I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 40

Ding Qiuyan considered herself to have won a great victory. Just as she turned to sit down, she saw her niece, Ding Huiyi, with a speechless expression. Ding Qiuyan rolled her eyes at her, finding her niece embarrassing. However, she also sympathized with Ding Huiyi, who had grown up with her grandma in another city. Thinking about how Ding Huiyi hadn’t enjoyed much luxury since childhood, Ding Qiuyan suppressed her disdain and impatiently asked, “What’s with that look?”

Ding Huiyi twitched her mouth, genuinely unsure whether to praise her naive aunt or scold her for giving money away. She poured a cup of tasteless tea for Ding Qiuyan, which Ding Qiuyan naturally disliked. Ding Huiyi knew her aunt was spoiled and felt a pang of envy.

Envy was one thing, but what needed to be said had to be said. She whispered a reminder to Ding Qiuyan, “Aunt, why did you spend so much extra money? It was something that could have been resolved for a few thousand yuan, but now you’ve spent at least ten thousand. What was the point?”

Ding Qiuyan looked around and saw others secretly observing her. She arrogantly curled her lips. If it weren’t for Ding Huiyi insisting this restaurant was good, she wouldn’t have come.

She elegantly wiped the table with a wet wipe, saying leisurely, “You haven’t been home long, so of course you don’t know Zhuyun. If you’d met her before, you’d know how infuriating she was. She flaunted her family’s new money by buying all sorts of jewelry. Now look at her, her family went bankrupt. Let’s see her be so smug now!”

She didn’t have any real animosity towards Zhuyun; it was just a bit of petty rivalry. The distribution of resources in the Ding family was unfair, always favoring the men. Ding Qiuyan had a good background as a wealthy young lady, but if you were to compare who lived a more comfortable life, it would be Zhuyun, hands down.

Zhuyun was the only daughter, spoiled and loved by her parents. They had made it clear they would find a son-in-law to live with them and wouldn’t let Zhuyun suffer even a little. It was said that when Zhuyun was an intern after college, her parents were so heartbroken that they kept her at home. They would occasionally let her go to the company to handle some things, and when others urged them to let Zhuyun get familiar with the business, the couple would always say their child was still young and they could worry about it later.

What was the result? The couple passed away together, leaving Zhuyun to deal with her terrible relatives. To be honest, she was quite unlucky.

The more Ding Qiuyan thought about it, the happier she became. She sneered, “That idiot uncle of Zhuyun’s was so reckless. He went crazy and invested in that ridiculous proposal, got nothing out of it, and bankrupted the company.”

These were all things of the past. Ding Qiuyan hadn’t seen Zhuyun in a long time, especially after Zhuyun moved out of that villa. She was surprised that the once-pampered darling had become a cook, tormented by grease and smoke in a kitchen every day. It was truly a sight to see.

Ding Huiyi forced a smile and grabbed her aunt’s hand, saying, “Aunt, can’t you speak a little softer?”

Oh, my dear aunt, haven’t you noticed the unfriendly looks people are giving you? Who gossips so openly in someone’s own place?

She was more observant than Ding Qiuyan. Upon noticing the gazes, Ding Huiyi quickly stopped Ding Qiuyan’s rant, afraid she would say something worse.

At that moment, Tang Xinhai walked towards them. In her eyes, she couldn’t distinguish anyone’s facial features and could only remember people by their voices. She had already memorized Ding Qiuyan’s voice and accurately faced her, saying, “Hello, miss. Every guest who comes here is here to enjoy the food, so the mouth below the nose is for eating. I assume you haven’t tasted Little Zhu’s cooking yet? I’m sure your mouth will be put to good use then, instead of being used to gossip behind people’s backs.”

After saying this, Tang Xinhai gave Ding Huiyi a kind nod and a gentle smile. The aloof beauty instantly became captivating, causing Ding Huiyi to blush and lower her head. She had wanted to say something nice for Ding Qiuyan, but she didn’t have the courage now, as they were in the wrong.

Ding Qiuyan had never suffered such humiliation. Even with her parents, she could always get what she wanted from her elders. She stood up abruptly and said disdainfully, “Who said I was mocking Zhuyun? When we were sisters shopping and dining together, you didn’t even know her. Now you’re here to stand up for her? Who are you!”

Tang Xinhai’s eyes flashed, suppressing a hint of sourness welling up inside her. She smiled composedly, “I am her best friend.”

“Oh, really? I see your clothes aren’t branded. Do you really think Zhuyun, who’s used to luxury, would be friends with someone like you? Don’t be ridiculous. Even if she’s bankrupt, her pride is still intact.” Ding Qiuyan believed she was right. Everyone in their circle knew how sharp Zhuyun’s eyes were. In Zhuyun’s words back then, she had seen it all. Ding Qiuyan still remembered that expression and those little eyes clearly.

Tang Xinhai said flatly, “Is that so?”

Her attitude completely frustrated Ding Qiuyan, like punching a cotton ball.

Just as Ding Qiuyan was about to mock Tang Xinhai again, she heard Zhuyun’s sharp voice, “Ding Qiuyan, have you had enough?! I thought your awful temper would have improved after half a year, but you’re still so annoying. I’m not making your dishes. I can’t afford to serve a distinguished guest like you!”

She stood in front of Tang Xinhai with a stern, expressionless face. Zhuyun said coldly, “It’s true I went bankrupt. You can laugh at me, because I was stupid enough to believe those ungrateful people. But how dare you criticize and mock my friend? Apologize to her, or our friendship is over!”

Ding Qiuyan immediately felt wronged. She turned her head, refusing to look at Zhuyun. She grumbled, “Fine, fine, I was wrong, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She yelled a few times, making Ding Huiyi’s eyelids twitch. Afraid she would say more, Ding Huiyi squeezed in front of Ding Qiuyan and said placatingly, “My aunt just has this temper, but she doesn’t mean any harm. We’re all friends, let’s not damage our relationship.”

Tang Xinhai pursed her lips in annoyance, about to speak again, but Zhuyun, sensing her intention, tugged on her sleeve. This stubborn young lady had finally quieted down; she couldn’t let her hold a grudge against Tang Xinhai.

Seeing Zhuyun stop her again, Tang Xinhai’s eyes lingered on Zhuyun’s profile, then she couldn’t help but look at Ding Qiuyan.

This woman was unreasonable, yet she apologized under Zhuyun’s influence, which meant she truly considered Zhuyun a friend and was willing to listen to her. So, was Zhuyun stopping her for the sake of her old friend, or for her new one?

Tang Xinhai touched her chest. Why did she feel so sad? Was it because she wasn’t Zhuyun’s favorite?

Zhuyun secretly glared at Ding Qiuyan, muttering, “I’ll make your tongue so envious later. Let’s see you run your mouth then.”

But she hadn’t forgotten the onlookers. Zhuyun’s expression changed, and she said cheerfully, “My apologies, everyone, for the spectacle. I’ll treat you all to some sauce-marinated shrimp and crab later. Enjoy your meal!” After that, she pulled Tang Xinhai away, afraid that the tyrannical Ding Qiuyan would cause more trouble for her.

The kitchen was no place for a serious talk. Zhuyun pointed to a basket of unpeeled potatoes and instructed Tang Xinhai to get to work.

Tang Xinhai skillfully peeled the potatoes, her eyes lowered, and her rosy lips pursed in silence. She was quiet and still, hunched over a small stool.

Zhuyun’s peripheral vision was on her, watching the beauty under the lamp concentrate on the potatoes. Zhuyun felt a pang of cruelty. How could such a beauty be doing such coarse work?

“How about you go sit upstairs?” The second floor was Zhuyun’s little nest, usually locked to keep people out. Even Aunt Zhao, who worked there, had never been inside.

Tang Xinhai curled her lips into a fleeting smile, then looked up at Zhuyun before returning to her previous demeanor. Her red lips parted slightly, “How could I be worthy?”

Zhuyun silently covered her forehead with her hand. She knew the quiet Tang Xinhai was angry. She had even said “not worthy,” so the fire was pretty big.

“Don’t mind her. I’ll explain later.”

Zhuyun put on a hat and a mask when she was in the kitchen to ensure hygiene. She planned to talk to Tang Xinhai properly after she was done with her work.

But Zhuyun forgot one thing: anger is like a snowball, it gets bigger as it rolls.

Tang Xinhai bit her lip, and her gaze towards Zhuyun seemed to have sparks in them.

Fine, later is later. We’ll see who talks to whom first!

When a stubborn person gets to work, they work incredibly fast. Soon, half a basket of potatoes was done.

Zhuyun was surprised and praised, “You’re amazing! Faster than Aunt Zhao.”

Tang Xinhai just gave her a fleeting glance and continued working on the potatoes in silence.

How could she not be fast? These weren’t potatoes anymore; they were a tool for venting. Zhuyun’s praise wouldn’t make her happy.

Zhuyun received her cold shoulder and shook her head with a helpless smile.

After she left the kitchen, a look of frustration appeared on Tang Xinhai’s face. She… felt a little regretful for throwing a tantrum at Zhuyun. Why did she get angry over such a small thing? When did she become so childish?

Zhuyun was unaware of Tang Xinhai’s inner turmoil. She brought out Ding Qiuyan’s two dishes. The aroma was so enticing that it powerfully stimulated people’s sense of smell, as if not eating a bite would be a lifelong regret.

“Damn, that smells so good!”

“You must be new here. I’ve smelled this twice already. When I get paid, I’m going to come and have a feast! It smells incredible.”

Zhuyun wore a blank expression, not wanting to deal with the bad-tempered Ding Qiuyan. Ding Qiuyan was angry. She might have spoken tactlessly, but she had apologized. Why was Zhuyun still giving her the cold shoulder? She was the customer! The customer was God! Zhuyun should be smiling and apologizing.

But all her internal complaints were forgotten after she smelled the aroma. Ding Qiuyan stared intently at the freshly cooked Song’s Fish Broth, then looked at Zhuyun, her expression very complex. Zhuyun raised an eyebrow, bent down, and whispered, “Eat. There’s no poison. It won’t kill you.”

Ding Qiuyan asked uncomfortably, “Did you make this?”

“If I didn’t, did you?”

Ding Qiuyan had never imagined that the former jewelry beauty would be interested in things related to the kitchen. She was supposed to be showing off her various accessories, not toiling over a stove.

She wanted to say something to persuade her, but Ding Qiuyan noticed that there was no sign of the fatigue she had imagined in Zhuyun’s eyes. Those clear, bright eyes were full of confidence, and she was clearly very satisfied with her cooking. Even though her face was a little flushed, she looked very vibrant.

Ding Huiyi was not lost in thought like her aunt. She was already impatient to eat and urged Ding Qiuyan to hurry up. Seeing this, Zhuyun was about to leave, but Ding Qiuyan quickly said, “When do you close the shop?”

“Around nine.”

Zhuyun saw she had something to talk about and just casually said the time.

Tang Xinhai was in the kitchen, and Aunt Zhao was cleaning up the dishes outside. There were no more customers now; the evening rush hour was over.

She sat at the counter, flipping through the previous purchase orders. Today’s private kitchen’s earnings were very good, much smoother than Zhuyun had expected. It seemed the food-loving customers really trusted Zhuyun’s cooking. Of course, Zhuyun wouldn’t disappoint them, so she was thinking about what to make tomorrow. What was good to eat this season?

Zhuyun propped her chin on her hand, lost in thought, when a voice made her look up.

Having eaten her fill, Ding Qiuyan’s face looked much better, and she was even willing to smile. She cleared her throat and said, “These two dishes you made were alright, just about edible.”

Ding Huiyi couldn’t help but look at her, thinking, who was the one fighting for the food just now?!

Ding Qiuyan shamelessly ignored her niece’s questioning gaze. She paid the bill with a cold air, then glanced at Zhuyun sitting still at the counter. “Should we find a place to talk?”

Zhuyun’s head started to ache the moment she saw her. She knew for a fact that many people would ask her about her bankruptcy tomorrow, and it was all because of this woman, Ding Qiuyan!

“There’s nothing to talk about. Go home after you’ve eaten. If you want to eat next time, come again. But you’d better get your temper under control, or I won’t dare serve you.”

Zhuyun’s sarcastic tone made her roll her eyes, instantly killing her desire to chat. She snorted and said with a sneer, “Actually, I don’t have much to say to you either. It’s just that I thought about something and felt I should tell you. Many people are coveting your jewelry. A while ago, a guy named Chu Chengwen was asking about your whereabouts, probably planning to buy your jewelry.”

The moment the name appeared, Zhuyun’s hand, which was propping up her chin, dropped. Ever since she stopped working at the company, she had completely severed ties with Chu Chengwen. Now hearing his name from Ding Qiuyan, Zhuyun had a strong feeling that trouble was coming.

“Oh.” She straightened up, then slumped back down, lazily propping up her chin again.

Ding Qiuyan’s eyebrows furrowed. She said incredulously, “You don’t look like you want to sell those things, do you? Things are dead, people are alive. If you sell the jewelry, you won’t have to be a cook and open a restaurant like this.”

“I’ve already sold them.”

“Then why did you open a restaurant?”

Zhuyun faced Ding Qiuyan’s scrutiny and said flatly, “I like this job, and I believe I have the talent for it.”

Ding Qiuyan’s words of persuasion were swallowed back. She could still taste the two dishes she had just eaten. She had eaten many good things, but never before had she been so preoccupied with the taste, so uncultured. But this also proved that Zhuyun’s cooking was indeed excellent.

She was hesitant to speak, but Zhuyun spoke honestly to her, “You don’t have to pity me or sympathize with me. I’m very happy with my life now.”

Zhuyun stood up and extended her hand to her, “Welcome back next time.”

This kind of cash cow, might as well slaughter her a few more times.

Ding Qiuyan felt her eyes must have been blind. She had actually seen a hint of freedom on Zhuyun’s face. She laughed and shook Zhuyun’s hand, “I wish you a booming business.”

Zhuyun nodded politely and went back to looking at the purchase orders, thinking about what was missing.

She had fully immersed herself in her current life. The former wealthy young lady was a thing of the past.

Zhuyun was content. As long as she was living well, nothing else mattered.

Ding Huiyi got into the car and urged her aunt to bring her again next time. Ding Qiuyan pushed her niece’s head away and said awkwardly, “I’ll bring you, I’ll bring you. And I’ll bring Shuwan and those others too. I must let them see what Zhuyun is like now.”

Ding Huiyi saw right through her intentions and said with a smirk, “Are you trying to drum up business for the owner?”

“How could that be!” she raised her voice and drove away.

After the last customer left, Zhuyun let Aunt Zhao off early. Tang Xinhai was about to leave with Aunt Zhao, but Zhuyun wouldn’t let her.

With a serious face, she turned off the lights on the first floor and walked heavily up the stairs.

Because Tang Xinhai was not familiar with the layout of the second floor, she almost missed the last step. Zhuyun saw something was wrong and grabbed Tang Xinhai. In the dark, they could still see each other’s faces clearly because the moon outside was round and bright. The moonlight shone through the window, illuminating their faces, making them soft and radiant.

Zhuyun frowned and smiled, unable to resist poking Tang Xinhai’s lips. She said helplessly, “How long has it been, and you still look unhappy.”

“It’s nothing.” Tang Xinhai didn’t want to admit that the spot her finger had touched on her lips felt a little tingly. She answered Zhuyun disingenuously.

How could Zhuyun not see she was throwing a tantrum?

She stared at Tang Xinhai, and as she looked, she started to laugh.

Her face, lit up with a smile, was lively and beautiful. Under the moonlight, she was a stunning, otherworldly beauty.

Tang Xinhai discreetly hid the look of admiration in her eyes. She still wanted to remain silent. But Zhuyun didn’t follow the rules. Her fingers pinched Tang Xinhai’s chin, and after feeling the smoothness of her skin, her fingers slid up along her jawline. Finally, her fingertip touched Tang Xinhai’s earlobe. Zhuyun said, “You have an ear piercing, why don’t you wear earrings?”

Tang Xinhai’s body stiffened the moment she felt her earlobe being held. “I don’t like to wear them.”

Zhuyun shook her head in regret, then looked at her. “That’s too cheap for me.”

“What?”

As soon as she spoke, Tang Xinhai felt a sharp pain in her earlobe. Zhuyun had pinched it hard, causing her to frown in pain, yet she couldn’t bring herself to scold Zhuyun for being mischievous.

“Does it hurt?”

Tang Xinhai lowered her eyelashes and nodded, looking like a little victim.

Zhuyun raised an eyebrow and lectured Tang Xinhai fiercely, “It’s supposed to hurt. See if you’ll learn your lesson now. If you ever give me the silent treatment again, I’ll hit you!”

She held up her little fist, threatening, “I hit hard. Pinching your earlobe now is just a small lesson. Do you understand?”

Zhuyun used to think Tang Xinhai was perfect in every way—good personality, beautiful face, the whole package. But after today, Zhuyun discovered that Tang Xinhai could use the silent treatment to torment people. It was one thing to get angry for no reason, but when asked why she was angry, she tried to brush it off. Hmph, she was a difficult woman to deal with.

Tang Xinhai still insisted, “I didn’t give you the silent treatment.”

“Then why didn’t you talk to me in the kitchen today? Don’t think I didn’t see what you were doing. There were so few customers; normally, you would have been sitting here with me at the counter. But what did you do? You stayed in the kitchen. If that’s not the silent treatment, then what is? Or do you just not want to see me?” Zhuyun refuted Tang Xinhai with solid reasoning, leaving her speechless.

Tang Xinhai bit her lip hard, until it bled.

She hugged Zhuyun tightly, burying her face in Zhuyun’s shoulder. She decided to be reckless and stop hiding anything. “I wasn’t giving you the silent treatment. I was just… just a little jealous!”

Forget it, no point in pretending. That was the truth, and there was nothing she couldn’t tell her.

“I really like being friends with Little Zhu, and I’ve selfishly enjoyed all the good things you’ve done for me. Before, my life was a routine of work, commute, and home. It was very boring. But ever since I met you, most of my daily life has been about you. Even when I’m exhausted after work, as long as I see you, I feel like there’s something to look forward to tomorrow, because I can see you again tomorrow.”

“So when I saw the way that Ms. Ding treated you, I got scared. I don’t know anything about your past, and I don’t know if I’ll be lucky enough to remain in your affection.”

“Zhuyun, can I be your most important, most intimate, most special friend?”

“The kind no one can replace.”

Zhuyun asked foolishly, “Are you sure you said ‘friend’ and not ‘girlfriend’?”

My goodness, I didn’t realize your ambition was this big!

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