Yu Wan'er, Torn Between Hope and Fear

"Big sis, were you doing something naughty? Hehehe—"

With no one around, Xiao Wanwan let out a giggly laugh, wiggling her fingers... her lips curling into a smirk.

Xiao Sisi frowned and immediately gave Xiao Wanwan a light smack on the head.

"Be serious!"

"Wanwan, why did you come down? You should go back—the audience is still waiting for you..."

Xiao Wanwan rolled her eyes. "Sis, my concert’s already over, okay?"

Xiao Sisi froze. "Over? That fast?"

The girl covered her cherry-like lips in shock. Had she really spent nearly twenty minutes with that guy without realizing it?

Had time flown by that quickly? Or... had she been so lost in the moment that she lost track of time?

She didn’t dare dwell on it!

"You’re unbelievable. You’re supposed to be my manager, yet you were off enjoying yourself alone—so irresponsible," the girl muttered under her breath.

"Xiao Wanwan!!!"

Xiao Wanwan stuck out her tongue playfully and even pulled a face at Xiao Sisi.

The girl walked into the dressing room, stripping off her stage outfit as she spoke.

"Sis, when am I getting new songs? Since my debut, I’ve only had five. Tonight, I had to sing each one twice—thank goodness those dumb fish in the audience were obedient, or it would’ve been so awkward."

"Ugh—you wouldn’t believe it! Right as I was about to leave the stage, that blond idiot started heckling, asking when I’d release new songs. I was so mad!!!"

Xiao Wanwan quickly stripped down to just her blue-and-white striped panties, her skin as smooth and fair as milk.

But the view was fleeting—she soon slipped into fresh clothes.

"Huh? What did you say?" Xiao Sisi’s heart skipped a beat. That blond guy had to be the same one who’d kissed her earlier.

"I... I said the new album would definitely drop next month," Xiao Wanwan admitted, scratching her head awkwardly.

Xiao Sisi’s expression darkened. "What gave you that confidence? Do you even know what day it is? It’s the end of the month already! You think you can write a whole song in a month? Don’t make promises you can’t keep!"

She looked at Xiao Wanwan with exasperation.

"Relax, sis. Worst case, we just call Xiao Chuan. He’s the richest man in the world, remember? If we sweet-talk him with a couple of ‘daddies,’ he’ll be putty in our hands. You think the world’s wealthiest man can’t hire a few top-tier composers?"

Xiao Wanwan had changed into her casual clothes now. On stage, she dressed in soft pinks, playing the adorable, heart-melting idol. But offstage, her style was darker—giving off a cool, rebellious vibe.

Xiao Sisi sighed helplessly, glancing down at the business card in her hand.

She couldn’t help but wonder—could this blond kid, Jiang Che, really write good songs?

Sure, his performance of Father had stunned everyone, but... no composer could guarantee every song would be a hit.

Whatever. The first one was free anyway. Might as well let him try. If it sucked, she could just drop him.

But if it was good... Wait, didn’t he say he wanted her to be his girlfriend?

Instantly, Xiao Sisi’s cheeks flushed pink.

In the past, she would’ve rejected any confession outright.

But her first kiss... had already been stolen by that guy. Xiao Sisi was a traditional girl at heart—once she gave her first kiss to someone, she was pretty much set on them.

Hmph, let’s see if your song’s any good first. Then I’ll decide whether to give you another chance!

Xiao Sisi was already mentally preparing herself.

"Eh? Sis, why’s your face red?"

"N-no reason!"

......

Jiang Che leaned back, savoring the lingering sweetness of the moment.

Hey, hey, Jiang Che—can you hear me? You pervert, did you go fooling around again? I can smell another girl on you.

Jiang Che’s lips twitched. Yu Wan'er’s nose was way too sharp—she always caught him flirting with other girls.

Yeah, so what? Jealous?

Hearing his teasing tone, Yu Wan'er completely lost it.

Her delicate face darkened. She knew Jiang Che wasn’t just messing with her—he was serious!

You creep! You were messing with Xiao Wanwan just now, weren’t you?!

Yu Wan'er’s jealousy was off the charts. She didn’t even need to drink water—she was already full from all the vinegar she’d swallowed over Jiang Che!

Tsk tsk, Wan'er, didn’t you say you loved Xiao Wanwan the most? I’ve still got her cherry-flavored lip gloss on me. Wanna taste?

Yu Wan'er’s mind short-circuited, steam practically rising from her head in frustration.

"Wan'er, what’s wrong?" Ye Mengyao noticed her friend’s odd state and asked gently.

"N-nothing! I was just thinking... if that pervert Jiang Che were here, would he be bold enough to hit on Xiao Wanwan?"

Yu Wan'er’s words made Ye Mengyao pause. Then her gaze flicked toward the blond-haired Jiang Che.

It really is Jiang Che? Why’d you dye your hair blond?

Clearly, Ye Mengyao wasn’t dumb. The way Yu Wan'er and Jiang Che had been eyeing each other made it obvious.

Jiang Che simply sent her a telepathic whisper: Shh.

So it was Jiang Che!!!

But how had his singing gotten so good?

A flood of questions swirled in the girl’s mind.

Ye Mengyao understood—if Jiang Che was here, they’d probably be gaining another "sister" soon.

"Wan'er, isn’t Xiao Wanwan your favorite? Once Jiang Che wins her over, we can all be ‘sisters in arms’ with a superstar."

Ye Mengyao took Yu Wan'er’s hand reassuringly.

Ew, no! Who wants to be sisters with her? I like Xiao Wanwan, but I don’t need another rival!!!

Yu Wan'er’s usual perky hair antenna drooped. She knew it—there was no stopping Jiang Che from adding Xiao Wanwan to his harem. And probably more.

Life was hard. Yu Wan'er sighed.

Jiang Che... you won’t abandon me, right?

The girl’s heart whispered silently. Despite her frequent tantrums, she was the one who needed Jiang Che the most.

She’d grown so used to him—her tiny heart had only ever let one man in. His playfulness made her insecure, but deep down... she loved him desperately.

Just as she was spiraling, a gentle voice brushed against her mind.

How could I ever leave you? Little troublemaker, looking for a reason to sulk again?