From Trashy A to the Heiress’s Little Son-in-Law After the Idol Competition (GL, ABO) - Chapter 43

The debut night would feature live vocals, with the fifteen members divided into two groups for performances.

One song was the vocal-focused “Reunited World,” while the other was the dance-heavy “She Is Lion.” To showcase their best at the final moment, everyone naturally chose what they excelled at.

Xiao Yanjin didn’t hesitate to pick “Reunited World,” but Ji Yunuo was torn.

In terms of skill, she was an ace even capable of rapping but her strongest suit was undoubtedly dance.

However, this also meant she and Xiao Yanjin would be in different groups. With the debut imminent, their schedules would become even tighter, and they might barely see each other in the coming week.

Xiao Yanjin suddenly sidled up to her and teased, “What’s the young miss planning to choose?” Then, whispering in her ear, she added, “Pick what you really want. It’s fine.”

For the first time, Ji Yunuo thought to herself, how could this person be so considerate? Muttering, she replied, “What I choose is none of your business.”

Xiao Yanjin chuckled. “Is the young miss acting coy with me?”

Ji Yunuo had the urge to smack her, but there were people around.

The night before, she had unexpectedly received a small gift from Xiao Yanjin, a stuffed red panda doll that Xiao often kept by her side. “It can sleep with you,” Xiao had said. “It even smells like me, so it’ll be like I’m there.”

Normally, they barely had a chance to leave the training building, let alone bring in new personal items. The fact that Xiao Yanjin had managed to give her the doll showed how much she worried Ji Yunuo might miss her.

This was the first gift Ji Yunuo had ever received from Xiao Yanjin, one that had been used for quite some time. Yet, she was inexplicably happy. She brought it close to sniff wait, had it not been washed properly?

Still, overall, she was delighted. Being in love didn’t seem so troublesome after all.

Xiao Yanjin arrived at the practice room, where her group included Shi Zhengyi, Lan Yuanning, Cheng Ling, and others.

Ever since Cheng Ling noticed Xiao Yanjin constantly clinging to Ji Yunuo, she had held a grudge. Smirking, she said, “Oh, Yanjin’s in this group? Not joining the dance team to keep Yunuo company?”

Xiao Yanjin shot back, “Since when are you allowed to call me ‘Yanjin’?”

Cheng Ling: “…”

Shi Zhengyi clapped her hands. “Alright, everyone, let’s start training.”

Cheng Ling cut in, “Let’s assign parts.”

For the center position, part distribution was crucial. Each segment had different highs and lows, and whoever landed the standout moments could gain more fans.

Singing posed no challenge for Xiao Yanjin, she effortlessly hit the high notes.

Perhaps because she had worked hard to polish her vocals, she didn’t falter even in front of powerhouse vocalist Lan Yuanning. After several rounds of adjustments, the team ultimately assigned the highlight parts to Xiao Yanjin.

But singing while dancing was genuinely difficult. Despite prior training, it wasn’t her forte, and mastering it in such a short time was tough. They only had six days left, perfection seemed nearly impossible.

After half a day of practice, Xiao Yanjin was drenched in sweat. She wondered how Ji Yunuo was doing on her end.

Heading to the café lounge, she coincidentally found Ji Yunuo sitting with other omegas, chatting.

Ji Yunuo spoke sparingly, often just a few words at a time.

Yet every word carried weight. Xiao Yanjin had always loved talking to her.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Xiao,” someone teased, prompting laughter from the others.

Ji Yunuo glanced at her, an unconscious smile tugging at her lips.

Xiao Yanjin came over and sat down beside them, deliberately choosing the spot next to Ji Yunuo. She grinned mischievously. “I’m here to join your Omega tea party.”

Cheng Ling was worried she wouldn’t make the final lineup, so she had already prepared her farewell words in advance.

“Everyone, this is as far as I can go with you,” she said with a smile.

Ji Yunuo was momentarily stunned, unsure of how to respond.

Ninety percent of those who joined the competition did so for their dreams. Some had the talent but lacked screen time or buzz, getting eliminated in the first round. Others poured sweat and tears into debuting, only to hit a wall.

Dreams were cruel, no matter how hard you worked, sometimes it just wasn’t enough. But having a dream in the first place was already something incredible.

Ji Yunuo sighed. Maybe after debuting, if the group disbanded, she would leave the entertainment industry and go where her mother wanted her to be, becoming the person they all envisioned.

The stage would grow further and further away from her…

“Why so gloomy?” Xiao Yanjin pouted. She had witnessed Cheng Ling’s efforts firsthand, but rankings had always been an insurmountable hurdle.

Cheng Ling said, “Xiao Yanjin, I actually think you’re a good person. Even though you sometimes act shameless, always teasing Omegas and sneaking into their dorms…”

“Hey, I told you that was an accident!” Xiao Yanjin corrected, not wanting Ji Yunuo to misunderstand.

“Alright, alright,” Cheng Ling said, torn between laughter and tears. “You’re not as frivolous as the rumors say. Sometimes, you even seem… kind of pure.”

“Pure?” Ji Yunuo blurted out before she could stop herself.

How could Xiao Yanjin be pure when she had flirted with her so relentlessly?

Xiao Yanjin didn’t dare look at Ji Yunuo, merely lowering her head with a smug little smile.

“She hasn’t even seen that kind of stuff, of course she’s pure!” Shi Zhengyi suddenly appeared out of nowhere, taunting Xiao Yanjin.

He was immediately met with a violent smack from He Rou.

“Damn, why are you so violent?!” Shi Zhengyi cursed.

He Rou planted her hands on her hips. “Who told you to stand in my way?” Then, with a sweet smile, she turned to the others. “What are you all talking about? How about we dive into some deep conversation?”

Ji Yunuo silently took a sip of coffee. The fact that she had ever thought the two of them were close was ridiculous, how could He Rou possibly like Xiao Yanjin?

Soon, the finals arrived.

Outside the venue, waves of fans poured in, holding up colorful light sticks, determined to illuminate the entire stadium.

Fifteen thousand fans filled the seats, ready to cheer and vote for their favorites.

Weibo was also prepped, with a hundred trending tags ready to go!

Backstage, everyone was getting their makeup done and changing into their outfits.

Xiao Yanjin, now fully made up, admired her striking features in the mirror, convinced she looked absolutely stunning. In other areas, I might not compare to Ji Yunuo, she thought, but when it comes to looks, we’re practically a match made in heaven!

The more she admired herself, the more she couldn’t resist striking a few poses.

Shi Zhengyi looked like he was about to vomit. “Big sis, when did you become so narcissistic?”

Xiao Yanjin snorted. “None of your business!”

An Omega walked in. “Are you all ready? We need to head out soon.”

Xiao Yanjin teased, “Oh? Bold of you to just waltz into the Alpha dressing room.”

The Omega shrugged. “Everyone’s already changed, anyway.”

Xiao Yanjin let out an understanding “Oh.” Seizing the spare moment, she stealthily slipped into the omega dressing room, which appeared empty.

“What are you looking at?” Ji Yunuo suddenly spoke coldly from behind.

Xiao Yanjin jumped in fright with a startled “Ah!” before replying, “I was looking… I was looking at you.”

Ji Yunuo burst into laughter and responded with an amused “Oh.”

Xiao Yanjin pulled her inside, taking her hand. “I wanted to see how you were doing.”

She examined Ji Yunuo closely her black velvet gown, bare shoulders, long cascading hair, giving off the aura of a solitary snow lotus, proud and untouchable.

Xiao Yanjin was stunned. Even in the simplest outfit, Ji Yunuo was effortlessly the most beautiful. Glancing at herself, she wore a white chiffon dress with her hair styled elegantly, her delicate yet striking features striking a perfect balance between sweetness and boldness. They complemented each other perfectly!

Ji Yunuo tapped her forehead helplessly. “What are you grinning about?”

Xiao Yanjin blushed slightly. “Nothing.”

Ji Yunuo suddenly leaned in and kissed her. “Keep smiling like that, and you’ll turn into a little piggy.”

Xiao Yanjin’s face flushed even deeper. That was Nuojiejie’s kiss, she loved it so much!

The guests included members from the first season’s debut lineup, including Xu Zhixia, who had placed second.

Having won the Golden Deer Award as the youngest Best Actress, Xu Zhixia’s fame and status far surpassed her former teammates. The moment she arrived, the “Summer Couple” shippers, fans of Xu Zhixia and Ji Mian erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm so overwhelming that one might mistake Xu Zhixia for a contestant.

Xu Zhixia, two months pregnant, wasn’t feeling well but had come to support her cousin.

However, Ji Mian was displeased, and the moment they met, both wore dark expressions.

The hashtag #SummerCoupleDivorce trended prematurely!

Though annoyed at Xu Zhixia for not taking better care of herself, Ji Mian still attentively looked after her, subtly checking her expression for any signs of discomfort.

“Yanjin, someone’s calling you,” a staff member handed her the phone before the show began.

Xiao Yanjin stared at the unfamiliar number in confusion. “Who is this…?”

“Long time no see, Xiao Yanjin.” A low, mocking laugh filled with provocation.

Xiao Yanjin recognized the voice instantly and replied coldly, “Chu Luo.”

Chu Luo, watching the livestream from her lavish home, smirked. “I heard your ranking was thirteenth last time. Someone like you will lose fans sooner or later this time will be no exception.”

Xiao Yanjin couldn’t be bothered. “Are you done? I’m not in the mood to talk to idiots right now.”

Chu Luo gritted her teeth in fury. “Xiao Yanjin! Just watch as you fail to debut again!”

Xiao Yanjin scoffed. “Chu Luo, what right do you have to speak to me like this? When I exposed your scandal, you couldn’t handle it and quit the competition. If you can’t even take that, what’ll you do if your ranking drops, throw a tantrum? Unlike you, I’m much stronger.”

Chu Luo hurled a wine bottle across the room, screaming in rage, “Then I hope you never debut.”

Before she could finish, Xiao Yanjin hung up.

Chu Luo panted heavily, slamming her fist into the sofa, leaving a deep dent.

Even though Xiao Yanjin would surely fail to debut, the hatred in her heart burned fiercely, she wished she could tear her to pieces!

Xiao Yanjin’s fans, the Hibiscus Flowers: “After the rain subsides, hibiscuses bloom. Xiao Yanjin, if you don’t debut, I’ll freaking end you!”

Ji Yunuo’s fans, the Clouds: “The future is bright, turning clouds into rain. Ji Yunuo, debut as the center!”

The CP fans of Xiao Yanjin and Ji Yunuo, the Promises: “Forever and always, promises unbroken. May our sweet couple debut together!”

Hibiscus Flowers: “I swear, you CP fans are going too far.”

Clouds: “Are CP fans this brazen nowadays?”

Promises CP: “We’re just cheering for our faves. Did we offend you or something?”

Clouds: “Yeah! Xiao Yanjin isn’t good enough for our Nuonuo!”

The three factions clashed.

Shi Zhengyi’s fans, the Timekeepers: “Scary fans, thank goodness we’re not like that.”

He Rou’s fans, the Fatty Meats: “You have the nerve to say that when you keep barging into our fan spaces.”

Timekeepers: “That’s because you keep dragging Zhengyi-jie into shipping wars.”

Fatty Meats: “That’s not us! It’s those toxic cultists!”

The CP fans of Shi Zhengyi and He Rou, the Justice Alliance (whom Fatty Meats deemed a toxic cult): “Shi Zhengyi!! He Rou!! You better step up and debut!! I just know you’re real!!”

Xiao Yanjin watched her fans bickering, feeling both nervous and terrified.

Ji Yunuo, on the other hand, remained completely unbothered.

Both groups performed brilliantly. Ji Yunuo’s team took the stage first, and as the center, her appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The Clouds waved massive light boards like they were ready to throw hands.

Xiao Yanjin teared up. “So moving…”

Shi Zhengyi deadpanned, “Are you a fan or a contestant?”

Xiao Yanjin muttered inwardly, “A fan of Ji Yunuo, of course!”

After Ji Yunuo’s group finished their performance and left the stage, Xiao Yanjin’s team lined up together.

As Ji Yunuo passed by, she paused slightly beside Xiao Yanjin, leaving a faint scent of lime in the air.

Xiao Yanjin shrank back, starstruck, and instinctively grabbed Shi Zhengyi’s hand.

Shi Zhengyi recoiled. “Let go! I’m not into alphas!”

Xiao Yanjin ignored her. “Do you have an idol you admire?”

Shi Zhengyi: “……”

“Did you see someone you idolize?”

“Something like that.”

“One of the guest judges?”

Xiao Yanjin burst into laughter.

Shi Zhengyi wondered, could it be Xu Zhixia?

During their first cold war, Xu Zhixia was the one who broke the silence with Ji Mian: “You’re actually pretty good at hosting.”

Ji Mian scoffed. “I’m good at everything.”

Xu Zhixia: “Then keep at it. Might as well never come home.”

Ji Mian paused, then softened. “If I don’t, who’ll cook for you? Who’ll bathe you? Who’ll warm your bed?”

“Hmph!”

“Alright, alright, I was too harsh. Blame it on you coming to the show when you’re not feeling well.”

Xu Zhixia smiled smugly. “That’s more like it. Wait, no you still owe me one more apology.”

“For what?”

“You said you didn’t want to care about me anymore.” Xu Zhixia pouted.

Ji Mian wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’ll care about you for the rest of my life!”

Once again, they trended: #SummerCoupleNotDivorcingAfterAll

Watching their lovers’ quarrel, Xiao Yanjin couldn’t help but feel envious.

Ji Yunuo might not be as coquettish as Xu Zhixia, but she was gentle, generous, and beautiful…

“Hey, hey! What are you spacing out for? Get on stage already!” Shi Zhengyi unceremoniously gave her a push.

Xiao Yanjin’s performance was a great success after all, she had trained tirelessly day and night, turning every drop of water she drank into sweat.

Then the audience began voting, with all fifteen contestants standing together.

Ji Mian started announcing the rankings.

“Second place—He Rou!
Third place—Shi Zhengyi!
Fourth place—Lan Yuanning!
Fifth place—Shen Ya!”

Five spots had already been taken. Xiao Yanjin’s heart clenched tighter with each announcement. No way last time, she was ranked third!

She couldn’t possibly be eliminated now, could she?

No, no, no!

She wanted to stay with Sister Nuo!

Ji Yunuo frowned slightly, glancing at Xiao Yanjin’s anxious expression before tightening her fists unconsciously.

Ji Mian: “Congratulations, sixth place, Jiang Nan!”

There was still seventh place.

Xiao Yanjin clenched her hands tightly, it had to be her. It just had to be.

Ji Mian glanced at the list again, his expression shifting abruptly.

Ji Yunuo’s heart skipped a beat, something was wrong!

“Seventh place, Wei Xuanzhi!”

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