Chapter 68

After completing the Keruite perfume advertisement and posters, everyone immediately followed Sister Cui’s itinerary and flew to various parts of the country to participate in year-end music events on various TV stations.

On January 25th, with one week left until the Lunar New Year, the eight members of SGS and the four members of FYU landed at Yucheng International Airport.

Yucheng enjoys a spring-like climate all year round. The weather here is warm, earning it the nickname “Spring City.” The city seems to have been built within a forest, lush with greenery and blooming flowers.

The annual Golden Sound and Jade Melody Music Awards ceremony is held in Yucheng. It’s now in its fifty-sixth year and has become one of Huazhou’s renowned and prestigious music awards.

Compared to their previous low-key styles, this time everyone came prepared. A group of beautiful girls had their makeup done before getting off the plane, changing into dresses of the same color but different styles.

“Starting from getting off the plane, it’s live streaming, live broadcasting. Numerous cameras are pointed at you. You must be in high spirits!” Sister Cui reminded everyone.

Xu Heran’s hair was cut slightly shorter now, reaching only about half a hand’s length below her shoulders. The hairstylist had styled the upper part of her hair and tied it into a short ponytail at the back of her head. The girl’s silver hair, paired with golden-rimmed glasses, gave her a somewhat aloof appearance when she wasn’t speaking and had a faint expression.

Who knows if the stylist did it on purpose, but Xin Nuo was also wearing silver-rimmed glasses. Both of their glasses were from the same series but had different styles. Pearls dangled from the lower ends of Xu Heran’s glasses frames, while black crystals adorned the ends of Xin Nuo’s frames.

As soon as the two got off the plane, the makeup artist grabbed them to rearrange their hairstyles. During that brief moment of eye contact, Xu Heran raised an eyebrow at Xin Nuo.

Xin Nuo pursed her lips and looked away.

Other girls were also being attended to by stylists. Jiang Qiong and Laurel stood together, with Woof Woof whispering in Laurel’s ear.

“Have you noticed that Xu Pearl has been acting… quite promiscuous lately?” Jiang Qiong remarked keenly.

“Excuse me?” Laurel replied, baffled.

Can you really associate the term “little pearl” with “promiscuous”?

“I always feel like she’s been quite flirtatious lately,” Jiang Qiong remarked astutely.

“Don’t be silly,” Laurel said, pondering for a moment. “Maybe Little Pearl has just grown up.”

Both of them glanced at Xu Heran simultaneously. The profile of her face was smooth and perfect, her lips curled into a smile, and she looked… very attractive.

The very plain yet sincere vocabulary, when used to describe Xu Heran, was the most practical expression.

“Wow, if she wasn’t grown up, how would others survive?” Jiang Qiong couldn’t help but say, slipping her phone into her bag.

Laurel looked at Xu Heran again and pondered, “Let’s see. She still has a bit of childishness.”

In a few more years, Xu Heran, who would have completely become an adult, would probably be an enigmatic presence.

Jiang Qiong chuckled, “I’ll be waiting.”

Once the makeup artist worked their magic, the radiant group of people breathed a sigh of relief. Following Sister Cui’s instructions, they straightened their postures, lifted their chins, and tucked in their stomachs before entering the hall.

Almost the moment they stepped inside, “click click click” went the sound of shutters. Countless entertainment journalists stood outside the red line in the photography area, wielding cameras of all sizes.

“Hello, everyone!”

The twelve girls waved and smiled at everyone.

They hadn’t even left the airport gate yet when the airport candid photos of SGS and FYU appeared on various major entertainment and marketing social media accounts, happily shared by fans. As they walked out of the airport gate, fans who had rushed from all over to welcome them shouted in excitement.

“Xu Pearl—”

“Xin Nuo, I love you!”

Xu Heran and the others deliberately paused for a moment to let the fans take photos. They even chatted with some fans, reminding them to stay safe and return home early. Afterwards, they boarded the luxury car sent by Universal Entertainment.

“Should we head straight to the red carpet?” Jian Yueyin asked.

“Yes, after the red carpet, there’s the award ceremony, then the pseudo-emotional exchange party, and finally, everyone goes their separate ways. This year’s mission will be accomplished,” Haya said. She glanced at the girls around her and asked, “Where’s Ning Ning?”

“Captain Xian is with Ranran and the others in the car to the red carpet. She thought they might be nervous,” Xu Heran explained.

“What a great captain,” Jiang Qiong exclaimed immediately. “Of course, that doesn’t mean Yueyin is not good.”

Jian Yueyin smiled faintly, “Let’s just pretend you didn’t say that.”

Jiang Qiong’s eyes widened in fear.

Everyone burst into laughter, the tension in their hearts drowned in the laughter.

Traveling eastward along the wide road, the car stopped on the path leading to the grand auditorium built by the lake.

Sister Cui got out of the front car, knocked on their door, “There are two other celebrities waiting to walk the red carpet ahead. Don’t rush, don’t get nervous, and definitely don’t act unreasonably! No fooling around on the red carpet, no saying things you shouldn’t in front of the host, and no inappropriate actions!”

With each sentence, she would glance at Xu Heran.

The people in the back rows struggled to hold back their laughter.

Xu Heran sighed helplessly, “You’re making me sound like a five-year-old.”

“You’re only missing two words to sound like a five-year-old,” Sister Cui said. “I’ll be waiting for you at the corner of the red carpet. When the live camera focuses on you, remember to smile.”

They had only debuted half a year ago, achieving remarkable success that made many people envious. Standing at a high position, every word and action of theirs would be magnified. Sister Cui couldn’t control what others said, but she could remind them to be cautious about their words and behavior. Of course, if someone tried to smear the girls, Universal Entertainment wouldn’t just stand by.

After many entertainment companies and marketing accounts that had previously underestimated Universal’s determination to protect their artists suffered losses, they thought twice before writing articles about Universal’s artists.

Soon, the driver received a message. The car carrying SGS started slowly, and everyone sat up straight, looking at the lively scene in the distance. The nervousness that had disappeared while playing hide-and-seek suddenly came back, and someone insisted on holding their hand.

Xu Heran turned her head and looked at everyone, “Familiarity breeds fondness, my friends.”

Among them, only Xin Nuo held her face with her hand, smiling softly.

“Jiong’er, don’t shake!” Haya held onto Jiang Qiong’s shoulder.

“Feels like a dream back to the talent show stage,” Jiang Qiong took a deep breath. As their car approached, the voice of the host rang out, and with the sound of “Welcome to the SGS Idol Girl Group,” the cheers of fans erupted.

“Let’s go.”

Xu Heran pulled the car door down. As they got closer to the red carpet, the staff member responsible for opening the door seemed stunned. Amidst the fans’ laughter, they touched their head and walked back.

Cui Qi, who had been observing from a distance, raised her hand and covered her face.

“Good afternoon, everyone!” Xu Heran waved with a smile.

“Ah, ah, ah!”

It was unclear whether these fans came spontaneously or were chosen by the official team, but at a glance, many SGS cheering signs were seen. The girls in the car, at the moment they set foot on the red carpet, suddenly felt their hearts steady.

This was mainly manifested in Jiang Qiong no longer trembling.

The black car drove away, and the car behind them stopped. The seven girls stood there without moving, waving to the crowd with smiles. When the five members of FYU got out of the car, Lin Weining walked over with a smile, and that was when the SGS members started moving.

“Look this way, please!” The journalists’ voices were enthusiastic. Everyone cooperated for the photos. They walked steadily to the side of the host.

“Hello, everyone, we are—”

“SGS!”

“Singing for you, beauty for you. Hello, everyone, we are!”

“FYU!”

The host smiled and said, “It’s the first time so many people are standing in front of me at once, and every one of you is so young and beautiful. It’s truly a delightful sight!”

The other host immediately added, “Indeed, of course, for tonight’s award ceremony, we need not only beauty but also beautiful voices. In the latter half of this year, both of your girl groups have been actively promoting your albums and songs. So, do you have confidence that you’ll win your first music award tonight?”

The hosts passed the microphones to the two team leaders.

Jian Yueyin smiled and said, “Whether we can win the award isn’t important. The fact that we can stand here is already an affirmation. We’re very happy and proud to be here, saying hello to all our friends who support us.”

The host said, “Eh, does that mean you don’t have confidence in your own music?”

The other host quickly added, “How could they lack confidence? The name of our SGS captain is a symbol of love for music.”

Xu Heran smiled and said, “Of course, our partner for Yueyin is music. She’s loyal and devoted to music, and music naturally returns the same love to her.”

“Oh?” the host said with a smile. “It seems everyone is still expecting something from tonight. So, we wish for all your wishes to come true!”

The hosts’ playful teasing was prearranged, and everyone didn’t mind. They waved and walked to the signing area behind the red carpet, greeting the camera crew.

Xu Heran held a pen between her fingertips and waited until Xin Nuo finished signing her name before she signed next to her. After signing, she intentionally drew a circle and circled Xin Nuo’s name.

Xin Nuo smiled and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Drawing a little pearl,” Xu Heran made a face that seemed to say, “This is how I sign.”

Only when they left the public area and were on their way to the auditorium did Xin Nuo reach out and pat Xu Heran’s arm.

“Little trickster.”

Xu Heran chuckled softly. “Did I deceive my sister’s heart?”

“Then should I compensate you with a pearl?”

Xin Nuo wanted to mock her with a cheesy line, but her lips couldn’t help but curl up. “You learn all this from textbooks every day?”

“Hmm?” Xu Heran put on a serious expression. “Since I used it and it had an effect, it means I learned it right.”

“Clever reasoning.” Xin Nuo walked in front of her. “Where does it have any use?”

“It’s useless studying.”

“Is that so?”

Xu Heran didn’t say anything. After they took their seats, she adjusted her clothes, turned her head, and poked Xin Nuo’s shoulder. Xin Nuo slowly turned her head around, but before she could see Xu Heran’s face, her own face was pinched.

Someone’s middle finger pressed against her chin, index and thumb pinched her cheeks, examining her expression.

Xin Nuo lifted both hands and held onto her cheeks.

“I wanted to say,” Xu Heran said with a mischievous smile while Xin Nuo was still holding onto her cheeks, “why do I feel like some people quite like me?”

“It looks like you want to keep Little Pearl at home.”

Xin Nuo narrowed her eyes. “Sorry, my home already has a Little Pearl, very precious. It doesn’t need any other Little Pearl to replace it.”

What she said referred to the gift Xu Heran had given her.

Xu Heran immediately responded, “Tonight, I’m going to climb your wall and steal it!”

“Feel free to come,” Xin Nuo sneered. “You have no idea where I put it anyway.”

“It can’t possibly be in your heart.” Xu Heran deliberately said, but as soon as she finished, the pressure on her face increased a bit. Little Pearl gasped. “I was wrong, I won’t tease anymore!”

The two stared at each other and simultaneously let go of their hands.

Xu Heran raised her hand, rubbed her face, and chuckled. “Is it under the pillow or inside the blanket?”

“Sister, do you like having Little Pearl sleep with you?”

Xin Nuo averted her gaze. “You guessed wrong, fool.”

“Okay.” Xu Heran shook her head disappointedly. “I thought sister wanted to sleep with Little Pearl.”

Her voice was very soft, but it happened to reach Xin Nuo’s ears.

Xin Nuo kept her eyes fixed ahead, her ears turning slightly red.

“What are you saying? Can’t I listen too?”

“When they were pinching each other’s faces, did they ever think about this being a live broadcast?”

“Moreover, this is a live broadcast with the entire Huaguo music industry watching. Can’t they show some restraint? If they have the guts, they should just kiss, what’s with the face-pinching nonsense! Xu Pearl, I look down on you!”

“Hahaha, I see Sister Cui. Sister Cui’s face is so dark, standing at the back of the auditorium, arms crossed, glaring at Xu Pearl. But Little Pearl is still happily talking to Xin Nuo, hahaha.”

“So Sister Cui is so biased, only glaring at Zhu Zhu and not at Nuo Nuo. What does that mean? It means Zhu Zhu is the one who actively flirts with Nuo Nuo at home!”

“Let me interpret for everyone: Zhu Zhu (pinching Nuo Nuo’s face): Darling, come give me a kiss.

Nuo Nuo refuses and pinches her face: Fool, not here.

Zhu Zhu: Why? I can’t resist.

Nuo Nuo: Then we can kiss at home, be good, hold back a bit.

Zhu Zhu: Alright, I’ll spare you.

Nuo Nuo: I’ll spare you too.”

“The last line aside, I would have believed it. Does Nuo Nuo really say ‘I love you’? Hard to imagine!”

“Me too… Nuo Nuo really looks gentle and soft, but she’s actually colder than anyone else. Sob sob, that’s why ‘Peng Ran Xin Dong’ feels more genuine! How can someone be so special to just one person? Nuo Nuo might not say ‘I love you,’ but her every word and action are saying, ‘I love you!’ ‘Peng Ran Xin Dong’ is real!”

“Oh dear, it’s still joyful to watch our own live broadcast. They’re all fans of our own group. The main channel is so crowded, all sorts of comments are flying. Oh right, FYU is here too. I thought they wouldn’t come this year. After all, they just debuted a month ago.”

“But FYU’s debut song is so catchy! The new song is super nice to listen to, it’s topping the charts! They truly deserve it after coming out from the survival show 《Starlight Girls》 Everyone’s so talented!”

“That dog Director Liu is really good at creating variety shows. 《Starlight Girls》 had so many talented contestants. Many who didn’t debut are also amazing. I was worried that someone like Yue Meng Shi Yi got eliminated early on, and it would affect Weining’s performance, but it turned out better than expected.”

“It’s not that Liu chose well, it’s that Universal dug well, right? After 《Starlight Girls》 ended, all the major entertainment companies were frantically recruiting talents. That incident with Wei Ning was stirred up like this, wasn’t it? We should believe in Universal. I really feel like the company is good. They don’t favor one over the other. Look at the variety shows SGS has been on, FYU follows suit, the company takes really good care of them.”

“Hahaha, I saw Lingxi and the Moon. They came around the back two rows to give everyone a hug. The ‘Mengdong Girls’ are really pitiful, even more so than Ning Ning, who’s often ‘bullied’ in the group variety shows. Debuting clashed with SGS, releasing albums clashed with FYU, they’re hitting their heads against walls.”

“Ning Ning stays silent, Ning Ning looks wronged, Ning Ning cries out. Is kindness a fault?”

“That’s right, but they’ll still be bullied, hahaha.”

“Other than Lingxi and the Moon, the other girls in ‘Mengdong Girls’ aren’t up to par. It’s not about their character or anything, just pure skill. They’re quite a bit behind Lingxi and the Moon. It feels like they were forced together to debut as a group, like they were pieced together. I watched a variety show they participated in, and besides Lingxi and the Moon, the rest really struggled. How can someone perform so rigidly on a variety show?”

“Oh dear, they have less experience, you know. You can’t compare them to other groups. The ones in SGS, one after another, have big hearts, they know how to play. Just look at Little Pearl, she was already called ‘Demon King’ on stage during the audition. Right now, I’m more worried about ‘Mengdong Girls.’ I quite like Lingxi, but the company favors the senior groups too much. Some employees inside the company complained that many of their songs are leftovers from the senior groups. Sigh, they didn’t achieve anything after their debut, and they can’t make achievements now. They don’t even have a group variety show. The company isn’t putting in enough effort.”

“Sigh, that’s why being a fan of SGS is great! Top-tier group! Fearless, not afraid of anyone!”

“…Well, true, but! SGS is a limited-time group! Sob sob sob, it’s already a new year, next September, they’ll…”

“…”

“Stop talking, I’m starting to cry.”

“…”

“Sister Xi!” Xu Heran and Xin Nuo stood up, greeting Lu Xi in the front row.

“Good afternoon, good afternoon. Your concert in March, right?” Lu Xi smiled and said, “Are you inviting guests? Do you need me to help out?”

Lu Xi debuted early, has many hit songs, and is a very talented singer.

Xu Heran smiled and said, “Then the fans won’t be coming to the concert for us.”

“Oh, well, you’re making me shy. Contact me then. If I don’t have any prior engagements, I’ll definitely come to help you guys,” Lu Xi said.

“Thanks, Sister Xi!”

Besides Lu Xi, the members of 《Starlight Girls》 also saw the mentors from the previous program. The auditorium before the awards ceremony was like a social gathering, everyone making friends and chatting with old acquaintances.

As everyone chatted, the auditorium became increasingly crowded. A group of girls in white dresses entered the auditorium with smiles.

Lin Weining was a bit surprised, but then composed herself. She turned her head and continued chatting with Haya.

“Who are they?”

Xu Heran asked Xin Nuo in a hushed tone.

Even though she had debuted recently, she knew that on various occasions, those who arrived later represented higher status and importance. But she had no impression of these girls sitting in the same row.

Xin Nuo’s gaze returned from the girls sitting in the same row, “Angel Entertainment.”

Xu Heran blinked.

“The girl group that debuted a few months earlier than Sister Ran’s group,” Xin Nuo explained, “Angel Entertainment is favoring the old-takes-in-the-new approach this year. They must have come with one of Angel Entertainment’s veteran singers.”

Xin Nuo remembered them from her past life’s memories as well. She recalled that this girl group released only a few songs in the previous life, but their popularity fluctuated. This one event of boosting their popularity was criticized by quite a few fans of other groups and celebrities.

Not long after the girl group from Angel Entertainment sat down, one of the veteran singers from Angel Entertainment, a handsome middle-aged man, took his seat in the first row, smiling.

Xu Heran nodded her head slightly, not paying much attention.

After three more superstar singers took their seats, the grand auditorium was full, and the awards ceremony officially began.

Numerous cameras roamed across the faces of the attendees, capturing their expressions and displaying them on the central screen in the auditorium. Each person wore a smile.

To kick off the awards ceremony, a few singers were invited on stage by the production team. Lu Xi, who had just chatted with Xu Heran and Xin Nuo, was the opening act. In the middle, the combination Angel Blue, who walked the red carpet with the Angel Entertainment veteran singer earlier, took the stage amid the puzzled expressions of the audience.

It was a lively singing and dancing performance. Since the audience consisted of fellow singers, it was easy to tell that they were lip-syncing. Still, everyone smiled and applauded.

At this point, the atmosphere in the live stream was relatively harmonious.

After the warm-up performance, the awards ceremony began, with veteran singers presenting awards to the newly awarded recipients.

Sister Cui had analyzed with them which awards were possible for them to win and which ones to give up on. As they approached the later part of the ceremony, when the host announced the “Best New Artist Musician of the Year” award, many groups that had debuted this year straightened up in their seats.

Xu Heran pinched her fingers and looked at Jian Yueyin.

Their team captain’s eyes were bright, focused on the host.

“Before presenting this award, let’s invite Able and Angel Blue to perform a song for us…”

A question mark popped up in Xu Heran’s mind.

Why is it you guys again?

Except for the opening and middle performances, it was usually after presenting the awards that the winning musicians would perform their own songs. Tonight, however, was the first time someone would perform before the awards were presented.

But as the white-dressed girl who sat with them stood up with a smile, Xu Heran’s question mark immediately turned into an exclamation mark.

Ah, got it.

Xin Nuo touched her chin, maintaining her gentle expression. The camera seemed intentional, capturing the faces of the SGS members. Xin Nuo didn’t even glance, smiling at the person beside her and saying, “Tsk, Angels.”

Jian Yueyin chuckled, “Tsk, Angels.”

“No wonder they’re called Angels,” Xu Heran applauded.

“A big company’s something else.”

“Hahaha!”

“Embarrassing.”

“I suggest Sister Cui learn a thing or two about their thick skin.”

The only honest one turned her head, covering her mouth with her hand, and said to the smiling people beside her, “Don’t be like this, it scares me.”

“Just laugh,” Xu Heran said with a smile.

Lin Weining was quite adept at this skill, immediately curving her lips upward.

“… What the heck is this?”

“Blatant promotion! Shameless!”

“Seriously, does Angel Entertainment have any shame left?”

“They’ve directly changed the program sequence. How much money did Angel pay? Did the official just agree to it? Are tonight’s awards okay?”

“I’m starting to doubt that. Fortunately, it’s just a performance. If they come up again after the show ends, I’ll be furious!”

“This group has been getting all sorts of resources since their debut. But instead of skyrocketing, they’ve been arguing with this group and causing trouble with that group. How can anyone chase after them without getting frustrated?”

“Actually, I suspect that this group’s fans are all Angel’s internet army. Who likes to argue with others all the time? I don’t get it.”

“I don’t understand why they’re allowed to sit in the second row. Just forced promotion?”

Inside the live stream, fans of various singers gathered, and many were unhappy with how Angel Entertainment was disrupting the award presentation process. At this point, many fans of Angel’s artists and fans of other artists who were watching the live stream for fun quickly added that maybe the process had been changed. Angel Blue, who had just debuted, might win the Best New Artist award!

Before the fans could finish their remarks, a voice started singing on stage, the exquisite melody echoing in the auditorium and the live stream. Many rational fans of other Angel artists clamped their mouths shut.

At least… you should sing live! Singing and dancing earlier without mics was one thing! But for a ballad, what’s the point of lip-syncing to the original track?

From the first awards ceremony until now, there hadn’t been a single singer who lip-synced on stage at the Golden Melody Awards!

In one night, this Angel’s girl group had broken tradition twice. Well done!

In the audience, the veteran Angel singer on stage awkwardly adjusted his posture.

The challenging four minutes passed, and Angel Blue bowed to express their gratitude before leaving the stage. Scattered applause echoed from the audience.

The host’s professionalism kept him smiling as he invited the award presenters on stage.

Unfortunately, the award presenter happened to be that veteran singer from Angel Entertainment.

“The winner of the Best New Artist Music Award of the Year is—” The singer opened the envelope in his hand, and Xu Heran noticed him visibly exhaling.

“SGS, congratulations!”

In the SGS live stream room, fans suddenly became excited, offering joyful and celebratory messages to SGS.

In the auditorium, Xu Heran stood up and embraced Xin Nuo.

A certain pearl whispered to Xin Nuo’s ear, “I thought he might just ignore the name on the envelope and announce Angel Blue instead.”

Xin Nuo chuckled and patted her back.

“He’s not that foolish.”

The eight girls walked onto the stage with smiles, ready to receive the award.

“Thank you, we’re very happy to receive this award. As artists who have only debuted for half a year, we’re honored to have everyone’s recognition. Thank you,” Jian Yueyin said with a smile, raising the trophy.

Looking at Jian Yueyin’s expression, Xu Heran’s gaze seemed to say, “Oh~”, as she exchanged a glance with Xin Nuo.

The expressions of the seven girls behind Jian Yueyin subtly conveyed unspoken thoughts.

Jian Yueyin smiled sweetly, “The way we received this award this year was quite special. I think I won’t forget it. I wonder how many people will remember this year with me. Anyway, thank you very much.”

Beside her, the Angel singer’s smile almost wavered, his pupils slightly dilating. He thought to himself that these young people were quite audacious.

The boldest move was yet to come.

Xu Heran took Jian Yueyin’s microphone, sounding puzzled as she asked, “So, should we still sing?”

The Angel singer host struggled to respond, “you should.”

In the audience, laughter erupted, someone taking the lead.

“Perfect!” Xu Heran’s expression- innocent and genuine, she looked back, “Just a while ago, we heard a really catchy song, and we remembered it after just one listen. How about this, since the opportunity is rare, why don’t a few of us perform Angel Blue’s song again… um.”

Xin Nuo grabbed her hand, 《Best Blue》

“Exactly, let’s perform this fantastic 《Best Blue》 again!” Xu Heran’s tone was affirmative.

“Can you give us a few more microphones? We don’t need the original track, just the instrumental accompaniment is enough, but we need the lyrics, please and thank you.”

Xu Heran enthusiastically said, “Truly a great song!”

Behind her, Xin Nuo raised her hand and applauded with a smile.

“Yes, not bad.”

The author has something to say:

Xu Heran: I even praised it as a great song, I’m not causing any trouble~

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis
Proofreader: Ruu

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