From Trashy A to the Heiress’s Little Son-in-Law After the Idol Competition (GL, ABO) - Chapter 60

The group of seven had been practicing their dance routines nonstop in the training room ahead of their upcoming album release.

Under the scorching sun, even with the air conditioning on, the room felt unbearably stuffy.

Sweat dripped from everyone’s faces.

“Your water’s here,” Cheng Xiaozhi announced, carrying a crate filled with bottled water.

The crate was quickly opened, and the members grabbed their bottles one after another. Shi Zhengyi twisted open his cap, a puff of cool mist escaping as he gulped down several mouthfuls.

“Ahhh, refreshing!” he exclaimed.

Xiao Yanjin deliberately picked up a bottle and handed it to Ji Yunuo.

Ji Yunuo accepted it gratefully. Unlike the others, she drank slowly, as if elegance were ingrained in her very bones.

Cheng Xiaozhi spoke up, “We’ve received an invitation—you’ll be appearing on a variety show in a few days.”

“Another variety show? We haven’t even finished practicing the choreography for our new song yet. They really know how to milk us dry,” Shi Zhengyi grumbled without exaggeration.

Cheng Xiaozhi chuckled. “No complaints, everyone. At least variety shows pay well.”

Xiao Yanjin noticed the calm expression on Ji Yunuo’s face. Was she being overly sensitive, or was she just too attuned to Ji Yunuo? She could almost sense an underlying unhappiness.

—After practice, remember to take some time off and meet me.

Just then, Wei Qin sent Ji Yunuo a message.

Ji Yunuo pressed her lips together.

—No.

Wei Qin nearly fumed in her car.

—Do you even see me as your mother anymore?!

Ji Yunuo lowered her gaze.

—What do you want?

—I just miss you. Let’s just have a meal together, that’s all.

—Fine.

—Dress nicely.

Ji Yunuo tucked her phone away with a sigh, catching Xiao Yanjin’s gaze beside her. She responded with a faint smile.

Xiao Yanjin’s own smile faded, sensing something off about Ji Yunuo.

Cheng Xiaozhi clapped his hands. “Alright, everyone, time for lunch.”

Shen Ya, who had also been checking her phone, looked troubled. “I need to step out for a bit first.”

…

That evening, Ji Yunuo dressed in a black blazer paired with a white maxi skirt—a look that balanced between sophisticated elegance and youthful charm, effortlessly striking. Passersby couldn’t help but glance her way.

Her hair, naturally straight after washing, refused to hold any curls no matter how much she tried. Too lazy to use a curling iron, she simply brushed it out and applied light makeup before heading out.

She didn’t tell Xiao Yanjin where she was going. There was no need.

But when she arrived at the upscale Western restaurant Wei Qin had specified, a sense of unease crept over her.

Wei Qin was already waiting at the entrance. She embraced Ji Yunuo warmly, showering her with praise. “My daughter is just too beautiful.”

Arm in arm, Wei Qin led her to a secluded corner where a refined woman in a black blazer and gold-rimmed glasses sat waiting—an alpha.

Ji Yunuo took a deep breath.

Baili Zhiwei—Baili Zhaoyan’s older sister!

She shot Wei Qin a cold glare.

Wei Qin pretended not to notice, speaking casually. “Your group will disband soon. Once you return to the Ji family, you’ll need to settle down. Coincidentally, I found Baili Zhiwei. Among all the heirs, she’s the best match for you.”

As if sensing their arrival, Baili Zhiwei looked up, offering a gentle, composed smile. “Aunt Wei, Miss Ji, you’re here.”

Wei Qin nudged Ji Yunuo forward. “Have a good talk.”

With that, she turned and walked away, pulling out her phone to send a message.

——Buy a trending topic

——Say the Ji and Bai families are secretly arranging a marriage

Wei Qin narrowed her eyes. She refused to believe Xiao Yanjin wouldn’t see this.

Ji Yunuo gave a rare hum of acknowledgment and took a seat across from Bai Zhiwei.

They had met before—that story dated back a few years.

At the time, Bai Zhiwei had heard of the Ji family’s eldest daughter’s reputation in their circles. But Ji Yunuo was too aloof, rarely attending gatherings, so she became something of a legend among them. Later, at a brand event overseas, Bai Zhiwei spotted Ji Yunuo at a glance.

Back then, she had been wearing a white chiffon dress, her hair lazily cascading down, like a radiant little fairy—except this fairy was uniquely cold and distant, silent as a painting.

Bai Zhiwei was deeply moved. Of course, she wasn’t the only one.

Many had taken a liking to Ji Yunuo, but Ji Yunuo showed no interest in anyone, which was why Ye Liangchen gradually shifted his affections elsewhere.

Bai Zhiwei, however, never seemed to have found a girlfriend, still harboring a lingering infatuation for her.

“Yunuo, I was actually very happy when I heard about the arranged meeting,” Bai Zhiwei said with a gentle smile. “Even though Aunt Wei was the one who told me unilaterally, if this works out, my parents would be overjoyed.”

Aside from Wei Qin and Bai Zhiwei, neither family knew about this.

Her mother really had it all planned out.

Ji Yunuo pressed her lips together and poured Bai Zhiwei a glass of red wine.

“Care for a drink?” she asked, suddenly recalling that Xiao Yanjin never drank.

Bai Zhiwei seemed pleasantly surprised, thanking her before taking a sip, her gaze lingering intently on Ji Yunuo.

“Did you have something to say?” Ji Yunuo’s demeanor was more suited to discussing business with a client than attending a matchmaking meeting.

Bai Zhiwei blinked, momentarily confused by her words.

Patiently, she replied, “It’s been three years since we last met. Most of what I know about you comes from others, and even that is scarce. I was hoping this time, I could learn more about you.”

Ji Yunuo’s expression remained utterly calm, betraying no emotion.

“Sorry, I don’t need others knowing more about me.”

……

Xiao Yanjin was in her bedroom composing a new song. Still part of the group, she couldn’t release solo tracks yet, so she was stockpiling material for when the time came.

—Don’t worry, you’re our company’s top earner. How could I not let you film an MV?

CEO Zhang’s reply popped up.

Xiao Yanjin glanced at it. That was just as well.

In the meantime, several variety shows and commercials had approached her, but the company managing their group had rejected them all, forcing Xiao Yanjin to secretly scout for opportunities. Fortunately, she landed an endorsement deal with a top-tier S-class brand.

She pondered for a moment—why would the company turn down profitable opportunities? They couldn’t be that foolish.

But she didn’t dwell on it. All she wanted was to refine herself, produce good music, and show the Ji family that she was no longer the Xiao Yanjin of the past.

After jotting down a few lyrics, Shi Zhengyi suddenly shouted from the living room, his words crystal clear in her ears.

“Ji Yunuo and Bai Zhiwei are in an arranged meeting? No way, the group hasn’t even disbanded yet, and she’s already matchmaking?”

Xiao Yanjin froze, then silently opened Weibo.

A top trending hashtag immediately caught her eye.

#Ji and Bai Families Secretly Arranging Marriage#

The netizens’ reaction was completely different from when the Xiao and Ji families had their blind date before.

They were all saying how well-matched these two were.

[Damn, it’s Bai Lizhiwei! The goddess of high society, admired by so many young ladies.]

[I heard Bai Lizhiwei mentioned in an interview that she hoped to become good friends with Miss Ji—now’s her chance!]

[They’re so perfect for each other. I have a feeling these two will end up together.]

[Wouldn’t that be even better? Mrs. Ji already said Miss Ji won’t stay in the entertainment industry forever. Maybe she’ll marry Bai Lizhiwei and become a high-society wife.]

[Domineering CEO and noble wife—another sweet romance fanfic!]

Xiao Yanjin turned off her phone.

Just like last time, she curled her lips and thought to herself, “Interesting.”

If this were truly a secret blind date, how could it have made headlines so quickly?

Wei Qin had worked in the entertainment industry before—she definitely knew how to manipulate public opinion.

Xiao Yanjin’s eyes darkened. It was time to fight back.

Meanwhile, at the Western restaurant.

Bai Lizhiwei was at a loss for words upon hearing this.

Ji Yunuo said, “I apologize if I was too blunt, but the fact remains—I don’t need others’ attention, nor will I pay attention to them.”

Bai Lizhiwei smiled gently, “It’s alright. I was quite shocked when I heard the news, but I still wanted to come because I might get to see you.”

“Mmm.”

Bai Lizhiwei’s face gradually turned red. “Actually, I’ve always wanted to get to know you…”

Suddenly, a phone call came through.

Ji Yunuo glanced at it and immediately answered.

“Sister, I cut my hand… it’s bleeding… so much blood. Come see me, I’m at the hospital now.”

Xiao Yanjin’s tearful voice instantly filled Ji Yunuo’s mind, making her feel the other’s helplessness.

Ji Yunuo was momentarily stunned before saying, “Wait for me.”

“If there’s nothing else, I should head back now.”

But once in the car, Shi Zhengyi called: “Captain, Xiao Yanjin cut her hand. You should come to the hospital.”

Ji Yunuo froze—only five minutes had passed since Xiao Yanjin’s call. Did she deliberately cut herself after hanging up?

Arriving at the hospital, Ji Yunuo quickly met up with Shi Zhengyi and Jiang Nan, who had brought Xiao Yanjin there.

“Captain, you’re finally here.” Shi Zhengyi moved to pat Ji Yunuo’s shoulder but ultimately withdrew his hand.

Jiang Nan said, “A-Jin was cutting fruit and sliced her hand open. There was so much blood—she’s still getting bandaged inside.”

Ji Yunuo nodded, suppressing her worry. “You’ve worked hard.”

“Not at all. For you to come as captain… We’ll go get some food first.” Shi Zhengyi pulled Jiang Nan far away.

Just then, Xiao Yanjin emerged.

Seeing the large bandage on her finger, Ji Yunuo couldn’t help but chuckle.

But Xiao Yanjin sat down with a pale face. “Sister, I’m so tired.”

Worried she might have low blood sugar, Ji Yunuo touched her forehead—no cold sweat, and her lips weren’t pale. Clearly an act.

“I’ll get you some water.”

“No!” Xiao Yanjin grabbed her hand.

“Right now, I just want to see you. Seeing you makes me feel better.”

Ji Yunuo sat down, and Xiao Yanjin leaned against her.

One was 178 cm tall, the other 172 cm. Leaning on her shoulder didn’t feel uncomfortable at all—in fact, Xiao Yanjin chuckled softly.

“Feeling better now?” Ji Yunuo asked gently.

“With Sister Nuo here, of course I feel better.” Xiao Yanjin pouted, looking even more pitiful. “If Sister ever got close to someone else, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

Ji Yunuo frowned. Earlier in the car, she had seen the trending topic on her phone—clearly, Wei Qin had done it on purpose. Had Xiao Yanjin seen it too?

“Sister… you really won’t leave me, right?” Her voice was cautious.

“Of course I won’t leave you.” Ji Yunuo’s heart ached at her words.

Xiao Yanjin smiled contentedly and hooked her slender pinky finger around Ji Yunuo’s.

“My heart hurts… Can you rub it for me?”

Ji Yunuo was torn between laughter and exasperation. “How am I supposed to rub your heart?”

“The outside is fine too.” Xiao Yanjin glanced downward.

“Those two places need Sister’s touch to stop hurting.”

Shi Zhengyi had specially bought dinner for Ji Yunuo and Xiao Yanjin, but when she arrived at the hospital, she couldn’t find them.

Instead, in an empty room, she heard Xiao Yanjin’s voice.

“Sister, you’re so mean—it hurts!”

“Yes, yes, right there… That feels so much better.”

“Can I try yours too?”

Shi Zhengyi’s jaw dropped. Why was she always stumbling upon scenes like this?!

But then it occurred to her—Xiao Yanjin and Ji Yunuo acted distant in public, yet in countless small ways, their relationship went far beyond that of a captain and teammate, or even friends.

A knowing smile curled on Shi Zhengyi’s lips. She had just uncovered a massive secret!

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