I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 41

“Which is it, a friend or a girlfriend?” Tang Xinhai’s words were greedy, and after hearing Zhuyun’s rhetorical question, her cheeks began to heat up uncontrollably. Tang Xinhai pursed her lips, her mind in a panicked mess, unable to grasp any sense of reason. She was about to be driven crazy by Zhuyun… How could she possibly dare to hope to be Zhuyun’s girlfriend?

But if she didn’t have this ridiculous thought, then why would she be jealous?

Was this jealousy really related to friendship?

Tang Xinhai didn’t understand and couldn’t distinguish it clearly. But she didn’t regret revealing her inner thoughts at all, because she had made the right gamble. When Zhuyun heard those words that seemed like requests but were actually demands, she didn’t show any resistance. In fact, she had asked that very question in a dazed, (muddled) way.

She subtly hid the slight upturn of her lips. Her face was flushed, and she didn’t respond to Zhuyun. She thought her disguise was perfect, but Tang Xinhai didn’t know that her hot cheeks had already betrayed her nervousness.

They were very close, not to mention Tang Xinhai was still nestled against Zhuyun’s shoulder, so her cheek was rubbing against Zhuyun’s neck. At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.

Tang Xinhai’s quietness made Zhuyun laugh. Just a moment ago, she was a fierce lion, using cold indifference and bravely speaking her mind. How did she become a shy, little rabbit in the blink of an eye?

Zhuyun smiled playfully, “Why aren’t you talking? Do you look down on me? Or do you think I’m not good enough for you?”

When Tang Xinhai heard her teasing, her nervousness only grew. “I’m the one who isn’t good enough for you.”

Zhuyun huffed proudly, “You’re not me, so how do you know what I’m thinking? You say you’re not good enough for me, so why don’t you ask me what I think?”

Tang Xinhai knew that Zhuyun was a pearl temporarily obscured by dust and that this pearl would eventually regain its luster. So after learning about Zhuyun’s past, she felt very sorry for her and also felt inferior. However, this deep-seated inferiority wouldn’t make Tang Xinhai passive. On the contrary, it would become a driving force. She would quickly become excellent so that when Zhuyun’s former friends saw her again, they would never say something as condescending as Ding Qiuyan did.

Her resentment had indeed been handled properly, but the emotions that appeared always left some traces. Tang Xinhai’s angry words were “I’m not worthy.”

She no longer held Zhuyun, turning to face away from her. “How could I be rational when I’m arguing with someone? Isn’t it okay to say a few sour words?”

Zhuyun was having an eye-opening day. She had always thought Tang Xinhai was a mature and intellectual woman, as her usual behavior gave that impression. In Zhuyun’s mind, she had always been an extremely reliable figure.

But who ever said that a poised woman couldn’t have a willful and pampered side?

Zhuyun covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, afraid that her laughter would infuriate the sulking Tang Xinhai even more.

“Okay, okay, you’re right. Sister Xinhai is so smart.”

Tang Xinhai couldn’t stand Zhuyun’s teasing tone. It made her regret even more why she wasn’t calmer before. Why did she have to get angry? Now look, she was easily coaxed back to happiness. Zhuyun didn’t even say anything nice, yet she herself had calmed down. So the question was, what was all this fuss for?

She spotted the glowing nightlight on the wall, reached out, and flicked on the light. She surveyed the room, found a random sofa, and sat down with her hands in her lap, feigning a cool demeanor.

“Oh dear, putting on airs again? When Aunt Zhao was about to leave, someone was pretending to be ready to follow her. It’s a good thing I was quick, or she really would have slipped away.”

Zhuyun was arrogant, sitting with her legs crossed next to Tang Xinhai. She smirked at Tang Xinhai, not at all afraid that she would get angry.

What was this called? This was called having confidence.

It was Tang Xinhai’s fault for revealing her hand too early. This allowed Zhuyun to realize that her position was so important. If she didn’t act a little spoiled, how could she live up to Tang Xinhai’s “adoration”?

Zhuyun patted her shoulder earnestly and said in a serious tone, “Little Tang comrade, there are some things I must talk to you about. First, you should change the bad habit of using cold indifference. If you have any opinions, you can tell me directly. Whether I listen or not is another matter, but at least I’ll know why you’re angry, and then I can prescribe the right medicine, right? And one more thing, you’re jealous, right? Be as jealous as you want. After all, I’m the chef. I can make delicious delicacies, so how could I not understand you?”

Tang Xinhai was expressionless. If looks could kill, Zhuyun would be dead by now.

She was even more certain that she had made a huge mistake, handing over her weakness to Zhuyun on a silver platter. Seeing Zhuyun’s smug expression, Tang Xinhai was itching to bite her. How could she be so annoying?

She wasn’t going to be polite. Since Zhuyun was so irritating, Tang Xinhai had to react.

Tang Xinhai pounced and bit Zhuyun’s cheek, successfully destroying Zhuyun’s smiling face.

Zhuyun covered her cheek, staring at Tang Xinhai in disbelief. She hadn’t expected this woman to be so shameless. She whimpered pitifully, “You… How could you do that!”

Tang Xinhai’s anger subsided. She had at least gotten her revenge. Both old and new grudges were now gone without a trace.

She smiled and said kindly, “Little Zhu’s comforting words gave me an idea. Since I’m worthy of being your friend, what’s wrong with me biting you?”

Zhuyun’s eyes widened in agony. She shook Tang Xinhai’s shoulders, “You’re out of character! You’re out of character!”

Tang Xinhai calmly patted her head and said gently, “Silly girl, this is how I am.”

The side of “truth, goodness, and beauty” is often a deceptive facade for people. Only by acting like a good person will people let their guard down and even receive praise.

But in reality, everyone has a dark side.

“I really thought you were a reserved and gentle person when I first met you.”

Tang Xinhai didn’t object, she just smiled. “I came to you for help, to ask how the flowers in your shop could bloom so beautifully. If I had approached you arrogantly, you probably would have swept me out with a broom.”

She patted Zhuyun’s head again. Her sly smile gave Zhuyun the feeling that she couldn’t escape her grasp. She said, “Silly Little Zhu, you’re so dumb.”

[Exactly.]

“What are you agreeing with?” Zhuyun shot back at the system.

[I’m highly intelligent! I’m not like Little Zhu!]

“How are you different? The difference is that I’m a human and you’re a little round ball?”

[#@#@!#*!]

857 felt malice from Zhuyun and spewed out a string of words that the system blocked. In a fit of anger, it shut down the screen in the system space.

It was fuming and ignored Zhuyun, planning to let her suffer a bit. Who told her to be so rude first?

I was going to remind Little Zhu, but forget it. Let her keep being smug. She thinks that by getting Tang Xinhai’s innermost thoughts, she has the trump card. But is there a possibility that Tang Xinhai did it on purpose?

So Tang Xinhai is a total schemer! She closed the distance between them so quickly. Little Zhu is still so happy about it. Ah, a fool is a fool!

Zhuyun, who was inexplicably scolded, frowned. She looked suspiciously at Tang Xinhai, who was still patting her head. She said unhappily, “You’re the one who’s dumb.”

Tang Xinhai complied, “Yes, I’m the idiot.”

Only then was Zhuyun satisfied. She couldn’t help but glance at her and asked, “Are you not angry anymore?”

“I haven’t been for a while.” This time, Tang Xinhai was telling the truth. After peeling so many potatoes in the kitchen, how could she still be upset?

Zhuyun felt relieved and leaned lazily against the sofa, saying weakly, “It’s so tiring to (coax) women, especially when I don’t even know what you’re angry about.”

“Little Zhu stopped me twice,” she explained.

Zhuyun was confused and didn’t understand what she meant until Tang Xinhai explained where the two times came from: once when Ding Qiuyan first came in and provoked her, and the second time when Tang Xinhai and Ding Qiuyan were arguing.

After listening to Tang Xinhai’s brief explanation, she tilted her head and leaned on Tang Xinhai’s shoulder, sighing, “That’s it? You might as well just stab me. I thought I’d committed some heinous crime. It turns out it’s because I stopped you. Tang Xinhai, what are you thinking? I stopped you from arguing with Ding Qiuyan because she’s petty, and I was afraid she would come to the shop and bully you later! Besides, I was there, I could handle her alone!”

After all that, the reason for the anger was just a trivial matter.

Zhuyun was so annoyed she laughed. She scolded, “Tang Xinhai, you’re a child!”

Tang Xinhai raised her eyebrows. Her awkward expression was quickly hidden, replaced by an overwhelming sense of surprise. She had been trapped in a dead end by her own overthinking, but the true answer to this difficult problem had saved her. So she was Zhuyun’s “special one.”

She was overjoyed but had to pretend to be calm.

She said softly, “Yes, I’m a child.”

Zhuyun watched her warily and asked, “You’re really admitting it?”

Tang Xinhai’s eyes curved into a smile. The tenderness in her eyes made her look like a bewitching, seductive flower. One more step forward, and you would fall into her trap.

She said, “I’m so happy to hear that Little Zhu cares about me. I shouldn’t have been angry about this. I should apologize to Little Zhu.”

“No need to apologize. I’m just thankful you’re not angry anymore.”

Zhuyun couldn’t help but look at her smiling face. She lowered her head and leaned obediently on Tang Xinhai’s shoulder. “There’s no need for apologies between us. As long as you’re not angry, that’s better than anything.”

Tang Xinhai’s lips curled into a smile. Her arm possessively rested on Zhuyun’s shoulder as she said gently, “Little Zhu is so good.”

“Hehe.”

Zhuyun smiled, and her protective instinct for Tang Xinhai increased several times over.

Anyway, she and Chu Chengwen were enemies. It should be fine to casually mess with their “official pairing,” right?

“Family, who gets it? I actually found a small restaurant that is amazing in every way!” A stylish and handsome young man walked in with an exaggerated tone, holding a professional live-streaming device. He thoughtfully adjusted the angle so the camera wouldn’t show other people, ensuring it only captured himself.

Si Borong came at a time when there wasn’t a lot of foot traffic. He flipped the camera to show the viewers the pots of chrysanthemums in the shop and quickly showed the overall environment. He then pointed the camera back at himself and winked, “Guys, if I secretly steal a pot later, don’t report me. These flowers are blooming so beautifully, you’d think they were fake!”

[Dude, you haven’t even eaten yet, how do you know it’s good in every way? Is this an ad?]

Huh? I know this place! I didn’t expect the blogger to be in the same city as me. This place is so fragrant! I’ve been once and I want to go again. It’s a shame they’re not on any delivery platforms. I’ve been so busy with school lately that I haven’t had time to go. Ahhh, I’m so hungry. I just remembered the Song-style Fish Chowder I had that day.

Si Borong glanced at the comments and explained in a casual manner, “Dude, I’m just live-streaming for fun, who’s doing ads? I already said I found this place by wandering around and smelling the fragrance. Why wouldn’t it be good in every way? Song-style Fish Chowder? Why isn’t that on the menu?”

I know, I know! It’s because the owner’s special dish of the day is random. That Song-style Fish Chowder was made a while ago! Xiao Si, you came to the right place! I swear, the taste is comparable to the signature dishes of some big hotels. The most important thing is… hehehe, the owner is a beautiful woman~

The comments were flying by, and Si Borong was getting dizzy, but he knew he had found the right place to visit.

He looked up at the menu written on the blackboard. Si Borong waved his hand and said, “Boss, I’ll have the Fang La Fish and the Peony Yan Cai.”

Zhuyun was in the back kitchen washing radishes. The protagonist of today’s special dish, Peony Yan Cai, was a carved radish flower. She heard the voice and said to Aunt Zhao, “You take over the washing. I’ll go out and tell the customer about the time.”

Her black hair was styled in a lazy braid that hung over her shoulder. Her features were like a painting, pure and lovely. She was always smiling, and her lips were often upturned, giving people a warm, sunny feeling.

The moment she lifted the curtain and walked out, Si Borong’s eyes flickered. He was stunned. “Is that you?”

Zhuyun smiled faintly. When she had made up her mind to open this shop, she knew she would inevitably run into those people again. Because Zhuyun believed in her own abilities, the reputation and business of this shop would only get better and better, and it would eventually become the most famous shop.

“You opened this shop?”

Zhuyun shrugged. “Yes, it’s been open for a while. The two dishes you ordered will take some time. Are you willing to wait for half an hour?”

“No problem.” Si Borong couldn’t help but look at her again and again. When he saw her slender figure disappear behind the curtain, he couldn’t help but sigh at how things had changed.

The young lady who grew up in a golden nest was now adapting so well and even had the energy to open this shop.

Si Borong didn’t have much of a relationship with Zhuyun. At most, they knew each other’s names. But Zhuyun’s hobbies were often looked down upon by some people in their circle. Some thought she was shallow and fit the stereotype of a nouveau riche, while others thought Zhuyun was too fond of pleasure and lacked ambition, and that her family fortune would definitely be squandered by her.

This speculation was only half right. Zhuyun’s family business was indeed gone, but the person who squandered it wasn’t her, but her uncle, Zhu Kaikuo.

For Zhuyun, who was looked down upon by so many, to be able to recover after such a huge blow was extremely difficult in Si Borong’s eyes. It showed that Zhuyun was an inherently resilient person.

He quietly asked the live stream viewers, “Are the dishes made here really that good?”

Judging by the blogger’s tone, it seems like you know the owner? A few days ago, a woman argued with the owner, saying she went bankrupt and became a chef. No wonder I always felt the blogger was well-off. So you’re really a rich second generation?

Si Borong didn’t reveal too much personal information. He just scrolled through the comments. He didn’t know what he was missing until he looked.

Before, Si Borong was exaggerating a little when he praised how good the food tasted. When he arrived, there were only one or two people in the shop eating home-style stir-fries, so the aroma wasn’t that strong. He was just attracted by the chrysanthemums at the entrance.

After reading the comments, he realized he was in for a treat.

Si Borong was still in a state of shock. He had never heard that Zhuyun had such great cooking skills. How did she become a master chef after going bankrupt?

As the sun set and the evening glow faded, evening was about to begin.

The shop quickly filled up with people. The live stream viewers were surprised at how good the business was. People who had already enjoyed Zhuyun’s cooking came out to boast, making Si Borong’s mouth water.

One by one, the dishes were brought out by Aunt Zhao. At first, Si Borong thought that no matter how good it tasted, it couldn’t beat the flavor of a five-star hotel. But after smelling the aroma of the freshly cooked stir-fries, Si Borong felt a sting in his face.

“Boss, when will my order be ready!”

Zhuyun stood there calmly, waiting for the sauce to thicken. She responded helplessly, “It’ll be ready soon.”

Rush, rush, rush! Don’t they know that impatience leads to bad food?

Fortunately, Zhuyun kept her word, and the two dishes didn’t make Si Borong wait any longer. She and Aunt Zhao each brought out a dish.

She was still wearing a mask, so her voice was a little muffled. She introduced the dishes, “This is Peony Yan Cai, and that’s the Fang La Fish. Please enjoy.”

The two dishes had completely different aromas, making Si Borong salivate. He couldn’t take his eyes off the lifelike radish peony flower. Without even using his chopsticks, he knew the dishes were going to be delicious. He would stake his head on it! Because the aroma didn’t lie.

With the stunning debut of these two dishes, other customers said, “Boss, why are you making good food again today? I’ve gained several pounds. I can’t help it, I have to try it too. I’ll have the Peony Yan Cai.”

“Boss, I want the Fang La Fish!”

Zhuyun smiled. “Okay, please wait a moment, everyone.”

“Boss, I want both!”

Zhuyun stood there, taking note of everyone’s orders. Si Borong carefully turned over the peony flower and looked at the chrysanthemum next to it. He admired Zhuyun even more. When he picked up a piece of fish, tears almost welled up in his eyes.

Damn, what was he eating before? Zhuyun, don’t blame me for being disloyal. It was absolutely the right decision for you to go bankrupt!

Host, say something! Don’t just eat!

No, I’m so hungry! I desperately need the address of this shop!!! Now, now, now!

Oh my God, why are your eyes teary? Did you bite your tongue?

He shook his head. “Damn, it’s just too delicious!”

Si Borong seemed to remember something and said in a hurry, “Boss, boss, I want these two dishes again, to go!”

Zhuyun didn’t look up from writing down the menu and asked casually, “For your parents?”

“My brother, my cousin!”

Zhuyun’s pen stopped on the paper. She smiled, “I’m sorry, the special dishes are limited, and they’re sold out.”

They definitely weren’t sold out. There was one last mandarin fish left. But if Zhuyun was going to cook for Chu Chengwen, she would rather make a fish dish for Tang Xinhai to nourish her brain tonight.

Hmph, not just anyone can eat the food she makes.

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