They are really popular, aren't they

What a coincidence.

When Cao Cheng came to the capital,

the "Eight Plus One"—nine girls—had just finished their Asia tour and returned home to start their domestic tour.

These were already the last two shows.

This one was in the capital.

The final one would be in Zhonghai.

No helping it.

Miracle Media's headquarters was in Zhonghai, so the grand finale had to be held there.

Luckily, no one really cared about such details.

Cao Cheng also came to show his support.

Honestly,

since their debut, Cao Cheng had barely paid any attention to these nine girls—not exactly the mark of a good boss.

What?

I’m not the boss?

Old Four is the boss?

Well, that settles it then.

Cao Cheng secretly sighed in relief. Good thing he wasn’t the boss—otherwise, he’d have to worry about everything, and that would be such a hassle.

How could he leisurely travel around with Lingling like this otherwise?

...

Speaking of the team’s name, Cao Cheng could only facepalm.

It was voted on by fans—a rather tacky name like "Rocket Girls," called "Miracle Girls."

But...

Few actually called them "Miracle Girls." True fans referred to them as "Eight Plus One."

The Eight Golden Flowers, plus the Top Lucky Charm!

No disrespect intended, nor was it meant to sow division—it was just that "Eight Plus One" rolled off the tongue better.

No one knew who started it, but once it caught on, everyone just went with it.

Later, "Eight Plus One" morphed into "Wine"!

People started giving them nicknames based on different types of alcohol.

It gave Cao Cheng flashbacks to Detective Conan.

Anyway,

though the hype around this nine-member group had faded somewhat after a year,

completing a massive Asia tour—an epic milestone—had solidified their reputation.

They’d gained considerable fame across Asia.

A good thing.

For their careers, it was all upside, no downside!

...

Cao Cheng wore a mask, and so did Lingling.

The two blended into the crowd streaming into the stadium, holding hands like a young couple.

No one noticed them.

No one paid attention to those around them.

The place was packed.

Tens of thousands of fans, mostly young men and women, surged in from all directions like a tidal wave.

Who had the time to care about their surroundings?

Everyone jumped and waved fan signs, some even singing the group’s songs.

Cao Cheng shielded Lingling,

getting jostled by enthusiastic girls along the way.

By the time they found their seats, Cao Cheng was sweating.

Damn.

These fans were way too hyped.

Especially the female ones.

Who’d have thought the group’s fanbase would skew so heavily female?

Once seated,

Lingling couldn’t help but murmur, "They’re so popular!"

Cao Cheng chuckled. "How could they compare to you? If you took off your mask and went onstage, all nine would probably become your fans."

Lingling giggled softly. "Brother, you’re just flattering me."

"I’m serious. And your status isn’t something a girl group can match—you’re an artist. They’re just..."

Before he could finish, Lingling covered his mouth.

No way was he saying that out loud.

Surrounded by the group’s fans, they’d never make it out if anyone overheard.

Besides,

what kind of boss badmouths his own artists in private?

Even if Lingling knew Cao Cheng was just buttering her up—and not entirely wrong—some things were better left unsaid.

Lingling whispered, "Stop talking."

Cao Cheng smiled. He got her point, but he wasn’t putting anyone down—just stating facts.

The industry was all about status.

And Lingling had no shortage of fans herself.

...

The concert hadn’t started yet,

but the crowd was already hyping itself up.

Some male fans waved flags with a large character: "Brew!"

Lingling was puzzled.

"Brother, what’s that character? 'Brew'?" She wasn’t entirely sure.

Cao Cheng nodded. "As in brewing alcohol."

Lingling blinked. "What does it mean?"

Cao Cheng grinned. "You know they were originally called 'Miracle Girls,' but do you know what fans call them now?"

"What?" Lingling had no idea.

She hadn’t kept up with the group’s details.

Just seen the headlines.

Today was pure coincidence.

They happened to be in the capital during the group’s tour stop.

Lingling knew they were under the same company, so she’d mentioned wanting to see the live show.

Cao Cheng, of course, obliged—he’d gotten them tickets.

The organizer had offered VIP seats, but Cao Cheng thought that’d be too conspicuous. They were just there to soak in the atmosphere.

So,

the seats weren’t the best.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have had to squeeze through the crowd.

VIPs had their own entrance—still crowded, but way more spacious.

"Fans now call them 'Wine Squad'—as in alcoholic drinks. And the fandom calls itself 'Fermentation Time.'"

Cao Cheng explained, "Some creative fans divided themselves into three sub-groups based on the brewing process: 'Steeping Squad,' 'Distillation Squad,' and this 'Aging Squad.'"

"The 'Aging Squad' is mostly male fans."

"That flag is their banner—'Brew' as in fermentation."

"..."

Lingling was speechless.

She couldn’t fathom how fans came up with such bizarre ideas.

How did "Miracle Girls" turn into "Wine Squad"?

They weren’t even remotely related.

Cao Cheng went on to explain the origin of the "wine" theme and how each member had a liquor nickname.

For example, the leader, Ye Lan, was called: "Moutai!"

"Pfft—"

Lingling couldn’t hold back a laugh.

A girl, the team’s leader no less, named after China’s most expensive liquor? Ridiculous.

Cao Cheng smirked. "It’s the priciest domestic brand. As the leader, she’s the core—fans even came up with symbolism."

"What symbolism?" Lingling asked.

Cao Cheng said, "They say Ye Lan’s dancing flows like Moutai—smooth and rich. Especially in traditional-style performances, she often wears red, symbolizing strong liquor. Red has always represented authority and heritage. Her fan color is cinnabar red."

He pointed at some fans.

Sure enough, a sea of red signs—the leader’s supporters.

Cao Cheng continued, "The second member, Shen Yi, is 'Sherry'—a fortified wine. Fans say her smile is as sweet as what Shakespeare called 'sunshine in a bottle.'"

"Third member, Xia Zhi, is 'Chianti'..."

Many were references from anime.

Fans just ran with it.

Cao Cheng listed them all for Lingling.

Including Fenjiu, Wuliangye, Zhuyeqing, and others.

...

Lingling was amazed.

So this was the world of idols and pop stars?

She couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy. Unlike her, whose fans were just... piano music enthusiasts.

Well then.