After Knowing the Plot, I Ended Up with the Female Supporting Character - Chapter 3
Ye Chuxia followed behind Yi Nanyan, cradling the surprisingly heavy Newton in her arms. Her gaze couldn’t help but linger on the woman ahead.
Unlike Ye Chuxia’s unnaturally slender frame, the result of long-term malnutrition, Yi Nanyan’s figure was flawless—slender where it should be, and curvaceous where it counted. Finding any flaw in her appearance would have been futile; the only word that came to mind was stunning.
A person blessed with exceptional beauty and an aura that ordinary people can scarcely attain can only be described as a “beauty.”
Li Yu, in his Leisurely Sentiments and Occasional Notes, wrote: “Magnetism in a person is like the flame of fire, the glow of a lamp, or the luster of pearls, shells, and gold—intangible qualities, not tangible ones. It is precisely because it is both substance and not-substance, formless yet seemingly formed, that it is called a ‘beauty.'”
This means that magnetism in a person is like the flickering flames of fire, the soft glow of a lamp, or the shimmering luster of precious gems. It is these intangible qualities, seemingly tangible yet not, that truly define a “beauty.”
A beauty lies in presence, not mere attractiveness—a principle embodied perfectly in Yi Nanyan.
To be honest, Ye Chuxia had always had a clear understanding of her own looks. She was undoubtedly beautiful, so much so that even in the entertainment industry, she would stand out. Yet compared to Yi Nanyan, there was still a noticeable gap.
Though they weren’t the same type, Yi Nanyan’s beauty was undeniably universal, appreciated by all.
At that moment, Ye Chuxia even wondered if the male protagonist in the novel was blind, passing over such a stunning beauty to choose an ordinary, plain-looking girl instead.
If she were the male protagonist, Ye Chuxia wouldn’t hesitate for a second!
Ye Chuxia was a complete and utter beauty-obsessed person, although she never openly displayed this. She always maintained a friendly attitude toward everyone she met. However, in truth, her mood would improve whenever she interacted with someone good-looking. Even if the person disliked her or even mocked her, as long as they didn’t cross her boundaries, Ye Chuxia would tolerate them, considering their appearance.
Of course, every beauty had their flaws. But some beauties were so exceptional that even their flaws became unique assets.
Yi Nanyan gave Ye Chuxia this impression. Unlike her cat-like beauty, Ye Chuxia found human beauty more appealing. Moreover, since Yi Nanyan was walking ahead of her, leading the way, Ye Chuxia couldn’t tear her gaze away. When Yi Nanyan stopped, Ye Chuxia didn’t react in time and bumped right into her.
Her sensitive skin flushed red from the light impact, but Ye Chuxia barely noticed. Her attention was entirely focused on the faint, lingering fragrance emanating from Yi Nanyan.
The faint, cold fragrance evoked images of a solitary plum blossom blooming in the snow, a vibrant splash of color in a monotonous landscape, like a lover’s hand casually toying with one’s emotions.
Yi Nanyan frowned in displeasure, likely having endured enough of Ye Chuxia’s unrestrained gazes during their journey. When she turned around, Ye Chuxia could see the unmasked anger burning in her eyes.
However, the moment their eyes met, the anger was extinguished as if doused by a torrential downpour.
Ye Chuxia’s body seemed tailor-made for the drama. Fragile to the extreme, even a slight bump would cause her naturally dewy eyes to well up with tears, her pink nose tip to flush crimson, and her innocent, childlike face to evoke a protective instinct, making it impossible for anyone to harbor any harsh thoughts toward her.
Yi Nanyan lowered her gaze and said coldly, “Wait here.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and opened the door, showing no intention of inviting Ye Chuxia inside, and slammed it shut behind her.
The moment the door closed, Yi Nanyan heard a soft, kitten-like response.
Yi Nanyan’s footsteps paused momentarily, her expression darkening further for some inexplicable reason.
Ye Chuxia stood at the door, cradling Newton in her arms. She looked down at Newton’s round, chubby face, and a soft chuckle escaped her lips.
So she’s a cute animal lover, huh?
Ye Chuxia didn’t have to wait long. Yi Nanyan quickly emerged with her phone in hand. She held the screen up to Ye Chuxia’s face, her tone curt. “Look carefully now.”
Ye Chuxia blinked, her gaze inadvertently drawn to Yi Nanyan’s fingers, painted with vibrant red nail polish that made her pale skin glow with an almost ethereal beauty.
Blinking innocently, Ye Chuxia said, “Big sis, your screen’s black.”
Yi Nanyan’s imposing demeanor deflated as she instinctively glanced down. Sure enough, the phone in her hand was indeed turned off.
Yi Nanyan: “…………”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, though it was unclear who she was angry with. After unlocking and turning on the screen, she confirmed the photo was there before holding it up to Ye Chuxia again.
“Can you see it now?”
The photo showed three cats with different fur types. Newton was a medium-length orange tabby, Second a pure white short-haired cat with a small black patch under its eye like a beauty mark, and Third a long-haired tortoiseshell with emerald-green eyes that were impossible to look away from.
Even more captivating was the sight of Yi Nanyan surrounded by three fluffy kittens. The little ones eagerly nestled against her, one even extending its tiny tongue to lick her. In the photo, Yi Nanyan appeared helplessly amused, her expression softening with warmth in an indescribably heartwarming scene.
Ye Chuxia’s eyes curved into crescents. “Look closely,” she said, offering to hand over the dozen-pound Newton. “Miss, you’ll need to be more careful next time. Newton’s so cute that if he gets lost again and someone finds him, they might just take him home and keep him for themselves.”
Yi Nanyan’s mood inexplicably darkened further at Ye Chuxia’s cheerful demeanor. She tilted her chin and snapped, “You can leave now.”
Ye Chuxia blinked. “Miss, the last bus is gone now, and I’m not familiar with the area. Could you walk me to the gate so I can call a cab?”
The villa district was poorly served by public transportation, with the nearest bus stop a long walk away. Buses stopped running early, and while Ye Chuxia had usually managed to catch the last one before, this time she’d missed it due to a delay.
Yi Nanyan looked at Ye Chuxia, a sudden sense of unease rising in her chest. “Wait here!”
She turned and put the cat in her room, then drove up in a dazzling red sports car and stopped in front of Ye Chuxia. “Get in.”
“Thank you, big sis,” Ye Chuxia said with a bright smile. “You’re really a good person.”
Yi Nanyan gripped the steering wheel tightly, feeling inexplicably mocked. She gritted her teeth. “Shut up!”
Ye Chuxia blinked and got into the passenger seat. Yi Nanyan kept her eyes fixed straight ahead. “Where’s your home?”
After more than ten seconds of silence, with Ye Chuxia still ignoring her, Yi Nanyan’s expression darkened. “I’m asking you a question!”
“But you just told me to shut up,” Ye Chuxia replied, glancing at her with a wounded expression.
Yi Nanyan, already quick-tempered, grew even more furious. “Y-you… can… talk… now!” she snarled.
By the light of the car, Ye Chuxia noticed Yi Nanyan’s cheeks and ears were flushed crimson—clearly, she was seething.
No wonder she’s so volatile in the original work, Ye Chuxia thought. An adult can’t even keep her cool?
Worried Yi Nanyan might hit her in a fit of rage, Ye Chuxia decided to back down. She pressed her lips together and said timidly, “Big sis, just take me to Yan University.”
Yi Nanyan stared at her for a long moment, then snorted and ignored her completely. The car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, accelerating so quickly that Ye Chuxia’s back slammed against the seat, sending a sharp pain through her.
Throughout her life, Ye Chuxia had rarely been bested in a one-on-one confrontation. She always knew how to handle people, refusing to indulge anyone’s princess-like tantrums.
Unless they called her “Mom.”
At that moment, her pink lips parted slightly: “… Waaah.”
Yi Nanyan froze for a split second before slamming on the brakes, her voice stiffening unnaturally. “W-what are you crying for?!”
Ye Chuxia pressed her lips together, forcing her eyes wide open as if trying to will back her tears. Looking at the ferocious Yi Nanyan, she sniffled, “It hurts!”
Yi Nanyan stared in disbelief for a few seconds before her eyes widened in incredulity. “You’re telling me… you actually hurt yourself by hitting the back of the seat just now?!”
Ye Chuxia blinked, looking a little embarrassed, and softly murmured, “Mm.”
Yi Nanyan suspected she was putting on an act. Who could be so delicate? Even though she herself maintained a rigorous monthly skincare regimen, her own body wasn’t this fragile. Yet Ye Chuxia’s performance was too convincing to dismiss outright. Unable to be certain, Yi Nanyan abruptly turned her head, restarted the sports car, and—though she tried to deny it—she did indeed slow down.
Ye Chuxia watched the pedestrians slowly walking past the window. After a moment of silence, she said, “Actually, you could drive a little faster.”
She paused before adding, “But not too fast. I get carsick.”
“Shut up!” Yi Nanyan glared at Ye Chuxia, her face darkening. She took a deep breath and growled, “One more word, and I’ll throw you out of the car!”
Ye Chuxia fell silent, her lips pressed into a thin line, looking both wronged and as if she had finally managed to anger Yi Nanyan. This only made Yi Nanyan even more irritable, but she held her tongue until she pulled up to the girls’ dormitory.
As Ye Chuxia opened the car door to get out, Yi Nanyan called out awkwardly, “Hey!”
Ye Chuxia turned back to see Yi Nanyan produce a piece of chocolate from somewhere and offer it to her. “Take this.”
Ye Chuxia blinked, hesitating for a second before taking the chocolate. “Is it expired?” she asked, as if afraid Yi Nanyan was trying to pull a prank on her.
Yi Nanyan’s expression darkened further. “No!”
Ye Chuxia blinked again. “Thank you, big sis. Can I ask you…” for your contact information?
Before she could finish speaking, Yi Nanyan slammed the car door shut, immediately started the engine, and drove off, leaving Ye Chuxia standing in the exhaust fumes, her face covered in the smoky residue.
Holding the chocolate, Ye Chuxia watched the red sports car gradually fade into the night. She turned and walked back to the dormitory, unwrapped the foil, and took a bite of the milky-white chocolate. The overly sweet taste made her wince, but determined not to waste it, she swallowed the whole piece.
******
With this temper like a landmine and her cold exterior concealing a warm heart, no wonder she couldn’t outwit the little white flower in the book!