Chapter 75.1

After taking photos with Xu Heran, the idol girl named Taotao greeted Xin Nuo and left with an excited expression, not treating Xu Heran warmly at all. She then turned back halfway with a radiant smile.

However, when Taotao turned around, Xu Heran also turned her head to look at Xin Nuo. Xin Nuo lowered her gaze and stared at Xu Heran with a cold expression. Nobody paid attention to Taotao in front. Feeling embarrassed for someone else, Jiang Qiong couldn’t help but raise her hand and waved to her.

Taotao forced a smile, waved, and this time she left faster than before.

“I don’t know her!” Xu Heran said to Xin Nuo, “Didnt you hear me? I just introduced myself to her!”

“And it’s summer now, I like eating watermelon!”

Xin Nuo: “Oh.”

Jiang Qiong sneaked over quietly, “Hey hey, let me tell you. Their group has a total of eleven members, and they all have fruit names. You like watermelon, right? They have one too!”

Eager to join the fun, Jiang Xiaoqiong extended her hand and pointed to the group where Taotao was, “Count from the fifth person on the left. The girl with the watermelon-themed headgear is her sister! Look how considerate she is, she even put the fruit label on her sportswear.”

Xu Heran: “…It’s so hot, stay away from me.”

A certain pearl lifted her foot, and her white sneakers pressed against Jiang Qiong’s bottom. She stretched her legs, and the plush dog got pushed aside.

“Hey, I kindly introduced you!” Jiang Xiaoqiong got up, brushed off the grass from her bottom, and excitedly crawled over again, her eyes filled with the excitement of watching the drama.

“Xu Pearl, why did she pinch your face? Are you close to her? If you’re not close, why would she pinch your face? Little Pearl, you’re not upholding your pearl virtue.”

The people gathered in a circle chuckled lightly in coordination with Jiang Qiong.

“Yeah, yeah, what’s going on? I’ve never pinched Xu Pearl’s face!”

“What? You’ve never pinched Xu Pearl’s face?”

“The little sister looks a bit sweet, huh?”

“What little sister? She’s older than you.”

“I envy her outgoing personality. I can’t do that. I saw the lead singer of the Super Crazy Band and really wanted to say hi to her, but I don’t dare.”

A group of people chatted incessantly, the topic revolving around the female idol who had just come to befriend Xu Heran. Xu Heran dared not speak, and she sneakily glanced at Xin Nuo’s expression.

Xin Nuo remained expressionless, sitting beside Xu Heran, wearing a pink tracksuit. All eight of them were in pink attire. According to Jiang Qiong’s words, the more pink they wore, the higher their ranking.

The slender girl sat on the emerald green indoor soccer field like a delicate daffodil.

The words of the crowd reached her ears, but she showed no reaction. Lowering her head, she picked up a small pebble.

Xu Heran felt that she wasn’t picking up a stone; it was a shattered little pearl!

Xu Heran: “…Sister, let me pinch your face!”

She placed her chin on Xin Nuo’s knee and tilted her head. The indoor venue was well-lit, and someone’s irises with a blue base resembled the sea, while the sparkling purple lines resembled coral sleeping in the clear ocean—everything was a natural wonder.

“I don’t feel like moving,” Xin Nuo said softly.

“Come on,” Xu Heran said, “Consider it a warm-up exercise.”

She took Xin Nuo’s hand and placed it on her own face. Xin Nuo deliberately relaxed her grip, making her arm go limp, allowing Xu Heran to hold and shake it up and down. During the shaking, her fingertips brushed against the soft skin of the little pearl.

“…So this is a warm-up exercise?” Jian Yueyin exclaimed in surprise.

Haya: “Learned something new.”

She immediately raised her hand and pinched Lin Weining’s face with both hands, kneading it back and forth. Lin Xiannian widened her eyes and joined in, grabbing Haya’s face. The two of them pinched each other.

“Come on~” Xu Heran pleaded.

Xin Nuo glanced sidelong, “Are you really letting me pinch?”

“Yes, yes!”

“Fine.”

Xin Nuo’s tone grew even lighter. She raised her hand, pinched Xu Heran’s face, and pulled it outward, saying, “Become a pig.”

Someone very cooperatively raised their hand and covered their own nose.

Everyone: “…”

Xin Nuo: “…Haha!”

Seeing Xin Nuo laugh, Xu Heran chuckled as well. She leaned forward, pressing the upper half of her body against Xin Nuo’s legs.

“So easily amused…” Jian Yueyin whispered. She scooted forward, then said, “Hey.”

Her tone and intonation caught SGS’s attention, causing the other seven members to subconsciously lean in her direction.

“I heard from Sister Cui that Starshine has launched a new product, a summer fruit beverage, and they haven’t decided on the spokesperson yet,” Jian Yueyin said. “From what Sister Cui said, they’re looking for a girl group to endorse it, preferably someone sweet.”

Xu Heran blinked. “Captain, how do you know everything?”

“Aren’t they considering us?” Jiang Qiong, a fan of Monet, asked.

Jian Yueyin said, “I’m not sure. Haven’t any of you been paying attention to your endorsements? Starshine Beverages has been doing well this past year, going from a local brand to a nationwide one. Last time I was back home, I even saw them in the corner stores.”

Jian Yueyin’s hometown was in a rural area, a less developed small village.

Everyone nodded with varying degrees of understanding.

“Speaking of sweet, didn’t we miss the ‘Mengdong’ girls this time?” Laurel asked.

“They’re probably preparing for a new album,” Jian Yueyin finished and then glanced at Xu Heran again, smiling. “No worries.”

Xin Nuo also looked at Xu Heran, suddenly cupping her face and turning toward the other teammates. The gaze of a certain pearl met a ring of eyes.

“Want a pinch?” Xin Nuo chuckled. “No admission fee, today only.”

The eyes of everyone lit up.

“You can take photos.”

Xu Heran’s pupils slowly widened. Before she could react, a hand pinched her cheek.

“Not bad,” Song Fenghua’s eyes curved. “Nice to pinch.”

“Don’t forget to take pictures,” Xin Nuo instructed.

“Got it.”

Song Fenghua raised her phone.

Xin Nuo whispered, “Xu Heran.”

Xu Heran: “…”

She raised the peace sign.

As it was a sports-themed variety show, the atmosphere on-site wasn’t too serious. With the guidance of the director’s camera, the host introduced to the future viewers who the people chatting during the break were and what they were doing.

The host’s voice, amplified by the loudspeaker, also falls into the ears of those sitting on the grass.

“As you can see, our highly popular SGS girl idol group is happily taking photos. Hahaha, is SGS’s youngest member, Xu Heran, being used as a prop?” The host jokes.

Starting from the entrance, many celebrities who wanted to watch but felt embarrassed immediately turned their heads, taking this opportunity to openly watch SGS.

Among the groups and individuals participating in this year’s celebrity sports event, SGS can be said to be the top idol group of last year and this year, with the highest popularity among all the idols.

The director’s camera frequently focuses on them. Some people’s eyes turn sour from watching, but they dare not say anything. As celebrities themselves, secretly fangirling/fanboying in private makes them ecstatic.

“Did you see it? Did you see it? So cute!”

“Everyone in their group is so good-looking. How did they get such good looks? Their faces are so small, and their legs are so long! They can make a living just with their faces, and I’m really jealous.”

“I also want to take a picture with Laurel. Emperor Hua is my idol.”

“Can you throw me over?”

“After it’s over, can I ask for autographs? Does anyone know what Teacher Xing entered for?”

“Since their entrance until now, I’ve only seen the Fruit Group’s Peach taking a photo with Xu Heran. She’s really courageous.”

“I don’t dare to go. I’m afraid people will say I’m just trying to ride the trend. Even though I really want to take a photo with Little Pearl.”

Amidst the discussions, the Fruit Group, who had just finished editing their Weibo post, heard the chatter. Peach’s smile stiffened, and she intentionally didn’t look at the people nearby.

“How is it?” someone in the group asked her.

“It’s not bad, I’ll see later if I can still talk to Xu Heran,” Peach whispered.

“Just be careful not to go too far. Don’t do anything too outrageous,” the captain of the Fruit Group whispered.

Peach spoke even more softly, “Don’t worry, I know my limits. I’m doing this for the sake of our group. Xu Heran is the heiress of Universal Group. If I can establish a good relationship with her, when Starshine considers spokespersons for their summer fruit drink series, they’ll surely give us a couple more points!”

“Well, since you’ve got this great opportunity, if you mess up, don’t blame us for getting angry,” someone grumbled.

Their group consists of eleven members and has been active for a year. It’s inevitable to have some minor conflicts. This whole photo-taking and trend-riding event with Xu Heran was a decision directly made by the company. Others weren’t exactly happy about it.

SGS’s popularity is undeniable, and being able to ship with Xu Heran, whether it’s through positive attention or criticism, both increase their popularity. Moreover, Xu Heran’s fans are quite amiable and treat CP (couple pairing) fans well. SGS has all sorts of CP pairings, and those of them not in SGS don’t have any obligations, so posting a few times here and there doesn’t make much difference.

This kind of opportunity to gain more fans just happens to be given to Taotao by the company. Taotao was already designated as the center by the company, so she gets priority for everything good. Others naturally feel discontented.

Their company has weighed the importance of the two groups. The success of Starshine Drinks is intertwined with the success of SGS. Currently, StarGlow Drinks has two series: dairy products and fruit juices. If they can secure the endorsement for the fruit juice series and manage it well, binding it with SGS isn’t an impossibility. Furthermore, SGS is disbanding next year, and the disbandment will definitely be big news, ensuring a good flow of attention. With a year left, there won’t be any worries about the future. The eleven-member group can even split into seven or eight members, forming a mini SGS. This would be mutually beneficial.

The Fruit Group is a third-tier girl group, having debuted for two years and seeing declining statistics. They’re nervous deep down, as who wouldn’t want to be top-tier and highly popular? However, they haven’t harmed SGS in any way; they’re just riding the trend. Compared to other groups resorting to underhanded tactics, they’re already doing quite well.

A group of people thought these things in their hearts, but no one spoke.

“I know, if things really don’t work out, you guys can take advantage of the opportunity together,” Peach touched her cheek and said, “I won’t even get angry, after all, this is good for our whole group. Although the company only designated me to create some CP with Xu Heran, I’m also worried that I won’t do well…”

Others felt her words sounded off. Someone immediately said, “Are you saying we should go too?”

Peach bit her tongue and thought to herself, I was just saying something random. How come you’re taking it seriously? Her expression hesitated a bit, “I really don’t mind, it’s just that the company… And also, if we get too close to them, will people say we’re trying to suck up?”

“One or two people might be fine, but a whole group of us?” Peach smiled, “Unless we get so close to SGS that we’re considered sister groups?”

“Don’t be funny. SGS’s sister group is FYU. Wait until the day we sign with Universal before considering that.” Someone poured cold water on the idea. They could see Peach’s displeasure and rolled their eyes internally.

“Tch, it’s just like leaning on a big tree for shade. If it were us…”

A group of people’s gazes started drifting.

If they had such good resources, would they…

Beep—

The whistle sounded, and the various competitions of the sports meet officially began.

Xu Heran relaxed her shoulders and headed to check in.

In Huaguo, there were countless idol groups big and small. This celebrity sports meet included not only idols, but also young singers and actors.

“Go for it!” The seven members of SGS, who had changed to the audience area, applauded Xu Heran. “We won’t see you off; walking will be tiring. We need to conserve energy.”

Black lines appeared on Xu Heran’s forehead. She glanced at the others who were accompanying her to check in and couldn’t help but look back, still not giving up.

“I think we can have a relay race.”

In an instant, everyone leaned backward together, pretending to look at the sky.

Xu Heran: “…”

Xin Nuo, who was editing text with her head down, chuckled lightly. “Just wait, news of discord within the SGS team will come out soon.”

“What? Have we had a feud?” Jiang Qiong intentionally asked, “Student next to me, what’s your last name?”

Laurel responded indifferently, “My last name is Lao.”

“Hahaha, I thought it was Lao Zong.” Haya burst into laughter.

Laurel’s gaze sharpened, and for the sake of Haya’s life, the kind fairy Lin Xiannian raised her hand and covered Haya’s mouth.

“Just think about it in your heart. Why do you have to say it out loud?” The fairy was puzzled.

Haya grabbed the hand that Lin Weining had pulled away and pressed it back to her mouth. “My bad.”

“Nuo Nuo?” Xu Heran called Xin Nuo, “Are you going to watch me run?”

Xin Nuo raised her hand and waved her fingers outward. “Good luck.”

Xu Heran went to check in with a sullen mood.

Meanwhile, in the stands, Xin Nuo looked at a Weibo post in which someone referred to Pearl affectionately and posted a selfie. In the comments, there was the inexplicable phrase, “Looks somewhat fitting.” She sneered.

“Xu Heran rarely lets people pinch her face, right? Even a face that her own group members have never touched. She actually let a newly acquainted friend pinch it. Could this be the legendary ‘love at first sight’?”

“Peach is amazing. Truly a skilled diplomat from our Fruit Group! She quickly made friends with SGS members! Awesome! You truly deserve it!”

“Not only did she make friends, but she also called her ‘Pearl.’ So intimate. Oh my god, they’re hitting it off! They’re hitting it off!”

“…”

“…………”

“Although I want to say something, I can’t.”

“Person above, don’t flaunt your name and come here to show off. You can ship your couple, and we can ship ours. Let everyone ship their couples freely!”

“Fine, goodbye!”

Soon after, the Celebrity Sports Meet trended on the entertainment section, and various popular stars’ selfies celebrating the opening of the sports meet also floated up. Different groups were competing to occupy the headlines, trying to outdo each other.

Two minutes later, #Xin Nuo Pinches Pearl# leisurely took the top spot.

Clicking into it, within just ten minutes of posting, the Weibo with over ten thousand comments featured a picture that many people saved while laughing heartily.

Someone with their chin resting in their sister’s palm, puffing up their face, but being pinched by their sister’s delicate and fair fingers, looked very aggrieved, if the laughter in their eyes was held back.

Xin Nuo: “Whose Little Pearl is this?”

The first comment below said it all.

“It’s yours!!!!!!”

“Xin Nuo’s actions are the real deal!!”

After the fans shouted slogans and happily browsed through Weibo, a series of “Pinching Pearl” photos appeared on their feeds. Jian Yueyin, Song Fenghua, Laurel, Lin Weining, Haya, even the dog Wang Wang, all seemed eager to touch Pearl’s face. But every time their hands got close, Pearl caught their wrists and opened her mouth to bite.

“Hahaha, I announce the official start of the ‘Pinch Pearl’ competition in this sports meet!”

“Jiang Xiaoqiong is the first to be eliminated!”

“Fenghua, your motion and strength are too gentle, Pearl’s face didn’t even deform! Disqualified, eliminated!”

“Look at our Haya, standing on both sides of Lin Weining. They deserve the Best Coordination Award!”

“Empress Hua is truly Empress Hua. The dead fish eyes in the selfie with Little Pearl are truly memorable. That disdainful expression, that unrestrained action.”

“So uninhibited, it’s even two scissor hands!”

“Hahaha, Sister Yueyin, Sister Yueyin, do you have a problem with Little Pearl? Others are pinching, and you’re rubbing hahaha. Our round Little Pearl is going to become a rectangle!”

“Yueyin: Always winning against me! Hah!”

“Sister Yueyin is second, Laurel third. Isn’t the first place obvious now?”

“The drums are thunderous, the firecrackers are sounding! Congratulations to Princess for winning the first Pinch Pearl Championship! We hope the Princess remains humble and keeps striving, achieving even better results in the next competition! Dear audience friends, until next time!”

“Goodbye~”

In the 100-meter sprint, there were many participants, and Xu Heran was placed in the fifth group of the women’s competition.

Each group had five participants. She stood at the edge of the field, warming up while yawning amid the various screams around her.

When the staff raised the horn and announced the start of the fifth group, Xu Heran swung her arms and stood at the starting line, amid the curious and unintentional glances of the others.

A girl wearing black sport pants and a yellow skirt turned her head, her eyes widened, revealing a surprised expression.

“Oh, it’s Pearl, hello!”

Xu Heran raised an eyebrow slightly and politely said, “Hello.”

“I’m a friend of Peach, I’m Lemon from the Fruit Group!” The girl pointed to the round lemon accessory on her chest, “You can call me Lem or Lemon!”

Xu Heran suddenly shivered, “That sounds a bit sour.”

A crooked smile appeared at the corner of Lemon’s mouth, “True, hahaha, but lemons are nutritious!”

Xu Heran smiled and nodded.

“Let’s run together, your legs are so long, you look impressive.” Lemon looked down at Xu Heran’s legs. The SGS sportswear was tailored to their body measurements, looking somewhat form-fitting. The girl’s long, graceful curves caught her eye.

Lemon compared her own legs to Xu Heran’s and suddenly felt a hint of sourness.

She extended her hand with a fake smile of admiration on her face, wanting to pinch Xu Heran’s leg, “What did you eat to grow so tall?”

Xu Heran stepped back, pretending not to hear Lemon’s comment, and asked the girl next to her, “Is it about to start?”

The girl next to her was somewhat surprised and a bit pleasantly surprised, and she smiled, “We have to wait until the finish line to register the time.”

Beside her, Lemon touched air, seemingly sensing Xu Heran’s avoidance. She didn’t speak up again, and Xu Heran returned to her original position.

So what if her legs were long? It’s not like having long legs makes you run faster!

Lemon sneered inwardly, intending to show Xu Heran what she was capable of. After all, she was the sprint star of their group.

Xu Heran had no idea what Lemon was thinking. She thought the outside world was so dangerous, and she absolutely had to keep an eye on Nuo Nuo. She couldn’t let her face the same “danger”!

Little Pearl thought to herself, and when she looked up, she suddenly saw a girl in pink sportswear at the finish line waving at her.

Xu Heran’s eyes widened.

Huh?

“Get ready!” The staff raised the flag.

Little Pearl, filled with enthusiasm, stepped onto the starting block.

“Bang—”

As the starting gun sounded, a pink blur shot out like a blade slicing through the air or a bullet fired from a gun, speeding down the track.

The other athletes on the track were startled at the same time, and the venue erupted in enthusiastic cheers!

“Go! Go, Xu Heran!!”

“Come on, Little Pearl!”

“Roar—Ooooh!”

In just a matter of seconds, the pink figure surged past the finish line and immediately hugged another pink figure waiting there.

“You bumped into me, idiot!”

“Hehe~” Xu Heran released Xin Nuo, breathing heavily, and held onto Xin Nuo’s wrist, “Am I awesome or what?”

“Awesome. Quickly thank everyone.” Xin Nuo smiled and let down her flying hair.

Xu Heran smiled at the camera, then bowed to the audience and fellow athletes cheering for her from the stands.

Lemon, who was left trailing behind, crossed the line in second place. She widened her eyes and loudly asked, “Did she false start?”

She grabbed a fellow participant from the same race and questioned, “Did she false start? Wasn’t she running before the gunshot?”

“No, not at all,” another athlete laughed and said, “It’s just that she runs fast. Haven’t you seen SGS’s variety shows? Little Pearl’s physical fitness is really good. She even knows combat and boxing!”

Lemon: “…”

She looked at the camera, chuckled sheepishly, and tried to salvage her earlier foolish question and poor performance.

“Sorry about that. I just wanted a fair competitive environment. I speak my mind too quickly sometimes. Please, Xu Heran’s fans, cut me some slack~”

Her words seemed to imply that Xu Heran’s fans would scold her. The videographer capturing the footage showed a subtle expression, but remained silent.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis
Proofreader: Ruu

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