The Plan to Save the Villainess Supporting Actress [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 36

Chasing a Girlfriend for My Wife – Day 5

The moment Nan Zhi sat inside the car, she could not help but furrow her brows.

“This car fragrance,” she paused, searching for the right words before settling on a blunt critique, “is quite unpleasant.”

What kind of CEO has such poor taste?

Xi Zhenyi’s expression soured. Before Nan Zhi’s arrival, she had never found anything wrong with her custom-made, handcrafted solid perfume.

Nan Zhi carried a very faint scent, reminiscent of morning dew on a large, crimson camellia petal. It was cool and crisp, and it contained an understated elegance. By comparison, Xi Zhenyi’s fragrance suddenly felt rather gaudy.

Nan Zhi settled into a comfortable position. “What did you want to discuss, CEO Xi? Surely you did not make an excuse to get me down here just to lock me back in the villa?”

Xi Zhenyi gritted her teeth. Honestly, she had considered it.

“What are you doing at Bayuan?” Ultimately, she controlled her emotions to maintain her elite image.

Nan Zhi looked at her with amusement. “CEO Xi, you came all this way during working hours just to ask me that? Is that not a bit over the top?”

Xi Zhenyi turned her head. The woman before her was exquisitely made up and moved with grace. Her entire being radiated a unique charm. She was even more dazzling and captivating than when they had first met in London.

She was also more dangerous.

“You should be aware of the relationship between Bayuan and Changxi.”

Nan Zhi flashed a radiant smile: “And?”

“You are my legal partner. I do not wish for you to”

“Haha!” Nan Zhi could not help but burst into laughter. “CEO Xi, I know you are very formidable in the workplace.”

Xi Zhenyi was momentarily stunned. Was she complimenting her?

Nan Zhi leaned slightly to the side, resting her chin on her hand as she tilted her head toward Xi Zhenyi.

“It must not have been easy for you all these years, winning against those men to secure your current position, right?”

Xi Zhenyi had never expected Nan Zhi to praise her. For some reason, she felt the temperature in the car rise, making her head feel a bit fuzzy.

“It was not that”

She was interrupted before she could finish.

“However.”

However?

Xi Zhenyi’s heart suddenly tightened with a faint sense of unease. Nan Zhi’s expression remained unchanged, but from her soft, red lips came a stinging remark.

“In competing with those foul men for so long, you seem to have picked up all of their bad habits.”

Xi Zhenyi’s eyebrows shot up, her tone rising several octaves: “What did you say?!”

“Incompetent men try to control the women in their marriages, demanding absolute obedience and no resistance. They do not allow their wives to have a public presence or a life of their own. They want everything to revolve around the husband. When they do not want to go home, the wife must wait obediently. When they decide to return, the wife must be gentle and virtuous, having everything prepared for them.”

Nan Zhi did not care if she was fueling a fire. She remained calm and indifferent. Meanwhile, the anger that had just flared up in Xi Zhenyi was suddenly doused by these words.

Was she accusing her of being unkind all those years?

Nan Zhi was speaking the truth. Even if Xi Zhenyi wanted to argue or make excuses, she found no words. She truly had not liked Nan Zhi in the early years, and she had detested the atmosphere of the villa. No matter how much Nan Zhi had pleaded, she had rarely returned there to keep her company.

So now, was Nan Zhi punishing her?

Xi Zhenyi’s eyelashes trembled slightly as she pursed her lips tightly.

Nan Zhi tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “So, CEO Xi, the next time you come looking for me, you had better think about in what capacity you are approaching me.”

Xi Zhenyi was stunned. An apology hovered at the tip of her tongue but turned into a question instead: “What do you mean by that? Do you want a divorce?”

“More or less,” Nan Zhi dropped the sentence airily. “CEO Xi, surely you do not think that three years of neglect can be made up for with a single, I am sorry?”

Having said her piece, she gave Xi Zhenyi a sweet smile, grabbed her handbag, and prepared to exit the car. Xi Zhenyi quickly reached out and caught Nan Zhi’s wrist.

Nan Zhi’s wrist was very slender. As Xi Zhenyi’s fingertips brushed her skin, she noticed it felt somewhat cool. The wrist was so thin it was practically skin and bone, causing Xi Zhenyi to frown.

How is she this thin?

Nan Zhi turned back, her eyes full of confusion.

“Ahem, well, how would you like me to compensate you?”

Wait, how did I let Nan Zhi lead the conversation again?

Nan Zhi thought for a moment, her eyes dancing with a spring-like mirth.

“CEO Xi, as for how to please your wife, why don’t you go ask those foul men about that too?”

Xi Zhenyi was so frustrated she was speechless. Nan Zhi shifted her wrist slightly, signaling her to let go. With that movement, the cool, smooth sensation became more pronounced. Xi Zhenyi involuntarily tightened her grip slightly, her thumb grazing Nan Zhi’s skin. She did not even realize why a strange new emotion was blooming within her.

Suddenly, she did not want to let go.

“You and Chu Yue, no, what exactly did you come to Bayuan for?”

Nan Zhi gave a light laugh.

“CEO Xi, the next time we meet, remember to ask the important questions first before talking about those irrelevant emotions.”

What do you mean, irrelevant?

Furthermore!

“Did I not ask you that as soon as I arrived? You were the one who did not answer and started talking about”

As she spoke, she caught Nan Zhi’s gaze. An alarm bell rang in her heart, and she consciously shut her mouth. Oh no, I walked right into that. I am definitely going to get scolded.

Sure enough, Nan Zhi’s gaze turned cold. She curled her lips into a smirk full of disdain. It was too late for regrets.

“Is CEO Xi implying that I am in the wrong?”

“No, no, I did not mean that.”

“Then I am twisting your words, is that it?”

Xi Zhenyi felt a headache coming on: “No! Truly, no!”

Nan Zhi tilted her chin contemptuously. “Let go.”

Xi Zhenyi obediently retracted her hand. It was not until Nan Zhi had slammed the car door and walked far away that she realized something.

How did I lose so spectacularly?!

And she still did not know what Nan Zhi was doing at Bayuan!

CEO Xi bit her lip in frustration. This woman!

“Does the Host have a new plan?”

Nan Zhi was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Was your original plan not to make the Little White Flower fall for Xi Zhenyi?”

“It is!”

“Then why are you interacting with Xi Zhenyi so much? Do you have a new strategy?”

Nan Zhi mysteriously wagged a finger.

“I have thought about it. Making Jiang Niannian fall for a Sadistic CEO like Xi Zhenyi is too difficult. So, I have decided!”

The little system puff held its cheeks in anticipation.

“To reform Xi Zhenyi!”

“What?”

“I am going to make Xi Zhenyi learn from scratch how to pursue a woman. Once she can handle someone of my level, she will definitely be able to chase Jiang Niannian!”

Nan Zhi smiled confidently. She was sacrificing herself to give CEO Xi a crash course! What a hardworking employee!

The system went completely silent. Did you ever consider that if Xi Zhenyi actually succeeds in chasing you, the two of you will end up together? What happens to the Little White Flower then?

But seeing the tiny figure laughing with her hands on her hips, the system held its tongue. Changing targets should count as preventing Xi Zhenyi’s villainous awakening. Better not say anything.

Bayuan, 28th Floor Office

“Knock, knock.”

“Come in.”

Chu Yue looked up to see her project partner, Ke Yuanhua, peeking his head in sneakily.

“Are you playing thief?”

Ke Yuanhua chuckled and asked, “Has Miss Nan left?”

Chu Yue nodded. “She stepped out for a moment, but she will be back.”

Ke Yuanhua squeezed into the office and rubbed his hands together. “About that, I mean” He paused as if gathering courage for a suicide mission. “We have been friends for years. Do not get angry at what I am about to say. Everything is negotiable.”

Chu Yue let out a soft laugh and arched an eyebrow. “You think Xiao Zhi is unsuitable?”

“Well, a little,” Ke Yuanhua sighed. “We were originally collaborating with Alex, a world-renowned architectural designer. He is the one who planned that new project in France. Replacing him with Miss Nan is the gap not a bit too wide?”

Chu Yue took a sip of her iced Americano and asked casually, “The French project that has been talked about for years but never built?”

Ke Yuanhua replied, “That is because they are always on strike! With our efficiency, we would have finished it in a year and a half!”

Seeing that Chu Yue was unmoved, he continued his earnest persuasion:

“I have seen Miss Nan’s work. It has a great artistic atmosphere, but her expertise is simply not in this field. If you really want to help her, we can just hold a special solo exhibition for her when the museum opens. We can plan it properly.”

Chu Yue looked at him. “What I want is not, good enough, or, fine.”

Ke Yuanhua blinked.

“The museum is Bayuan’s S-class landmark project. It will not be demolished for decades, perhaps a century. Do you know what that means?”

Ke Yuanhua guessed tentatively: “That the project is very important?”

Chu Yue walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Down below, that Phantom was still arrogantly parked in front of the Bayuan entrance. Even from this distance, where the car looked like a tiny square, it made Chu Yue feel uncomfortable. In that cramped space, what were they saying? What were they doing?

Behind her, Ke Yuanhua was still searching for an answer. Chu Yue smiled faintly but did not reply. This was her private secret. As long as this museum existed, her name and Nan Zhi’s name would be remembered by the world together.

Xi Zhenyi, you were merely a step ahead. That is all.

A small black dot emerged from the Phantom. Chu Yue turned to dismiss Ke Yuanhua.

“The matter is settled. Do not try to convince me. Think about how to convince your team instead.”

Ke Yuanhua stood frozen in disbelief. “Are you for real?”

“Would I joke about this?”

His expression shifted repeatedly as he recalled a certain rumor. He could not help but ask, “The rumors about you and Miss Nan in the past, are they true? Do you really like her?”

Chu Yue paused for a moment before returning to her usual composure with a slight smile.

“You caught me.”

Like hell! Ke Yuanhua suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and whispered a reminder: “She is married! To Bayuan’s rival! Xi Zhenyi of Changxi! That is a thorn in the side that even your younger brother finds difficult. You”

“Are you saying I cannot compare to her?”

Chu Yue narrowed her eyes, and a dangerous signal immediately climbed up Ke Yuanhua’s spine. He shrunk back.

“I did not say that, did I?” He thought for a moment and added, “But she is married. We do not need to gamble this project on it, right? Just find another way to pursue Miss Nan.”

Chu Yue snorted coldly. “It is merely a paper marriage.”

Ke Yuanhua was horrified: “You want to be the third party?!”

He gasped, questioning his entire life. The eldest daughter of the Chu family, who could handle the family elders and make Chu Wen fear to see her, was actually going to

“Steal someone’s wife?!”

This damn high-society drama! How exciting!

In the next second, “Steal whose wife?” Nan Zhi smiled and knocked on the glass door. “May I come in?”

Chu Yue immediately switched to a gentle expression, throwing a warning glare at Ke Yuanhua as she passed him.

“Of course. Are you finished talking with CEO Xi?”

“Yes.”

Seeing Ke Yuanhua about to leave, Nan Zhi nodded to him as a greeting. To her surprise, Ke Yuanhua stopped and put on a warm smile: “Miss Nan, may I ask you a question?”

Gaining courage by ignoring Chu Yue’s death stare, he asked after Nan Zhi agreed:

“Does Miss Nan have any experience in architectural design?”

Nan Zhi shook her head.

“Ke Yuanhua!” Chu Yue’s brow furrowed in displeasure.

“I apologize, Miss Nan. My point is”

“Get out!” Chu Yue interrupted coldly, stepping in front of Nan Zhi with a protective stance.

Nan Zhi smiled and patted Chu Yue’s arm. “Senior, do not scare Manager Ke.”

“I am sorry my subordinate offended you. I apologize.” Chu Yue turned around with a helpless expression.

“It is alright, Senior. I actually wanted to discuss this earlier, but I was interrupted by CEO Xi. Since Manager Ke is concerned, why don’t you stay and listen?”

Ke Yuanhua quickly found a seat in the furthest corner. Chu Yue gave him a silent warning glare.

“The truth is, as Manager Ke said, my expertise is not in this field. Even though both are arts, architectural design and my profession are worlds apart.”

Ke Yuanhua nodded frantically like a chick pecking grain. Look at her! So gentle, speaking like a spring breeze, so elegant!

Nan Zhi smiled. “However, when I was studying abroad, I took a semester of basic architectural design theory as an elective. I suppose you could say I have dipped my toes in. Furthermore, I used to assist my classmates with their projects, so I am not entirely without experience.”

Hearing this, Chu Yue smiled and nodded along. Ke Yuanhua, however, looked utterly devastated.

Nan Zhi noticed his expression but continued:

“So, I think if I were to complete this project independently, it might be a bit overwhelming. If you do not mind, I would like to recommend a former classmate of mine to be the lead designer. He has completed many projects abroad and won several awards. He is a very capable designer. What do you think?”

The moment she finished, the expression on Ke Yuanhua’s face was a masterpiece. Multiple colors seemed to flash across his face before settling into a look of pure relief. In contrast, the light in Chu Yue’s eyes dimmed slightly.

Nan Zhi teased, “Manager Ke, do you really not want me to do the design that much?”

“No, no!” Ke Yuanhua waved his hands, shaking his head frantically. “I just think Miss Nan’s suggestion is excellent! I support it with both hands!”

Nan Zhi burst into laughter.

“I do not agree.”

Chu Yue took a deep breath and looked at Nan Zhi: “I do not agree with this proposal.”

Nan Zhi was taken aback, then assumed Chu Yue needed more information. “Ah, my classmate’s name is Alex. His work has won many awards. You can search his Wikipedia, Senior. Although we have not been in touch for three years, we were very close in university. He has always wanted to come to China. I think if he has the time, he would not refuse us.”

Chu Yue shook her head firmly.

“I am sorry, Junior. I do not wish to hire anyone else this time.”

Ke Yuanhua became anxious: “It is not like we are excluding Miss Nan. She can assist her classmate. Is that not perfect? As the saying goes, professional tasks should be left to professionals. Miss Nan said herself she is not up to the task. Besides, Alex was our first choice for lead designer anyway. What a coincidence that it all lined up!”

Nan Zhi was surprised. It was that much of a coincidence? In that case, why was Chu Yue refusing? She looked at Chu Yue with a gaze full of confusion.

Chu Yue lowered her eyes and said after a long silence, “Let us discuss this next time. Ke Yuanhua, do you have nothing else to do?”

Ke Yuanhua wanted to argue further, but seeing Chu Yue’s expression, he shook his head and left. Before leaving, he gave Nan Zhi a look, pleading with her to convince Chu Yue.

The glass door closed, leaving the two of them alone. Nan Zhi did not bring up the design issue again.

She had suggested changing the designer for two reasons. First, the original body’s profession was truly not architecture. If Nan Zhi had to do the job based on the existing memories, it would be far too difficult. Second, if she became the lead designer, she would have no time to monitor Xi Zhenyi and Jiang Niannian! She did not come to this world to be a pure corporate slave!

However, Chu Yue was her boss. She had said her piece. If the boss insisted, she would just have to work harder and send more emails to Alex. If all else failed, she had her precious system! No one said she could not have outside help!

System: “Pah! Now I am, precious?”

“I am sorry, Junior. You were treated unfairly today. To make it up to you, how about I treat you to a big meal?” Chu Yue smiled and walked over to Nan Zhi.

“Not at all. I think Manager Ke is quite easy to get along with. You are being too polite, Senior!”

Chu Yue let out a breath of relief. “As long as you do not mind. But I am still treating you to that meal. You have been staying indoors for a week. I have been bored to death. After dinner, shall I take you shopping to have some fun?”

Her phone vibrated. Nan Zhi apologized and checked the message. It was a text from Xi Zhenyi.

[I have thought about it. You are right.]

Nan Zhi raised an eyebrow. She had said so much. Which part did Xi Zhenyi find right?

[So, I plan to start pursuing you starting today.]

This is how you pursue someone?

Nan Zhi was speechless. She turned off the screen, not intending to reply. In the next second, the phone buzzed again. A new message appeared on the screen.

[Wife, would you do me the honor of coming home for dinner tonight? :p]

Nan Zhi: …

Who is her wife?! Before she is caught, should she not be addressed as Miss Nan?

“Junior?” Chu Yue noticed she was distracted and called out softly.

Nan Zhi’s fingers flew across the screen.

“I am sorry, Senior. I am afraid I cannot have dinner with you today.”

After hitting send, Nan Zhi gave her an apologetic smile.

“I have to go back and discipline a certain dog.”

CEO Xi’s Diary: Today is sunny. My wife told me to chase her. She has me in her heart. Happy! Hehe!

Another day of being handled by the wife!

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