I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 27

It was a beautiful, sunny day, a welcome change from the recent snow. It was one of those rare, comfortable days. Tang Weixue brought a reclining chair into the living room, bathing in the warm sunlight that streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She was content, coexisting peacefully with the light.

She was reading a book, enjoying a perfect day off from work. Even as a boss, she couldn’t help but want to be lazy sometimes.

Initially, Tang Weixue hadn’t planned on staying in the living room; her bedroom balcony was far more comfortable. However, another person was at home. As soon as Zhuyun borrowed Tang Weixue’s laptop, she became completely absorbed, not even taking a moment to chat. Feeling a little annoyed, Tang Weixue defiantly moved her recliner to the living room, forcefully inserting herself into Zhuyun’s rhythm.

Zhuyun was busy, and Tang Weixue was supposed to be reading. But her restless mind escaped the book and drifted to the figure before her. It was unclear if she was truly reading or just watching Zhuyun.

Tang Weixue adjusted her position, resting her head to one side to watch Zhuyun.

This was the first time she had been home so leisurely, enjoying the afternoon sun with Zhuyun. Typically, Tang Weixue was out early and home late, so she rarely saw Zhuyun like this.

While Zhuyun was usually lively and bubbly, Tang Weixue found her even more captivating when she was focused and serious.

Tang Weixue’s daydreaming was interrupted by a ringtone, and she realized the book in her hands hadn’t been turned.

Frustrated, she covered her face with the book, but also felt lucky that Zhuyun hadn’t seen her like that.

Tang Weixue mentally chided herself while her ears strained to listen to the conversation on the phone. Her once calm heart fluttered, and she couldn’t help but wonder who the man Lin Miaomiao was talking about could be. Could he be a suitor for Zhuyun?

She lowered the book just enough to reveal her beautiful eyes, peeking at Zhuyun, admiring her features and imagining her expressions. She smiled wryly, realizing that a girl like her would, of course, have suitors.

Tang Weixue involuntarily echoed Lin Miaomiao’s words. Her own strange tone sounded off, making her seem a little petty.

She was never one to back down, and since the words were out, there was no taking them back. So, Tang Weixue closed the book, gracefully propped her chin on her hand, and watched Zhuyun with a knowing smile, waiting to see what she would do next.

Zhuyun gave a few dry laughs. She didn’t know why, but Tang Weixue’s gaze made her feel nervous, as if she was afraid Tang Weixue would overthink things.

She forgot about getting water and rushed over to Tang Weixue with her phone. Seeing the spacious recliner, she plopped down onto it. As the chair swayed, Tang Weixue shot her an exasperated look. Luckily, the recliner was big enough to fit both of them.

When Zhuyun didn’t respond, Lin Miaomiao asked again, “Where are you? Did you time travel?”

Zhuyun was at a loss for words. She was just working peacefully at home, not bothering anyone, so why was she suddenly in trouble?

She had a strong feeling the man Lin Miaomiao was talking about was that person.

Zhuyun couldn’t imagine anyone else being so despicable.

“Miaomiao, hand him the phone. I’m curious who has the nerve to come looking for me at school.”

Lin Miaomiao sized up Bo Xiangming, sensing he wasn’t very close to Zhuyun. To come directly to the school, he must have been unaware of Zhuyun’s situation. So, Lin Miaomiao hadn’t rashly given him the address and instead called Zhuyun to give her a heads-up.

Bo Xiangming took the phone from Lin Miaomiao, eagerly anticipating the chance to talk to Zhuyun.

Ever since he saw Zhuyun and Tang Weixue that day, Bo Xiangming felt like a chosen one. Why else would fate bring the Zhuyun he had longed for right to his doorstep?

The thought of Zhuyun being a member of the Tang family filled him with a secret delight that was almost uncontrollable. It wasn’t that he was absolutely determined to have Zhuyun, but in his eyes, such a perfect match was too good to pass up. He was very selective when it came to women, and with his parents constantly urging him to get married, his desire for Zhuyun grew even more intense.

“Zhuyun? Hello, I’m Bo Xiangming. I don’t know if you remember me. It was rude of me to come to your school today, but I asked the restaurant manager, and they told me you were a student here.”

He was upfront about why he came to the school, thinking it would make him seem honest. He didn’t want Zhuyun to be so oblivious that she couldn’t feel his feelings for her.

When Zhuyun heard the man’s voice, her teeth started grinding.

There was no such thing as “politeness” in Zhuyun’s vocabulary when it came to Bo Xiangming.

First, she shot a look at Tang Weixue, silently accusing her of being passive-aggressive about Bo Xiangming. Hmph.

Then, Zhuyun went on the offensive. “You’ve got some nerve. What right do you have to come to my school? It’s a good thing you met my classmate and she contacted me; otherwise, you would never have seen me at school. Why? Go ask your dear mother. I don’t know what I did to offend a big shot like her, but she had me framed and expelled. You’re a pretty useless son if you don’t even know the bad things your mother does behind your back.”

Zhuyun got heated whenever she thought about Dou Huayue; her temples started throbbing. She continued, “I used to wonder what I did to offend your mother so much that she’d go to such lengths to harm me. But then I figured it out—it’s because you like me, Bo Xiangming. That’s why you lost your composure the first time we met at the restaurant. In your mother’s eyes, I’m already a temptress. A woman who can’t live without you? I sincerely suggest you two lock yourselves up for a lifetime and stop causing trouble for innocent people.”

“Oh, by the way, is your dad dead? If he is, then just spend the rest of your life with your mom. I’m sure she’d be thrilled because her son would never leave her or be stolen by another woman.”

Zhuyun went full-on, giving Bo Xiangming no chance to argue. Her outburst completely shattered his world. He was so stunned by her aggressiveness that he couldn’t speak. Having always been respected, he felt like Zhuyun had torn off his face and was stomping on it. This left Bo Xiangming feeling awkward and embarrassed, but out of love for his mother, he quickly regained his composure. He was about to speak, but Zhuyun was faster.

“I have a low tolerance for stupidity, and idiots like you just ruin my mood. You better not let me see you again, or I might go crazy and scare you to death.”

“Oh, and you must be really angry right now, right? If you dare to smash my friend’s phone, you’re dead! I have a backer, so don’t even think about it!”

Zhuyun hung up the phone without another word. After cursing at Bo Xiangming, she felt refreshed and relieved.

After that, she didn’t forget to take care of her other task.

Zhuyun put her phone aside and turned to face Tang Weixue, who was watching the whole spectacle with an amused expression.

The woman’s smile hadn’t faded. Her gentle eyes looked at Zhuyun. Her long, dark hair was braided and draped over her shoulder, making Zhuyun unable to resist tugging on the end of it.

“What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?! You’re asking me? Who was the one being passive-aggressive to me just now?” Zhuyun was so annoyed she wanted to reenact Tang Weixue’s tone from before.

Seeing her fuming, Tang Weixue smiled and patted Zhuyun’s head. “I admit it was me, but I really couldn’t help it.”

“What do you mean, you couldn’t help it?”

She leaned in closer. “Because Xiaozhu is a girl many people would love, and when I heard Lin Miaomiao say you had a beautiful employer and a handsome, mature man, my heart felt a little… uneasy. I was afraid someone would steal you away, and that’s why I couldn’t help myself.”

Zhuyun’s mind went a little hazy, hearing words that sounded like a confession but weren’t. Her heart was beating so fast.

“Are you flirting with me?”

Tang Weixue feigned hurt, covering her chest. “I finally say something from the heart, and you misunderstand me.”

Zhuyun looked at her with clear, innocent eyes and asked again, “Then why are you afraid I’ll be stolen? Do you like me? Or are you just used to having someone at home, someone to keep you company, so you don’t have to be lonely like before?”

Tang Weixue seemed to be taken aback. The playful smile vanished instantly. She looked deeply into Zhuyun’s expectant eyes. The tightly shut door to her heart was forcefully pushed open, and the person who had slipped in was boldly wandering through her chambers, seemingly preparing to write a cheesy message like “So-and-so was here.”

Tang Weixue lowered her head and covered her forehead with her hand. The intense emotional rush made her unable to look at Zhuyun. She forced a smile and explained, “It’s not any of that. I’m just afraid you’re young and will get fooled by a scumbag.”

She added with a hint of bitterness, “Whether it’s the beautiful employer or the handsome, mature man Lin Miaomiao mentioned, we’re all old-timers. Your youth shouldn’t have people like us in it.”

“You’re innocent and naive.”

“Don’t let old-timers like us fool you.”

Tang Weixue glanced at Zhuyun’s youthful eyebrows, her heart heavy. She placed her hand on Zhuyun’s hair again. “But like you said, I’ll be your backer.”

But that’s all.

“What are you even talking about?”

Zhuyun grabbed Tang Weixue’s hand. Tang Weixue’s words had completely confused her. “What are you thinking?” she asked in bewilderment.

Tang Weixue couldn’t sort out the turmoil in her heart. Zhuyun’s persistent questions made her feel flustered and suffocated, more nervous than she had been when she signed her first contract.

Tang Weixue smiled. “I’m twenty-five, and you’re nineteen.”

“So?”

“So, of course I like you. I see you as a younger sister.”

Tang Weixue reined in her wildly growing feelings. Until Zhuyun had pointed out her true feelings, she probably wouldn’t have even considered them.

She was now afraid to accept this reality. Not because she was running away, but because she had to be careful.

Feelings weren’t for playing around or killing time. After witnessing her father’s coldness, Tang Weixue was determined not to become like him.

The one time her heart moved, it was for a young girl.

Tang Weixue truly felt like fate was playing a trick on her. They say there’s a generation gap every three years; the chasm between her and Zhuyun was like an uncrossable river. So, she didn’t want to make any rash moves. She couldn’t guarantee they would last forever. Zhuyun hadn’t even graduated yet; she might meet a better person. Why should it have to be a woman a few years older than her?

Zhuyun wanted to smile happily, but she couldn’t. The answer Tang Weixue gave was not what she wanted to hear, and her heart felt heavy, as if a stone had been placed on it.

She had only meant to tease Tang Weixue, who had said such confusing things.

She didn’t expect her little joke to backfire so badly.

Zhuyun released Tang Weixue’s hand and moved back, as if to maintain a normal distance between them.

Tang Weixue’s eyebrows furrowed. She wanted to say something, but felt she shouldn’t.

The golden sunlight shone on Tang Weixue, but she felt no warmth, as if she were in an ice cellar.

She cared. She cared about Zhuyun’s sudden distance.

Zhuyun looked down at her toes and said, “Yeah, I know. You’re my only older sister, so it’s normal for you to like me. After all, I’m so lovable, right?”

She suddenly stood up. Tang Weixue tried to grab her hand but missed.

A wisp of air slipped through Tang Weixue’s fingers.

She was startled and called out to Zhuyun in a panic.

Zhuyun turned around, her smile bright and clear, with no hint of gloom. She tilted her head and said flirtatiously, “What’s wrong? You don’t look so good, Sister. Are you mad at me? I was just joking before. I shouldn’t have said you were afraid of being lonely.”

The courage Tang Weixue had mustered up quietly slipped away. Seeing Zhuyun like this, she pursed her lips.

It was a joke. That’s good.

It didn’t matter if she had taken it seriously, as long as Zhuyun wasn’t sad. That was enough.

“Are you done with your video?”

Tang Weixue made small talk, changing the subject.

Zhuyun shrugged nonchalantly. “Yep, it’s done. Once I post this, I’ll get paid by the sponsor.”

A few random food photos she had posted online had unexpectedly gone viral. She had gained quite a few followers through her deliberate efforts, and now sponsors were reaching out, which meant another payment would be coming in.

Tang Weixue smiled and praised her. “That’s impressive.”

Zhuyun gave a little snort, her curved eyes discreetly glancing at Tang Weixue. “But it’s still not as impressive as you.”

She acted as if nothing was wrong, but she was furious inside.

Zhuyun chugged the glass of water she had poured earlier, grabbed her laptop, and went upstairs, not even looking at Tang Weixue.

[Are you angry?]

“No, I’m very calm.”

[You are angry. When women say no, they mean yes.]

Back in her room, Zhuyun’s shoulders slumped. “Okay, fine, I’m a little unhappy.”

She had brought it on herself. She knew it was a joke, so what kind of answer was she even hoping for?

It was a good thing it was a joke. She was the only one who cared about the answer.

Zhuyun was moody, and Tang Weixue was also preoccupied.

It was a beautiful day, but their moods were anything but.

Tang Weixue stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, daydreaming for a while before making a phone call. Her tone was cold, and her eyes were emotionless as she looked into the distance. “How are things being handled? I need to see results as soon as possible.”

She was angry, so she might as well take it out on someone. That person named Bo was the perfect target.

Not just anyone could covet someone she cared about.

Bo didn’t deserve to.

“Zhuyun!!”

“Great news! The Bureau of Education came, and the principal is dead!”

Lin Miaomiao excitedly chattered away, sharing the news from school. Zhuyun’s head shot up. “The old principal died?”

“No, no, he got demoted! He’s not the principal anymore! The Bureau of Education even released a statement. Our principal was not only corrupt, but he also damaged the school’s reputation. That teacher really was having an affair with him! The principal is almost fifty, and how old is that teacher? It’s like an old tree with delicate flowers clinging to it!”

Zhuyun couldn’t help but laugh. While she had received a call from the Bureau of Education before, hearing Lin Miaomiao’s account still felt incredibly satisfying.

“Zhuyun, that teacher’s position will be returned to the original person. That means your situation will be resolved, right?” Lin Miaomiao asked cautiously. Of course, she hoped Zhuyun could return to school. That principal had messed up Zhuyun’s life so much. Thankfully, he had been reported. It was great news!

A few days ago, someone from the Bureau of Education had contacted Zhuyun, asked her some questions, and said they would handle her student records. If all went well, Zhuyun would be able to return to school soon.

“It should work out!” Zhuyun said with a cheerful laugh. She soon heard Lin Miaomiao’s surprised shout. Zhuyun’s eyes softened. This incident had led her to a friend she truly valued.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you something else. Nie Xuan dropped out. Your dorm has new roommates, and my dorm is short a person. I wonder if they’ll let you move in with me.”

Zhuyun rested her chin on her hand and teased, “Why would so many good things happen to me? Even if we’re not in the same dorm, it’s fine. We can still see each other every day when I go back to school.”

Lin Miaomiao thought about it and said happily, “We can hold hands and eat, and we can even hold hands to go to the bathroom!”

Zhuyun burst into laughter. But there was nothing strange about it; that’s just how female friendships are.

“There’s one more thing I forgot to tell you. When you get back to school, I’ll treat you to a good meal. How about hot pot in this cold weather? To celebrate you finding your family. This is great news, so feel free to make me pay for a lot, don’t be polite.”

Zhuyun’s expression froze. She was confused. “Family? What family?” she asked.

Lin Miaomiao scratched her head and explained seriously, “The man said so the other day. He said Tang Weixue from the Tang Corporation is your biological sister. I suspect that’s why Nie Xuan dropped out so fast! She was probably afraid you’d get revenge on her.”

Lin Miaomiao didn’t know about the humiliation Zhuyun had inflicted on Bo Xiangming that day. She just felt the man’s expression had turned very ugly. At the time, she was genuinely worried he would smash her phone. Fortunately, Bo Xiangming returned it.

Judging by Bo Xiangming’s face, their conversation hadn’t been very pleasant. Lin Miaomiao was tactful and didn’t pry into Zhuyun’s personal matters. This also had to do with Nie Xuan’s frantic state. She was so full of hatred for Zhuyun that when she heard Zhuyun had become a rich person, she started acting crazy and seemed mentally unstable. Her parents soon came to the school to take her home to rest.

Zhuyun thought it was already absurd enough that Bo Xiangming came to her school. She didn’t expect him to have done something else behind her back!

Zhuyun rubbed her temples in exasperation. What kind of relationship was this? “She’s not my biological sister. I’m not even a member of the Tang family.”

Lin Miaomiao was surprised and happy. She had been a little sad, thinking Zhuyun had kept her identity a secret and didn’t want anyone to know. After all, Zhuyun had told her that Tang Weixue was her “employer” when she first saw her. But now, hearing Zhuyun’s explanation, she felt she had been too suspicious. How could she doubt her friend? She was glad Zhuyun hadn’t noticed her odd behavior earlier.

“Then why would he say that?”

Zhuyun pouted. “That man is a lunatic. Let me put it this way: The middle-aged woman you saw talking to the principal that time is his mother. My expulsion and being framed are all related to him.”

Lin Miaomiao’s face turned pale with anger, and she gritted her teeth. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I would’ve given him a piece of my mind!”

“He and his mom are both crazy; it’s best not to provoke them.”

After chatting for a while, they ended the call.

It was already dark, but Zhuyun wasn’t in the mood to make dinner because Tang Weixue had been coming home late lately, and tonight was no exception.

Zhuyun opened a message from Tang Weixue saying she would be back at nine tonight and that Zhuyun should eat without waiting for her.

“Working so much must mean something is up!”

The clock ticked. Zhuyun sat on the sofa, hugging her knees, absentmindedly watching TV. Her mind kept wandering back to Tang Weixue, who hadn’t come home yet.

As she was thinking, she heard the sound of a car, but she didn’t pay attention, thinking it was a neighbor. The front door handle didn’t turn, so she was even more sure it wasn’t Tang Weixue coming home.

But a while later, Zhuyun felt something was wrong and went to check.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw a woman sitting in a chair in the yard. Zhuyun angrily walked over, ready to scold her, but then she saw Tang Weixue rubbing her temples with a tipsy look on her face.

“You’ve been drinking?” Zhuyun’s tone was not very friendly.

Tang Weixue laughed foolishly, her eyes hazy. She looked at Zhuyun with a focused gaze that made Zhuyun’s voice soften. “You finally decided to come home.”

Tang Weixue just stared at her blankly, not responding to anything Zhuyun said.

“What do you want?! You’re so frustrating!” Other people get rowdy when they’re drunk or fall asleep, but she just became more annoying.

Zhuyun was fuming, and Tang Weixue slowly sensed the danger.

She blinked innocently, as if that could chase away her sleepiness. For some reason, she didn’t want to sleep when she saw the person in front of her.

Tang Weixue obediently smiled and held out her arms to Zhuyun. “Hug.”

“…Huh?”

Oh, my sister. If you’re going to do this, then I can’t be mad at you anymore.

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