Chapter 55: Traces

“Promotion? Didn’t we already post some videos and photos before?”

Jiang Ling looked a bit puzzled and voiced her question.

“That was more like a brief appearance at best, and back then it was just for the roadshow promotion. Now, it’s for the debut concert, so the nature is different.”

Xu Nuo’s expression grew serious as she analyzed the situation point by point. “First of all, based on my research, underground idols are still rare in this city. The public’s concept of idols is stuck on the flashy celebrities on screen. So for our debut concert, we need to prepare thoroughly to explain our existence.”

She bent down, picked up the camera, pushed up her glasses, and looked at Bai Xue. “So first, we need to retake the official photos.”

“The photos and videos you posted before were cute, but too casual. If possible, I want some formal shots. That will also make it easier to arrange future activities. I’ll upload them to the official account within this week.”

Seeing her so serious, Jiang Ling looked at her admiringly and couldn’t help but sigh, “Wow, you’re really impressive.”

Receiving Jiang Ling’s praise, Xu Nuo’s usual serious face instantly transformed into a goofy grin as she twisted her body with a dazed look. “Lingling-chan praised me. That means she really has feelings for me, right? So, where are we going to get married, hehe?”

“…Let’s just keep talking about promotion.”

Because the shooting plan was settled, Bai Xue called everyone to the practice room, waiting for Xu Nuo’s next instructions.

Once everyone arrived, Xu Nuo pulled out a set of equipment from a large bag—fill lights, stands, and so on—and efficiently set everything up.

This made Jiang Ling quietly admire her even more. It seemed Xu Nuo really loved this job, which explained her slick efficiency. Indeed, NOVA’s future looked bright under her leadership…

“Alright, Lingling-chan—no, Miss Jiang Ling, please stand in front of the camera, take off your jacket, roll up your shorts, and give me that ‘looking down on small fry’ glare and scold me!”

“What kind of official photo requires that pose?” Jiang Ling’s face flushed bright red as she shouted.

“Looks like I was still going too fast. Then let’s try something else—immediately lie on the floor in an S-shape, put your finger on your sticking-out tongue, and look utterly seductive while saying…”

“Bai Xue! Fire her for me right now!”

Before Bai Xue could say anything, Xu Nuo suddenly felt a heavy hand clamp down on her shoulder. She turned around, and her smiling face instantly froze.

Fang Wannian’s eyes were icy as she stared at Xu Nuo, squeezing her shoulder harder. “I said, enough already.”

“Joking… I’m just joking! Don’t kill me, please! I only wanted to print those photos to hang on the wall and admire every day, definitely didn’t mean to post them online!”

Fang Wannian’s face darkened instantly, her fingers digging almost into Xu Nuo’s bones as she gritted her teeth. “Welcome to hell, pervert.”

“I have no objections,” Lin Xiaoyu said flatly.

“Dear manager, you’ve made a huge mistake,” Mo Ran said with a tinge of regret. “You can flirt with Little Lingdang, but not in front of us. Unfortunately, this will be the last time we see you. See you in the next life.”

Xu Nuo felt the intense pressure from the three women, her expression panicked as she looked to Bai Xue.

Sure enough, Bai Xue stopped them. “Wait, she’s still responsible for the job.”

Xu Nuo let out a huge sigh of relief, just as she was about to gratefully thank Bai Xue, Bai Xue smirked and said, “We’ll finish the shoot first. Conveniently, I recently bought some ‘stimulating’ stuff online and was wondering who I could test it on.”

At that, Xu Nuo silently gripped the camera tighter as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Love really can’t conquer all!

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Jiang Ling felt a bit guilty. Hesitating, she stepped back in front of the camera and struck a classic pose she had seen idols use before.

“All right, enough daydreaming. Aren’t we here to take photos?”

Xu Nuo immediately lifted her drooping head, brimming with energy as she adjusted the camera angle and pressed the shutter excitedly.

Click.

Thinking it was done, Jiang Ling got up to switch, but Xu Nuo quickly stopped her. “Wait! We can’t just take one photo. We need merchandise—at least three types. Let’s try a slightly cuter pose.”

Once focused on work, Xu Nuo stopped being so playful and began seriously coaching Jiang Ling’s poses.

“Three types?” Jiang Ling was confused.

“Oh, selling just concert tickets won’t earn us much. That’s why merchandise is important. Hey, try making cat ears with your hands on your head, yes, like that!”

Jiang Ling shyly followed her instructions while continuing to ask, “Merchandise? Like what?”

“There are many types. The most common is signed photos—like the ones we’re shooting now. By the way, your cat ear pose will definitely be popular. Unlike ordinary photos, these are called ‘special editions.’”

“Special edition photos cost a bit more. Besides that, there are photo-op tickets, handmade items from members, and all sorts of things.”

Seeing Jiang Ling completely lost, Xu Nuo pounded her chest and assured her, “But don’t worry about all that. I’ll draft a complete plan before next week for everyone. Just follow my instructions.”

Comforted by that, Jiang Ling finished her shoot.

Next was Bai Xue’s turn. Jiang Ling obediently sat to the side, watching the shoot and not forgetting the snacks Fang Wannian had given her, quickly unwrapping and stuffing them into her mouth.

While eating, Jiang Ling felt Mo Ran approach and sit close, nudging her arm. “I want some too.”

“Uh, ah—”

For convenience, Jiang Ling pinched a piece and brought it to Mo Ran’s lips, softening her tone.

Mo Ran was momentarily stunned, then smiled with squinted eyes. “So finally it’s my turn for your feeding play? Ah, um.”

“That’s not what this is!” Jiang Ling refused to admit it was some kind of play, frustratedly shoving more snacks into her mouth.

As expected, she started coughing.

Cough cough cough!

Jiang Ling coughed violently, her face red as she waved her arms like a floating leaf on water.

“Really, no one’s stealing your snacks. Drink some water to soothe it.”

Mo Ran sighed and grabbed an unopened bottle of mineral water nearby, unscrewed the cap, and handed it to Jiang Ling.

“Wuuu, gulp gulp gulp—”

Jiang Ling tilted her head back to drink quickly, but some water missed her throat, spilling down her lips and running down to her neck.

Mo Ran pulled out a tissue and, with practiced hands, moved to wipe the water off her neck. But just as she lifted her hand, she froze, eyes widening in surprise.

“Puhah! Finally recovered.”

Jiang Ling wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then caught Mo Ran’s thoughtful gaze. Following it down, she looked at her own neck…

Oh no!

Bai Xue’s bite was too fierce. The mark hadn’t faded all night!

Panicking, she tried to cover it with her clothes, but Mo Ran grabbed her wrist, preventing her from moving, and stared at her questioningly.

“What’s on your neck?”