Gu Ran stared at the profile page of "wdlpml," which she had already blocked.
With just the words "It's me," she could instantly guess who this person was—no doubt about it.
The fact that Ji Shiyu not only watched her livestream but also used a Level 1 account to win a giveaway in her chat left her utterly speechless.
Suddenly, she felt the fans in her group chat had a point when they criticized him earlier.
Putting everything else aside, the mere idea of a man with that much money competing with regular viewers for a ticket to the Carnival meet-and-greet was downright shameless.
Gu Ran let out a disdainful "hmph" and put down her phone.
...
Perhaps due to being acquired by Xinbo, this year's Claw Carnival was grander than ever, with advertisements plastered across major platforms. Unfortunately, the promotional efforts—including several purchased trending tags—had limited impact, mainly because the event clashed with the Golden Feather Awards, one of the entertainment industry's biggest ceremonies. Not only did the dates overlap, but the venues were also close—one in the North Hall, the other in the South Hall.
On one side was a livestream platform's fan event; on the other, a star-studded awards show gathering A-list celebrities. One was an internal celebration for streamers and fans, while the other was a glamorous spectacle for the entire entertainment world. The difference in public attention was night and day. With everyone flocking to see celebrities, who had time for streamers?
Still, even with less external buzz, the Carnival was a major event for every Claw streamer. Ding Ze asked Gu Ran what gown and styling she planned to wear, urging her to prepare thoroughly and outshine everyone.
Gu Ran blinked in confusion. "I have to wear a gown?"
Ding Ze: "..."
Gu Ran: "I'm not some celebrity. The whole point of the Carnival is for streamers and fans to meet up and have fun. Why make it so formal?"
Ding Ze: "Where there are women, there's competition, my friend! Besides, isn’t this your first time meeting fans offline? Don’t you want to look your best for them?"
"Put in the effort. I’ve got contacts for a few professional stylist studios—several female streamers have already booked with them. Here, take their info."
"Go all out! Show them what you’ve got!"
Gu Ran skimmed through the studio profiles Ding Ze sent. Admittedly, they all looked impressive, each boasting styling on par with celebrity standards.
After browsing for a while, she conceded that Ding Ze had a point.
This was her first Claw Carnival, her first offline meetup with fans. Sure, she often streamed barefaced, but for an occasion like this, it wasn’t about competing—it was about presenting herself beautifully as a gesture of respect and appreciation for her supporters.
After comparing options, Gu Ran chose a studio, splurged on a full styling package, then checked the "Ran Ran’s Fish Pond—Carnival Squad" fan group.
This was a chat for fans attending the Carnival, all coming specifically to see her—except for the undercover anti-fan "wdlpml," who’d already been kicked out.
Gu Ran popped into the group: "Can’t wait to meet everyone~"
The fans responded enthusiastically.
...
A week later, the annual Claw Carnival finally arrived. For the occasion, the platform had rented out a massive indoor stadium.
Though overshadowed by the Golden Feather Awards, the Carnival was still a lively, grand affair, with Claw’s official channel livestreaming the festivities. The entire platform buzzed with excitement—those at the venue thrilled for the experience, those at home soaking up the energy through the broadcast.
Before the main event, there was even a red carpet segment, where all participating streamers made their entrance—albeit without the usual swarm of paparazzi and reporters seen at film festivals.
Gu Ran had spent most of the day at the styling studio getting ready.
She’d chosen a blush-pink floor-length gown with a fitted waist and flowing skirt. Though not a designer piece or haute couture, the moment she stepped out in it, the stylist gasped, clasping his hands in delight.
Gu Ran studied her reflection. The gown, with its wine-red shoulder straps, paired perfectly with her loose, voluminous curls and a leaf-shaped diamond hairpin.
The hairpin wasn’t part of her original package—the perfectionist stylist had lent it to her.
She smiled at herself in the mirror. She’d worn countless high-end gowns and expensive jewelry before, but even without those, she still looked stunning.
Maybe it’s just me being naturally gorgeous, Gu Ran thought, spinning slightly with a touch of vanity.
Ding Ze messaged asking if she was done—the Carnival was about to start, and she needed to hurry to the red carpet.
Gu Ran replied: "All set, on my way."
Ding Ze: "I’m swamped here and can’t pick you up. Remember to book a premium ride."
Gu Ran: "..."
After being dragged into a mini photoshoot by the enthusiastic stylist (who insisted on documenting his masterpiece), she finally headed to the venue.
Once again, she booked a premium ride. Soon, a black Mercedes arrived.
The driver, dressed in a black suit and white gloves, stepped out to open the door for her.
Gu Ran carefully gathered her skirt and settled into the back seat.
Along the way, the driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror several times before finally asking, "Heading to an event, miss?"
Gu Ran nodded. "Yeah."
The driver chuckled. "First time I’ve seen someone take a cab to a red carpet."
Gu Ran laughed too, thinking to herself—it’s not like Claw provided chauffeurs. What else was she supposed to do?
Half an hour later, they arrived.
Through the window, Gu Ran saw crowds milling around the stadium, many holding light boards or banners—clearly fans here to cheer for their favorites.
Her little "fishies" must be among them.
Her stomach fluttered with nerves.
The driver parked and opened her door. "We’re here."
Gu Ran stepped out in her heels and thanked him. "Appreciate it."
Signs pointed the way.
Nearby, a few other black cars pulled up. Gu Ran texted Ding Ze to say she’d arrived and ask where he was, but he was probably too busy to reply immediately.
Fortunately, the Claw Carnival red carpet wasn’t overly formal—no strict order or hierarchy, just walk whenever you arrived. Plenty of male streamers had strolled down in flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts in past years. Since this was her first time and Ding Ze wasn’t responding, Gu Ran decided to follow the signs and get it over with.
She began to hear the screams of fans.
It must mean she was nearing the red carpet.
Gu Ran pulled out a small mirror from her clutch and gave her makeup and hair one final check. Confirming everything was in place, she straightened her posture and strode confidently toward the direction of the cheers.
As she approached the venue entrance, she spotted black-suited security guards standing watch.
Ahead of her, a female host in a black evening gown paused to show what looked like an invitation to one of the guards, who nodded and let her through.
The sight suddenly left Gu Ran puzzled.
Was an invitation required? Why hadn’t Ding Ze mentioned this to her?
She reached the entrance, took a deep breath, and was about to declare, "I’m the top beauty of Cat’s Paw, please let me through," when, before she could even speak, the guards nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter.
Gu Ran walked into the venue, where the red carpet began, and the screams of fans grew deafening.
She scanned the area, searching for Ding Ze, but he was nowhere in sight.
Everyone here was dressed in black uniforms—none of Cat’s Paw’s signature yellow.
Just as she was about to pull out her phone to call Ding Ze again, a staff member in black with a headset spotted her.
The staffer grabbed her arm and spoke urgently into the headset, "How was one left behind? The next group is coming soon—no time, get her out there now!"
Before Gu Ran could react, she was shoved onto the red carpet.
Instantly, the screams of fans roared in her ears, drowning out the voice of the nearby host holding a microphone.
But she was already on the red carpet, so Gu Ran took a breath, steadied herself, and thought, Well, if I’m going, I’m going. She put on a smile and began walking forward, step by step.
She had dressed up so beautifully today to meet her fans. Gu Ran waved to the crowd beyond the barricades, only to realize none of the flashing light boards bore her name, "Ran."
Hadn’t her fan group promised to bring custom "Ran" signs to cheer her on?
She searched the screaming crowd again—still no signs for her.
Where were her fans???
Had they not made it to the front?
Or… had none of them come to see her?
A wave of anxiety rose in her chest, but she was on the red carpet now. There was no turning back. She kept her smile intact and forced herself forward.
Though no one held up her name, the fans still erupted in wild cheers when she waved at them. "Ahhh, she’s so gorgeous!"
Gu Ran walked further, only to be met with a sudden barrage of camera shutters clicking rapidly.
She turned toward the sound and froze.
A sea of reporters and photographers, armed with cameras of all sizes, was packed together, their lenses all trained on her.
They shouted as they snapped away:
"Over here! Look this way!"
"Right here! Yes, perfect!"
Gu Ran stared, bewildered.
Why were there so many reporters at Cat’s Paw’s red carpet event?
Were these people even real?
Was this some kind of mass prank?
The more they yelled for her attention, the more uneasy she felt. Jaw clenched, she continued down the red carpet, step by reluctant step.
At the end stood a large backdrop for the event. The host, seeming momentarily surprised to see her, gestured for her to step forward.
A qipao-clad attendant approached with a tray, handing her a pen to sign the backdrop.
Gu Ran accepted the gold marker.
She noticed the host watching her expectantly, as if waiting for her signature before announcing her name.
Her heart pounded. Pen in hand, she glanced up at the words on the backdrop—and froze.
In bold letters, it read:
The 32nd Golden Feather Awards Ceremony.
This was the 32nd Golden Feather Awards.
A thunderous realization struck her.
Now, Gu Ran finally understood what was happening.
She looked at the politely smiling host beside her, the photographers and reporters with their cameras aimed her way, and the screaming fans—none of whom had come for her.
She knew exactly what had happened.
She knew exactly what had happened!
She had walked into the wrong event—and somehow made it all the way inside!
Holy shit!
Right now, only one word screamed in Gu Ran’s panicked mind:
RUN!
So, in front of everyone present, the unfamiliar young starlet—who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere—placed the pen back on the attendant’s tray, bowed hastily, then hiked up her dress, sprinted away in her ten-centimeter heels like her life depended on it.
