Chapter 155: You Really Hid That Well

Unexpectedly, Shiye glanced back at her with a faint look, as if to say, “Are we that close? Why are you speaking to me like an old friend?”

However, seeing Jiang Yao’s embarrassed expression, Shiye eventually nodded.

He said, “Yes, this time each of us has prepared a solo performance as a surprise for the fans.”

“Wow! How thoughtful! Being your fan must be so lucky,” Jiang Yao awkwardly complimented, but Shiye simply nodded without much expression.

Xiang Kui had initially felt a flicker of excitement upon hearing the word “surprise.” Yet, Jiang Yao’s reaction was so unexpected that her excitement quickly turned into awkwardness and embarrassment.

Jiang Yao and Lu Bai’s group clearly weren’t close friends, were they?

What kind of “good friends” act like this at a fan meeting?

Ruan Mianmian leaned quietly against the doorframe, listening to the sounds inside. She had thought Jiang Yao hadn’t denied Xiang Kui’s words because she was genuinely close to the OS group members. To her surprise, it turned out to be a lie.

Ruan Mianmian couldn’t help but chuckle softly, a sound that immediately drew the attention of others.

Jiang Yao flushed crimson upon hearing the laughter. She quickly turned to glare at Ruan Mianmian, ready to retaliate.

Unexpectedly, Le Chen suddenly stood up from his seat and smiled sweetly at Ruan Mianmian.

“Mianmian, you’re finally here! I thought you wouldn’t come in!”

“Mianmian?” What’s going on?

Le Chen’s words caused shock to flash across Jiang Yao and the others’ faces. Lu Bai and Shiye also leaned forward, their eyes shining with smiles and admiration.

“See? I wasn’t lying. Mianmian is really beautiful, isn’t she?” Le Chen teased playfully, winking at the other two members.

Lu Bai crossed his arms, smiling gently as he nodded. “Indeed. Hello, Mianmian.”

“Hello, sister!” Shiye also cheerfully greeted.

Ruan Mianmian was overwhelmed with surprise, unsure of what Le Chen had told them, as their reactions were far beyond her expectations.

Of all present, Jiang Yao’s expression was the darkest. She had intended to use this opportunity to get closer to the OS group members but ended up completely ignored.

***

Jiang Yao clenched her teeth and shot Ruan Mianmian icy glares, her eyes fierce.

Xiang Kui had long covered her mouth in shock.

Now, she suddenly understood.

Earlier, Assistant Xiao Ba had come for Ruan Mianmian, but because of Jiang Yao’s earlier boast, she had mistakenly assumed Jiang Yao had sent someone to pick them up.

The more she thought about it, the angrier Xiang Kui became.

Why hadn’t Jiang Yao denied it just now?

Ruan Mianmian awkwardly greeted the other members one by one, then looked around and asked, “You’re still missing someone, right?”

Le Chen smiled and replied, “Zhi Xia got a stomach upset last night and still isn’t feeling well. He’s probably in the restroom again.”

That explained it.

Ruan Mianmian’s eyes brightened as she suddenly remembered Xiang Kui standing behind her.

She pulled Xiang Kui over and said, “This is Xiang Kui, a loyal fan of yours! Before coming in, she even prepared lots of support items for other fans. You have to get to know her.”

“Really? That’s wonderful. Thank you so much,” Le Chen said, coming closer and winking. “Would you like some signed photos? We’ve prepared plenty this time. Since you’re such a loyal fan, you can pick a few yourself.”

“Me?” Xiang Kui blushed and smiled. “No, no, that’s just what I’m supposed to do. You’re so excellent, deserving of all this admiration! I have plenty of signed photos already, but I can take some more.”

“Hahaha! Pick whatever you want!” Shiye chimed in, pulling out a pen. “Want a special autograph?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Xiang Kui nodded vigorously.

Shiye then asked, “What’s your name again?”

“Xiang Kui! Like ‘sunflower’ Xiang Kui!”

Shiye raised an eyebrow and smiled. “That’s quite a unique name.”

With that, he handed her a specially signed photo.

At that moment, Lu Bai, who had been silent nearby, suddenly leaned in and asked, “You wouldn’t be that little Kui, would you?”

“Huh? Yes, yes, yes!” Xiang Kui was first stunned but then excited. “You remember me? Really?”

“Of course!”

Lu Bai then laughed. “Aren’t you my biggest fan? I remember your Weibo followers are in the tens of thousands, and you’re the host of my super-topic.”

“Ahhh!” Xiang Kui covered her face, overwhelmed with excitement. “Oh my gosh! Is this for real?”

“It is,” Lu Bai said, casually picking up a cartoon plush toy from the table and handing it to her. “This is also a gift we prepared for the fans today. Here, it’s for you. Thanks for your support.”

Xiang Kui eagerly accepted it, tears welling up instantly.

It was a small plush version of Lu Bai, crafted with exquisite detail, almost identical to the real person.

Clutching it to her chest, Xiang Kui exclaimed, “I can’t take it! I feel like I’ve used up all my luck for this lifetime today!”

“Hahaha!”

Her adorable reaction made everyone laugh heartily.

Jiang Yao clenched her fists tightly, her fingertips digging into her palms. The laughter around her felt like stones thrown at her face, burning with pain.

“Oh dear! My little darlings! Enough chatting—get ready quickly! The equipment is almost set up, and the fans outside are getting restless! Let’s hurry; the show’s about to start,” the manager reminded them sharply.

Everyone immediately stopped joking and prepared to dive into the concert.

Le Chen handed the VIP tickets to Ruan Mianmian with a smile. “You all can take your seats first. The concert is about to begin.”

“Okay,” Ruan Mianmian accepted the tickets and led Xiang Kui and the others to the VIP seats.

Xiang Kui looked thrilled and excited.

“My goodness! Ruan Mianmian, you really know how to keep secrets!” Xiang Nuan laughed.

“Right? It’s my first time getting this close to a star. It’s really overwhelming,” she added.

Ruan Mianmian replied, “Honestly, I find it unbelievable too, but I haven’t known Le Chen very long—it’s a very fortunate coincidence.”

“What coincidence? What do you mean by ‘not long’?” Xiang Kui pressed eagerly. “Le Chen treats you so well! How did you two meet? I’m insanely jealous!”

Ruan Mianmian covered her mouth, glanced around, and gently held Xiang Kui’s excited hand. “Don’t get too excited. There are people all around, and making a fuss wouldn’t be good.”

Xiang Kui pouted. “I want to stay calm, but I just can’t control this restless heart of mine.”