From Trashy A to the Heiress’s Little Son-in-Law After the Idol Competition (GL, ABO) - Chapter 53

Her demeanor was naturally cold, but now she resembled an ice sculpture fresh out of Antarctica, capable of freezing anyone within three feet.

Xiao Yanjin felt an inexplicable fear. It suddenly occurred to her that she might end up being a henpecked wife in the future—if they ever got married, that is.

Trembling, Xiao Yanjin asked, “Nuo… Nuo-jie, you didn’t hear anything, right?”

Ji Yunuo’s face was devoid of any warmth as she replied coldly, “Of course I didn’t hear your parents telling you to go on a blind date.”

Xiao Yanjin massaged her temples and sighed. “Nuo-jie, I’m not going to go on any blind dates.”

Ji Yunuo didn’t answer. Instead, she stepped closer, forcing Xiao Yanjin to retreat.

The scent of roses inexplicably intensified around her, as if demanding affection.

Xiao Yanjin shut her eyes in panic. “Nuo-jie, what are you doing? What if someone walks in and sees us?”

A cool voice whispered in her ear, “Relax. I already locked the door.”

Xiao Yanjin blinked dumbly. “Then… then won’t it look bad if people realize we’ve been alone in here for so long?”

Ji Yunuo let out a faint, careless scoff before continuing, “I don’t care what they say.”

Xiao Yanjin opened her eyes. Truly, the young mistress of the Ji family.

Wait—now wasn’t the time to be impressed! What did she actually think about the blind date situation?!

Ji Yunuo’s eyes looked weary, yet they gleamed faintly as she said calmly, “Since Uncle Xiao asked you to go, he probably doesn’t want to disappoint his friend. You might as well play along.”

Xiao Yanjin froze, as if she had misheard.

This was her girlfriend—and she was telling her to go on a blind date? Wasn’t that just absurd?!

“Nuo-jie,” Xiao Yanjin bit her lip. “Are you joking with me?”

Ji Yunuo replied seriously, “I’m not. I’m not joking. This concerns an arranged marriage alliance—you can’t make the other party wait and lose face.”

Xiao Yanjin lifted her head, her eyes already reddening. A surge of unvented anger spread through her, her teeth clenched so tightly they ached. “I told you—even if I go on a blind date, it’ll only be with you. No one else is worthy!”

“Xiao Yanjin!”

Ji Yunuo’s voice was usually steady and low, but now it was startlingly sharp, making Xiao Yanjin think she was furious.

But what was there to be angry about when she was the one sending her girlfriend off to a blind date? Shouldn’t she be the one getting mad about the blind date in the first place?!

Ji Yunuo took another step forward, locking eyes with her in an unbearably intimate gaze.

“If you truly care about me, then go on that blind date.” Ji Yunuo’s expression gradually smoothed into calmness, but her tone remained as icy as before. “Don’t be childish. Adult social gatherings aren’t child’s play.”

She opened the door, her gaze so dark it was unrecognizable—as if Xiao Yanjin wasn’t her girlfriend, but merely a teammate she was advising. “I hope you’ll participate in the next archery round.”

All that remained was a voice as cold as her expression. Xiao Yanjin was left bewildered, starting to doubt whether Ji Yunuo even liked her. Why hadn’t she shown even a hint of jealousy?!

Why?! Why?!

Grumbling, Xiao Yanjin made her way to the archery range.

Shi Zhengyi and Jiang Nan rushed over to hug her. “Babe, why’d you take so long? It’s almost your turn.”

Xiao Yanjin clipped on her number tag and stole a glance at Ji Yunuo, who sat stiffly in her chair, watching others shoot arrows.

Even when her own team members were taking their turns at archery, she didn’t bother watching.

Xiao Yanjin’s mood grew increasingly irritable.

Both teams were shooting together. The earlier attempts by Shen Ya and He Rou weren’t particularly impressive, scoring only 24 and 26 points respectively. The opposing team had already gained a ten-point lead, making it extremely difficult for Xiao Yanjin to close the gap.

He Rou, unwilling to accept defeat, cried, “Xiao Yanjin, it’s all up to you now. We did our best.”

Xiao Yanjin laughed heartily, “Don’t worry!”

Their opponent was a young alpha actress named Ye Ziye, who was rumored to be very close with Chu Luo.

Clearly privy to some inside information, she looked down on Xiao Yanjin with an air of superiority.

When Xiao Yanjin politely bowed in greeting, Ye Ziye deliberately sneered in disdain.

Ye Ziye scoffed, “Xiao Yanjin, I never thought someone like you could actually debut.”

Already in a foul mood, Xiao Yanjin fired back without hesitation, “Still better than someone who tried and failed to debut.”

Ye Ziye’s expression stiffened before she smirked, “You’re good at nothing. Just wait—I’ll make sure you taste defeat soon enough!”

Xiao Yanjin’s competitive spirit flared instantly. “You think you can challenge me in archery?”

Ye Ziye clicked her tongue. “I’ve been practicing archery since I was a kid. Surely I’m better than a shameless slacker like you.”

The Hibiscus fans (Xiao Yanjin’s fandom) cheered loudly as their idol stepped forward.

Other fans mocked them, “After all the scandals your idol stirred up today, save your energy. Who even knows why anyone still supports her.”

Frustrated but unable to retaliate, the Hibiscus fans could only hope their idol would deliver an outstanding performance.

The match began.

Perhaps rattled by Xiao Yanjin’s taunts, Ye Ziye’s first shot was unsteady, landing only a 10-point hit.

Xiao Yanjin arched an eyebrow, amused. “This is what you’ve been practicing since childhood?”

Ye Ziye shot back, “Your teammates earlier scored a measly 3 points. Even the weakest among us is better than your lot!”

Xiao Yanjin adjusted her bow, closed her eyes, and visualized the target—a perfect bullseye burned into her mind.

With a confident smile, she said, “Watch closely, Ye Ziye.”

Whoosh! The arrow struck dead center.

The Hibiscus fans erupted in cheers.

The entire audience was stunned!

Ye Ziye froze. How… how is this possible?!

Xiao Yanjin clapped her hands. “Your turn.”

Unwilling to back down, Ye Ziye took her shot with determination—another 10 points.

Xiao Yanjin responded with yet another perfect bullseye.

Commentator Cheng Ruo announced, “Xiao Yanjin is only the fifth competitor in history to score two consecutive perfect 10s!”

Ye Ziye, still defiant, matched with another 10.

But Xiao Yanjin did it again, breaking the record for three consecutive 10s.

Furious, Ye Ziye snapped, “Don’t tell me you rigged this!”

Xiao Yanjin smirked coldly. “Only losers cry foul when they can’t keep up. How pathetic, Ye Ziye.”

With a three-point gap remaining, Ye Ziye needed at least a 7 to stay in the game.

But her nerves got the better of her—she scored only a 6.

Xiao Yanjin straightened her posture, drew her bow taut, and fired with the precision of a seasoned warrior.

10 points!

Cheng Ruo exclaimed, “Xiao Yanjin has achieved four consecutive perfect 10s, shattering a decade-old record in the Super Games!”

The Hibiscus fans wept with joy. “This is why we stan her! AAAAAH!”

What no one knew was that Xiao Yanjin had trained relentlessly for this archery competition, day after day, refusing to rest. To outsiders, she was still just a spoiled, lazy rich kid.

But times change—and so can people.

The only person who noticed her changes was Ji Yunuo.

Whenever she practiced archery, Ji Yunuo would always sit nearby, quietly watching her. If she missed the mark, Ji Yunuo would encourage her—never scolding, never humiliating. In her eyes, Xiao Yanjin was the best.

Bai Li Zhaoyan took a seat beside Ji Yunuo, having long noticed how intently Ji Yunuo gazed at Xiao Yanjin.

Ji Yunuo said, “You all think Xiao Yanjin isn’t good enough for me, but the truth is, no one is inherently unworthy of another. I have my strengths, and she has hers. She pushes herself to the limit in archery, refusing to eat or drink until she achieves good results—that’s not something a lazy person could ever manage.”

Bai Li Zhaoyan fell silent for a few seconds before replying apologetically, “I’m sorry. I misjudged her. Does Sister Nuo bringing this up mean you know I’ve discovered your secret?”

Ji Yunuo replied calmly, “Zhaoyan, you’ve always been observant, noticing every little detail. I don’t want to hide anything from you, and I trust you won’t tell anyone.”

Hearing the implicit threat in her tone, Bai Li Zhaoyan sighed. “But compatibility in status is important, Sister Yunuo. You should think carefully about this.”

Ji Yunuo smiled. “She’s the first person I’ve ever truly wanted. Of course I won’t let go. I’ll prove that my choice is right. By the way, you’re quite familiar with Qin Junyin from the Qin family, aren’t you?”

Bai Li Zhaoyan was puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

“Tell me everything you know about her.” Ji Yunuo’s eyes gleamed with shrewdness.

Just then, the other members crowded around Xiao Yanjin, forcing Bai Li Zhaoyan to quietly step aside.

Ji Yunuo stood up. “Congratulations.”

Xiao Yanjin pressed her lips together. Once the others had left, she whispered to Ji Yunuo, “Can you stop being mad at me?”

Ji Yunuo raised an eyebrow. “What am I mad about?”

Xiao Yanjin huffed. “I already agreed to my dad’s arranged meeting. If it works out, don’t come crying to me.”

Ji Yunuo chuckled. “It won’t work out.”

Xiao Yanjin planted her hands on her hips. “Are you saying I’m not charming enough?”

Ji Yunuo lowered her gaze slightly, cursing inwardly at this clueless fool.

Xiao Yanjin stealthily pulled her into a corner out of the camera’s view, her forehead glistening with sweat. “I want Sister to wipe my sweat for me.”

Ji Yunuo didn’t move—instead, she pressed a kiss to her forehead. Xiao Yanjin startled. “What happened to your germaphobia?”

A slow smile spread across Ji Yunuo’s lips. “Why would I ever be disgusted by you?”

……

Though the Qin family’s headquarters weren’t in Lancheng, they were still influential figures in the region. The Qin and Xiao families had collaborated before.

Xiao Liangmu’s urgency in arranging this meeting stemmed from his fear that Xiao Ruohua and the others might reclaim their property.

Without the house, the Xiao family would lose its foundation—how could they ever make a comeback?

In the upscale café, the rich aroma of coffee filled the air, but Xiao Yanjin looked as if she’d inhaled disinfectant, her face pale and miserable.

Xiao Liangmu scoffed in disapproval. “You call yourself an idol, yet you can’t even dress properly? You looked just as sloppy during the meeting with the Ji family.”

Xiao Yanjin muttered under her breath, “If you make me meet the Ji family again, I might need more than three days to get ready.”

“What did you say?” Xiao Liangmu found Xiao Yanjin increasingly strange. Sometimes he even saw her giggling at her phone and buying weird gifts without knowing who they were for.

After this incident, he realized Xiao Yanjin must have someone she liked, but that person probably didn’t come from a well-off family and couldn’t be considered a suitable match for an arranged marriage.

Sigh. There was nothing he could do. The revival of the Xiao family depended on alliances with other influential families!

He had no choice but to sacrifice his daughter’s happiness.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Xiao Yanjin—

In a dimly lit bar reeking of alcohol and smoke, a group of wealthy heirs were playing cards and rolling dice.

“Speaking of which, Xiao Yanjin has debuted now. Has she paid you back yet?” asked a male alpha whose family owned a chain of supermarkets—Fu Cheng.

A female alpha nodded. “She did pay back the money, but I feel like she’s changed. She’s a celebrity now, yet she’s still so stingy she won’t even come out for a meal with us.” Her family was in the fishing industry—Yu Fan.

Fu Cheng smirked. “The Xiao family went bankrupt. Did you really expect her to treat you to dinner? I didn’t see you lifting a finger to help when they were in trouble.”

Yu Fan shrugged. “Now that she’s famous, of course I’d reach out. Who knew I’d get the cold shoulder?” She then slammed the table in frustration before slipping a playing card into the cleavage of the female dancer clinging to her.

“Here, a little reward for you.”

The dancer blushed and shyly murmured her thanks.

Fu Cheng felt a physical reaction stirring as he watched. “Xiao Yanjin used to be known as Lancheng’s number one scumbag alpha. But now? She’s latched onto the CP hype with the Ji family’s young miss, acting like some innocent, sweet alpha.” He scoffed. “It’s all an act. Only those brainless fans would buy it.”

Just then, footsteps approached.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the Jiang family’s young master. What brings you here?” Fu Cheng grinned.

The Jiang family ran an internet company in Yecheng. Their eldest son, Jiang Quyou, was only 23 and had spent years abroad, living a carefree, indulgent life.

“Are you two free tomorrow?” Jiang Quyou shoved his hands in his pockets, looking sullen.

“What’s wrong, Young Master Jiang?” The two exchanged glances.

“I heard some news—Xiao Yanjin is going on a blind date with Yunyin.”

Fu Cheng froze. “Isn’t Yunyin your girlfriend?”

Jiang Quyou scowled. “Exactly. We haven’t even told our parents about our relationship yet, but Uncle Qin went ahead and arranged this blind date without a word. Yunyin is a refined young lady from a good family—how could she be matched with some bankrupt, debt-ridden scumbag alpha? So I came up with a plan. Make Xiao Yanjin fall for her first, then dump her hard and expose it online. Everyone will laugh at her!”

Fu Cheng gave a thumbs-up. “Young Master Jiang, you’re as sharp as ever!”

Jiang Quyou glanced at them. “Want to come along later and watch the show?”

Fu Cheng and Yu Fan exchanged looks—they were more than happy to oblige.

It was clear that these people, once Xiao Yanjin’s closest friends, had now become her bitter enemies.

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