Yiyue: “… No need!”

He could confidently say that Xin Nuo was just threatening him earlier! He was an actor; how could he not see the blatant sarcasm and provocation in Xin Nuo’s eyes!

However, the palpable intent to kill that emanated from Xin Nuo just now was like substance. He had never experienced this life-threatening feeling before. But how could an 18-year-old girl possess such a strong intent to kill? Was it because he didn’t succeed in hyping her up, and she held a grudge until now, or was it because she was naturally gifted with extraordinary acting skills?

Both possibilities sent shivers down Mu Yiyue’s spine. Cold sweat nearly soaked his shirt from behind. He descended the stage with heavy steps, only to see a few male actors in the audience, sitting openly with expressions that showed they were enjoying the spectacle.

Especially the lead male actor sitting right at the front, they had fought over the script several times, and their accumulated grievances made them eager to see each other’s missteps on stage.

“Take it easy, Emperor Mu. Don’t fall again,” the male actor smiled at Mu Yiyue and glanced at his manager by his side, “Oh, don’t panic even if you do fall; your manager is here.”

That tone was as if to say, “Your mom’s here; if you fall, she’ll pick you up.”

“Hmph!” In an instant, Mu Yiyue’s anger couldn’t be suppressed. His chest tightened with pain. He stared coldly at the male actor, exchanging a gaze of mutual disdain. He wasn’t willing to maintain any pretense.

Mu Yiyue strode over to Li You, placed his hand on the script in front of him, and his eyes darkened.

“She’s not qualified to be on this set,” Mu Yiyue said in a voice that only two or three people around could hear, “This set is complete with or without her, but without me, it’s incomplete!”

“I’ve already convinced the company to pay. Think it over carefully!”

He left behind his threatening words, turned around, and headed for the exit, only to be blocked by the girl who suddenly appeared in front of him.

With lowered eyelashes, Xin Nuo nonchalantly placed the two Emei daggers on the table and smiled gently.

“Well, Director Li, I’d love to work with you. But if it’s my first project, I’d prefer to collaborate with outstanding directors like you, and exceptional actors,” Xin Nuo spoke warmly.

Xu Heran, who had been eavesdropping behind Li You, immediately asked, “Excuse me, Miss Xin, could you describe the qualities of these outstanding actors?”

Sitting behind Li You, she seemed to be playing a duet.

Xin Nuo’s eyes curved as she gently chuckled, “Well… someone who can handle their role, has decent character, and of course, the most important point—”

“At the very least, someone who won’t fall off their chair, right?”

The soft, melodious voice of the girl echoed, instantly silencing the entire hall.

Li You pinched a corner of the script, folded it, and then let go. An idea formed in his mind.

How was Liu’s girl group chosen? Look at who had the sharpest tongue.

Behind him, a certain “pearl” suddenly crossed their hands, brought them together in a prayer-like gesture, closed their eyes, and devoutly prayed.

“Hoping your butt is okay!”

Xin Nuo nodded, agreeing and echoing her words.

“Hoping your butt is okay.”

“…”

“Bang!”

When the door slammed against the doorpost with a resounding crash, Li You’s lips curved upwards.

Indeed, it was.

“Hahaha!”

Beside him, the male actors burst into hearty laughter. Since Mu Yiyue had become an emperor-level actor, he had been nothing but ostentatious, never shy to overshadow others and flaunt his status wherever he went. He would intentionally belittle other well-known artists online, suppress them a bit. This time, seeing Emperor Mu take a solid fall—on multiple levels—as his competitors, how could they not be delighted?

“Exactly! Whether you make the cut or not doesn’t matter; what matters is having fun!” a male actor said to a few fellow actors nearby, and they all shook hands with a deep sense of camaraderie.

Li You took a deep breath and gestured to Xin Nuo, “Thank you for your hard work. We’ll let you know the results separately.”

Xin Nuo nodded, smiling, “Thank you, Director Li. However, please consider my words from earlier. Though I’m a rookie idol just starting out, I have some aspirations and confidence in my acting.”

Li You stood up and shook her hand.

“You’re quite impressive.”

Xu Heran strolled leisurely to Xin Nuo’s side and said to Li You, who suddenly became wary, “Right, Nuo Nuo is good, isn’t she?”

“Thank you, Director Li, for showing me something interesting. Universal’s film and television department is newly established, and various tasks are in preparation. If you have the opportunity, you’re welcome to collaborate with Universal,” Xu Heran’s tone turned more earnest. She extended her hand, slightly bowed, showcasing modesty and elegance. “At Universal, we pursue win-win cooperation and are unwilling to see anyone’s efforts go to waste.”

“Please consider it.”

Li You watched them leave.

Xu Heran held Xin Nuo’s hand as they entered the elevator. By the time they reached the bottom, Xin Nuo frequently glanced at Xu Heran. Little Pearl narrowed her eyes, “Someone’s secretly watching me, but I won’t say who.”

She pointed at their reflections on the elevator wall.

Xin Nuo smiled, holding her fingers gently. She said in a warm tone, “The way you talked to Director Li earlier surprised me.”

Little Pearl tilted her head, “Why?”

“Nothing much,” Xin Nuo replied gently, looking at her with tenderness.

It’s just that she felt Xu Heran had a bit of her elder sister’s demeanor in that moment. She was indeed becoming a more mature little pearl.

Xu Heran didn’t press further. She walked alongside Xin Nuo towards the car and asked, “Nuo Nuo, you’re quite impressive. Weren’t you studying classical dance before? How did you learn martial arts as well?”

“No,” Xin Nuo said softly, “it’s just for show, it looks good.”

She had acted in numerous wuxia dramas and encountered strict directors. Before filming, she had been sent to a martial arts school to learn for a while. For the role of a female warrior in the drama, she had put in the effort, but it was only for show, and she was far from being on par with those who had practiced martial arts for years.

“Very impressive! You scared the hell out of that dog-like thing!” Xu Heran said with a smiling face.

Xin Nuo looked at Xu Heran, raised her hand, and pinched her chin.

The cursing little pearl, how adorable.

“We’ll head straight to Haicheng TV station, find a hotel to eat, then get a good night’s sleep. We’ll join everyone in the afternoon,” Xin Nuo took out her phone and messaged Cui Qi.

“Sure, sure,” Xu Heran nodded, feeling somewhat excited. She saw Xin Nuo play with the Emei Daggers and remembered her previous sword-spinning scene. She really liked it.

Nuo Nuo is truly cool, even the pearl should be cool too.

The two rested and ate at the hotel, Xu Heran stuffed herself to the brim. She slept soundly with her arms around Xin Nuo in the afternoon, waking up refreshed and entering the TV station with high spirits.

“Dear friends! You have no idea how amazing Xin Nuo was today!” Xu Heran sat in the makeup chair, passionately recounting Xin Nuo’s heroic deeds from this morning to her teammates. She described the scene where Xin Nuo spun the Emei Daggers, leaving everyone stunned, and then had Xin Nuo perform the move live.

A girl leisurely twirled a makeup brush between her fair fingertips.

SGS members and the crew: “Wow—”

“Teach me, teach me! I want to learn and trick kids!” Jiang Qiong shouted.

“I want to learn too,” Lin Weining said.

Song Fenghua and Jian Yueyin turned their heads to look at Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo raised her thumb.

“Awesome!”

Everyone happily raised their hands.

Cui Qi and the assistant entered with everyone’s water cups, placing them on the table. Cui Qi smiled and asked them, “What mischievous plans were you secretly plotting behind my back?”

Jian Yueyin quickly said, “We’re good kids, you know.”

“Right, among all of us, there’s only one kid, and I won’t say who!” Haya stood up and rubbed Xu Heran’s head, which hadn’t been styled yet.

“Hey!” Xu Heran said disapprovingly, “Just wait until I grow taller than you, then I’ll be the team boss!”

Haya picked up a water cup, pointed at her, and laughed, “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Cui Qi took the schedule from a crew member and said to the eight girls getting their makeup done, “Our performance is the grand finale of this show. After that comes the awards ceremony. Before the awards, there will be an interview segment. Don’t forget to prepare your thank-you speeches.”

Laurel, done with her makeup, patted Jian Yueyin’s shoulder, “Captain.”

Xin Nuo chimed in, “Captain.”

“Captain~”

“Give the captain some rest time, pretty please.” Jian Yueyin mimicked Xu Heran’s tone.

Song Fenghua chuckled, “Childish language.”

“What!” Xu Heran exclaimed in shock, looking at Song Fenghua, “You’ve betrayed me, Xiao Fenghua!”

Even Xiao Fenghua has been influenced, joining in on teasing the poor little pearl. Oh my, what fate awaits the unfortunate little pearl!

Song Fenghua raised her hand, touching the corner of her mouth. A small dimple, as delicate as a white pear blossom, appeared on her fair skin.

The atmosphere in the waiting room was lively. Xin Nuo, having finished tidying up, sat on a stool. She tapped her fingers on the table, and the stool beneath her spun around. Her gaze collided with Laurel, who was in the midst of some physical activity in the center.

“Huh, Laurel, your hair’s grown?” Xin Nuo asked with a smile.

Laurel pinched the end of her hair and nodded.

The girl’s hair, which used to reach her ears, had grown to shoulder length. She had dyed her blonde hair black and curled it. With her delicate appearance, she didn’t seem approachable when expressionless. In her current black-haired state, she appeared even paler and exuded a hint of aloofness.

The cool and aloof Laurel awkwardly shifted her gaze away, looking at Haya, then at Song Fenghua, and finally at Xin Nuo.

… Each one colder than the last.

The hairstylist held up a hair dye spray and sprayed it onto Xu Heran’s head with a “puchi puchi.” The others, who had finished their makeup, immediately gathered around to witness the production phase of the little pearl’s transformation. Lin Weining smiled and said, “Is Jiang Qiong the only one going for red hair now?”

Jiang Qiong raised her hand, tousling her newly colored hair, and said with a grin, “That’s right, you can call it superstition!”

“Did you buy a lottery ticket?” Haya asked her.

“I will right after work!”

“Don’t even think about going anywhere after work!” Cui Qi clapped her hands, motioning a few of them over to eat and fill their stomachs. “Xu Heran, don’t eat too much!”

The not-so-full pearl raised her hand in a “thumbs up.”

As they chatted, a knock on the door sounded. Cui Qi stood up and said, “Come in.”

“Hello, darlings~”

With the familiar voice, several heads peeked in from behind the door.

Jiang Qiong immediately exclaimed, “Ah ah ah ah!”

The people outside the door joined in, “Ya ya ya ya!”

Xin Nuo pinched her ear.

The completed little pearl, who had just gone through her transformation, was being observed by several pairs of eyes while she enjoyed a slice of cake. Seeing the newcomers, she immediately stood up, extended her hand, and exclaimed loudly, “Lingxi’s Finger of Wisdom!”

Sun Lingxi jumped up and matched her gesture with her own finger.

“Eat my Finger of Wisdom!”

Sun Lingxi, Mu Yueliang, and the participants of 《Starlight Girls》 including Yu Nuannuan who was eliminated in the 42-to-21 round, Rong Siyu, and the other two members of Fish Harmony, stood in a row.

“One, two, three!” Mu Yueliang started.

“Adorable begins, moving your heart with Adorable. Hello, everyone, we are Adorable Girls!”

“Oh—Oh!” The girls in the room immediately clapped, and smiles appeared on Xin Nuo and Song Fenghua’s faces as well.

“We are Adorable Girls, the newly formed girl group under Fish Harmony. Tonight, we will debut on the stage of 《Music Night》. Please show us your support~” Sun Lingxi placed her hands on her cheeks and acted cute.

“Eating it!” Haya made a disgusted expression.

“Give us some face, okay!” Sun Lingxi clenched her fist, pretending to be ready to fight.

Xu Heran brought them chairs and handed out forks.

“It’s Blue Pearl!” Sun Lingxi immediately opened her arms wide. “Give Mama a hug.”

“I debuted before you, I’m your senior, got it?” Xu Heran warned her, “Show some respect.”

“Okay, senior, give Mama a hug!” Sun Lingxi clapped her hands.

“Not giving hugs!” Xu Heran sat down next to Xin Nuo, leaned on the armrest of the couch, and said with a grin, “Your group is called Adorable Girls, huh? Riding on the popularity! Watch out for Director Liu asking you for promotion fees!”

“Of course, come on, if there’s popularity, you’d be a fool not to ride on it.” Mu Yueliang immediately added, and right after that, she said, “Of course, I’m talking about legitimate popularity.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

“What’s your order in the performance lineup, and what song are you performing?” Jian Yueyin asked.

Sun Lingxi made a gesture indicating the number six and tilted her head playfully. She used a sweet voice and said, “What else can we perform? For supreme cuties like us, it’s obviously going to be a sweet song~”

“Ew~”

Everyone purposely wrinkled their faces.

“Hey!”

As the members of two groups chattered away, the eight members of SGS gently guided and shared their past experiences, explaining how they managed to stay calm on stage, acting as seniors.

“No worries, even if you’re nervous, you can’t be more nervous than Jiang Xiaoqiong. Could Jiang Xiaoqiong’s hand tremble collection compete with my eye-roll collection?” Xu Heran twisted open a cup and took a sip of water.

Jiang Xiaoqiong immediately said, “Still can’t beat yours.”

“You should try harder,” Xu Heran encouraged her.

Jiang Qiong immediately rolled her eyes.

“Hey, your cups look so nice!” Sun Lingxi said.

On the table, the eight girls’ cups were in eight different colors, the same brand and model, plump and round, capable of holding a lot of water.

“They’re cute, a gift from Ning Ning,” Haya said.

“Send me the link!” Sun Lingxi immediately requested.

“Sure.” Lin Weining said, “It’s the new model from WG.”

Sun Lingxi immediately took a breath, “You’ve fallen for Ning Ning’s tricks! WG! So expensive, forget it.”

She waved her hand, “My little water cup can last another hundred years!”

“Now that you’ve debuted, don’t worry about WG, GW, just buy whatever!” Xu Heran waved her hand grandly.

Lin Weining leaned on Haya, smiling and saying, “Or you can come to Universal Entertainment, I’ll buy it for you, as a signing gift?”

“Yuck!”

Sun Lingxi and Mu Yueliang immediately waved their hands, “Don’t tempt us, even a minute’s withdrawal will scare you to death!”

“It’s your manager who’d be scared to death.” Cui Qi smiled and said, “The show is about to start, go get ready, good luck on the stage.”

“Good luck!” The eight girls clenched their fists in unison.

“Thank you, please support Adorable Girls!”

After Sun Lingxi and the others left, Cui Qi immediately turned around, put her hands on her hips, and said, “Look at them, sweet, beautiful, cute, and look at you guys!”

On the couch, the eight girls lazily squeezed together, each holding a plump cup with a straw. Upon hearing Cui Qi’s words, they all turned their heads and gave her dissatisfied glances.

What’s wrong with us?

Cui Qi smiled and said “Don’t move,” taking a photo of them and uploading it to the SGS Weibo.

The water cups in their arms were gifts from Lin Weining. Her lawsuit had recently ended in a perfect victory, and those who spread rumors and bullied her had apologized, compensated, and even been imprisoned. Not one was left untouched. Even Angel Entertainment had publicly apologized online due to their inaction, claiming they would reform.

The internal reforms at Angel Entertainment had nothing to do with Lin Weining. The moment she received her compensation, she used it to buy gifts for her current partners: eight adorable multicolored water cups and a silver thermos for Sister Cui Qi.

“Oh right, the release date for our album is set for October 19th,” Cui Qi said, looking at Xin Nuo. “That day is Xin Nuo’s birthday. Since this is your first album in your life, the company chose this date as a gift to you. How does that sound?”

Xin Nuo smiled and said, “Thank you.”

“What! Is this the only gift?” Xu Heran immediately voiced Xin Nuo’s dissatisfaction, “Please arrange other gifts as well.”

After saying that, she happily turned her head, grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand, and said, “Nuo Nuo, your birthday is coming up. Let’s have a pleasant birthday party together!”

“It must be quite nerve-wracking on that day, right?” Xin Nuo said.

Jian Yueyin nodded, “I doubt I’ll be able to sleep well that night. By the way… after October, you’ll be nineteen?”

Calculating with her hand raised in front of everyone, Xin Nuo answered amidst their puzzled expressions, “Eighteen.”

“Huh?”

All seven girls were surprised in unison, “Aren’t you already eighteen?”

Xin Nuo calmly explained, “I’ll be eighteen this year.”

“So, apart from Heran, you’re the youngest.” Song Fenghua said, “I thought we were the same age, turns out you’re the little sister.”

Xin Nuo curved her lips and smiled charmingly.

Suddenly, everyone except Jian Yueyin felt a bit defeated.

On the level of psychological age…

“For the coming-of-age ceremony, we should celebrate properly. How about organizing a fan meet-and-greet for hugs and handshakes?”

“Give us a break!” Xu Heran immediately interjected.

“So…” Jiang Qiong put down her red water cup, peeked her red head out, shook her head with a complicated expression, and said, “I’ve actually become a fan of minors?”

“You guys are really into early relationships, huh?”

Xin Nuo’s tone remained calm, “From my perspective, the relationship between me and Zhuzhu is more like a mommy with her baby.”

“Oh oh oh oh!”

Others intentionally teased, casting subtle glances at the slightly flustered Xu Heran.

Xu Heran got up with a swish, grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand with a smiling face, and pulled her up.

“Who’s the mommy, and who’s the baby?” Xu Zhuzhu asked.

Xin Nuo raised an eyebrow, the smile in her eyes growing deeper.

“What do you think, Baby Pearl?”

A group of onlookers craned their necks, their eyes showing a delighted expression.

Fight! Fight!

Nuo Nuo, beat up Zhuzhu!

Xu Heran squinted, her hand falling on Xin Nuo’s waist. They were performing a summer song on stage, wearing simple and lively outfits. The straps that were already close-fitting on Xin Nuo were now fully adhered to her warm skin. Xu Heran smiled at Xin Nuo and, in front of everyone, hugged her waist and lifted her up.

“Xu Heran!” Cui Qi shouted loudly, making Xu Heran put Xin Nuo down.

But will Xu Zhuzhu listen?

Skillfully, she lifted Xin Nuo, pressed her against the wall, while Xin Nuo extended her hand to embrace Xu Heran’s neck and her legs wrapped around Xu Heran’s body. Their movements became more and more practiced.

The audience watching became even more excited.

“What are you doing, sweetie?” Xin Nuo patted Baby Pearl’s head, “Missing mommy?”

“Too much, mommy.” Xu Heran smiled, her hands hanging down, holding Xin Nuo’s legs, and Xin Nuo pressed against the wall. Their faces were very close.

“Baby is too enthusiastic, mommy’s scared.” Xin Nuo whispered, “Good baby, can you put mommy down?”

“Not right now.” Xu Heran lowered her head, her lips brushing against Xin Nuo’s ear, “Because I’m mommy’s little baby and I want to be with mommy.”

“By the way, mommy, baby is feeling a bit hungry.”

Xu Heran lowered her head, playfully bit Xin Nuo’s earlobe, and said with a smile, “Could mommy please feed her baby a little milk?”

“…”

“What are they saying?” Haya’s hand rested on Laurel’s shoulder as she whispered.

They only saw the two of them whispering in each other’s ears; they couldn’t hear a thing.

Just when Cui Qi couldn’t bear it anymore and was about to intervene, Xin Nuo suddenly jumped down from Xu Heran, her face all red. She looked left and right, then grabbed the curling iron from the dressing table.

“Hiss…” Cui Qi was surprised.

“Hiss!” Five girls tactically leaned back.

“Xu Heran, you’re done for!”

Xin Nuo’s face, ears, neck, even the fingers holding the “weapon” were all red. She glared at the innocently smiling Xu Heran, her anger mixed with embarrassment. She clenched her teeth and said word by word, “You’re done for!”

Everyone: “Oh~”

On the TV screen on the wall, the members of Moe Motion Girls took the stage, six girls beaming with cute smiles, bouncing around.

“You know, my heart belongs to you, in this colorful time, because seeing you, the world suddenly becomes sweet.”

Xu Heran dashed past Xin Nuo with a daring “hehe” laugh.

“But why is your gaze lingering on another girl, oh, my heartbeats are going wild.”

Jian Yueyin held her hands, inserted herself between the running pair, and looked at the screen, “Speaking of which, Lingxi and Yueliang’s style clashes with ours this time.”

“Awoo awoo awoo—” a Pearl rushed over.

“Yeah.” Everyone nodded.

“Wuwuwu…”

A little Pearl ran over, getting hit while running.

“Everyone, take a look at Moe Motion Girls’ performance style. Let’s strive to be sweeter and cuter than them on stage!”

“Awoo awoo awoo awoo awoo awoo…” One Xu Zhuzhu was pressed down on the couch by Xin Nuo.

The girls on the couch all turned their heads at the same time.

“Why cry, cry? You should be laughing!” Laurel said, pinching Xu Heran’s ear, “Quick, give everyone a smile.”

Xin Nuo clapped her hands, the redness on her face not diminishing but growing even deeper.

“Where’s my Emei daggers?”

Xu Heran was dumbfounded, and the others were even more surprised.

“Wow—Xu Zhuzhu, beg for mercy quickly. What terrible things did you say to Nuo Nuo just now? She actually wants to silence you!” Jiang Qiong pretended to be afraid, holding her hand to her mouth.

Xin Nuo sneered, the more she thought, the angrier she got. She raised her hand and gave Xu Heran’s behind a heavy pat.

Onstage, Moe Motion Girls’ rapper stepped forward, “My baby, don’t look at her, don’t pay attention to her. Please let your footsteps stop for me. I love you, always wanting to love you, love you, kiss your cheek.”

Xu Heran turned sideways and lay down, using her peripheral vision to observe Xin Nuo’s expression.

Xin Nuo’s finger drooped slightly and tapped her shoulder, squinting.

“I didn’t say anything!” Xu Heran immediately said, “I just wanted… to let Nuo Nuo kiss her cheek.”

“Do you think we believe it or not?” Jian Yueyin asked.

Xin Nuo gave a cold snort and clapped her hands, “You better believe it.”

In order to prevent the conflict from spreading to others, everyone unanimously decided: death to the Pearl, not to the teammates. What Xu Heran had said… well, they weren’t curious at all.

Really!

“Music Night, making your night different with music. Today’s final stage, we will once again meet the eight girls who recently debuted on this stage. Their album will be released on October 19th. So today, let us enjoy in advance the main song of the girls, let’s welcome—SGS.”

“《Yaco》”

“Hey, girls.”

In the camera frame, the girl with blue hair shook her ponytail, raised her chin, and beckoned towards the camera with her finger. A hint of pride appeared in her blue-purple eyes. Beneath her white midriff-baring short-sleeved top, the girl’s waist was flat, her lines smooth—clear signs of dedicated exercise.

Joyful music started playing, and seven girls popped up behind her, their smiles radiant.

“Your mood doesn’t seem wonderful. How can it be like this? It’s summer, the best time for heartbeats.”

The eight girls danced lightly, and Song Fenghua was deliberately pushed out from behind, her hands clenched into fists and placed on her face, lips bitten, an expression of grievance.

“Ah ah ah ah!!!”

Song Fenghua’s fans screamed as if they had gone mad. Oh my god, Song Fenghua might feel wronged! Even the heavens should open their eyes to take a look!

Laurel’s hands were behind her, moving forward with the rhythm, dancing and singing with a smile, “Oh no oh no, still can’t forget. Luckily, luckily, every minute and every second, I can turn around and run away.”

The fans covered their hearts with pollen, feeling like there might be something wrong with their eyes.

Xin Nuo shook her head, her thick black hair twisted into braids on either side, innocent and lovely. She blinked her left eye at the camera, her fingers drooping and resting on her straight collarbone.

The guy in the front row suddenly blushed.

“Really, don’t you want to hold my hand, be with me—”

“Yaco yaco~”

Lin Weining, Jian Yueyin, Jiang Qiong, and Haya emerged cutely from among the four of them, holding their microphones, dancing and singing, “Hey, girls, right in this summer, let’s meet!”

“Blue lemon with the beach, waves, and bubble drinks. Forgetting troubles doesn’t seem too hard.”

Xu Heran put her hands on her hips, the showstopper on stage shaking her head, bouncing around Xin Nuo, “First, toss the boy’s white shirt and guitar aside, let’s change our style for tonight, let’s meet.”

In front of the camera, Xin Nuo turned her head away, pouting at Xu Heran. Xu Heran walked away with a sense of grievance, sticking out her blue head, and pouted at Xin Nuo.

The fans in the audience went crazy, bursting into laughter.

“Be yourself, do you want flowers, gems, or a crown?”

Xin Nuo raised her hand and tapped Xu Heran’s chin. The eight of them lined up four by four and performed a group dance. “Huh? Whose heart is pounding, thumping?”

“Come with me, yaco yaco!”

Xu Heran made the “I love you” gesture with both hands, the tips of her raised six fingers touching. She lifted her hand, pecked at her index finger, and made a “whoosh” motion, flying towards Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo raised her hand and snapped the kiss out of the air with a “smack,” turning her head away.

“Yaco~!”

After the performance, everyone approached with laughter, patting Xu Heran’s head.

“Did you anger Nuo Nuo?”

“Hahaha!”

Laughter echoed on and off the stage, except for Pearl, whose lips drooped, unhappy.

With the conclusion of 《Music Night》, the host came on stage holding the trophy for this month’s top music chart and presented it to SGS.

“Thank you all for your support of our SGS songs, and for cheering us on. We will continue to work hard and create even better-sounding, more enjoyable music!” Jian Yueyin said with a smile.

Haya raised her mic, “Thank you, everyone, we had so much fun!”

“Ah ah ah ah!”

“Xu Pearl, are you happy?” Jiang Qiong asked loudly.

Lin Weining reached out and pulled Xu Heran over, standing with Xin Nuo.

Xu Heran chuckled lightly, raised her mic, and asked Xin Nuo, “Is Nuo Nuo happy?”

In front of the live stream and the audience both behind and below, Xin Nuo asked Xu Heran, “If I say I’m not happy, can you let me hit you again?”

The use of “again” in that sentence was quite clever.

Xu Heran grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand and put down the mic.

“One kiss, three hits, not a bad deal, right?”

In the camera frame, Xin Nuo looked at Xu Heran coldly, covered her mouth after three seconds, and muffled her voice.

“Go drink your milk!”

“You idiot!”

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis

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