Yinuo: Off The Script

Chapter 8

Jiang Ningning stretched lazily in her gaming chair, glancing at the time. It was 10:45 PM, and her five-hour stream was almost at its end.

"Alright, guys, listen up," she said, leaning closer to the camera, her voice taking on a teasing lilt. "I have an announcement to make—no stream tomorrow."

Immediately, the barrage exploded.

【??? Why?!】
【Jiang Bao, don't abandon us!】
【Did something happen? Are you okay?】
【No stream?! Are you going on a date?!】

Jiang Ningning chuckled at that last comment and rested her chin on her palm, letting a sly smile curl her lips.

"A date? Do I look like someone who has time for that?" She clicked her tongue, feigning exasperation before continuing. "No, it's just... I have some things to take care of in Shanghai. That's all."

Her response only fueled the chat further.

【Shanghai?? Wait, don't tell me—】
【KPL is holding their group draw ceremony there! Are you going?!】
【OMG, is she invited?!】
【I knew our Jiang Bao was still in the circle!】

Jiang Ningning tilted her head slightly and smirked. "Hmm? Who knows?"

She deliberately kept them hanging, choosing not to confirm or deny it before finally ending the stream.

After turning off her PC, she leaned back in her chair and sighed.

She had already agreed to go, but now that it was approaching, she wasn't looking forward to it at all.

The next day, Jiang Ningning stepped off the plane and pulled her cap lower over her face, adjusting her mask as she moved through Pudong International Airport.

Her flight had landed in the early afternoon, and after grabbing her luggage, she made her way toward her pre-booked car.

She had just reached the exit when she spotted a few familiar figures ahead.

Among them, two stood out immediately—Fly and Jiuwei.

Jiuwei, upon noticing her, rolled his eyes and scoffed audibly before turning his head away, not even attempting to be subtle about his disdain.

Jiang Ningning, unfazed, simply ignored him back and continued walking.

Fly, on the other hand, gave her a polite nod. "Long time no see."

Jiang Ningning returned his greeting with a casual wave, offering a simple, "Yeah, long time no see."

There were other KPL players in small groups, talking amongst themselves or heading toward their own cars. A few glanced in her direction, some with curiosity, others with clear disapproval.

It was no secret that the original Jiang Yuning's reputation among KPL players was terrible. Even though she had been staying out of trouble lately, people still saw her as the girl who shamelessly chased after Wuwei and clung to any famous player for attention.

Jiang Ningning didn't bother explaining herself. She had already decided—she wasn't here for them.

With that thought, she quickly got into her car and left for the hotel.

At the hotel room, Jiang Ningning tossed her suitcase onto the bed and flopped down beside it, staring at the ceiling.

She was here. In Shanghai. For an event she didn't even want to attend.

Her initial thought had been to go out and explore the city. She had never been to Shanghai before, after all.

But the moment she remembered how many KPL players were around, she felt instantly drained.

There was a high chance she'd run into them again if she went out, and honestly, she was too annoyed to deal with their judgmental stares and unnecessary drama.

So, she decided on an alternative plan—staying in her hotel room for the rest of the day.

Grabbing her phone, she ordered some takeout and pulled out her laptop. If she was going to be stuck inside, she might as well watch some recent KPL matches to pass the time.

As she watched, her mind wandered back to earlier at the airport.

Jiuwei's reaction had been completely expected, but what surprised her was Fly's neutrality. He hadn't looked at her with contempt or mockery—just acknowledgment.

That meant at least some people were willing to judge her based on her current actions rather than her past.

That was good.

But that didn't mean she wanted to actively interact with KPL players.

In fact, she should double down on her efforts to stay away from them.

Yinuo's face briefly flashed in her mind, and she scowled.

That guy was the most dangerous of them all.

Shaking the thought away, Jiang Ningning focused back on her screen, determined to push all distractions aside.

Tomorrow was the ceremony.

She just had to get through it without getting pulled into any more messes.

On the day of the ceremony, Jiang Ningning stood in front of the hotel's full-length mirror, inspecting her reflection with narrowed eyes.

She had purposely packed the most modest and formal outfit she owned, but since the theme of most KPL events was cocktail party attire, even the simplest dress she brought was still a floor-length, figure-hugging gown.

The dress was a sleek black with a subtle slit at the side—nothing revealing, nothing flashy—yet it still accentuated her curves.

She sighed, dragging a hand down her face.

There was no escaping attention tonight.

But that was fine. She wasn't going to cause trouble, and she wasn't going to get involved in anyone's drama.

That was the plan.

After slipping on a pair of heels, she grabbed her clutch, checked her phone for any last-minute messages from Li Meng—who had been hyping her up in WeChat for the past hour—and finally made her way out.

Her car was already waiting outside the hotel, and as she slid into the backseat, she mentally prepared herself for what was to come.

Tonight wasn't just about the group draw. It was also a social event where KPL players, staff, casters, and media figures mingled freely.

In other words—an absolute nightmare for someone who wanted to lay low.

Jiang Ningning exhaled deeply and leaned back in her seat.

She just had to get through the night.

As the car pulled away from the hotel, Jiang Ningning absentmindedly traced patterns on the cool leather seat, trying to push away the unease bubbling inside her.

She had spent the past few days preparing herself mentally, but now that she was actually on her way to the venue, it all felt more real.

The KPL group draw ceremony wasn't just any event—it would be broadcasted live, with countless cameras capturing every moment.

And with her past reputation, people would undoubtedly be watching her closely.

She exhaled slowly, fingers tightening around her clutch.

She just needed to survive the night without making headlines.