I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 110

The 6:30 a.m. alarm blared repeatedly, interrupting T’ang Ning’an’s dream. She struggled to sit up, her fingers raking through her hair. Though she was awake, her mind was still lost in the dream, leaving her muddled and unable to tell if she was in reality or still dreaming.

She stretched, feeling the weariness of her heart and mind that always followed her dreams. “Who is that woman I keep dreaming about?” she murmured.

Her sleepy face was as beautiful as a lotus emerging from the water. Her slightly tousled hair was naturally full and casually styled. After she reached for the glass of ice water on her nightstand, her cherry lips, now moistened, became even more tempting and full.

She was an undoubtedly beautiful woman, and the glasses she wore added an air of intellectual maturity.

T’ang Ning’an got out of bed. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Zhu yun, a woman of ancient elegance with her hair simply tied back with a ribbon, holding a megaphone and shouting. The juxtaposition of a traditional beauty with a modern loudspeaker was a hilarious clash. Tang Ning’an laughed, covering her ears. “What in the world are you doing?”

Zhu yun’s props were constantly changing. The megaphone disappeared in a puff of smoke, and she began to play a suona, a traditional Chinese horn. This sight made Tang Ning’an lean against the doorframe, roaring with laughter.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Oh, I was so worried! It’s already half past six, and you’re not up yet. I was afraid you’d be late!”

Zhu yun had been so anxious. She had been blowing and strumming outside for a long time, but without her glasses on, Tang Ning’an couldn’t see her. Zhu yun had been amusing herself for ages. The megaphone’s volume was so loud it had almost made her deaf, yet there was no sound from the room’s occupant.

Tang Ning’an’s eyes softened as she smiled. “I’m so sorry to have you busy for me so early. I had a dream today and had a hard time getting up.”

Zhu yun threw the suona away, put her hands on her hips, and said, “That’s your excuse for being late? Did you secretly stay up all night again?”

Tang Ning’an waved a hand. “Don’t you know if I stay up or not?”

“Hmph, as soon as you take off your glasses, you can’t see me anyway. Even if I caught you staying up late, you’d just take them off, and who would I be lecturing then?”

Tang Ning’an stood still, watching Zhu yun. Hearing her twist the facts, she gave a slight, helpless smile. “You should stop wronging me so much. That would be a bigger help than anything else.”

Her tone was gentle and indulgent, and the smile in her eyes was dazzling. Zhu Jun puffed out her right cheek uncomfortably and muttered, “I would never wrong you.”

“Oh, really? Do I need to help you remember?” Tang Ning’an’s calm expression made Zhu yun feel a bit guilty. The arrogant Zhu yun immediately chose to change her tune. She stood primly, looking serious. “Just a friendly reminder, Miss T’ang, if you were to list my ‘crimes,’ you’d probably be late for work today. I couldn’t bear to let that happen!”

“Crimes? I wouldn’t call them that. More like a series of misadventures by a little troublemaker,” Tang Ning’an said, closing her door. She walked past Zhu yun, giving her a teasing glance.

Zhu yun was not happy. She buzzed around Tang Ning’an like a clingy bee. “Why am I a troublemaker? I’m way, way older than you! Don’t think you can take advantage of me just because you’ve created a persona for me!”

Tang Ning’an patiently listened to Zhu yun’s complaints. She looked at Zhu yun’s reflection in the mirror and gently reminded her, “Wait a moment. I need to wash my face.” She turned to face Zhu yun and added, “Please press the ‘pause’ button on your anger. You can criticize me all you want after I’ve washed my face.”

Zhu yun pouted and said nothing, simply picking up the silk scarf on her arm, preparing to theatrically “strangle” herself with it.

She had discovered a truth: the more she interacted with Tang Ning’an, the more she found herself at a loss. Zhu yun had been ready for a confrontation, the stage all set, only to find her opponent so gentle just before the big show. This made Zhu yun feel like Tang Ning’an was an ultimate master. She hadn’t even made a move yet, and the winner had already been decided.

The fire Zhu yun had worked up was extinguished by Tang Ning’an’s gentle spring rain, leaving Zhu yun speechless.

“Are you abusing yourself?” Tang Ning’an asked with a laugh after drying her face and putting on her glasses.

Zhu yun said with a huff, “I’m entertaining myself. How else do you think I’ve survived all these years? All on my own.”

Tang Ning’an pushed up her glasses and said with a smile, “Then you’re truly amazing, Little Zhu.”

Zhu yun immediately stopped her self-abusive actions. She clutched her chest dramatically and choked out, “857, if anyone else said that, I’d think they were being sarcastic.”

【But she’s not being sarcastic, you know.】

Zhu yun said earnestly, “You know what this is? It’s honesty triumphing over everything!”

【Including Little Zhu?】

Zhu yun insisted stubbornly, “I mean, besides me, she can tame anyone.”

Seeing Zhu yun spacing out, Tang Ning’an waved her hand in front of her. “Little Zhu? Did you hear what I just said?”

“I heard! You were just complimenting me on being amazing.”

Tang Ning’an nodded. “I thought you didn’t hear me.”

How could Little Zhu not have heard you when she came to complain to me about it?

“Shut up already! You’re so annoying!”

Little Zhu isn’t a person, though.

Zhu yun rolled her eyes. Nothing was going right today. Both of them were getting on her nerves. Hmph.

Because Tang Ning’an woke up late, she didn’t have time for breakfast. After locking her door, she hurried down the stairs. Zhu yun, having shrunk down, hid in her backpack. When it wasn’t raining and she couldn’t use her umbrella, the backpack was Zhu yun’s best choice.

Tang Ning’an, off to work?”

“Yes, Auntie, I’m going to be late. We’ll talk another day.” T’ang Ning’an rushed off. Zhu yun gloated from inside the bag. “Why did you have to dream? Now look, you’re late.”

Tang Ning’an pretended to adjust her backpack and whispered to Zhu yun, “I’ve been having this dream for years.”

“Huh?”

Tang Ning’an’s expression was complex, her eyes filled with confusion. She spoke again. “And I always dream of the same woman. I’m sure it’s the same person every time. Do you think I should see a doctor?”

Zhu yun stroked her chin. This wasn’t something mentioned in the plot. “I think so. You should make an appointment with a doctor sometime.”

Tang Ning’an agreed and rushed off toward work. The sun was bright, and it was a wonderfully warm day. Besides the yellowing leaves, everything felt like spring.

The bicycle tires crunched over dead leaves, making a crisp sound. Zhu yun dozed in the backpack. This companionship had been going on for many days. Ever since Tang Ning’an brought her home, they had been inseparable.

When Tang Ning’an was at work, Zhu yun would stay quiet, watching every moment of her restoring the porcelain vase. After work, Zhu yun would turn into a chattering sparrow, flitting around Tang Ning’an.

Their life together was very harmonious, but there was one thing Zhu yun hadn’t told Tang Ning’an. As she meticulously restored the vase, she was unaware that this was also a signal of her impending separation from Zhu yun.

Tang Ning’an parked her bike and walked into the office with her backpack. Her typically reserved smile turned to one of delight when she saw a white-haired elder. “Elder Zhang, what brings you here?”

He was a kind, benevolent old man. Elder Zhang put down a sketchbook that T’ang Ning’an used to doodle in. It was filled with drawings of various artifacts, not just ceramics, but also beautiful jewelry and potted gemstones.

Elder Zhang pointed to the chair beside him, signaling for Tang Ning’an to sit down. They were formerly teacher and student, and he was her senior mentor in the field. When Tang Ning’an came to work here, Elder Zhang had already retired. They were like a passing of the torch, the old generation stepping aside for new blood.

Elder Zhang looked at T’ang Ning’an with a loving expression. “When do you have some free time these days? Come over for dinner.”

Tang Ning’an thought for a moment and then said apologetically, “I’m so busy with work right now, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. But when I’m less busy, I’ll definitely come to visit.”

Elder Zhang smiled, unbothered. “It’s good that you’re busy. With so many artifacts that need restoring, we really can’t be idle. The longer they wait, the harder they are to restore.”

Tang Ning’an agreed. “You’re right, Elder Zhang.”

But Elder Zhang’s visit had another purpose. He asked, “What’s the progress on that ancient kiln celadon vase?”

“I still need to carefully consider the bonding and repainting. It’ll probably take a few more months to fully restore.” Tang Ning’an didn’t overthink his question and simply stated the current situation.

Elder Zhang nodded with understanding. “Normally, I wouldn’t need to ask you about this, but I was asked by someone else, so I had to come and see you to get a firm date for Mr. Li.”

“Mr. Li? Who is he?”

Elder Zhang slapped his leg, realizing what he had forgotten. He explained, “The porcelain shards I gave you were from Mr. Li. He’s a famous collector in our country. I’m sure you’ll recognize his name. His name is Li Qingzhi. His father’s donation of artifacts was a nationwide sensation. His son, Li Qingzhi, has inherited his father’s will and is dedicated to finding lost artifacts from abroad.”

Tang Ning’an was enlightened, but as a realization dawned on her, she couldn’t smile. “Did you say that vase belongs to Mr. Li? So… when I finish restoring it, Mr. Li will take it away?” Is it a private, not a national, possession?

Elder Zhang laughed heartily. “What are you talking about, silly girl? It’s his collection. He entrusted it to me for restoration. Your boss also approved this, so when you’ve finished, of course it has to go back to Mr. Li.” It was the first time he had seen the usually brilliant T’ang Ning’an ask such a comical question, and he found it quite endearing.

Tang Ning’an’s expression grew rigid. She couldn’t help but ask again, “This… this is Mr. Li’s personal collection?”

Elder Zhang frowned, his voice full of concern. Tang Ning’an, what’s wrong with you today? You seem off.”

Tang Ning’an blinked in a panic. “I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Elder Zhang comforted her kindly. “Are you tired lately? You young people need to take care of your health. Your body is your capital; you can’t let anything happen to it.”

“Okay… okay, I know.”

Tang Ning’an couldn’t remember anything else Elder Zhang said. She was completely distraught. She had assumed the task Elder Zhang gave her was like all the other artifacts she had restored—when she finished, it would be displayed in a museum, and sometimes she could even visit them as a tourist. She never imagined that this time, it was Li Qingzhi’s private collection. How would she see Zhu Jun after that?

Tang Ning’an, still preoccupied, walked Elder Zhang out. The old man noticed her odd behavior and was very worried. Before he left, Elder Zhang patted her on the shoulder. “I’ve watched you grow up. If there’s something on your mind, don’t hold it in. You still have your teacher, you know.”

Ever since T’ang Ning’an had been hired, Elder Zhang rarely mentioned their past teacher-student relationship, to prevent people from questioning her abilities. Their relationship was only known to a few people.

T’ang Ning’an took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Then… would it be a bother for you to give me Mr. Li’s contact information?”

“Huh? Of course. But Ning’an, what are you planning to do?”

T’ang Ning’an’s eyes curved slightly, her inner turmoil gradually subsiding. She had regained her composure. Every choice she made now was a command from her own heart. T’ang Ning’an said, “I want to ask Mr. Li if he would be willing to part with it. The difficulty of restoring this vase is very high, and some of the shards are missing. I can use modern technology to restore it, but its value will definitely be greatly diminished. I’ve heard of Mr. Li’s reputation. His collections are all perfect treasures, so I never thought this vase would be his.”

Zhu yun was visible only to her, and the vase had been restored by her own hands, so Tang Ning’an had the idea of keeping it for herself.

Elder Zhang’s eyes widened in surprise. After a moment of thought, he said, Tang Ning’an, even if I give you Mr. Li’s contact information, I doubt he’ll sell you the vase.”

Tang Ning’an asked anxiously, “Why not?”

She had heard of Li Qingzhi; he had numerous personal collections. He shouldn’t be interested in a vase that was shattered into so many pieces. Even when restored, its value wouldn’t compare to the other ceramics in his home.

Elder Zhang’s voice deepened. “I don’t know the exact history of this ancient kiln celadon, but I can be sure of one thing. The person who originally shattered it was one of his ancestors, a third-rank official. His family was once very prominent, so why would he keep a vase that was just a pile of shards?”

“Unless it’s very important to them.”

Elder Zhang sighed with emotion. “Exactly. That’s the reason.”

Tang Ning’an’s heart sank into a chasm of despair. Everything was deviating from her imagination. The fragmented shards had been tested and found to have been broken hundreds of years ago, which gave Elder Zhang’s explanation some weight. It was very likely that this vase was shattered by Li Qingzhi’s ancestor.

Elder Zhang advised her earnestly, “Don’t try to buy this vase. The price is a small matter, but the main thing is, Mr. Li won’t sell it.”

Tang Ning’an forced a bitter smile. “Okay, I understand.”

“Now, go on and get back to work.”

“Goodbye… goodbye, Teacher.”

Tang Ning’an returned to her office, her mind heavy. The morning light shone on her, but she felt no warmth. She couldn’t understand how things had come to this point.

Tang Ning’an, you’re back. Brother Chang from the painting and calligraphy department was looking for you. It seemed important.”

Tang Ning’an said without emotion, “Sister Qin, could you please pass a message to Brother Chang for me? I’m a bit busy today, so I probably can’t see him.”

Sister Qin nodded. “Is Elder Zhang rushing you to restore the vase?”

Tang Ning’an said weakly, “Something like that.”

“Alright, I’ll go tell Brother Chang in a bit.”

“Thank you.”

She didn’t linger to chat with her colleagues. She quickly entered her private restoration room and locked the door behind her. As she turned around, she saw Zhu yun sitting on her desk.

Zhu yun swung her legs playfully, a faint mist of smoke obscuring her feet, revealing her extraordinary nature.

She asked sweetly, “What’s wrong? You look so glum. Did you get scolded?”

Zhu yun’s smile made Tang Ning’an feel sad. She asked, “Do you know Li Qingzhi?”

“Who?”

Zhu yun hopped down and floated in front of Tang Ning’an. Her apricot eyes were clear and bright. She tried to reach out and touch Tang Ning’an’s cheek, but her fingers passed through her body, leaving her disappointed.

Zhu yun dropped her hand in frustration and said with a laugh, “Who is that person?”

Tang Ning’an was surprised. She asked again, “Then, Little Zhu, do you remember who broke you?”

Zhu yun tilted her head, frowning in thought for a long time. “I don’t know.”

“857, do you know?”

【Cough, cough, cough…】

It was just a casual question from Zhu yun, but 857’s acting was terrible. Its reaction quickly made Zhu yun realize something was wrong.

Zhu yun scoffed. “Oh, good, good. So not only are you hiding why the Heavenly Dao blocked my memories, but you’re also hiding some stories from outside the plot. 857, wash your neck and wait. I’ll deal with you later!”

Tang Ning’an looked at her naive expression, and her heart ached a little. Tang Ning’an said affectionately, “Little Zhu, you must have lost some memories.”

“Looks like it.” Her confused eyes stared blankly at Tang Ning’an. The next second, she complained with a pout, “I… I’m so pitiful! I was broken by someone, and I don’t even know who did it! They better hope I never find them, or I’ll tear them to pieces!”

Tang Ning’an quickly comforted her. “Don’t be angry, don’t be angry. He’s long dead, but our Little Zhu is still alive and well.”

It had to be said that Tang Ning’an’s words were very persuasive. Zhu yun’s mood quickly lifted. “You’re right! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Seeing how easily she was soothed, Tang Ning’an couldn’t help but smile dotingly. She whispered, “Silly goose.”

“I’m not silly! My brain just didn’t catch up. Anyway, why are you asking me all this? Did you find out who hurt me?”

Tang Ning’an sat down in her office chair. Zhu yun, feeling she was as light as a feather, could sit anywhere. She found a spot nearby right on Tang Ning’an’s lap. If they could touch each other, Tang Ning’an would have been stiff with nervousness.

Her eyes didn’t know where to look, and Zhu yun asked her impatiently, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Little Zhu, I think the armrest is a nice spot. What do you think?”

“I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter where I sit. Don’t worry about it.”

Tang Ning’an thought to herself: How can it not matter? If she were on the armrest, I wouldn’t be so nervous.

She lowered her long lashes and spoke. “Li Qingzhi is the man who collects you, and his ancestor is the one who broke you.”

“What?!” So the Li family had been after her for a long time? Tang Ning’an explained that Li Qingzhi’s ancestor had failed, and it was only now that Li Qingzhi had succeeded.

Tang Ning’an said gently, “Don’t be afraid. We can figure something out together.”

“No! You absolutely shouldn’t go near Li Qingzhi. I just have a feeling he’s no good. My intuition is very accurate! And don’t worry, when I become stronger, a little Li Qingzhi will be no match for me!” Zhu Jun exaggerated her own power to Tang Ning’an. She had used the spiritual communication talisman on Tang Ning’an because she wanted to change her fate and avoid the plot, and more importantly, she wanted to see Tang Ning’an again and tell her not to get to know Li Qingzhi for her sake.

She leaned down, her eyes filled with an unprecedented seriousness. Zhu yun reached out her hand to touch Tang Ning’an’s face again, like a moth to a flame, willing to try again even knowing the result.

She said, “My intuition also tells me he will take you away.”

Tang Ning’an was captivated by her gaze, then laughed. “Well, my intuition tells me I won’t be taken away. Unless…” she said with a firm expression, “unless this world collapses and I am affected by an irresistible force.”

Zhu yun’s eyes widened slightly, and she said bashfully, “Hmph, a woman’s mouth is a liar’s mouth.”

【Aren’t you the ghost, though?】

“What if I am a ghost? Go ahead and call the cops! Hmph.”

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