The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 18.2

Xu Lele was a classic beauty, wearing a simple New-Chinese style dress tonight. Even just standing there, she exuded a gentle, elegant grace.

“Looks like we’ll be partners again this term,” Yan Yi said, grabbing her wrist. “Lele, do you have time over the next few days? We should go over the lines.”

Xu Lele awkwardly pulled her hand away. “Sorry, Senior… I might not be free…” She was soft-spoken and hesitated even when saying no.

Yang Min couldn’t stand it. She stepped between them. “Senior, it’s late. I’m taking Lele back now.”

Yan Yi’s face darkened for a moment, but he maintained his gentlemanly facade and nodded. “I’ll walk you out.”

“No need,” Yang Min refused. “Shen Nian is going the same way. She’ll walk with us.”

Yan Yi looked up at Shen Nian, his eyes filled with a strange malice. Shen Nian wasn’t oblivious, but she didn’t care, turning her head as if she hadn’t seen a thing.

On the way back, Xu Lele was worried. “If Senior Yan is the lead again, I… I won’t audition for the other lead role.”

“Why?” Yang Min asked. “Weren’t you preparing for Mushroom Jungle for a long time?”

Xu Lele lowered her head, too conflicted to speak. Shen Nian, being sensitive, asked, “Has he harassed you?”

“No… no,” Xu Lele shook her head. She bit her lip. “But… during past rehearsals, some of Senior Yan’s actions made me… uncomfortable.”

Yang Min gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Xu Lele sighed. “I didn’t know if it was just my imagination, because those actions were technically required by the script.”

Yang Min was confused. “I don’t follow.”

“For example, putting his arm around my waist,” Xu Lele gestured, but still couldn’t quite explain it. “He… he would hold me very tightly, and then his hand…” She eventually gave up. “Forget it, I can’t explain it clearly.”

“I understand,” Shen Nian spoke up.

“Huh?” Yang Min and Xu Lele looked at her.

Shen Nian: “You mean, even though there are more professional and respectful ways to do the scene, he chooses to take advantage of the situation for physical intimacy.”

Xu Lele nodded vigorously. “Yes!”

With Shen Nian’s explanation, Yang Min understood as well. “I get it now. It’s hard to define. As long as he uses ‘getting into character’ as an excuse, no one can touch him.”

“Don’t worry!” Yang Min bumped her shoulder. “Shen Nian is also auditioning for the Alpha lead. As long as she succeeds, you won’t have to worry!”

Xu Lele’s eyes lit up. “Really?!”

Shen Nian: “…” She hadn’t even finished the script yet. But facing their expectant gazes, she could only say, “I… I’ll try.”

“You definitely can!” Yang Min was confident. “Your face was born to play a con artist! If I were a guest at that party and you winked at me, I’d be smitten. Yan Yi could never do that.”

Shen Nian didn’t know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.

Friday afternoon, after the gym, Shen Nian took a taxi back to the Shen residence. She went straight to the small medical annex.

The doctor was visibly relieved to see her. “Miss Nian, you’re finally here.”

“What happened?” Shen Nian asked, tossing her jacket onto the desk. “Has my aunt’s condition worsened?”

“No,” the doctor reassured her. “She’s doing well. All her vitals are recovering steadily.”

Shen Nian looked through the medical records, a smile touching her lips. “Then isn’t that good?”

“But for the past two days, she has been insisting on going out!” the doctor sighed. “We’ve tried everything. If you hadn’t come back, I wouldn’t have known what to do!”

Shen Nian laughed, then asked, “What does that have to do with me? You’re not expecting me to convince her, are you?”

The doctor looked hopeful. “Could you?”

“No.” Shen Nian shook her head. “If she’s set her mind on it, no one in this house can change it.”

The doctor clearly thought otherwise. “Actually, I think if you tried to persuade her, there’s a good chance. And…”

“And what?”

The doctor smiled. “Even if you can’t convince her, if she does go out and you’re with her, the chances of danger will be much lower.”

Shen Nian thought for a moment. “In your experience, is she fit to go out?”

“The data is fine,” the doctor sighed. “But I’m conservative. My advice is to stay in the ward for another month until everything is completely stable.”

“She hasn’t been out in years…” Shen Nian murmured.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.” Shen Nian handed the records back. “I’m going in.”

“Miss Nian, please try to talk her out of it!” the doctor called after her. “Tell her not to be in such a hurry!”

Shen Nian turned back, her smile enigmatic. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

The doctor sighed in relief. “If you’re willing to help, I’m at ease. She’s been asking for you constantly these last few days. Go on in.”

Shen Nian slipped into the room. As soon as she entered, she smelled an indescribable fragrance—a mix of various flowers and herbs that made her feel instantly calm.

She walked toward the large bed, her heart pounding with anticipation. But Shen Zui wasn’t there.

Moving past a partition, she heard the soft rustle of pages. Shen Zui was sitting on a sofa in a blind spot.

The room was the perfect temperature. Shen Zui wore a knee-length silk robe, her legs crossed. She was barefoot, one foot resting on the floor and the other dangling in the air.

Seeing Shen Nian, her expression softened for a moment, but then she remembered something and petulantly held up her heavy book to block Shen Nian’s view.

Shen Nian chuckled and walked over. “Young Auntie.”

Shen Zui gave a muffled “Mm.”

“What’s wrong?” Shen Nian stood before her. She looked down at Shen Zui’s delicate toes. Compared to a week ago, Shen Zui’s pale skin finally had a hint of color.

But a moment later, Shen Zui lifted her foot and pressed it against Shen Nian’s abdomen, pushing her back two steps. “Don’t get so close.”

“Hmm?”

“It’s hot,” Shen Zui’s voice came from behind the red book cover, sounding both lazy and dignified.

Shen Nian caught her foot.

Shen Zui stiffened. She tried to pull away, but Shen Nian’s grip was firm. She lowered the book, glaring at Shen Nian.

The anger made her look even more vibrant. Shen Nian’s palm was against the arch of her foot, her fingers gently massaging it, making Shen Zui tremble slightly.

“It’s a bit cold,” Shen Nian noted. “Why aren’t you back in bed?”

Shen Zui tried to kick her, but her foot was pinned. “Let go.”

Shen Nian leaned down, negotiating: “Tell me why you’re angry first.”

Shen Zui: “…”

Shen Nian narrowed her eyes. “Who was the one pressing me to come back every day? Now that I’m here, you’re unhappy?”

“So what if you’re back?” Shen Zui turned her head away and set the book on the side table. “You’re only here to irritate me.”

“Me?” Shen Nian felt wronged. “I just walked in. How am I irritating you?”

Shen Zui turned back. “Are you going to be like the others and tell me to stay in this room and go nowhere?”

Shen Nian laughed softly. Shen Zui poked her chest with her toes.

“How did you know?” Shen Nian asked. “The doctor told me several times to convince you not to rush.”

“Niannian.” It was the first time Shen Zui had called her name in such a serious tone.

“Hmm?”

“Whose side are you on?” Shen Zui looked displeased. “Is your aunt not good to you? Why listen to the others?”

Shen Nian let go of her foot and leaned in closer. “Then what should I do?”

Shen Zui’s silk robe was designed for comfort, but it accentuated her figure perfectly. From Shen Nian’s vantage point, the rise and fall of her chest stretched the silk; the lines narrowed at her slender waist and flared at her hips.

Shen Zui let out a soft “Hmph” and propped herself up. She grabbed Shen Nian’s collar. “Don’t listen to them. Take me out for some fresh air.”

Shen Nian looked into her beautiful eyes and lost herself for a moment. She cupped Shen Zui’s cheek, her fingers feeling the texture of her skin. “Is it stuffy in here?”

“Yes.” Shen Zui stroked the back of her hand. “Is it going to rain? It’s so stuffy I can’t breathe.”

Shen Nian looked out the window. There was no wind, no clouds; the weather was bright and clear. She saw a bird streak across the sky, leaving no trace.

“It’s not the room that’s stuffy. It’s the lack of freedom,” Shen Nian said, looking back at her.

Shen Zui looked up, her gaze clear.

Shen Nian smiled. “I understand you.” She, too, was trapped in the gilded cage of the Shen residence, though her reasons for being “imprisoned” were different. After being locked in a room for years, anyone would be desperate for a chance to escape.

“Of course I won’t tell you to wait. A month, even a day… every moment is a torment.” Shen Nian knelt on the cushion of the sofa and leaned into Shen Zui’s ear. “Young Auntie, I’m here to save you.”

The distance between them was subtle. They seemed to be leaning on each other, yet Shen Zui couldn’t quite touch Shen Nian’s body. She was dazed for a moment; then, a fine electric current shot up her spine. She trembled, her mouth open but unable to speak.

Shen Nian took the chance to press her thumb against Shen Zui’s lower lip. “Why aren’t you speaking? Didn’t you want to go out?”

Shen Zui wrapped her fingers around Shen Nian’s wrist. Shen Nian didn’t struggle, waiting for her to push her away, but Shen Zui made no move.

Shen Nian’s gaze darkened. Her scent—cool cedar—began to take on an aggressive edge, clinging to Shen Zui’s delicate skin.

“Really?” Shen Zui asked for confirmation.

Shen Nian nodded. “Mm.”

“When?” Shen Zui asked.

Shen Nian caught her as she began to slide down. The small sofa limited their movement, and every gesture resulted in intentional or unintentional contact. They were no longer just aunt and niece in name; in the depths of recent nights, they had exchanged every breath and fluid.

Shen Nian wasn’t innocent. One of her hands gripped the sofa arm to steady herself, her strength nearly piercing the expensive leather.

“Shouldn’t that be your answer?” she asked, her breathing suppressed. “Whenever you’re ready, we’ll go out.”

“Then…” Shen Zui lifted her arms and hung lazily around Shen Nian’s neck. She leaned in, her breath hitting Shen Nian’s neck. “How about tomorrow morning?”

It wasn’t hot, but Shen Nian felt a layer of sweat breaking out. She hooked her arm under Shen Zui’s knees and lifted her in a princess carry.

“Ah—!” Shen Zui gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. “We’re going now?”

Even as she asked, her voice was filled with excitement and joy.

Shen Nian gave a helpless smile. She adjusted her grip, feeling Shen Zui clinging tightly to her, their skin touching with no gap. She carried her to the bed and set her down.

Shen Zui lay back obediently, her arms at her sides, her glossy long hair spreading across the bed.

“I’ll have the doctor prepare,” Shen Nian said, cracking her knuckles. “Also, we have to wait… until then.”

“What?” Shen Zui narrowed her eyes at her. She likely thought Shen Nian was teasing her and grabbed her hem.

Shen Nian couldn’t leave and stared at her gripped fingers. “I’m going to discuss it with the doctor.” After years of being confined, Shen Zui needed some preparation before leaving the ward tomorrow.

Shen Zui didn’t want to let her go. “Don’t go. She’ll come in later.”

Shen Nian gave up and sat on the edge of the bed, meeting her gaze.

“Is school good?” Shen Zui asked, her fingers hooking Shen Nian’s hem. “Niannian made a lot of new friends.”

“Mm.” Shen Nian nodded. “Better than I imagined.”

It was a strange thing to say, but Shen Zui didn’t press her. “Better than home?”

Shen Nian paused. She wanted to say “of course,” but looking into her eyes, she changed her answer: “They both have their good points.”

“Oh?” Shen Zui propped herself up, her chin resting on Shen Nian’s shoulder. “What’s good about here?”

Shen Zui’s eyes were pure, and Shen Nian almost believed she was being upright. But in a flash, she caught a glimpse of a smile in the depths of Shen Zui’s eyes—a smile that wasn’t clear, but filled with murky desire.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell who is the hunter and who is the prey. Fortunately, Shen Nian was a good actress too.

“The conditions at home are better; it’s more comfortable to live here.” Shen Nian leaned in, her gaze intentionally looking elsewhere.

“That’s it?”

Shen Nian paused, then added, “People outside are strangers; interactions are bound by etiquette. It can’t compare to how you take care of me, Auntie…”

Hearing this, Shen Zui covered the back of Shen Nian’s hand and interlaced their fingers. “Niannian knows I’m good to her?”

“Of course,” Shen Nian replied, brushing her hair back. In the process, her fingertips accidentally brushed against her neck.

A light blush rose to Shen Zui’s face. Shen Nian focused on her ear to avoid eye contact. “Are you hot?”

“Hmm?”

“Your ears are red.” Shen Nian touched her earlobe; it was warm and delicate.

Shen Zui closed her eyes and leaned back, an uncontrollable gasp escaping her lips. She parted her lips, her tone somewhere between a complaint and an urge: “Niannian…”

Shen Nian held her shoulders. “Mm, I’m here.” She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Shen Zui’s forehead.

The kiss wasn’t filled with lust, but it acted as a switch, suddenly shattering the thin barrier between them. Shen Zui opened her eyes and cupped her cheek. The distance between them vanished until Shen Nian could feel Shen Zui’s breath against her lips.

“Young Auntie?”

Shen Zui finally couldn’t hold back. Her lips crashed into Shen Nian’s, pressing against the corner of her mouth in her haste. Shen Nian caught her lower lip.

It began with a clumsy, chaotic kiss. The stagnant air became thick, filled with the sound of their tongues interlacing. The five-day separation hadn’t cooled them; instead, it had made them even more certain of their desire for one another.

If she weren’t worried about hurting the fragile Shen Zui, Shen Nian would have wanted to devour her. It was as if she wanted their flesh and blood to merge until they could no longer be distinguished.

To restrain her lust, she distracted herself during the kiss, reaching out to massage the gland at the back of Shen Zui’s neck. Amidst the thickening scent of cool plum, she felt Shen Zui’s body growing hot in her arms.

Soon, they were both gasping for air.

“Beating so fast…” Shen Zui’s eyes were misty, her consciousness hovering between surrender and clarity.

Shen Nian kissed her chin and murmured back, “You mean me?”

Shen Zui laughed. “Who else?”

“How do you know?” Shen Nian teased. “It’s clearly your own heart.”

“Yours!” Shen Zui bit her lower lip.

Their eyes met. Shen Nian suddenly called her name: “Shen Zui.”

Shen Zui was dazed for a moment. Shen Nian took a breath, grabbed her hand, and said in a dark, thick voice, “Feel for yourself.”