I Have the Aura of a Supporting Character in Yuri Novels - Chapter 49

The car was filled with a subtle, elegant fragrance that had a soothing effect. Gu Haize smiled, a picture of a gentle and refined man. However, his good manners often went out the window when he was with Zhuyun. He looked at the woman beside him, a sense of relief washing over him as he saw she was as cheerful and lively as ever.

He took out an exquisite red velvet box, raising an eyebrow with a playful smile. “Here’s the emerald you wanted.”

Zhuyun felt a sense of reunion with an old friend. She smiled, holding the box with both hands. “I thought you’d never part with it.”

Gu Haize spread his hands. He was indeed reluctant, but compared to Zhuyun, it wasn’t a big deal. You could say it was just returning to its rightful owner. Back then, he agreed to take Zhuyun’s jewelry, partly because he had a collector’s interest, but mainly because he owed her father a favor. So when he found out Zhuyun was using her jewelry as collateral for operating funds, he had approached the bank and arranged a deal with her.

He gave a gentle, warm smile. In response to her teasing, he countered, “Well, Miss Zhu, would you be willing to pay me a little extra, seeing as I’m parting with it so reluctantly?”

“Hey, don’t go too far!” Zhuyun quickly hid the box, afraid he’d change his mind. But she just as quickly softened her tone, giggling and looking adorably awkward in her stiff posture.

Gu Haize covered his mouth to hide his laugh, pretending not to notice her silly grin. She took off her sunglasses, placed them on her lap, and smiled at him. “We’re friends, right?”

He maintained his gentle smile, his eyes filled with warmth and curiosity about what she would say next.

Zhuyun adopted a sweet, innocent demeanor, blurting out without a hint of shyness, “Can I pay you in installments?”

He had anticipated this move and couldn’t help but burst into laughter, his deep, magnetic voice revealing his amusement.

Gu Haize nodded nonchalantly, his agreeable attitude completely exceeding Zhuyun’s expectations.

She clutched her bag, staring at him suspiciously. “You’re not haggling with me and you agreed so easily? Is this really Gu Haize? When you bought my jewelry before, you tried to knock off tens of thousands. The way you’re acting now, there must be a conspiracy!”

Her clear, almond-shaped eyes made him feel a strange pang of guilt. She was right—he did have a plan.

He cleared his throat, speaking with a righteous tone. “Didn’t you open a small restaurant?”

Zhuyun frowned, her eyes full of suspicion. “What are you up to?”

“Ahem, to be honest, I’ve had people try to snatch your private dishes for me a few times. I’d get lucky once or twice out of ten, so I’ve had my fair share of your good food.”

Zhuyun’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you just tell me? I could’ve given you backdoors, no need to fight for it.”

Gu Haize put on a serious, profound face. “Zhuyun, don’t you think competing with others for something is a stimulating and challenging experience?”

Zhuyun blinked. Of course she understood. That’s a classic marketing strategy to create desire. When more people want something, it creates the illusion that it must be a good product. Most people with herd mentality would fall for it.

But Zhuyun decided not to show her cunning side. She just stared at Gu Haize, making him a little uncomfortable with the suspense. He finally gave in and spoke his mind. “Have you ever thought about expanding your restaurant?”

“I don’t have the money,” she said with a hint of innocence, her full lips forming the words. Her honest expression only deepened his smile.

Gu Haize replied, “I do.”

Zhuyun scrutinized him. She had just come to buy back some jewelry, even if it was on an installment plan. She hadn’t said she wouldn’t pay. Was he trying to get her to work for him?

“You want me to work for you?”

He looked at her with gentle eyes. To Zhuyun, his smile looked like a cunning fox’s. He said, “Your current shop is too small, and the dishes you make are just a small-scale venture. I believe you haven’t fully showcased your skills, is it because of a lack of funds? I just think someone with your talent shouldn’t waste their time on a small restaurant. You could elevate your cuisine to high-end private dining. Instead of selling a few limited dishes, you could offer limited-set menus. This way, the class would be higher, and the price could naturally increase.”

Zhuyun wasn’t interested in his sweet talk; he was just painting a picture for her.

She shook her head with a bored expression. “I’m not that smart. It’s okay if I mess things up for myself, but if I end up dragging you down, that would be terrible. Let’s not do that.”

Gu Haize was surprised. He had painted such a grand picture, yet Zhuyun was unmoved. He didn’t believe she was “not that smart”; she just hadn’t seen the benefit yet.

He laughed. “We can split the profits, you get sixty percent, I get forty.”

“I want seventy.” Zhuyun yawned, her eyes watering. Noticing his reluctance, she pouted playfully. “Come on, cooking is exhausting. All you have to do is talk and redecorate, but I’m the one doing all the hard work. Be a good person, okay?”

Zhuyun wasn’t going to budge. She rubbed her eyes and said, “How about this, let’s set a time, and I’ll show you what I’m really capable of.”

Her slender, elegant fingers pushed open the car door. Standing against the sunlight, Zhuyun turned back and smiled at Gu Haize. The bright and confident smile made her pure face breathtakingly beautiful. A confident woman is the most beautiful, and Zhuyun was no exception.

“You’ll understand then that your words today were the right decision.” She lifted her chin, waved politely, and walked off in a different direction.

Gu Haize sat in the car, still dazed. His hazy eyes slowly regained their focus. He remembered Zhuyun’s stunning smile. It wasn’t about love; it was a strong impulse to invest in her.

He smiled helplessly. “Zhuyun is even better at painting a picture than I am.”

But he was genuinely starting to look forward to it, curious if her true skills could win him over.

“Seventy percent? Zhuyun has quite the appetite.”

However, Gu Haize liked this kind of negotiation. She was backing up her words with her skills. Only those without talent lacked confidence, which is why he had indulged her.

“Wait, did she forget to transfer the money?”

His smile instantly froze. His emerald ring!

Separated from him, Zhuyun was walking leisurely. She walked into a bubble tea shop and bought a hot milk tea. She wasn’t in a hurry to get back to her shop; she had earned this day off.

Little Zhu, shouldn’t you put the ring in your system space for safekeeping? It’s worth hundreds of thousands. Don’t lose it.

“Thank you! Can’t you wish me well?” The thought of the price made Zhuyun’s heart flutter. 857 was right; she was a hard worker now, and she had to be careful.

After some effort, the ring was safely transferred.

Zhuyun stood at the bus stop, sipping the warm, comforting milk tea. The sweet, smooth taste gave her an idea for a sweet drink, but it was just a thought. She still loved cooking the most.

So, Little Zhu, what do you think of Gu Haize’s proposal?

“Hmm, if he’s willing to agree to my three-percent share, then I’ll partner with him.”

What about your current shop? Are you going to close it?

Zhuyun was sentimental about her first shop. It was what gave her her current life. She shook her head, choosing not to close it.

Aren’t you going to change locations then?

Zhuyun chewed on her straw, smiling. “Even if I open a new shop, who says it can’t be next to the old one?”

Won’t you be exhausted then, Little Zhu?

Zhuyun wanted to look sad, but the thought of all the money she’d make made her smile irresistible. “It’s not that bad. It’s not tiring. I’m working hard to be a self-made millionaire!”

Just laugh if you want to. It’s not good to hold it in.

Zhuyun was in a genuinely good mood. An unexpected partnership had fallen into her lap. Gu Haize was a good partner; he was much more normal than Chu Chengwen. At least he had a good eye, unlike that jerk, Chu Chengwen, who just used his eyes to vent his anger.

Just then, Zhuyun spoke up, a puzzled tone in her voice. “Actually, I’ve had a question on my mind for a long time.”

What is it?

“Tsk, I don’t want to say. I’m afraid I’ll make things difficult for you.”

How could there be a question that can stump my 857? I don’t believe it! Little Zhu, tell me!

Zhuyun gave a cold, sharp smile. “The male lead of this world should be at least a decent person, right? But look at Chu Chengwen, he looks human but acts like a dog. How is he a male lead? If Tang Xinhai wasn’t so deserving of the female lead title, I would suspect the world’s Heavenly Dao has gone crazy, creating a male lead like him. It’s disgusting!”

Disgusting to you? No, I mean, maybe this is some sort of consideration from the Heavenly Dao. They’re a big boss. How could a little nobody like me understand their thoughts?

Zhuyun scoffed. “I hate people who talk in riddles. Riddlers, go away!”

You’re being mean!

Zhuyun gave a cold laugh and didn’t press 857 further. A moment ago, it was boasting that no question could stump it, but now it was backing down. How pathetic.

She got on the bus and leaned against the window, her sweet side profile visible. Without expression, Zhuyun didn’t look cold at all. Her innocent and harmless appearance was like a gentle kitten curled up in someone’s arms.

Just then, the milk tea was finished, and her phone rang.

It was an unfamiliar number, but Zhuyun’s intuition told her the caller meant trouble.

“Hello, who is this?”

When she heard Chu Chengwen’s voice, Zhuyun’s eyes lit up with a playful glint. She subtly curled her lips and said in a gentle voice, “You said you want to apologize for what Wei Wei did to me last time? Okay, let’s meet.”

In the system space, 857 shivered when it saw Zhuyun’s smile. It was on high alert, avoiding any trouble. It knew exactly why Zhuyun was angry, but it was innocent. It couldn’t speak even if it wanted to. The Heavenly Dao had already set limitations on it. So 857 didn’t dare to cause trouble and could only pretend to be mute.

“857.”

[Present!]

“Is there anything that can make people tell the truth?”

Ahem, well, we’ll have to see if the store has it.

“Never mind then. If you don’t have it, I can deal with Chu Chengwen myself.”

Zhuyun’s voice was still sweet and clear, but she put an emphasis on her words. 857 felt a sense of danger approaching.

It quickly changed its attitude, speaking with a serious tone. I…I’m a numbered system after all. Whatever Little Zhu wants, I can definitely get!

Zhuyun’s expression remained calm, but she was surprised by 857’s sudden change of heart. She had just said it casually to test it, but it seemed to have something in its hand.

Zhuyun didn’t show her emotions, and 857 had no idea what she was thinking.

“It’s okay if you can’t find it.” She pretended to doubt 857’s abilities, a classic taunt that worked perfectly. 857 puffed out its chest, promising to get it done.

Zhuyun just smiled silently. Before, when she was in a good mood, she’d let 857 get away with things. But now, she was unhappy. 857’s uncooperative attitude just a moment ago made her want to be a little mischievous.

It was the master of the system space. How could it not have the ability to manage its store? It was like a supermarket manager not knowing what products were being stocked.

Soon, Zhuyun had two shiny yellow talismans. The symbols on them were from a different world and shouldn’t have been recognizable to her, yet she read them out loud.

“‘Truth Talisman,’ ‘Invisibility Talisman’?”

“‘Made by Yunyao.'”

Zhuyun was full of questions, but she didn’t ask, knowing she wouldn’t get a straight answer. Instead, she made a phone call.

The office was quiet. Most people couldn’t get into Ye Yiran’s office. The moment she answered Zhuyun’s call, her eyes subconsciously looked at Tang Xinhai.

Tang Xinhai frowned slightly, not understanding the meaning of Ye Yiran’s gaze. However, Ye Yiran soon cleared up the mystery for her.

Ye Yiran played with the fountain pen in her hand, chuckling. “Okay, let’s meet. But I’m surprised you would call me, Zhuyun.”

Ye Yiran listened to Zhuyun’s straightforward answer, her teasing eyes becoming more profound. This made Tang Xinhai, who was being watched by her, subconsciously press her lips together.

The call ended quickly. Ye Yiran didn’t ask how Zhuyun got her number. After all, they were once in the same circle, and it wasn’t hard to get her contact information.

She put the pen on the table and, with her hands in her pockets, asked Tang Xinhai with a smile, “Are you happy spending time with Zhuyun every day?”

“What do you mean?” Tang Xinhai didn’t admit it, cautiously questioning Ye Yiran.

Ye Yiran teased, “That little girl on the phone told me to go with her to see her rebellious and harassing Chengwen. She also said she would compensate me for skipping work today with a VIP card. She said it was the only one in the store and not easily given away. She said she felt very honored to be giving it to me.”

Tang Xinhai was worried, but then she realized Zhuyun had found Ye Yiran as her trump card. Her worries seemed unnecessary.

She smiled gently, and every expression showed the affection she had for Zhuyun. This made Ye Yiran feel firsthand how much Tang Xinhai cared for her.

The more Ye Yiran cared for Tang Xinhai, the more she was disappointed in Chu Chengwen. His repeated disobedience was truly frustrating. She had warned him to stay away from both of them, but he always managed to cross her line.

She lowered her eyes and said, “Postpone the afternoon meeting. You’re coming with me.”

Tang Xinhai pointed at herself in surprise. “Me too?”

Ye Yiran nodded. “Someone has to skip work with me.”

Tang Xinhai knew Ye Yiran was taking care of her. She immediately bowed slightly. “Thank you.”

“Go make the arrangements. Meet me at three.”

In the afternoon, the sky was overcast, showing no sign of the sun. The rich aroma in the dessert shop made people feel happy and content, as if the sweet taste could make up for the lack of sunshine. Soft music played, providing a comfortable atmosphere. Chu Chengwen walked in, looking distinguished and well-dressed, a testament to his good family background. His watch, in particular, would catch the eye of anyone who knew its value.

“You’re here so early?” He saw Zhuyun sitting there, a mocking grin on his face. A flash of guilt quickly disappeared, replaced by confidence.

Zhuyun said in a serious tone, “You made an appointment with me and you’re late. You’re half an hour late, Mr. Chu. You have no concept of time, and I don’t think we have anything to talk about.”

She stood up to leave. Chu Chengwen stopped her. “There was traffic. I’m sorry, I came as fast as I could.”

A glint of light flashed in Zhuyun’s eyes. She curled her lips. As she pulled her arm away from his, she managed to stick the two powerful talismans on Chu Chengwen.

She looked at him with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, keeping a straight face as she retorted, “I thought you were just too busy with your company’s affairs, Mr. Chu, which is why you were so late.”

The handsome and refined Chu Chengwen was still putting on a facade, but what he said next shocked him. “No matter how busy I am, I’m not as busy as my aunt. She controls the company; I’m just a puppet emperor. My title as CEO sounds good, but I’m nothing compared to my aunt, the vice president.”

Chu Chengwen immediately covered his mouth, looking horrified. What was happening?

Zhuyun, not one to miss a good show, pressed on. “I thought you respected your aunt, but it seems you have a lot of resentment. Mr. Chu, why don’t you say something? Are you mad at me?”

“What respect? If the old man hadn’t told me to, I would have sent her packing a long time ago. She’s a forty or fifty-year-old woman who refuses to get married and stays at the company all day. A woman who doesn’t marry must be after my company! Just you wait. Once she’s no longer useful, I’ll politely ask her to leave, and the company will be all mine!”

Chu Chengwen’s face turned as white as a sheet. He wanted to poison himself to shut up. Why couldn’t he control his mouth? How could he blurt out his true thoughts?

But this wasn’t the most terrifying part. When he saw a figure slowly turn around, he finally realized what true horror was. His scalp tingled, and he was covered in cold sweat. He croaked, “Aunt…aunt.”

Was Ye Yiran disappointed?

Not exactly. This incident just solidified her decision to accelerate her takeover.

She grabbed Chu Chengwen by his collar and pulled him out, saving him from saying anything else shocking. Ye Yiran waved to them with her back turned, not wanting to disturb them anymore.

Tang Xinhai walked over to Zhuyun and whispered, “Is Chu Chengwen possessed? How could he say something like that?”

Zhuyun blinked innocently. “I used a truth talisman on him.”

Tang Xinhai laughed, ruffling her hair. “You’re so cute, Little Zhu.”

Zhuyun pouted. Why didn’t she believe her?

“857, give me another one!”

[No! You’ve gone over your limit!]

“I’ll buy it with my points this time. No freeloading!”

[At least you have some conscience. Hmph.]

This time, Zhuyun had two talismans. She “slapped” them on her forehead. Though they were invisible, they still worked.

Tang Xinhai was startled and touched her forehead. “What’s wrong?”

“I just put on a truth talisman and an invisibility talisman.”

Tang Xinhai tried to suppress her laughter, teasing, “Oh, is that so? Then, Little Zhu, do you love me?”

“I super, super like you!”

Tang Xinhai sat beside her, hooking her arm over Zhuyun’s shoulder and whispering in her ear, “Then, should we do it tonight?”

“…”

“Do it!”

“Haha, it seems you really did put on some magical talismans, Little Zhu.”

Tang Xinhai was just joking, as Zhuyun usually enjoyed teasing her and would never agree so easily. She had specifically asked this question, and Zhuyun’s response made her incredibly happy.

“QAQ…”

Hahahaha, this is what they call “one thing conquering another”!

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