Jiang Nanxi is an eighteen-year-old girl who recently won the center position in the debut of the girl group Queens through a national audition. To the public, she appears as a perfect, obedient, and gentle idol, but privately she is rebellious, secretly smokes e-cigarettes, and harbors deep romantic feelings for the famous actress Xia Zhiyan. Xia Zhiyan is a celebrated, elegant actress who has been a close figure in Jiang Nanxi's life since childhood. Jiang Nanxi lives in a luxurious apartment filled with photos of Xia Zhiyan, and their relationship is one of close intimacy, with Xia Zhiyan often visiting Jiang Nanxi's home and treating her with affectionate familiarity. However, Jiang Nanxi conceals her true identity as a fan and her romantic desires, fearing that revealing them would destroy the sisterly bond she cherishes.
The story begins with Jiang Nanxi celebrating her debut victory while secretly managing her dual life. She maintains a perfect public image while engaging in secretive behaviors, such as smoking and hiding her intense fandom. Her best friend, Shen Dai, is unaware of Jiang Nanxi's true feelings and often teases her about her strict upbringing and lack of parental presence. Jiang Nanxi's life is further complicated by her congenital heart condition, which causes arrhythmia, adding a layer of physical vulnerability to her emotional struggles.
A significant turning point occurs when Jiang Nanxi is invited to participate in a variety show called Sister's Journey, alongside her group member Ruan Qiuci and several veteran actresses, including Xia Zhiyan. Jiang Nanxi had kept her participation a secret from Xia Zhiyan, hoping to surprise her. However, Xia Zhiyan is already aware of the show and is dealing with her own secret struggle: she suffers from skin hunger, a condition that makes her crave physical touch, which she hides from the public and her agent.
On the variety show, the dynamic between Jiang Nanxi and Xia Zhiyan becomes the center of attention. Xia Zhiyan publicly claims Jiang Nanxi as her little girl, creating a stir among fans and netizens who speculate about their relationship. Jiang Nanxi plays along, maintaining the image of a grateful younger sister, while internally grappling with her unrequited love. Xia Zhiyan, driven by her skin hunger and subconscious jealousy, becomes increasingly clingy and possessive of Jiang Nanxi, often physically touching her and asserting her closeness in front of the cameras and other cast members.
The other cast members, including the gossipy Tang Wanning and the competitive Ruan Qiuci, react to the pair's interaction. Tang Wanning becomes an enthusiastic shipper, trying to create CP narratives, while Ruan Qiuci, Jiang Nanxi's group mate, feels a mix of rivalry and camaraderie. The show's challenges, such as a budget-constrained trip, highlight Jiang Nanxi's intelligence and resourcefulness, as she negotiates for more funds and manages the group's finances, further endearing her to the audience.
As the filming progresses, the tension between Jiang Nanxi's hidden desires and Xia Zhiyan's unacknowledged needs grows. Xia Zhiyan's physical closeness to Jiang Nanxi becomes more pronounced, with moments of whispered conversations and protective gestures that confuse and excite Jiang Nanxi. Meanwhile, Jiang Nanxi continues to suppress her feelings, believing that her love is inappropriate and that she must remain the good girl in Xia Zhiyan's eyes. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship, as both characters navigate their hidden vulnerabilities and the public scrutiny of their growing closeness.
