Chapter 61

“How could it be!”

“How can it be you?” the detective exclaimed in shock, “Did you pierce that needle into his neck?”

“Yes,” Xin Nuo nodded gently, “I came back at 1:30, pierced him directly, and he died instantly. I spent another five minutes disguising his body.”

Ji Songyu’s pupils contracted, “And the potted Immortal Flower!”

She took a breath, turned her head to look at the other girl standing calmly in the cage.

“Are you involved too? Did you give her the flower thorn?”

“Correct,” Xu Heran smiled lightly, “The king feared me. When I appeared in front of him, he was so scared that he didn’t move. The princess stabbed him from behind.”

“Then… was Rose’s prick on his arm also real?” the detective said, “I was really torn between Miss Ti and Rose. I felt that there were inconsistencies in both of their stories. In the end, I thought Rose’s explanation made sense. Miss Ti could have come back and pricked her again, but I didn’t expect it was the two of you!”

“You didn’t suspect me of lying at all?” Xin Nuo and Xu Heran held hands across the cage, laughing as they asked the detective.

The detective looked helpless, “No!”

“You were the first to come forward with a timeline, and I trusted you a lot,” the detective turned to Rose, “Then, what about your needle?”

Xu Heran swayed while holding hands with Xin Nuo, shook her head, “When the knight lifted the king’s clothes, my heart felt like it was being squeezed at that moment. Luckily, he only checked his arm and didn’t check his clothes. There were traces of being pricked on the king’s clothes, along with his neck, three places in total. It’s easy to make people think three people committed the crime.”

Xin Nuo added, “And another thing, besides me, all the other girls have crystal balls. It shows that Dragon has secretly contacted them. Why am I the only one without it?”

Xin Nuo glanced at Xu Heran, “Is there a possibility that we could contact each other anyway?”

“I’ve been deceived, how tragic!” the detective squatted down, covering her face with her hands, fake crying, “My lifelong reputation.”

“It’s okay, at least you’re locked up in here,” the knight patted the detective’s shoulder, “At most, it’s only half of your reputation.”

Rose immediately pulled at his collar, “You still have the nerve to say that? How could you vote for me and then vote for yourself!”

“Because I didn’t choose a faction?” the knight said, “I really thought you were the murderer and I was the accomplice. I didn’t choose your faction, but I knew that you alone couldn’t have done this. I was a passive accomplice… I thought that since this was the end, the show might have added some new twist, so…”

Rose: “Ah, help me!”

“Regardless of the situation! Our 《Crazy Interpretation》 this season ended successfully. Thank you all!”

“Thank you!”

After the recording ended, everyone was still immersed in the shock of being deceived. They chatted with Xu Heran and Xin Nuo, walked out as a group, and got ready to gather for a meal at the hotel.

By the time Xu Heran removed her makeup and took a shower, it was already 10 PM in the evening.

She leaned against the wall outside Xin Nuo’s door, looking down at her phone.

“Click.”

The door clicked, and a warm fragrance accompanied by steam hit Xu Heran’s face.

The girl who had just finished washing up had damp black hair, and her eyes were also moist. On her fair face, her black pupils were like unrivaled tailors, carefully selecting and cutting from the deep night sky. She had to choose the deepest and smoothest part, then sew it with the world’s most precious diamond, immersed in the cool still water to settle.

The night was dotted with cold stars, the starlight brilliant.

Xu Heran immediately put down her phone and tilted her head towards Xin Nuo.

“Are you ready?”

“Yeah,” Xin Nuo closed the door casually. She was wearing a beige sweater with a high neckline that reached up to her chin. The sweater was loose, and the slender girl looked somewhat delicate, tempting one to come forward and give her a hug, measuring the real dimensions hidden within the fabric.

“Did you wait long?” Xin Nuo raised her hand and touched Xu Heran’s face.

“I’m not cold, the hotel’s heating is sufficient.” Xu Heran grabbed Xin Nuo’s hand, “Let’s go, let’s go eat, eat well and sleep.”

Xin Nuo said with a smile, “Long Long can eat a bit more today.”

“Did Long Long do something great today?” Xu Heran tilted her head, her blue-purple eyes shining brightly, her fine eyelashes unable to conceal her excitement, “Was I awesome today?”

“Awesome!”

Xin Nuo coaxed Long Long. The two of them had already walked out of the room and were heading towards the elevator. As they were talking, they had just turned the corner.

“Wait.” Xin Nuo noticed that the corners of Xu Heran’s eyes were a bit red. She stopped and pulled the sleeve of Xu Heran’s clothes. The girl in the red hoodie immediately lowered her head.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s so red here.” Xin Nuo whispered, her warm fingers touching Xu Heran’s eyes, gently pressing on the skin at the corners of her eyes, “Does it hurt?”

Xu Heran’s gaze was confused.

“I don’t feel anything.” The girl with silver hair tied in a high ponytail muttered softly, raising her hand and wanting to rub her eyes. Xin Nuo caught her wrist.

“No rubbing.”

Xu Heran could only mutter, “When you mentioned it, I started feeling a bit itchy. Maybe I’ve worn contact lenses for too long.”

“Yeah, I’ll have the assistant buy you some eye drops later.” Xin Nuo patted Xu Heran’s arm and made her stand up straight.

A mischievous smile flickered in the silver-haired girl’s eyes. She deliberately used a coquettish tone and said, “Can’t stand straight? Want sister to blow on it?”

Xin Nuo’s face stiffened, and she pulled the drawstring of the girl’s hoodie.

“Xu Heran, you’re sixteen, not six.”

“Turning seventeen next year,” Xu Heran protested.

“But you’re not seven.”

“Just blow a little, I’m itchy,” Xu Heran whispered, pushing the girl with black hair against the wall, “If you don’t want to blow, a kiss will do.”

Xin Nuo: “…”

“Ding.”

The elevator door opened, and the person inside looked up, glanced casually, legs not yet stepping out, frozen in place.

Ji Songyu slowly opened her mouth.

In the corridor, the tall girl with silver hair pressed the girl half a head shorter than her against the wall. One hand held her wrist, and the girl being pressed against the wall tilted her head back. From her angle, it looked like…

“Smack!”

Xin Nuo raised her hand and lightly tapped Xu Heran’s head with a water bottle.

“Still itchy?” the threatening voice of the girl with black hair echoed in the corridor.

Xu Heran immediately let go of her hand, stood up straight, and rubbed her head.

“Not itchy anymore.”

“Hmph, I think you’re just being mischievous.” Xin Nuo patted her butt, “Hurry up and walk.”

“Sister Ji Ji?” Xu Heran looked up, saw Ji Songyu, and happily waved at her.

Ji Songyu smiled and said, “Come over here.”

When the two girls got on the elevator, Ji Songyu’s gaze subtly flickered towards their mouths. Seeing that both girls’ lips were pink and plump, without any traces of… she breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as expected, how could everyone be like that?

Ji Songyu chuckled at her own overthinking.

The dinner was held on the tenth floor, where the production team had booked a banquet hall. All the staff and celebrities were gathered together to celebrate the end of the show.

By the time the three from Universal Entertainment arrived, all the show’s guests had gathered, and on the table were red wine and champagne.

“Care for a drink?” Chen Yue asked Xin Nuo, pouring wine for Ji Songyu as well.

“Not too much tonight, how about just a small drink?” Ji Songyu said with a serious expression.

Chen Yue rolled her eyes, “Don’t act like you’re a heavyweight drinker. If you can handle half a bottle, I’ll be impressed!”

“Tsk.”

Ji Songyu picked up her chopsticks and pointed to the two sitting beside her, “They can’t drink, they’re both kids, can’t handle alcohol.”

Xin Nuo nodded, “I don’t drink.”

The guests at this table were all familiar faces with good relationships. Upon hearing this, they immediately chimed in, “Then eat more, have a good meal and rest well. Are you both flying tomorrow?”

Xu Heran handed Xin Nuo a pair of chopsticks and smiled, “Yes, yes, we’re heading back to Hai City tomorrow, preparing for the Christmas album.”

“Well, I must come and support our two ‘culprits’,” Chen Yue said with a smile. “When are you hosting a concert? I could be a guest for you!”

“Then you’ll be wrecking the event,” Ji Songyu, who had a close relationship with Chen Yue, joked. “Looks like you didn’t have much to do this year.”

“Who says that? I’ll be joining a production next spring,” Chen Yue replied.

“Hey, I heard Xin Nuo joined Director Li’s project, is that true?”

Xin Nuo nodded, “Just a minor supporting role, I’m very thankful for the opportunity Director Li gave me.”

The news about 《Rustling in the Wind》 had garnered quite a bit of attention online at the time. Several of the stars at the table had heard about it to some extent, and they knew about Xin Nuo’s impressive acting skills. Initially, they might not have taken it seriously or been interested in Xin Nuo due to lack of familiarity, but over the past couple of days of shooting, everyone had expressed their appreciation for Xin Nuo’s acting skills and mentioned the desire to collaborate in the future.

“Our Rannyan’s acting is great too,” Mona Lisa Li’s actress, Lin Yumeng, said with a smile. “Rannyan is starving, just look at how fast she’s devouring the rice.”

“You’re quite famous now, huh?” The actress who played the butler, Lu Qian, walked over with a wine glass in hand, casually touching Xu Heran’s clothes. “Is it because the Lunar New Year is coming?”

Xu Heran swallowed her food, let out a breath of relief, and nodded. “My mom sent me these clothes, saying it’s almost the New Year, so I should wear something festive and lucky!”

“Alright, don’t bother people while they’re eating. Go enjoy your drink,” Lin Yumeng waved her hand, shooing her away.

Lu Qian chuckled, “I came to find Ji Ji, right. By the way, I’ve heard your group’s songs, they’re pretty good. We should collaborate sometime.”

Lu Qian patted Xu Heran’s head, then glanced at Xin Nuo but didn’t extend her hand.

Xin Nuo gave a light smile. “Thank you, Sister Qian.”

After a few rounds of drinking, the whole hall became lively. People from various departments started moving between tables, drinking, playing games, and taking photos.

Only Xin Nuo sat quietly, watching Xu Heran sweep through her meal.

The girls at their table gathered to chat about clothes, shoes, children, and dramas, while the men’s conversation included sports.

Xu Heran put down her chopsticks, sighed, and turned to Xin Nuo, blinking.

“I’m full,” she whispered.

Xin Nuo, who was waiting for her to finish the battle, nodded, got up, and bid farewell to the group.

“Hey, you two, can you help take  Ji Ji upstairs?” Chen Yue grabbed Ji Songyu’s arm. “Seems like she’s had a bit too much to drink.”

“We won’t be going up.”

“Okay.”

Xin Nuo and Xu Heran each hooked an arm around Ji Songyu’s, and the slightly flushed Ji Songyu grumbled, “I didn’t drink that much.”

“You can pretend you did,” Xu Heran whispered.

At least when people saw them, they’d say, “Teacher Ji had a bit too much, go rest,” without coming up to take photos.

As they approached the elevator, Ji Songyu suddenly reached out, patting her pocket and saying, “Did I forget my phone?”

Xin Nuo let go of her arm. “I’ll go get it, you two go ahead.”

“Thank you for your trouble,” Ji Songyu patted Xin Nuo’s shoulder. “Sister will buy you two candies to enjoy.”

…And she said she wasn’t drunk.

After watching them both enter the elevator, Xin Nuo turned and returned to the lobby.

Xu Heran supported Ji Songyu as she struggled to retrieve her room key, swaying as she tried to stick it to the wall, muttering “not accurate” under her breath.

“…Here, my Ji Ji.” Xu Heran began to feel sleepy, leaning against the wall with Ji Songyu. She asked, “How much did you drink?”

“Just about four cups.” Ji Songyu proudly stated, “This Tea won’t fall after three cups!”

“Anyway, it’s not that much, annoying though. She’ll be nagging again once we get back.” Ji Songyu grumbled against the wall, her tone quite irritated.

Xu Heran didn’t hear clearly, subconsciously asking, “Who?”

But Ji Songyu turned her head, not hearing it and muttering to herself.

The elevator ascended, all the way to the top floor. As the elevator doors opened, Xu Heran’s eyes met those of someone outside.

A seductive woman in a sleep gown that resembled ink, draped in a coat, seemed to be heading out to find someone.

“Little one, did you bring her here?” Zhao Rourou curled her lips, her voice as sexy as she herself was. “Thank you. Sister will treat you to some candy another day, alright?”

Your tone is even more condescending than Ji Ji’s when she’s lying to children.

Xu Heran thought in her mind, putting on a sweet expression as she handed Ji Songyu over.

“No need to thank me, I’m leaving.”

Xu Heran spoke, lowered her head, and pressed a button.

In that moment, as she lowered her head, the stumbling figure in front of her suddenly grabbed her clothes, the coat falling to the ground. Xu Heran heard Ji Songyu’s seductive voice.

“Baby, come kiss me.”

Zhao Rourou chuckled softly. “Wait, how much did you drink?”

Can’t wait!

Ji Songyu, overtaken by the alcohol, suddenly grew bolder. She pushed the person against the wall, her hands wandering over the woman’s body, and her voice sounded impatient, “Kiss me quickly…”

The elevator doors slowly closed, and the rigid Xu Heran turned her head but still saw the entangled figures.

One of Ji Songyu’s legs hooked around Zhao Rourou, her head tilted back, lips locked with Zhao Rourou’s, their kiss both passionate and intense. Zhao Rourou’s fingers trailed down her face, then caught the collar of her light pink turtleneck shirt and pulled downward.

Ji Songyu’s top was well-fitted, the collar stretched to reveal a long gap, exposing her fair skin and a red mark…

“Click.” The elevator doors closed, blocking everything off.

All of these scenes flashed in an instant in the violet-blue eyes of someone, but were deeply imprinted in her rapidly beating heart.

So… it can be like this too.

The fingers hidden in the sleeve of the little pearl trembled slightly, and she bit her lip.

“Ding.”

The elevator stopped on Xu Heran’s floor. Xu Heran met a pair of eyes again.

Xin Nuo, who was waiting for her at the elevator door, straightened up, looking somewhat puzzled.

“What’s wrong?” Xin Nuo asked.

Xu Heran feigned ignorance, calmly saying, “What’s wrong with what?”

Xin Nuo raised an eyebrow, pulled the dazed girl out of the elevator, tilting her head and pinching Xu Heran’s face.

“Your face is very red.” She touched Xu Heran’s forehead, then withdrew her hand when she found it wasn’t warm, casually saying, “Your ears are red too.”

Xu Heran crossed her hands in her pockets, trying to act cool, her expression unchanged. When she lowered her gaze, she saw the soft fabric wrapped around Xin Nuo’s neck. Her eyes trembled, and she swallowed a gulp of saliva.

Xin Nuo’s gaze carried a knowing look.

“Your neck is red too.”

“…There’s nothing, it’s just too hot!” Xu Heran began to blather, “My clothes are red, and my skin turned red.”

“Anyway, there’s nothing!” She took long strides, walking briskly.

Xin Nuo followed behind her, and when Xu Heran was about to turn a corner, Xin Nuo’s tone floated lightly, “You’re going the wrong way.”

Xu Heran remained expressionless, turning her head and walking in the opposite direction.

“I was kidding, you dummy.” Xin Nuo laughed.

Xu Heran: “…”

The expressionless girl’s face grew even redder. She turned around and walked in the right direction. The light and delicate fragrance brushed against Xin Nuo’s nose as it wafted past.

“Xu Heran.” Xin Nuo stood in the empty corridor, asking the girl who was two steps away from her.

Xu Heran stopped, and in her chaotic mind, there was only one thought.

She couldn’t have gone the wrong way again, could she?

Xin Nuo leisurely walked up behind her, raised on her toes, tilted her head to look at the crimson tips of Xu Heran’s ears, and whispered softly, “You didn’t… happen to see something you shouldn’t have, did you?”

“This is a hotel~”

Boom—

A barrage of thoughts exploded in Xu Heran’s mind. She puffed up her cheeks, suppressing the imminent “no,” pretending to be calm as she said, “Huh?”

“What do you mean? What’s there in a hotel that you shouldn’t see?”

Surprised, she turned back and met black eyes, “Could it be something that scared Nuo Nuo, the thing in the garden that she didn’t dare go to alone that day?”

“Oh my god, that would be too scary!”

Xin Nuo squinted her eyes.

“Alright.”

Successfully provoking Xin Nuo’s annoyance, Xu Heran rubbed her head and was pushed away by Xin Nuo. She hurriedly followed behind her.

“I was just speaking casually.”

“Heh.” Xin Nuo opened the door, “Next time I won’t wait for you.”

“I won’t wait for you anywhere.”

“Don’t go.” The flush on Xu Heran’s face faded slightly. She pulled her hand out of her pocket, seemingly possessed by mischief. Her burning fingertips caught onto the high collar fabric of Xin Nuo’s shirt, pulling her backward.

Xin Nuo’s step halted, and her body was pushed back by Xu Heran’s force. Her back hit Xu Heran’s chest.

The girl who hadn’t been too angry before immediately grew furious.

“Xu Heran, are you getting bolder?” Xin Nuo turned around, grabbing Xu Heran’s wrist and lifting it up, asking her, “You don’t want it anymore?”

Xu Heran averted her gaze, not daring to meet her eyes. “I just… noticed that you and Sister Ji are both wearing high collars. I thought it was this year’s trend.”

“So, you decided to tug on my clothes?” Xin Nuo stared at her face, “Look at me when you speak.”

Xu Heran slowly lowered her head, taking a slow glance at Xin Nuo’s face. Her gaze uncontrollably moved downward, landing on the delicate curve of her neck.

It was right there, there was red, that thing, what was it?

Xu Heran: “…”

“…………”

“Gulp.”

“I’m tired, I want to sleep!” Xu Heran exclaimed loudly. She pulled her wrist from Xin Nuo’s grasp, patted Xin Nuo’s shoulder, “I’m going to sleep, okay? You should sleep early too, good night!”

Once again, the girl with a flushed face turned around, dashed towards her room, and as the sound of the door closing echoed, the girl left alone in the living room looked at her wrist that she hadn’t let go of yet in confusion.

“Indeed… you saw something you shouldn’t have, didn’t you?” Xin Nuo chuckled softly, then furrowed her brows, “Who was it? How can people just casually do that kind of thing outside?”

Scaring the little one, huh!

Lying on the bed, Xu Heran covered her head with the blanket, her mind bubbling and gurgling.

Although… she had stolen a kiss from Nuo Nuo, how could she, how could she even think about that thing on Nuo Nuo’s neck!

Is this what Little Pearl should be thinking about?

“Ah ah ah ah ah!”

Xu Heran hugged the blanket and rolled on the bed, until her long legs were entangled and couldn’t be pulled out by the blanket. She obediently lay there motionless. She struggled to squeeze her head out of the blanket, staring blankly at the ceiling in the darkness.

“Sleep!”

If she slept, she wouldn’t think about anything!

Xu Heran comforted herself and quickly closed her eyes.

“Are you falling asleep already?”

“Xu Heran?”

“Pearl?”

Xu Heran was awakened by a series of calls. Xin Nuo looked at her, shook her head, and pulled her blanket away.

“Get up quickly, the assistants have all gone downstairs. Our flight is at 10 o’clock. If we don’t get up now, we’ll miss it.”

Xu Heran mumbled in response, groggily freshened up, and let Xin Nuo lead her into the elevator.

Inside the elevator, Ji Songyu and Zhao Rourou were also present. Ji Songyu was still wearing her high-collar clothes, smiling as she greeted Xu Heran. Xu Heran’s gaze unconsciously landed on her neck, then quickly looked away.

!

“Little one, did you see something?” The alluring woman next to Ji Songyu asked her with a soft chuckle.

Nervously, Xu Heran said, “No.”

“Oh?” The woman wrapped her arms around Ji Songyu’s waist, her laughter deep and seductive. “Little one, have you never seen or understood this kind of thing before?”

“I could teach you.”

How would she teach?

Xu Heran’s eyes widened instantly. She stared at her dumbfoundedly. She saw the woman tightly embrace Ji Songyu, lower her head, and kiss Ji Songyu’s lips. Their two red lips entwined. Ji Songyu not only didn’t show a shy expression, but instead, she held onto the woman’s waist, kissing her passionately.

“!!!”

Xu Heran’s whole body was filled with surging blood. Her nose caught a familiar scent. A snow-white finger lightly brushed her chin, reminding her to lower her head.

The face that she could almost depict even with her eyes closed suddenly drew nearer. The black-haired girl placed a hand on her neck, causing her to bow her head. She crashed into a gentle pool of water, where the water was crystal clear and reflected the crescent moon in the sky.

As if a lotus flower was nestled in her eyes, Xu Heran smelled the fragrance of the lotus, mixed with the familiar scent that the girl often used, almost permeating her blood and pores.

“Take a look at what they’re up to.”

In a daze, Xu Heran realized that she didn’t know when she had embraced the girl’s waist. The girl’s waist was delicate, soft, and just a handful. Xin Nuo’s breath brushed against her face, falling on her neck when she lowered her head. That breath seemed to have colors, slowly drifting when it touched her skin. A faint mist formed beside the black-haired girl’s eyes.

“Look at me, good Pearl. Is sister not pretty?”

She heard Xin Nuo’s melodious voice softly whispering, her laughter gentle, melting her heart into a pool of water.

She felt the girl’s fingertips wandering on her back, like a mischievous fish, swaying its nearly transparent tail, like drifting clouds, dancing into the pool deep in her heart.

“Mhm, my precious Pearl, is sister pretty?”

It was as if she was being pushed and collided with the elevator wall by the girl. Xu Heran felt hot, very hot, from her heart to her bones, to her flesh, to her skin. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, dripping down her back, leaving her so overheated that she could only open her mouth to pant.

“Pretty.”

Xu Heran’s words came out, and she realized her voice had turned hoarse. She subconsciously grabbed the girl’s fingers, kneading them tightly in her palm. But she dared only to hold Xin Nuo’s hand, gazing quietly into her eyes that held both a smiling and mischievous mood.

“Good Pearl.” The girl caressed her face as if praising her, following down her chin slowly, tracing across the pulsating veins in her neck, over her tense clavicle that seemed to be a taut string, over the deep cleft in her center, over her tightly toned abdominal muscles, pausing just above her abdomen with a gentle touch.

Xu Heran’s body “thumped” against the elevator. She heard countless explosions ringing in her ears, shaking her body slightly.

“I like you a lot too, Pearl.”

The girl in front of her chuckled lightly, her eyes curving. Suddenly, she lifted that finger that had caused Xu Heran’s body to go “chaotic”. She removed the pearl hairpin that was holding her black hair.

This pearl hairpin was the one she had given to Xin Nuo. Xin Nuo liked it a lot and often wore it, nestled in her thick, shiny black hair.

At this moment, that sleek hair fell suddenly. Xu Heran seemed to hear the sound of it falling in her ears, like water, or something else, a cascade of things.

She watched as Xin Nuo tilted her head, using her snow-white arm to push the hair aside, revealing her long neck. It was covered by a beige sweater.

“It’s alright, sister will give it to you.”

Give… what?

Xu Heran’s heart raced, and she stared blankly as the girl used her other hand to lightly pull the collar. Just like peeling the skin off a ripe peach, the translucent, gleaming skin hidden beneath the fabric came into view.

That slender neck was even softer than a swan’s, fairer than snow, and seemed to carry a hint of creaminess. Yet it lay brazenly, cradled before Xu Heran.

“Darling, do you want a bite?”

Xu Heran heard Xin Nuo’s gentle inquiry. In her eyes, those dark black eyes were gentle and alluring, a version of Xin Nuo she had never seen before.

“Sister will let you bite, sister wants you to bite.”

“Come on, good Pearl.”

“You can do anything you want to sister.”

Boom—

Xu Heran was enticed.

Her rationality was drained away. In an instant, she stood up, tightly embracing Xin Nuo’s body. She lowered her head, lightly smelling Xin Nuo’s neck, as if she wanted to inhale every aroma emanating from her body, leaving nothing behind, all the scents hidden inside her.

“Is it okay?” She held Xin Nuo and softly asked, afraid of rejection, holding Xin Nuo’s waist tightly. “Can it really be… okay?”

“Can I also caress your leg?” She whispered in Xin Nuo’s ear.

“You can, good girl.”

She heard Xin Nuo’s voice.

A gentle hand fell onto her hair, carrying encouragement.

Xu Heran opened her mouth.

“…Spit it out!”

She wiped her mouth and got out of the tangled mess of her sheets, sitting there in a daze for a while.

“A dream…” Xu Heran wiped her mouth again, staring blankly, tilting her head, looking at the air.

“Uh…”

Of course, it was a dream.

The embarrassment in Xu Heran’s heart slowly crept out. She touched her face a bit self-consciously, not understanding why she had such a dream.

The girl with messy hair climbed out of bed, her whole body flushed, and went to the bathroom to shower.

8 a.m. in the morning.

Xin Nuo finished packing, pulled her suitcase, opened the door, and as soon as she raised her head, she saw a certain Pearl lying lifelessly on the sofa.

“Xu Heran?” Xin Nuo called out.

Xu Heran had changed into a black hoodie, still quite loose. The hoodie had a large pocket in the front. She had her long legs draped over the armrest of the couch, her lower legs hanging down. She wore the hoodie’s hood over her head, covering her face, and her hands were tucked into the hoodie pocket.

Beside the couch was Xu Heran’s suitcase.

“…What time did you wake up? Why didn’t you wake me?” Xin Nuo chuckled, patting her leg.

Xu Heran’s leg trembled slightly. She lifted her head, and as she was about to touch Xin Nuo, she abruptly pulled back her hoodie.

Her silvery-white hair slipped out from the hoodie, and it was then that Xin Nuo noticed that Xu Heran was wearing a baseball cap inside.

“Why, are you not going for the vibrant look today?” Xin Nuo asked with a smile.

Xu Heran lifted her gaze, but before she could meet Xin Nuo’s eyes, she averted her own. Leaning against the couch, her voice slightly hoarse, she said, “Being too vibrant… isn’t always a good thing,”

Xin Nuo: “?”

“It can lead to impulsiveness.”

Xin Nuo raised an eyebrow.

“Let’s go, let’s head back home quickly. This place is ominous.” Xu Heran’s expression turned serious, her face growing somber. She looked as if someone had angered her, saying, “I don’t want to be here within six months.”

Xin Nuo was full of question marks, and after a moment of thought, she whispered softly, “Last night…”

The girl in front of her suddenly turned her head, her eyes widening, staring at her.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?” Xin Nuo patted her shoulder. “I mean, about last night… you shouldn’t take it to heart.”

Xu Heran raised an eyebrow. “Not take it to heart?”

“Yeah.” Xin Nuo had actually looked up how to make little Pearl return to normal and not be traumatized by what she saw yesterday. According to her research, she summarized and then softly said, “It’s a normal human need, but sometimes it might happen in the wrong place and with the wrong person.”

Xu Heran: “………………”

Xin Nuo: “But you shouldn’t punish yourself for someone else’s mistake. Look at your dark circles. You and Jiang Qiong have stayed up all night playing games, and neither of you have dark circles, right?”

Xu Heran: “Ahem.”

“Didn’t play games.” Little Pearl stumbled over her words. “No, um… just didn’t.”

Xin Nuo held her hand.

“Yeah, remember that. Don’t run around and look randomly when you’re out next time.” Xin Nuo whispered softly.

Xu Heran: “Mm.”

“Yeah.”

Xin Nuo felt that Xu Heran suddenly became more obedient, seemingly affected by yesterday’s experience. She decided to buy some desserts for Xu Heran before they boarded the plane.

The two of them walked to the elevator, and as the elevator doors opened, Ji Songyu and Zhao Rourou were standing outside, waving at them.

Xu Heran: “………………”

“No, thanks.” Xu Heran said subconsciously.

“Hurry up, I’ll send you off,” Ji Songyu yawned, resting her head on Zhao Rourou’s shoulder.

Xu Heran took a glance and noticed that Ji Songyu wasn’t carrying a suitcase. She immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside the elevator, Xu Heran put on a mask and glasses, covering herself completely.

“Are you going to shoot the Men in Black?” Ji Songyu asked with a smile. “Isn’t your itinerary confidential?”

“Being prepared is never a bad thing.” Xu Heran’s tone was stiff.

Xin Nuo lightly chuckled and shook her head.

“When is your movie coming out?” Ji Songyu asked Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo answered, “The exact timing isn’t clear, probably during the summer season.”

“Director Li is quite demanding. I heard that he often wraps up shooting with the actors, but when it comes to editing, he’s not satisfied and calls them back for reshoots.” Ji Songyu hadn’t stood straight since getting into the elevator. She leaned against Zhao Rourou the whole time, yawning repeatedly. “But Li’s films are guaranteed. You’ll probably get a supporting role award next year.”

“Yeah,” Xin Nuo said. “I think Director Li has a good eye for scripts.”

They talked about filmmaking until they exited. Xu Heran and Xin Nuo got into a chauffeured car.

“Goodbye, remember to let me know when you’re home safely.” Ji Songyu bent down and waved at the two.

“Thanks, Sis Ji Ji, thanks, Sis Rou Rou, goodbye!” Xu Heran waved.

“Goodbye.”

The black chauffeured car, escorted by front and rear vehicles, left the towering building. Xin Nuo fastened her seatbelt, adjusted her seat slightly backward, and suddenly said, “Sister Songyu and Sister Rou Rou…”

Xu Heran’s heart skipped a beat.

“What’s wrong?”

Xin Nuo looked at the girl who suddenly sat up, her expression somewhat surprised. She explained with a smile, “I was going to say that they have a pretty good relationship.”

Xu Heran: “Yeah!”

“That’s nice.”

Xu Heran slowly lay back down.

Xin Nuo glanced at her and narrowed her eyes.

The secrecy of their trip had been well maintained. From leaving the capital city to returning to their hometown by the sea, they hadn’t encountered any fans picking them up along the way. Xu Heran had slept throughout the journey, not even touching the desserts Xin Nuo had bought for her, keeping them to enjoy at home.

On the way back, Xin Nuo and Xu Heran conveniently picked up some “takeout” for the fairy friends in their group. When Xu Heran was looking down at her phone, she heard Xin Nuo ask her, “By the way, did you not meet your younger brother when you went to the capital city this time?”

Xu Heran said with frustration, “I asked him, and he said he’s busy, told me not to bother him.”

She narrowed her eyes, “Is that rascal secretly dating behind my back?”

Xin Nuo asked with a smile, “But in university campuses, there are rarely 16-year-olds like your brother. According to the age most people start university in Hua Country, your brother would be at least two years younger than the girls he’d be dating.”

Xu Heran hesitated and said, “So what if it’s two years? Two years isn’t that big of a difference.”

“Do you like someone older than you?” Xu Heran said with a tone that sounded a bit unfriendly.

Xin Nuo raised her hand and tapped her forehead. “What I mean is that college students dating is normal, but your brother’s case would be considered young love, and young love isn’t advisable.”

“…” Xu Heran pouted, “He’s almost 16 and a half now. It’s been almost a month. Chinese New Year is at the end of the month, and he’ll be 17 next year. Seventeen, rounding it up, he’s practically 20.”

“… You’re quite lenient.”

“Your brother should at least say thank you to his big sister when he hears this.”

“Hmph.” Xu Heran raised her chin.

Seeing that she was back to normal compared to when she just woke up, Xin Nuo breathed a sigh of relief.

The chauffeured car stopped at the SGS villa. The assistant from the lead car came down to help Xu Heran and Xin Nuo with their luggage.

Xu Heran walked confidently, her thumb poking at the keypad.

“Please enter the password.”

Xu Heran: “?”

She entered the password. Their current password was the debut time of SGS.

“I’m sorry, the password is incorrect.”

Xu Heran: “?”

“Open the door!” Xu Heran knocked on the door, “Jiang Qiong, did you do this?”

“Your fried chicken is still in my hands. If you don’t open the door, I’ll call Sister Cui immediately!” Xu Heran threatened.

Behind the door came a weak voice, “Say the password, no password, no entry.”

“What password?” Xin Nuo leaned against Xu Heran and asked.

The door “clunked” and a piece of paper floated out. The door “bang” closed.

Quick as lightning, Xu Heran grabbed the A4 paper and read aloud, “Recite silently, Jiang Qiong will definitely pass the final exams, I’m willing to use half of my aura to grant Jiang Xiaoqiong the power to pass the final exams… Are you having exams?”

“Quit the chatter, read quickly!”

“I read it, will you open the door for me?” Xu Heran said with a mischievous smile. “If you don’t open the door, you’ll definitely fail your final exams!”

“You’re so annoying!” Jiang Qiong yelled, opening the door. “Can’t you cooperate a little?”

Xu Heran grinned and tossed her fried chicken to her, “Jiang Qiong will pass the finals!”

“Blessing all students named Jiang Qiong with smooth and successful exams.”

Jiang Qiong rolled her eyes and was about to say something when she grabbed a handful of Xu Heran’s hair in surprise. “Did you dye it white again?”

“It’s silver, okay?” Xu Heran said.

At that moment, three girls floated out of the kitchen. Each of them moved with an ethereal grace, wearing pajamas, expressionless. They held coffee cups in their hands.

“You’re back?” Haya put her hands on her hips, tapped the corridor, held her enamel cup that said “Passing Exams for Sure,” blew on it to cool it down, and sipped the coffee like tea. “Sigh, ahh.”

“You all look so pitiful,” Xu Heran mercilessly taunted. “You don’t study on regular days, but you’re in a rush during finals.”

“Now we can’t sleep at night, meeting knowledge night after night.” Haya blew some more hot air, glanced at Xu Heran, and said, “You, all in black, look a bit scary.”

“What about Xin Nuo?” Lin Weining leaned against Haya, weakly asking.

“These people are tormented by studying.” Xu Heran shook her head, then turned and realized Xin Nuo hadn’t come in.

“Nuo Nuo?”

“Yeah.” Outside the door, Xin Nuo held a bag in her left hand and her phone in her right, frowning as she read messages. She noticed everyone’s gaze and sighed, “It’s been so long since I studied that I forgot I’m also a college student.”

“Sigh.”

Xu Heran: “Huh?”

Compared to ordinary college students like Jiang Qiong who studied accounting and struggled with books and subjects during finals, Xin Nuo, who studied dance, breathed a sigh of relief. Her dance exam was handled leniently by the teacher. She sent in a dance video, and the written exams were around January 10th.

Her alma mater wasn’t in Haicheng; it was in her mother’s hometown, the W Province, known as the birthplace of dance. She pursued her mother’s dream of dancing, retaking the university her mother attended. Unexpectedly, she ended up in the entertainment industry, debuting as an idol.

In both stages of her life, she ultimately walked her own path. Upon reflection, everyone should tread their own road.

Xin Nuo smiled.

Xu Heran, who was busy wiping the lens with a cloth, paused and then joined in the laughter, saying, “Are you ready?”

After learning about the exam content, Xin Nuo spent two days choreographing and practicing a dance routine.

“Yeah.” Xin Nuo nodded, raised her hand to touch Xu Heran’s hair, and said, “You’ve worked hard, Zhuzhu.”

Xu Heran bent her eyes happily and sat cross-legged on the practice room floor. Jian Yueyin and Laurel, who didn’t have exams, stood on the side with their arms crossed. Before long, the other four who were preparing for finals also arrived. Everyone gazed at Xin Nuo with tender eyes.

In the winter, sunlight pierced through the thick glass, casting a warm glow.

The girls danced in the warm hues, resembling butterflies emerging from their cocoons—soft, resilient, powerful.

She turned, leaped, and extended her slender legs.

The girl directly facing her stared at her graceful leg lines in a daze.

Xin Nuo’s legs are beautiful, Xu Heran thought. But if they were intertwined with mine, they would undoubtedly be even more beautiful.

Author’s Note:

Happy Qixi Festival!!! This chapter has 9,999 words, wishing all the lovers in the world eternal happiness~

Everyone is celebrating Qixi Festival, and here I am watching Peppa Pig—impossible, haha. Recently, I’ve actually been watching Crayon Shin-chan (wipes tears). I still hope everyone finds love in their hearts, embraces their loves, and remains happymua

Also, about the lucky draw, I checked the rules, and I set it to be 100% subscription-based. Additionally, there’s a requirement on the website: 2. Only users with a medium-level VIP membership or above can participate in the lucky draw activity. You can find the specific rules in the “Lucky Draw Activity Explanation and Management Method” document. Clicking on the lucky draw activity will take you to the page.

---

Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis
Proofreader: Ruu

Please support us on Ko-Fi.

---