I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 43

The rain brought Bamboo Zhuyun a day of leisure, and it also brought her old enemy, Chu Chengwen. The moment she saw the man, her intuition told her that trouble had finally come knocking. She knew it was only a matter of time, but seeing Chu Chengwen’s face, Bamboo really wanted to say, “You dog, leave your life here!” But she couldn’t flip out just yet, or people would think she was crazy. After all, she and Chu Chengwen were still just regular friends at this point.

Bamboo maintained a fake smile, pretending not to recognize the person behind Si Borong. “Look at you, talking as if it’s against the law for me and Xinhai to hug. But let me tell you, clinging to a beautiful big sister feels great!” She intentionally leaned her whole body into Tang Xinhai, letting Tang Xinhai hold her even tighter. She was also tired of standing, so she used a bit of a trick to sit right down on Tang Xinhai’s lap. This made Bamboo completely nestled in Tang Xinhai’s arms. They were two different types of women—one quiet, one lively—and their embrace was a beautiful, romantic sight. Everyone else became mere background players, unable to steal even a sliver of their spotlight.

Shu Wan was stunned, a piece of meat she’d been holding with her chopsticks dropping into her bowl. Her big eyes were fixed on the two women. She felt a kind of reckless joy in Bamboo’s words. Especially when she saw Tang Xinhai’s radiant smile, Shu Wan suddenly understood. Bamboo was right. Why would she cozy up to some stinky men who drank and smoked when she could be with sweet and soft sisters? Who knew whose lips those men had kissed a second ago?

Hmph. Eat. Ignore those two men. Shu Wan was annoyed with all men right now, all because her parents were pressuring her to get married, talking about how she needed to consider the family’s future. Why didn’t they make her younger brother marry someone he didn’t like? It just proved she wasn’t important enough. So she decided she would live her life to the fullest, just to see how that prodigal son would revitalize the family.

She shot a disdainful glance at Si Borong, the annoyance in her eyes only a surface-level feeling. But when her gaze landed on Chu Chengwen, her eyes grew colder. This man was arrogant, and he had the capital to look down on others, but being too arrogant would only increase others’ hatred for him. Thinking of how this man would gossip about the city’s socialites behind their backs, Shu Wan felt disgusted. Did he really think he was some emperor, dividing women into different tiers? Who knows what kind of stunning beauty would be good enough for him.

He was a man in his thirties, and she could see his wrinkles from a distance. And he was still so picky. Shu Wan felt even more contempt for him.

She pursed her lips. She’d rather look at beautiful women.

Si Borong had no idea Shu Wan was mentally cursing out his cousin. He was so amused by Bamboo’s brazen attitude that he burst out laughing. He was naturally friendly and had met Tang Xinhai once, so he considered them friends. Si Borong teased again, “Alright, alright, nobody’s going to break you two up. You can be as clingy as you want. But it’s your work time right now! I’ve been so busy today I haven’t had a single hot meal. Bamboo, please, do a good deed and make a couple of your specialty dishes first. I’m begging you.”

He saw that Bamboo didn’t even want to move her butt, so he shamelessly went over to pester her. Si Borong was ravenous right now and had no time to admire women cuddling. He was much more interested in having a deep, meaningful relationship with food!

Bamboo rolled her eyes. “I’m my parents’ only daughter, you know.”

If it weren’t for the chance to fleece this big fat sheep, she really wouldn’t want to cook for Chu Chengwen.

So Bamboo put on a bright smile, a smile so clear it was like a rainbow after the rain, serene and beautiful. It made Si Borong, who was focused on food, momentarily lose his train of thought.

“I got my hands on some good stuff this time. Want to try it? It’s a bit pricey, though. Depends on whether you’re willing to spend the money.”

She kindly reminded Si Borong, planning to make a huge profit. But a hand silently reached around her waist and gave a firm pinch, causing her to cry out in pain.

That cry instantly brought Si Borong back to reality. He wasn’t short on money. Thinking of his embarrassing moment, he quickly agreed and didn’t dare look at Bamboo again. He scurried away like a headless chicken and found an empty table to sit at. As soon as he sat down, he saw Shu Wan diagonally across from him. He said in a familiar tone, “Oh, you’re here too!”

“…”

“Idiot,” she said coldly.

Si Borong tilted his head innocently. “Don’t think I don’t understand that dialect. Why are you calling me names for no reason?”

Shu Wan smiled without warmth. “I’m almost done with my meal, and you’re just seeing me now?”

Si Borong scratched his head, laughing awkwardly and dodging Shu Wan’s killer stare.

Bamboo’s cry of pain made her turn and glare at Tang Xinhai in annoyance. She lowered her voice and said, “Just say what you want to say. Why did you have to pinch me? Don’t I have any dignity?”

No, I’m spoiling her too much. She’ll probably run all over me in the future. I have to make her fear me!

Tang Xinhai smiled faintly, her eyes unreadable, only showing a hint of faint resentment. “Little Bamboo, you smile so beautifully at outsiders. Are you forgetting about me? Remember, I’m the one you’re hugging, you know.”

The little fire of anger Bamboo had just mustered was immediately extinguished by a bucket of cold water. She felt so innocent. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but the way Tang Xinhai put it, it was as if she had cheated.

She blinked her eyes timidly, using her charm to win over the soft-hearted Tang Xinhai. She tugged at the other woman’s sleeve and said, “But you pinched me, and it really hurt!”

Tang Xinhai’s lips moved as if to speak, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. After all, she was the one who was being sarcastic just now, and changing her attitude so quickly would only let Bamboo get the upper hand again. So she didn’t say anything, but she placed her palm on Bamboo’s waist and began to rub it.

Tang Xinhai was probably being mischievous. There were clothes in the way, but she deliberately didn’t place her palm on top of them. Her hand, like a slippery fish, slid underneath the hem of the shirt. Luckily, it wasn’t too cold, and the hand on her soft side was so warm and comforting that Bamboo quickly adjusted to it.

Their public display of intimacy made Chu Chengwen’s expression serious. He was a man of good upbringing and didn’t think he would ever stoop to arguing with a woman. Besides, they were all just common, unrefined women who weren’t worthy of his special attention. But Tang Xinhai was different. She was the first woman to completely ignore his advances. Men of his status, to put it bluntly, were suckers for a challenge. The more a woman pursued him, the less he’d want her. He craved the feeling of conquest, and this was exactly what was piquing his interest.

“Assistant Tang, it seems we’re quite fated to run into each other.”

The man was dapper, wearing a well-tailored suit that made him look refined and elegant.

Tang Xinhai replied politely, “I’m also surprised to see you here, Mr. Chu.”

Chu Chengwen was smart enough not to pester Tang Xinhai. The ambiguous line he just said seemed like a simple greeting. He smiled, looking approachable, then turned his gaze to Bamboo. “Bamboo, it’s really been a long time. It makes me feel relieved to see you’re doing so well now.”

Bamboo found his willingness to lower himself to talk to her a bit absurd. She burst out laughing and quipped, “Chu Chengwen, you’re being so dramatic.”

She had only met him a few times, yet he was saying such an intimate thing. Was he doing it on purpose? Did he think a few nice words would make her see him in a different light?

“Just be normal, please,” Bamboo said, waving her hand, not giving him any face.

Chu Chengwen gave a helpless smile. “You’re still as playful as ever.”

Bamboo was horrified. Did this person see the hatred I have for him? Is he trying to drive me crazy with his gross and greasy words?

Tang Xinhai’s face hardened. What game was Chu Chengwen playing? Openly flirting with Bamboo must mean he had bad intentions. She immediately judged him. Her gaze no longer held the respect she had for him at the company. She asked, “Mr. Chu, do you and Little Bamboo know each other?”

Bamboo blurted out, “We’ve only met a few times. We’ve definitely said no more than five sentences to each other.”

Chu Chengwen said calmly, “Of course we know each other. I’ve always admired Bamboo. I used to think she was a very capable person, and now I see I was right. I came to the shop today with the intention of becoming her friend.”

In short, it was none of Tang Xinhai’s business, and she shouldn’t get the wrong idea.

Tang Xinhai listened to his self-serving words and said meaningfully, “Mr. Chu, you truly have a discerning eye.”

Chu Chengwen seemed to ignore Tang Xinhai’s sarcastic look. He left her out of the conversation and said to Bamboo, “A few years ago, Borong bought a ruby necklace from you, and my mother loved it. If you’re short on cash right now, you can sell me any of the jewels you’ve secretly kept.”

Bamboo’s eyebrows furrowed, and there was a hint of disdain in her voice. “Didn’t you know I’ve already pawned all of those jewels? I thought you and Gu Haize were good friends. Didn’t he tell you?”

His expression had been calm ever since he came into the shop, but Bamboo’s explanation successfully made his face change.

Chu Chengwen quickly adjusted his expression and said arrogantly, “What friendship is there between me and Gu Haize? Taking one piece of land from him was like taking his life. Gu Haize is a sore loser. But I guess it’s okay that you gave your jewels to him. At least he’s not short on cash.”

Bamboo seemed lost in thought, and she couldn’t help but say, “No wonder that’s what everyone says about you…”

Chu Chengwen’s face flushed with anger. He frowned and said, “Bamboo, what do you mean by that?”

Bamboo played dumb, shaking her head. “It’s nothing, nothing. I need to get to work. Xinhai, you can wait for me upstairs on the second floor.” She had to hide her well.

She left Chu Chengwen behind and took Tang Xinhai upstairs. Before they left, Bamboo glanced back at the cold-faced Chu Chengwen, her eyebrow twitching.

The man’s eyes were fixed on Tang Xinhai, and it made Bamboo so annoyed that she wanted to gouge out his wandering eyes.

Hmph. Let him guess. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. He wants to mess with me? Then don’t blame me for fighting back.

“Little Bamboo.”

Bamboo, who was lost in thought, looked up to see Tang Xinhai had already reached the second-floor living room. Tang Xinhai closed the door behind her and said, “What’s wrong?”

Tang Xinhai looked at her with concern and warned, “Don’t believe anything Chu Chengwen says. I have a bad feeling about him. First he was interested in me, and now he seems to have his eye on you. Little Bamboo, you have to be careful.”

Bamboo was more worried about Tang Xinhai than she was about Chu Chengwen having his eye on her.

Bamboo hadn’t forgotten the look in Chu Chengwen’s eyes just now. Looking at the beautiful and elegant Tang Xinhai in front of her, she reached out and cupped Tang Xinhai’s face, squeezing her cheeks gently. Seeing Tang Xinhai’s confused expression, Bamboo said possessively, “I’ll be careful. You also have to stay away from him. Even though I know you don’t have feelings for him, he’s not a gentleman. If he does anything to hurt you, it would break my heart.”

Bamboo tentatively asked, “How about you find a new job?”

As soon as she said it, Bamboo felt she was being ridiculous. Giving up a great career for something that might not even happen wasn’t a good deal.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

She rested her head on Tang Xinhai’s shoulder in disappointment. Tang Xinhai’s eyes filled with a gentle affection. Tang Xinhai said, “I know you’re just worried about me, so I’m not mad. I don’t plan on quitting this job just yet, but don’t worry. If Chu Chengwen keeps harassing me, I’ll quit.”

Bamboo finally felt relieved. She rubbed her head on Tang Xinhai’s shoulder and said playfully, “Okay, okay, I’ll listen to you!”

Just then, Si Borong’s voice came from downstairs, probably urging Bamboo to stop being lazy and come cook. Bamboo was about to go downstairs and tell Si Borong off. If it weren’t for him, Chu Chengwen wouldn’t have found the address. How dare he yell? So annoying!

Her wrist was suddenly grabbed by Tang Xinhai, who said, “Little Bamboo, let’s find some time to have a good talk.”

“Talk about what?” Bamboo asked casually. But when she met Tang Xinhai’s serious gaze, her heart began to race. It was as if she had guessed something, or maybe it was just her imagination.

Tang Xinhai smiled faintly. “Let’s talk about some big life matters.”

She used her finger to lift Bamboo’s chin, forcing Bamboo to look her in the eyes, not giving the cunning woman any room to retreat.

Tang Xinhai’s voice was clear and soothing, with a hint of tenderness. Bamboo was captivated. Not only did her ears tingle, but her heart also felt as if it had been revived by the sound.

Tang Xinhai slowly spoke again, “Promise me, okay?”

Bamboo regained her senses, glared at Tang Xinhai in frustration, and turned to leave haughtily.

When she was the only one left in the room, Tang Xinhai covered her forehead and chuckled to herself. She murmured, “She didn’t object, so I’ll take that as a yes.”

Bamboo skipped down the stairs humming a song. Not even the sight of the pretentious Chu Chengwen could ruin her good mood. Si Borong thought his nagging would earn him a nasty look from Bamboo, but she cheerfully went into the kitchen instead. Si Borong scratched his cheek and smiled like a silly man.

Chu Chengwen, watching the newly-seated Si Borong, had a dark glint in his eyes. As an experienced ladies’ man, he could tell what Si Borong was thinking. However, he decided to give him a little tip since they were relatives.

Chu Chengwen said coolly, “I heard Uncle is planning for you to marry into the Yang family?”

Si Borong’s smile instantly froze. He nodded. “Yes.”

He took a sip of tea, his peripheral vision assessing Si Borong. “That’s not bad.”

Si Borong didn’t reveal what was in his heart to Chu Chengwen. What was the point? He couldn’t change something that was already decided. Plus, Si Borong couldn’t bring himself to bad-mouth someone he was about to get engaged to.

Seeing this, Chu Chengwen’s lips curled up. His cousin was smart and knew his place, just a bit too honest because of his uncle’s upbringing. But that was good. It meant he wouldn’t turn on him for the sake of a woman.

He was a man of cunning. Ever since he saw how Tang Xinhai and Bamboo interacted, Chu Chengwen had set his sights on Bamboo, because his eyes told him that this woman was extremely important to Tang Xinhai—so important that she was the woman Tang Xinhai loved.

Eyes don’t lie. Besides, Tang Xinhai hadn’t even tried to hide it. What did it matter if someone saw her feelings? Was there anything wrong with loving someone?

So, Chu Chengwen came up with a brilliant scheme. He wanted Tang Xinhai to experience true pain. He imagined how fun and interesting it would be to have the woman she loved taken away from her.

The moment he confirmed Tang Xinhai truly loved a woman, he knew he might not be able to have her. So, since he couldn’t have her, he’d destroy her.

Chu Chengwen smiled, full of confidence, as if he could already see Tang Xinhai’s heartbroken expression.

He was so focused on Tang Xinhai that he didn’t pay attention to Bamboo’s every move. Therefore, Chu Chengwen had no idea that the moment his scheme was set in motion, it was already doomed to fail.

His current smugness only made him look like a shameless scoundrel with an ugly face.

The autumn rain was steady, and the air was heavy with the smell of rain, making the night even colder.

On the way back, Chu Chengwen didn’t drive. He was busy chatting with his assistant. Si Borong drove happily, willingly acting as the chauffeur. After all, Chu Chengwen had paid for the meal, so what was wrong with being the driver? He was more than happy to do it.

When Chu Chengwen received a phone number from his assistant, his lips curled into a thin, cold smile.

How could a person of his status do something bad himself? As long as he gave the word, people would naturally rush to do his bidding, and he could just sit back and be a good, respectable person.

He’d better not disappoint me.

Early that morning, Bamboo felt her left eye twitching. Was it because she stayed up late yesterday? No, that didn’t make sense. She had stayed up late before, but her eyelid had never twitched like this.

Something was on her mind, and she looked a little listless, like a frosted eggplant.

Aunt Zhao, who came in to work, couldn’t help but worry. She went over and touched Bamboo’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Why is your face so pale? Didn’t you rest well?”

Bamboo felt a sense of unease. She held her face in her hands and explained, “I’m fine. I just have this feeling in my heart, like something bad is going to happen.”

Aunt Zhao playfully hit her. “You’re just a kid. What bad things could happen? You’re just overthinking. Get busy, and you won’t feel this way anymore. And don’t stay up late tonight. Look at those dark circles.”

Bamboo pouted. “I don’t have dark circles.”

She drank a little diluted spring water every now and then, so her complexion was rosy and bright. How could she have dark circles? It was just a shame she couldn’t refresh the spring water in the system’s store anymore. She had to tell unit 857 to keep an eye out. She couldn’t miss out on something this good.

“Alright, alright. Go get the ingredients ready.”

“I know.”

Bamboo wanted to take it easy, but her customers wouldn’t let her. The messages on her phone hadn’t stopped since she turned it on, with people either placing orders or trying to grab a spot. Bamboo had come up with a clever solution: she posted a QR code on her social media every day at midnight. The first ten people to scan it and reserve a meal would get one. People were waiting for it every day, probably more dedicated than they were when paying their deposits during Double Eleven.

She stretched and twisted her waist before heading into the kitchen to get busy.

Everything was the same as usual, and Bamboo thought it would just be a normal Saturday.

However, the arrival of some uninvited guests surprised Bamboo but also filled her with a sense of anticipation. The villains of this world had finally all arrived. First, there was Chu Chengwen, and now her trashy relatives. This was her chance to get revenge.

The glass door was brutally kicked open a moment ago. Thankfully, the person who kicked it, Zhu Feng, was weak, so the door didn’t break. He shouted arrogantly, “Bamboo, get out here! My parents worked honestly for your family, but all the useless people at your company didn’t do anything, and the company went bankrupt. It ruined my dad, Bamboo. You have to give my dad an explanation!”

Bamboo held a spatula, her chef’s hat wobbling slightly, looking flustered and scared. She seemed frightened by the troublemaker, Zhu Feng. Her eyes were red, and she hid behind the protective Aunt Zhao, saying timidly, “Brother… that’s not how it happened. It was Uncle’s fault for being too hasty and ruining the company. How is it my fault? You’re asking me for an explanation, but who will give me justice?!”

Zhu Feng saw how well Bamboo was living, and how good her business was. He’d heard that everyone who ate here said the food was delicious, not to mention how expensive the specialty dishes were. Bamboo must have made a fortune from these suckers. Damn it. How is it fair? We both went bankrupt, but how is she living so well while I still haven’t found a job?

He decided to teach Bamboo a lesson. She was a woman whose parents were dead. She couldn’t cause much trouble!

Zhu Feng’s eyes darted around. He sounded like he was offering a favor, or being affectionate. He said earnestly, “Bamboo, don’t take what I said just now seriously. I was just angry that you didn’t even call home after you moved out. If I had known you were working so hard, I would have come to see you sooner. How about this? I’ll stay and help you. We can change the QR code for payments to mine. It’s not safe for a girl like you to handle all that money. I’ll give it all to you at the end of the month.”

Bamboo’s eyes grew even redder. She saw the disapproving expressions on the customers’ faces. Bamboo said sadly to them, “Don’t take him seriously. My brother… my brother has a mental illness. He had a fever when he was little and never fully recovered, so he says things that don’t make sense.”

Without a word, she called the mental hospital. “Hello, is this the Sixth Hospital? Oh, Zhu Feng, the one who was admitted last year, is having another episode. Please come quickly! I’m afraid he’ll hurt someone!”

Aunt Zhao was dumbfounded. “So he has a mental illness? No wonder he doesn’t seem right.”

Bamboo agreed. “Yeah, he was never cured.”

[Hehehehe, Little Bamboo, you’re too cruel. Did you really call the Sixth Hospital?]

Bamboo lowered her gaze, her voice cold. “Since he dared to use that trick to escape legal punishment back then, I don’t mind sending him back in.”

“Bamboo! You bitch!”

Zhu Feng’s rage exploded, and the other customers swarmed him.

Bamboo said innocently, “Don’t be afraid, everyone! The doctors will be here soon to save us. Stay strong! I’m cheering you on!”

Damn it. You think you can mess with me with just this? Who are you looking down on?!

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