The Plan to Save the Villainess Supporting Actress [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 31.2

Ultimately, the two decided to go back. As Yu Yulin went to sit down, Mu Siqiong pulled her away.

“What? Are we not staying with Zhu Ran?”

“Nan Zhi is enough.” Mu Siqiong gestured toward the two. “Besides, Shen Jiaying is gone and there are police in the hallway. Nothing will happen. Let us go.”

Yu Yulin realized the situation instantly. She quietly closed the door, though she did not forget to glare at Dr. Hao before leaving.

Dr. Hao felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny and told Nan Zhi, “With just the two of you here, it is a bit awkward for me. I will be in the next room. Ring the bell if you need anything.”

The sliding door clicked shut. In the large infirmary, only Nan Zhi and Zhu Ran remained.

Nan Zhi dimmed the lights and looked at Zhu Ran. “You look like Sleeping Beauty,” she whispered to herself. “Like the last time you were lying here, I could only watch you, unable to do anything.”

Nan Zhi sighed and gave a self deprecating laugh. “Zhu Ran, Shen Jiaying did not lie to you. When I first came to this world, I really did approach you with a purpose.”

Zhu Ran’s eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly.

Nan Zhi lowered her head and continued. “But later, I do not even know when I started being attracted to you. I got used to saying good morning to you every day, and walking slowly down that little path with you after work.”

“I would be so happy just seeing you. If our hands touched, my heart would race. You have no idea,” Nan Zhi laughed suddenly, “I even dreamed about kissing you before I even realized I liked you.”

“She was right, I approached you with a purpose. But she did not know that I really, really like you.”

The scenery before her blurred as tears welled up. Nan Zhi’s voice broke as she pressed her face against the back of Zhu Ran’s hand. “You are such a big idiot.”

The person on the bed opened her eyes slightly. She tried to lift her head but could only see the top of Nan Zhi’s.

Nan Zhi did not notice. Still sobbing, she said, “When Shen Jiaying said those things, you should have questioned me. You should have asked if I really liked you, or why I lied. Why did you say do not go? You big idiot.”

A tear splashed onto Zhu Ran’s fingertip. Reflexively, her finger twitched.

Nan Zhi bolted upright, two tears rolling down her cheeks. “You? You are awake?”

She sniffled frantically, looking like a child who had done something wrong. “Are you okay? Do you feel dizzy? Is anything hurting?”

Zhu Ran moved her fingers with difficulty, resting them on the hand of the person who had tried to pull away. “You are the idiot.” Her voice was hoarse and faint, not yet fully recovered.

Nan Zhi leaned forward, carefully resting her head against Zhu Ran’s shoulder. “Zhu Ran.” Having said her name, she did not know what else to say. She just gripped Zhu Ran’s hand tightly, trying to get closer.

Zhu Ran could not help but curl the corners of her lips.

“I am not angry with you.”

To her surprise, Nan Zhi seemed to panic more. “How can you not be angry? You can scold me, you can yell at me.”

Zhu Ran shook her head, trying to squeeze Nan Zhi’s hand back. “You did not leave. I am happy. More than being lied to, I was afraid of never seeing you again, Nan Zhi.”

Zhu Ran was slowly awakening. In those eyes, bright as stars, a galaxy flowed. Her pale lips were slowly regaining their brilliance, making all the beauty in the world pale in comparison.

There was only the girl, tearfully whispering her deep affection.

“Nan Zhi, I think I am, too.” “I love you very much.”

The following day, the news of Shen Jiaying’s knife attack topped the trending searches immediately. Media outlets and marketing accounts scrambled to report it. It was the first time such a heinous incident had occurred, instantly capturing the public’s attention.

Furthermore, a kindhearted insider leaked several images from the surveillance footage, exposing Shen Jiaying’s crimes. From stealing sedatives to kidnapping a classmate at knifepoint, the criminal became famous nationwide overnight.

At the same time, the police issued a notice stating they would investigate the financial status of her father’s company. They also partnered with other cities to crack down on bribery and other illegal acts.

Several prominent lawyers on social media analyzed the contracts, identified illegal clauses, and offered Zhu Ran pro bono legal services.

Of course, to the public, this was not even the most ridiculous part. Under an audio clip, a massive crowd of fans gathered.

[What kind of pipe dream is she living in? With her skill level, a fifteenth place ranking? Which sister was blind enough to vote for her?]

[To tell you the truth, 55th place was actually achieved because some of Zhu Ran’s fans voted for her. After “Youran Nanshan” went viral, some fans started shipping the childhood friends and managed to push Shen into the top 60.]

[What a bizarre ship.]

 

[Stop criticizing. I am already so disgusted I feel like I have eaten trash.]

 

[Wait, what does this have to do with Ji You? I was just enjoying the gossip and now my favorite celebrity is involved. This is ridiculous!]

 

[My goodness, she really dares to dream. It is basically certain that for this year’s awards, Ji You will win Best Actor. She is ranked 55th, and she thinks she can have Ji You?]

 

[Leave Xiao Gao out of this. What “collaboration”? Does Shen have a delusional disorder?]

 

[I am going to throw up. Just thinking about her lurking in the camp, eyeing Gao and hovering around him, makes me feel sick!]

 

[I believe it now. With this acting skill, she really can be a Best Actress. The title of “Best Actress in Prison” belongs to her.]

 

[I agree. Prison Center, go ahead and debut, Shen!]

 

[That is hilarious. Whoever mentioned the “monk temple” is definitely a fan of Ji You.]

 

[@Ji You Studio, does Ji You actually know her?]

 

[What are you thinking? Ji You’s schedule is so full he does not even have time to eat. Where would he find time to meet a criminal? Fans, do not jump to conclusions!]

 

Soon after, two other verified accounts reposted the audio, bringing it to the top of the trending searches.

 

【@Ji You Studio v: We do not know her. We have never heard of her. The temple food is delicious, thank you for your concern.】

 

[Temple food! Hahaha! The star himself using the meme is the most lethal.]

 

[Who was the person who mentioned the monk temple? You are so lucky! Hahaha!]

 

【@SoM Studio v: Our SoM member, Mr. Gao Hongzhe, acting in the spirit of his contract, served solely as a mentor to encourage all trainees to work hard for their debut. Aside from work, there has been absolutely no contact. [Image]】

 

[To force this terrible company to issue a formal statement with an official seal, Shen has achieved a unique kind of glory.]

 

[Xiao Gao is normally very gentle. Issuing such a stern announcement shows how disgusted he is by this Shen person! Our baby has worked so hard. How tragic. Please come home soon!]

 

Nan Zhi tilted her head, leaning close to Zhu Ran as they looked at the content on the iPad. She could not help but feel a bit emotional.

 

When she first arrived in this world, the original plot dictated that Shen Jiaying would have the “female lead halo,” holding a script of a successful underdog story with a clear path to stardom. Meanwhile, Zhu Ran would be the “vicious female supporting character” who was ostracized, accused of betraying the lead, and eventually driven to suicide by online bullying.

 

Now that the truth beneath the plot had been revealed, their situations were completely reversed.

 

“What? Is there something else you are not satisfied with?” Xu Silan suppressed the urge to smoke, rubbing the cigarette in her hand so hard it almost caught fire.

 

Nan Zhi sat up straight with a grin. “No, no. I am very satisfied. Thank you, Teacher Xu!”

 

Xu Silan curled her lips into a faint, knowing smile.

 

Zhu Ran looked up from the screen and asked hesitantly, “Then, what about Shen Jiaying and Shen Yan?”

 

Xu Silan lowered her eyes and said casually, “Oh, them. Do not worry. Since we were once teacher and students, I have hired very good lawyers for them.”

 

She tossed her long hair and placed the cigarette between her lips just to enjoy the feeling.

 

“Shen Jiaying will likely stay in prison for about three years. As for Shen Yan,” Xu Silan narrowed her eyes, “he has taken a lot of money from the company over the years. Combined with bribery and illegal contracts, he is looking at life imprisonment.”

 

Zhu Ran was stunned.

 

She did not know much about the law. She and Nan Zhi had checked secretly last night. In Shen Jiaying’s case, the crime of intentional injury typically carries a sentence of under three years, criminal detention, or public surveillance. As for the theft of medical supplies, because the value was not high, she would likely only be detained for a few months and fined.

 

Zhu Ran was not seriously injured, so she had not expected Xu Silan to ensure Shen Jiaying stayed in prison for three years. Regarding Shen Yan, embezzlement of public funds rarely leads to life imprisonment unless the amount is astronomical.

 

Xu Silan sighed heavily, signaling she was going out to smoke. Before leaving, she reached out and patted Zhu Ran’s head.

 

“Did I not say to leave the rest to the adults?” Her red lips curled up in a bright, bold smile. “Children, get some rest.”

 

Only when the sound of high heels faded at the end of the hallway did Zhu Ran purse her lips and let her tears fall. Nan Zhi laughed gently and wiped them away, teasing her.

 

“Hey, you are crying for another woman right in front of me. Are you not afraid I will get jealous?”

 

Zhu Ran burst into a laugh. “You obviously know.”

 

“Know what?”

 

Nan Zhi leaned in closer on purpose. Their heads were so close they could clearly feel each other’s breath falling on their noses and lips. Zhu Ran’s ears turned red with shyness, and she playfully poked the ticklish spot on Nan Zhi’s waist.

 

Nan Zhi scrambled to get away, accidentally hitting her ankle against a stool and letting out a cry of surprise. After confirming she was okay, Zhu Ran’s heart finally settled. She said with a smile:

 

“That is what you get for teasing me.”

 

Nan Zhi acted aggrieved. “I did not!”

 

“Yes, you did.”

 

“So this counts as teasing you? Then what about this?”

 

Nan Zhi’s lips quickly pecked the corner of Zhu Ran’s mouth. Zhu Ran tilted her head, her eyes shining brightly.

 

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

 

For the first time, Nan Zhi felt herself blushing under that gaze. To her shock, Zhu Ran spoke in a startling way in the next second:

 

“I want more.”

 

Nan Zhi froze completely.

 

The awakened princess had pink mist on her cheeks and a soft, crystalline look in her eyes. For the first time, she was boldly asking for love. Nan Zhi carefully pressed her lips against Zhu Ran’s and then asked, “Is that enough?”

 

Zhu Ran shook her head, her face turning even redder. “Not enough.”

 

Their lips met again. The scent of their perfume had long since faded. The air was filled with the coolness of the summer air conditioning and the constant sound of cicadas outside, just like any other ordinary and burning midsummer.

 

After a long time, their moist lips separated. Nan Zhi caught her breath for a moment before asking:

 

“How about this time?”

 

Zhu Ran reached out, gently locking her palm with Nan Zhi’s. Their fingers intertwined, held tightly and inseparably.

 

“Not enough,” Zhu Ran whispered, kissing the corner of Nan Zhi’s mouth. “It takes a lifetime to be enough.”

 

“Then a lifetime it is.”

 

Nan Zhi hooked her hand with Zhu Ran’s, her voice firm and sincere. “Zhu Ran.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I love you.”

 

Not just during the rainy season and midsummer, but also through the autumn and winter you love, and the spring when flowers are in full bloom. I will stay by your side forever.

 

The moment the door opened and they saw the two figures cuddled together on the bed, Tang Keyue closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

 

“Hey! Hey! Can you please show some consideration for the single person here?”

 

Behind her, Jian Zhiyao and Xia Lan rushed to the door. They patted Tang Keyue with disappointment. “You yelled so fast, I did not see anything!”

 

“It is not for children! I am doing this for your own good!”

 

“I think it is just not for a jealous single person!”

 

Everyone joked and laughed as they crowded into the infirmary.

 

In the next room, Dr. Hao poked his head out and shouted, “Quiet! This is an infirmary! What are you doing?”

 

Kong Anni stuck her tongue out. “There are not many patients anyway. Dr. Hao, you just want to be lazy again!”

 

The overworked Dr. Hao turned away in frustration.

 

Nan Zhi and Zhu Ran looked surprised. “Why are you all here?”

 

“Do not even ask!” Xue Zhi pushed Tang Keyue. “This person insisted on coming to check. She said she could not let the two of you live so happily. She even dragged all of us along. How mean!”

 

Tang Keyue was shocked. “What do you mean! It was Mu Siqiong who said she had something to discuss with them and told me to get you all!”

 

Yu Yulin immediately hugged Mu Siqiong. “Do not be like that. Our Mu Siqiong is not the type of person to disturb a loving couple!”

 

“Stop!” Nan Zhi looked terrified. “You all know? Wait, when did you find out?”

 

“What?” Yan Yutong blinked. “The fact that you and Zhu Ran are together? Please, if you two had shown even a little bit of restraint, we would have gone along with the act.”

 

“Exactly! Every time you two are together, one of you is blushing, or you are secretly holding hands or touching each other’s faces. Only a fool would not see it!” Jian Zhiyao laughed.

 

Xia Lan added even more sarcasm. “You did not actually think you were hiding it well, did you?”

 

Nan Zhi was speechless.

 

Zhu Ran laughed lightly. She generously held Nan Zhi’s hand, fingers intertwined, and raised them to shake at everyone. “Thank you, everyone. We are together.”

 

To their surprise, everyone rolled their eyes.

 

“I told you, do not come to watch a couple show off their love. You just insisted on coming here to suffer!”

 

“I am not feeling well. I am retreating!”

 

“Come back! We are talking about business!”

 

After joking for a while, Mu Siqiong finally brought up the serious matter. “Director Jiang was too embarrassed to come see you, so he asked me to ask.”

 

“The survival show probably will not continue filming. The voting manipulation is basically confirmed. Director Jiang said he did not know about it either. The leadership told him they were originally going to wait until the end to notify him.”

 

“Although the show is canceled, we still have one stage left.”

 

Zhu Ran was stunned. The debut stage for the finalists.

 

Mu Siqiong took a deep breath and said slowly, “Yes, the finals stage. We do not want to give up, and neither do some of the others. Director Jiang said if everyone wants to go on stage, he will give us the chance. Since the tickets are already sold, he will treat it as a gift to the fans.”

 

“So, Zhu Ran, Nan Zhi. Do you want to join us and complete the final stage?”

 

The air conditioner made a faint noise. In the infirmary, everyone held their breath, waiting for their answer. Zhu Ran looked at Nan Zhi. The hand she held transmitted endless warmth and strength. She looked up and met everyone’s expectant gazes.

 

Life is unpredictable. In the past, she never would have imagined that a day like this would appear in her life—bright, burning, just like this quietly arriving midsummer.

 

“Of course.” “Together with Nan Zhi.”

 

In mid-July, during the peak of the heat, the sun finally sank low. The pink and bright grayish blue in the sky reached a final climax before the end of the song, gradually turning into a grand and passionate sunset cloud that was blindingly beautiful.

 

Nan Zhi and Zhu Ran looked at each other and smiled.

 

“Let us welcome the final group of trainees to the stage!”

 

Their joined hands would not part again. Amidst the grand curtain call of the sunset, their brilliance was just beginning.