From Trashy A to the Heiress’s Little Son-in-Law After the Idol Competition (GL, ABO) - Chapter 52
Xiao Yanjin participated in both the 400-meter relay and archery events.
The four of them discussed the relay order in the lounge.
Ji Yunuo suggested, “Shi Zhengyi first, Jiang Nan second, me third, and Xiao Yanjin last. How does this lineup sound?”
Shi Zhengyi nodded, though she seemed hesitant. She glanced at Xiao Yanjin, clearly doubtful about her speed, and asked, “Why not switch Jiang Nan and Xiao Yanjin?”
Ji Yunuo smiled. “I believe in Xiao Yanjin’s speed.”
She had witnessed Xiao Yanjin’s running prowess firsthand.
After all, outrunning the thugs Xiao Ruohua had sent after her was no small feat.
As they stepped outside, they ran into another newly debuted girl group, Next Girl.
Backed by a major entertainment company, they had garnered massive attention from netizens since their debut.
All three of their released songs had become instant hits.
Their popularity was on par with 2the Abo, the group Xiao Yanjin and Ji Yunuo belonged to.
Since both groups debuted this year and were top-tier in popularity, they were constantly competing, overtly or covertly.
Wu Ming, the group’s main vocalist, smirked and said, “Look at these scrawny alphas. I wonder if they’ll even make it to the finals.”
Shi Zhengyi, quick to anger, immediately flared up. “Who are you calling scrawny?”
Ji Yunuo frowned and placed a hand on Shi Zhengyi’s shoulder to calm her.
An omega girl behind Wu Ming spoke up, “Sorry, our member speaks without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Next Girl’s leader, Baili Zhaoyan—known as the top visual of the year, with skills, popularity, and looks unmatched in her group—was also the host from their last music show.
Ji Yunuo walked over and stood face-to-face with her.
Xiao Yanjin observed them closely. The two were about the same height.
In terms of aura, one was noble and aloof, the other gentle and refined—both rare, aristocratic young ladies.
Ji Yunuo shook her hand. “Good luck.”
Baili Zhaoyan smiled and returned the gesture. “You too, Sister Nuo.”
Hearing the term “Sister Nuo,” Xiao Yanjin wondered if she had misheard.
After the group left, she asked, “Captain, do you know her?”
Ji Yunuo replied indifferently, “She’s the youngest daughter of the Baili family. We met as children at family banquets.” Seeing Xiao Yanjin’s puzzled expression, she inexplicably added, “We’re not close.”
Xiao Yanjin yawned. “I know.”
Shi Zhengyi huffed. “Those people are so arrogant, calling us alphas weaklings!”
Xiao Yanjin glanced at her. “You are pretty thin, though.”
Shi Zhengyi couldn’t resist punching her arm, which Ji Yunuo noticed.
Frowning, Ji Yunuo said, “Don’t get physical. If fans catch it, it’ll cause trouble.”
Shi Zhengyi was baffled. “I barely touched her!”
Xiao Yanjin winked at her, knowing Sister Nuo was just being protective.
Soon, it was time for the 400-meter relay.
Fans of each group had already filled the stands, ready to cheer on their idols.
Xiao Yanjin and the others arrived on the field, donning their bib numbers and preparing for the race.
Just then, an actor alpha from the men’s 400-meter event approached and offered Ji Yunuo a bottle of water. “Would you like a drink?”
Compared to survival shows, the Super Sports Festival was the real dating hotspot.
Because it wasn’t just female ABOs inside—male ABOs were everywhere too.
Scandals would frequently make the rounds.
Previous editions of the sports festival had already produced as many as ten couples.
Though this kind of competitive variety show was highly popular with great ratings, fans were always worried their favorite idols might get seduced by some celebrity or another.
This actor was an idol-type named Wen Shi, who skyrocketed in popularity after starring in a sweet romance drama.
Rumors claimed a wealthy woman was keeping him—whether true or not, his ambition to latch onto a rich family was obvious.
Seeing Ji Yunuo, who was outstanding in every way, he seemed to fall in love at first sight, his admiration for her soaring.
While fans were still cheering from the stands, he had the audacity to be so blatant.
Ji Yunuo shook her head and said coldly, “No need, thank you.”
Wen Shi tried to speak again, but Xiao Yanjin suddenly darted in front of her, snatched the water bottle, and gulped it down with a grin. “Thanks for the water, bro!”
Wen Shi’s face turned pale, and he walked away sulking.
Xiao Yanjin smirked coldly. Try getting close to my omega? Not a chance.
As a temporary commentator, He Rou wore a black uniform with an earpiece, joining three other commentators to cover the 400-meter event.
Professional commentator Cheng Zhong said, “Welcome to the Super Sports Festival! It seems the fans are all eagerly anticipating their idols’ performances.”
He Rou: “Hello everyone, I’m He Rou from 2THE ABO. Nice to meet you all. Next up is the 400-meter relay!” Her sweet, charming smile instantly won over the audience.
Shi Zhengyi watched from below, eyes glued, cheeks slightly flushed. Tsk tsk, he thought, no wonder they call her the ultimate heartthrob.
Cheng Zhong continued, “Let’s turn our screens to the track! In Lane 1, we have 2THE ABO members—first leg Shi Zhengyi, second leg Jiang Nan, third leg Ji Yunuo, and anchor Xiao Yanjin!”
Being a newly debuted but massively popular group, their fans’ frenzied cheers drowned out the commentators.
“Lane 2 features NEXT GIRL members—first leg Wu Ming… and anchor Baili Zhaoyan.”
Meanwhile, NEXT GIRL’s male fans rallied their spirits, roaring like lions ready to battle 2THE ABO’s female fans.
Xiao Yanjin was taken aback. I didn’t realize this group had so many male fans.
Baili Zhaoyan shot her a cold glare. So this is Xiao Yanjin, the one paired with Ji Yunuo.
She was indeed beautiful, but she didn’t seem particularly talented or virtuous.
How dare she be paired with Ji Yunuo? It’s an insult!
Meanwhile, Shi Zhengyi, still warming up, heard Wu Ming sneer beside him, “Get ready to lose, little chick!”
This damn Alpha!
Shi Zhengyi had never disliked someone of his own gender before.
Calm down, calm down—this damn Alpha, damn Alpha, damn Alpha!
He Rou’s voice drifted over the speakers, and suddenly, his anger faded. Though he still held some reservations about her.
Cheng Zhong asked, “He Rou, which lane are you rooting for to take first place?”
Without hesitation, He Rou replied, “Lane 1, of course! I’m part of 2THE ABO—I have to give my full support to my group.”
Wu Ming scoffed. Hypocrite.
Shi Zhengyi clearly didn’t like her speaking about He Rou that way. What’s wrong with supporting one’s own team? It’s not like they were badmouthing the other team. She clicked her tongue twice: “She’s part of our team, of course she’d support us. Who do you think you are to expect He Rou to favor you?”
Wu Ming glared at her: “You—”
“Everyone get ready, we’re starting soon,” the referee blew the whistle.
Shi Zhengyi picked up the baton, a smile curling at her lips. First place would definitely be theirs.
The referee fired the starting gun.
BANG—
The first runners from all four lanes shot forward like missiles.
Shi Zhengyi surged ahead, pouring all her strength into smoothly passing the baton.
She was the first to hand off to Jiang Nan, the second runner. As her hurried steps slowed, she finally caught her breath.
Hands on her hips, she watched Jiang Nan sprinting without pause.
Her excited expression gradually darkened.
This Jiang Nan…
What the hell kind of running form is that?!
She’s an alpha, so why is she running exactly like a delicate anime girl?!
That arm-swinging is way too cutesy!
Soon, two other runners overtook Jiang Nan.
Ji Yunuo also found it strange. Jiang Nan was an alpha after all—running like that was just too dainty.
They should’ve let He Rou run instead!
But then again, Xiao Yanjin was also quite delicate. Maybe they shouldn’t judge by stereotypes. Even alphas could be dainty, just as omegas could be bold and energetic.
By the time Jiang Nan passed the baton to Ji Yunuo for the third leg, the other three teams were already far ahead.
Wu Ming taunted Shi Zhengyi: “See? I told you your alphas are all weaklings!”
Shi Zhengyi itched to roll up her sleeves and fight, if only this weren’t a variety show set.
Though an omega, Ji Yunuo ran steadily and powerfully, gradually picking up speed.
Xiao Yanjin smiled, watching her beloved sister overtake one runner after another, feeling like a cheering spectator.
Her Ji Yunuo was simply the best.
As Ji Yunuo approached for the handoff, she extended the baton toward Xiao Yanjin.
Xiao Yanjin responded with a warm smile.
Thankfully she was the anchor leg—how lucky to receive the baton from her sister.
Ji Yunuo met her gaze with trust as she passed the baton.
The moment their hands touched, it felt like exchanging wedding rings.
Xiao Yanjin imagined herself at a wedding, seeing Ji Yunuo in a white dress walking slowly toward her.
How wonderful it would be to actually marry Ji Yunuo.
Lost in her fantasy—
“Idiot! Run, damn it!!” Shi Zhengyi yelled at Xiao Yanjin from the sidelines.
What was this kid thinking, blushing like that?
Lan Yuanning and Shen Ya brought water for Ji Yunuo.
Gulping down half the bottle, sweat streaming from her temples, Ji Yunuo looked toward the distant crowd but couldn’t spot Xiao Yanjin.
Handing back the water, she ran toward the finish line to watch.
Though slender, Xiao Yanjin had surprising stamina, outpacing the omega Baili Zhaoyan by far.
Team competitions didn’t separate by secondary genders—many omegas were just as fast as any alpha.
Baili Zhaoyan gritted her teeth, determined to overtake Xiao Yanjin!
Xiao Yanjin started off running extremely fast, but gradually lost stamina as she went on.
Just fifty meters from the finish line, Baili Zhaoyan overtook her.
Xiao Yanjin bit her lip, a surge of defiance rising in her throat, and she sprinted toward the finish line with renewed vigor.
He Rou shouted excitedly, “Contestant Xiao Yanjin is closing in on the finish line—wait, what?!”
Xiao Yanjin shot forward like a rocket, but she was still just a hair behind Baili Zhaoyan.
Then, fortune smiled upon her—she tripped and fell.
But this wasn’t just any stumble—it was a stumble with butterfly-effect consequences!
Because as she tumbled and rolled, she somehow managed to overtake Baili Zhaoyan.
With one final flip, she broke through the finish line.
Baili Zhaoyan: “…”
He Rou: “!!”
Ji Yunuo: “……”
Xiao Yanjin stood up, raising the relay baton, and shouted, “First place for 2the abo!!”
The fans erupted in chaos!
Wu Ming muttered in disbelief, “What the hell? That actually worked?”
Shi Zhengyi burst into laughter. “Don’t forget, she’s that Xiao—the queen of absurdity. Who else could pull off something this ridiculous?”
Wu Ming refused to accept defeat and stormed over to the referee. “She cheated! That was cheating!”
Next Girl’s fans also started causing a scene in solidarity.
[Xiao Yanjin cheated! No one wins first place by tumbling like that!]
[Yeah, yeah! This is unfair to the other contestants!]
[I protest! Xiao Yanjin cheated her way to victory!]
Xiao Yanjin was used to the insults hurled at her and brushed them off without a care.
Wu Ming angrily snapped, “Referee, I protest! Xiao Yanjin’s win shouldn’t count! I demand a rematch!”
Several other team members joined Wu Ming in the uproar.
The referee was caught in a dilemma and glanced at their captain, Baili Zhaoyan.
Just as Baili was about to speak, Ji Yunuo suddenly pressed a hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, “You decide. We can race again, but don’t let them slander my teammate.”
Baili lowered her gaze silently before saying, “Referee, what’s your ruling?”
The referee blew his whistle. “Xiao Yanjin didn’t technically cheat—it was an unexpected situation. But to settle the fans’ disputes, you should just race again.”
Ji Yunuo lifted her chin. “Fine!”
Xiao Yanjin gulped down half a bottle of water while Shen Ya grumbled beside her, “Ugh, this isn’t even an official competition. Why make such a big deal out of it? If this hits trending, we’ll be bombarded with hate.”
Xiao Yanjin twisted the cap back on calmly. “They want it to trend. Any publicity is good publicity.”
They all knew Xiao Yanjin was a walking controversy magnet—anything involving her would skyrocket in attention.
A cold glint flashed in Xiao Yanjin’s eyes. This spur-of-the-moment scheme is going to backfire on our team.
Ji Yunuo gathered the four of them to strategize. “Omegas aren’t slower than alphas—that’s why ABO-gendered athletes can compete in running events. I reviewed the footage, and Jiang Nan’s speed is slightly behind ours.”
Jiang Nan guiltily admitted, “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was this slow.”
Shi Zhengyi clicked her tongue. “No wonder your fans call you ‘Delicate Alpha.’”
Ji Yunuo: “This is also my mistake for stereotyping. I didn’t consider everyone’s individual speed. I assumed all alphas could run fast, but in reality, the omegas are the main force. Jiang Nan will still be the second runner, Shi Zhengyi you’ll take the first leg, Xiao Yanjin third, and I’ll anchor.”
Shi Zhengyi extended his hand: “Alright, let’s do our best.”
Jiang Nan stacked her hand on his: “Go for it!”
Ji Yunuo gave an affirmative hum and reached out too, only for Xiao Yanjin to grasp her hand instead.
Xiao Yanjin subtly placed Ji Yunuo’s hand atop her own, stealing a glance at her before declaring firmly, “Let’s give it our all together!”
The second race began.
The four stood ready, clearly faster than in the first round.
When Xiao Yanjin received the baton from Jiang Nan and sprinted toward Ji Yunuo, their intense gaze made her feel as though she were walking down the aisle in a wedding gown.
And Ji Yunuo would be slipping a ring onto her slender finger, binding them together for life!
Xiao Yanjin’s heart pounded wildly.
Whoosh—
Suddenly snapping back to reality, Xiao Yanjin saw the crowd ahead erupt in cheers.
Shi Zhengyi leaped excitedly: “Yes! We’re still in first place!”
Xiao Yanjin merely smiled, her thoughts drifting back to the conversation she’d had with Xiao Liangmu days prior.
She didn’t want to marry Ji Yunuo just to strengthen family ties in Xiao Liangmu’s or others’ eyes—she wanted to marry her purely out of love.
In the lounge, alone, Xiao Yanjin called Xiao Liangmu.
“Dad, no matter what, I won’t go on that blind date.”
Xiao Liangmu was furious: “What do you mean by that?”
Xiao Yanjin’s voice grew hoarse, her eyes flickering with quiet resolve and helplessness.
Xiao Yanjin: “In short, I’m not going.”
Xiao Liangmu roared: “Nonsense! You have no say in this. I’ve already discussed it with the Qin family. This concerns an alliance between prominent families—it’s no trivial matter. Xiao Yanjin, you’re my daughter; you should obey me. Besides, how long can you rely on your current resources?”
“You want me to sacrifice my love and my life for your reputation among friends and your family business? Why should I comply? I don’t like the Qin family’s children, and I won’t be with any other omega. As long as I’m still working, I have the power to refuse you. If you think you can control me, keep dreaming!” She slammed the phone down.
The walls were soundproof—Xiao Yanjin knew that.
But a draft from the doorway made her turn in confusion, only to see Ji Yunuo standing there, her face ashen.
————————
There was still some time before Xiao Yanjin would become a live-in son-in-law.