Oops! I Became a Fan of My Rival Idol! - Chapter 37

After repeatedly confirming that Qiao Huihui’s makeup was flawless, Sister Qiu packed up her things and left directly.

 

The room was left with just the two of them again, and the familiar awkward atmosphere began to spread.

 

“Um, l-let’s go backstage.”

 

As soon as Qiao Huihui spoke, she thought of her lips, and thinking of her lips made her feel a little awkward. The awkwardness even made her stammer slightly.

 

She wanted to smack herself—how could she be so inexperienced as to falter at a time like this?

 

At that thought, a faint sourness rose in her heart. How could Shen Nanqing be so effortlessly smooth at flirting? And the worst part was how composed she remained, as if it were just a casual gesture.

 

In an instant, the shy little hamster transformed into a puffed-up little hamster. She shot Shen Nanqing a glance before pulling the door open and walking out.

 

What she didn’t know was that after she turned away, Shen Nanqing, following behind her, quietly wiped the sweat from her palms.

 

Most of the contestants were already waiting backstage. Xia Niao sat in their team’s designated spot, waving excitedly at her.

 

Qiao Huihui hurried over and plopped down beside her.

 

“Huihui, look! This makeup artist is amazing—they completely covered up my pimple!” Xia Niao exclaimed, clearly thrilled.

 

Qiao Huihui examined Xia Niao’s forehead closely and realized it was true—without looking carefully, no one would notice the tiny blemish there.

 

“Wow, you really don’t have to worry about it now.”

 

As the two chatted, their attention was drawn by a commotion near the entrance.

 

For some reason, Shu Bailian was blocking the way, her expression unusually unpleasant.

 

This was truly a rare sight. Outside the dorm, she usually wore a mask of gentleness and kindness—this was the first time anyone had seen her so visibly emotional.

 

Xia Niao, curious, tugged Qiao Huihui along to see what was happening.

 

When they got closer, they saw Shu Bailian confronting a long-haired girl, her words far from kind.

 

“With a flat chest like yours, dressing sexy is just a waste.”

 

Qiao Huihui’s eyes widened slightly—that was a vicious remark. She wondered what this girl had done to provoke Shu Bailian enough to drop her usual act and say something like that.

 

The long-haired girl had her back to them, so Qiao Huihui couldn’t immediately recognize which contestant she was.

 

She expected the argument to escalate, but before the girl could respond, Shu Bailian did something completely unexpected—she grabbed a jacket and draped it over the girl’s shoulders, her face flushing as she muttered, “Wearing so little looks awful.”

 

The girl sighed and tilted her head slightly, revealing a familiar face that made Xia Niao gasp.

 

“Jian Luobai?!”

 

Seeing the dramatically transformed Jian Luobai, Qiao Huihui was stunned at first, but then a look of understanding crossed her face.

 

She had almost forgotten—Jian Luobai was in her idol’s team. And given Le Xingshan’s usual style, the performance was undoubtedly a sexy dance routine.

 

If she could be made up as a yandere girl, then of course Jian Luobai could be transformed into a seductive bombshell.

 

The only thing was, the contrast between her usual short hair and this long-haired look was staggering—the effect was too striking.

 

Dressed in a shimmering silver sequined fishtail gown, the low-cut neckline bared her rounded shoulders, while a high slit on one side revealed her legs up to the thigh. Paired with sparkling high heels in the same color scheme, she radiated a dazzling, bling-bling aura.

 

Jian Luobai tugged at the long hair she wasn’t quite used to, adjusting the clothes Shu Bailian had draped over her. With a gentle smile, she said, “Thank you, Xiao Lian. I really don’t feel comfortable dressed like this.”

 

Her movements exposed large patches of skin to Shu Bailian’s view, making the latter avert her gaze awkwardly, unsure where to look.

 

Blushing and stammering, Shu Bailian mumbled, “Anyway… just don’t wear this kind of outfit anymore.”

 

Xia Niao couldn’t believe the usually domineering girl could appear so bashful. She tugged at Qiao Huihui’s sleeve in disbelief, asking, “What’s gotten into her?”

 

Seeing Shu Bailian acting so differently from usual, Qiao Huihui felt she might have grasped something important.

 

Combined with their previous peculiar interactions, she had reason to suspect Shu Bailian was jealous.

 

In a flash of insight, Qiao Huihui felt all her earlier confusion finally made sense—could it be that Shu Bailian had feelings for Jian Luobai?

 

Her expression of sudden understanding was too obvious, noticed by the bewildered Xia Niao beside her, who grabbed her arm demanding, “Do you know something?”

 

Qiao Huihui gave this simpleton a meaningful look and said, “Adult matters aren’t for children to ask about.”

 

Xia Niao looked even more confused. “What do you mean ‘adult matters’?” Then realizing something was off, she widened her eyes. “How am I a child? I’m three years older than you!”

 

With more people gathering around, Qiao Huihui didn’t want Xia Niao to keep questioning—if the truth accidentally came out, it would be too unfair to Shu Bailian. She casually deflected, “Never mind, I was just joking.”

 

Xia Niao eyed her suspiciously, but Qiao Huihui maintained her composure. “By the way, what brand were those spicy strips you had last time? I’ll grab some after the performance.”

 

Sure enough, mentioning food instantly diverted Xia Niao’s attention. “Oh those? They’re from Lechi brand. I’ll show you where they’re kept next time.”

 

Qiao Huihui subtly guided her back while chatting, “Ah, that’s great. Thanks, sis.”

 

“Psh, no thanks between sisters!” Xia Niao waved vigorously, clearly having completely forgotten their earlier conversation.

 

Qiao Huihui struggled to suppress her smile, diligently steering their talk elsewhere.

 

As they spoke, she stole a glance toward Shu Bailian and saw her being called away by Xiao Ninglu with a resentful expression, while Jian Luobai, now wrapped in the coat, had taken a seat beside Le Xingshan.

 

It was time to perform.

 

The audience’s cheers outside were thunderous, and staff could be heard adjusting the sound system.

 

At this moment, all contestants straightened up, preparing to face the competition with their best attitude.

 

Qiao Huihui was no exception. Her heart pounded like drums as fighting spirit ignited in her eyes.

 

In the previous competition, she hadn’t given her all, casually placing third by luck. This time she’d done her absolute best—whatever the outcome, she’d have no regrets.

 

She’d drawn the slot to perform in the second group, while Shen Nanqing was in the third.

 

Lifting her head, her gaze met Shen Nanqing’s across the room.

 

The same excited sparkle shone in both their eyes as they shared a knowing smile.

 

The wait wasn’t long. After just a few minutes, the first group featuring Le Xingshan entered, and Qiao Huihui’s team instinctively stood up—they were about to step onto the battlefield.

 

Listening to the host’s announcement from the stage and the audience’s frenzied cheers, Qiao Huihui took a deep breath in the backstage corridor, gradually calming her nerves.

 

“Next up, please welcome our contestants performing ‘Forbidden Love’!”

 

With a firm push, Qiao Huihui opened the door before her, and a thunderous wave of applause surged forth with overwhelming force.

 

“Huihui, mom loves you!”

 

“Ahhhhh Qiao Huihui, go for it—”

 

“Little sister, fight on! Let’s walk the flower path together!!!”

 

The fans’ screams were heart-wrenching. Qiao Huihui quickly spotted her supporters in the audience, their light sticks forming a vast pink ocean, each one cheering ecstatically for her.

 

Qiao Huihui clenched her fingers tightly. Even for these fans alone, she couldn’t back down now.

 

The music began, and the stage lights illuminated the performers.

 

Qiao Huihui cleared her mind, eliminating all distractions, and immersed herself completely in the dance.

 

Like an exquisitely choreographed stage play, a girl in a pure white princess dress wore an expression of naive timidity, while a young woman in a black shirt with long hair gracefully extended an invitation. The two began dancing a romantic waltz together.

 

The young woman’s lips curled into a smile, her eyes brimming with affection, while the girl gradually lost herself in the love.

 

They spun in circles, kicking, bending, drawing close then apart…

 

The audience below fell silent, their eyes fixed unwaveringly on the performance.

 

As the music built toward its climax, the girl discovered the young woman’s obsession. With a pained expression, she tried to escape, but the young woman, provoked, tore off her final disguise and seized the girl with a sickly grip.

 

What had been a romantic waltz now turned eerie. The young woman gripped the girl’s waist, forcing her into dance moves. The girl went from resistance to despair until the last glimmer of light faded from her eyes, and she was locked into a cage by the smiling young woman.

 

At that moment, the audience seemed to hear the young woman’s maniacal laughter as she declared: You’ll never leave again…

 

Yu Xiaomin sat in the audience, her hands and feet cold, hugging herself in fear.

 

She had originally come as a fan of Xia Niao, but once her attention was captured by the figure at center stage, she couldn’t spare a glance for anyone else.

 

She had watched the entire performance with her eyes glued to Qiao Huihui.

 

And she was actually trembling because of how deeply the character was portrayed?

 

She stared at the pale, long-haired girl on stage, trying to reconcile her with the photos she’d seen before, but failed…

 

Where had that soft, adorable little sweetheart gone?!

 

How had she transformed into such a terrifying character?!

 

Many shared her thoughts at that moment, especially Qiao Huihui’s fans, who were beginning to question their life choices.

 

Their darling had changed so much they hardly recognized her.

 

Um… that is Qiao Huihui, right? She looks kinda similar…

 

Don’t question your life, upstairs—that’s definitely Qiao Huihui.

 

This is… this is incredible!

 

It’s like she became a different person. That stare gave me chills.

 

“Honestly, I’m a fan of Shanshan, but after seeing Qiao Huihui’s performance this time… I feel my girl lost this round.”

 

“+1, I came to watch Xia Niao, but my eyes kept getting drawn to Qiao Huihui instead.”

 

“Um, I used to be a mom fan, but can I apply to be a girlfriend fan for just one night?”

 

“Upstairs, don’t even think about it! Our Huihui is still young—no dating!”

 

“Pure bystander here—already a fan now. My vote is definitely going to Qiao Huihui!”