The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 25

The next day, Shen Nian returned to school for her classes.

Yang Min pulled Xu Lele down to sit beside her, resting her head on her hand as she asked, “You left in such a hurry last night; I hope nothing important was delayed?”

“Not at all.” Shen Nian smiled at them both, then pulled a box of cherries from her desk drawer. “By the way, these are for you.”

“Wh—?” Yang Min’s eyes widened. “Where did these come from?”

“I bought them on my way home last night.” Remembering Shen Zui’s dignified, almost patronizing expression from that morning, Shen Nian unconsciously rubbed the bridge of her nose. She explained simply, “There were too many for the family to finish. If you like them, you can take them back to the dorm.”

“Hiss… imported 6A grade?” Yang Min picked up a cherry, her gaze scanning Shen Nian from head to toe. “Shen Nian, are you actually a secret millionaire? This box must cost several hundred yuan, right?”

Shen Nian merely twitched her lips.

Being outgoing and cheerful, Yang Min hugged the box of cherries to her chest, not forgetting to nudge Xu Lele. “Lele, looks like we’re in luck today.”

Xu Lele’s face flushed slightly. She bit her lower lip and stole a glance at Shen Nian.

“What’s wrong?” Yang Min asked, confused.

Not sure if she was being too sensitive, Xu Lele hesitated before asking, “Was it… were the ones I gave you last night not very good?”

“No.” Shen Nian twirled her pen, her thoughts drifting back to the Shen residence. “They were alright…”

Last night, Shen Zui had spat the pit of that small cherry into Shen Nian’s palm. Avoiding Shen Nian’s scrutinizing gaze, she had coolly reminded her: “When you eat someone else’s food, remember to give a gift in return.”

Shen Nian had been bewildered. “Even for a single cherry?”

Shen Zui reached out and pinched her ear. “Niannian, you need to learn a bit more about the ways of the world.”

Shen Nian had nodded obediently. Shen Zui then asked, “What do you plan to give back?”

Shen Nian thought for a moment. “I bought two boxes of cherries. Should I send the unopened one?”

Shen Zui stared at her with a profound gaze.

Shen Nian touched her cheek, making sure there was nothing on her face. “Is there a problem?”

Only then did Shen Zui lower her eyes and slowly shake her head. When she looked up again, she had returned to her usual unreadable self. “I hope your beautiful little Omega classmate likes them.”

The tone of that sentence was a bit strange. Shen Nian couldn’t wrap her head around it, so she gave up trying to overthink it.

Realizing Xu Lele was still watching her, Shen Nian composed herself and offered a polite smile. “My Auntie said that since I ate your food, it’s only right to return the favor.”

Xu Lele turned to look at the exquisite box of cherries, pursed her lips, and said nothing more.

Class ended at noon, and the students began heading to the cafeteria.

Yang Min invited Shen Nian to join them, but Shen Nian politely declined. “I have other plans this afternoon. You two go ahead.”

The three of them walked out of the classroom together. Before they reached the stairs, Shen Nian heard someone calling her name. She turned and saw Liu Ru. After a brief goodbye to Yang Min and Xu Lele, she walked toward her.

Yang Min lowered her voice. “Isn’t that the rich, beautiful senior from the sophomore year?”

Xu Lele toyed with the hem of her skirt. “…Yes.”

“Shen Nian actually knows her?” Yang Min let out a soft hiss. “Her background probably isn’t simple.”

“Can someone who casually buys boxes of top-tier cherries as snacks be from an ordinary family?” Xu Lele bit her lip in embarrassment.

Sensing her unnatural emotional shift, Yang Min stared. “Huh?”

“It’s nothing.” Xu Lele took her arm. “Let’s go to the cafeteria.”

“Oh, okay.” Yang Min was dragged forward, stumbling slightly before finding her footing.

Liu Ru hadn’t sought out Shen Nian for anything major; she just wanted to remind her to keep Wednesday evening free.

“I assume you haven’t forgotten what you promised me?”

“I haven’t.” After a pause, Shen Nian asked, “Is there anything I should keep in mind for the event?”

“Keep in mind…” Liu Ru wore a mischievous, slightly wicked grin as she looked Shen Nian up and down. “Remember to dress up. Don’t show up in a shirt and trousers like you are now; it looks too stiff.”

Shen Nian raised an eyebrow. “What counts as ‘dressing up’?”

“Tsk.” Liu Ru rubbed her chin. “Fine, I admit you don’t look bad like this.” She reached out and rested a hand on Shen Nian’s shoulder, lowering her voice suggestively. “Then you should dress a bit more… sexy.”

Shen Nian shook her head with a wry smile. “I’m afraid that might be beyond my aesthetic understanding.”

“Stop playing dumb.” Unlike Yang Min’s group, Liu Ru had gathered quite a bit of information about Shen Nian’s background from Xi You. Her shrewd, cat-like eyes locked onto Shen Nian, carrying a silent threat: “Don’t you dare spoil the mood when the time comes!”

Shen Nian took a deep breath and watched her walk away.

On the evening of the appointment, at six o’clock, she received a location from Liu Ru—Private Booth 6 at “High Night,” a prestigious high-end member’s club in City A.

Shen Nian began picking out her clothes. During the process, she received a video call from Shen Zui.

“Auntie?” She placed the phone on the table. Because the angle wasn’t adjusted properly, only her torso was in the frame. “Have you eaten?”

Shen Zui was holding a report that the doctor had just delivered. She had originally intended to discuss something important, but she changed her mind upon seeing Shen Nian. “What are you doing?”

“Choosing clothes to go out.” Shen Nian rummaged through her wardrobe again.

She hadn’t brought many clothes to the dorm, nearly all of which were casual styles. There really wasn’t much suitable for a place like “High Night.”

Shen Zui rested her chin on her hand. “Where are you going?”

Shen Nian mentioned the name of the bar.

There was silence from Shen Zui for several seconds. Thinking she didn’t know the place, Shen Nian explained, “It’s a high-end bar downtown. Security is very strict; I heard only celebrities and the wealthy go there.”

“Mhm,” Shen Zui finally responded. After a pause, she asked, “What is Niannian going there for?”

Shen Nian explained briefly while casually draping a chosen dress over the back of a chair.

On the screen, Shen Zui’s gaze deepened. “You’re going to that place… wearing that?”

“Uh…” Shen Nian picked up the dress. “This should be ‘barely acceptable,’ right?”

“That Liu girl clearly wants you there to apologize and pay penance. If you show up in a dress that is just ‘barely acceptable,’ they will only look down on you more.”

Shen Nian let out a soft chuckle. Having lived a second life, it wasn’t that she didn’t understand these simple truths; she just didn’t want to waste energy on it. Hearing Shen Zui’s lecture, she dropped the dress, picked up the phone, and looked into Shen Zui’s eyes. “Then what does Auntie think I should do?”

“Take a taxi to Central Avenue right now. I’ll have someone pick you up.” Shen Zui carelessly tossed the medical report aside. Her expression was languid, and as she half-lidded her eyes, her curled lashes cast clear shadows on her face.

“Okay.” Shen Nian didn’t ask further. She grabbed her phone and headed out.

In the car, she remembered something. “By the way, why did you call, Auntie?”

“It’s not important.” Shen Zui tilted her head, her finger tapping rhythmically against her knee. She said casually, “Just that the new check-up report came out.”

“Ah?!” Shen Nian’s energy spiked. “The full report is out?” She leaned forward, her anxious face filling the entire screen. “How is it? Were there any negative effects from going out that day?”

Shen Zui’s lips curled into a smile. She adjusted herself into a comfortable position, deliberately teasing her. “Why so nervous?”

Shen Nian ground her teeth. “…It concerns your safety. Shouldn’t I be nervous?”

“Niannian is truly filial,” Shen Zui praised with a smile.

Hearing the word “filial,” Shen Nian felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. She sat back properly, leaning against the seat. “So… what did the doctor actually say?”

Shen Zui, however, was determined to keep her in suspense. “I’ll tell you when you get back.”

“What?” Shen Nian’s eyes widened.

Shen Zui laughed. “Lest it distracts you from having fun with your friends.”

Shen Nian was practically speaking through gritted teeth. “Leaving the story halfway—how am I supposed to have the heart to have fun? My head will be full of nothing but that medical report tonight!”

“Mhm.” Hearing this, Shen Zui actually nodded with satisfaction. “That’s quite good, then.”

Shen Nian: “What?”

“Having your head full of your Auntie—isn’t that good?” Shen Zui’s clear eyes were brimming with mirth, looking like a pampered, high-bred cat. “It saves you from getting lost in wine and lust or being led astray by those people.”

Shen Nian was so frustrated she laughed. She wished she could crawl through the screen to Shen Zui’s side and snatch those pages to see the truth for herself. But facing the cunningly smiling Shen Zui, she realized she truly had no way to deal with her.

Finally, she exhaled deeply and played along. “Auntie truly considers everything.”

“Mhm,” Shen Zui smiled.

After a few more pleasantries, they hung up.

The taxi arrived at Central Avenue. As soon as Shen Nian stepped out, the person Shen Zui had arranged called her. Two minutes later, she met the contact and was led into a private styling club.

The staff there had clearly received instructions. As soon as she entered, without needing a word of explanation, they began working with organized efficiency.

After half an hour of hair and makeup, the manager in a formal suit brought out a selection of dresses and shoes for her.

The first thing that caught Shen Nian’s eye was a dark green, form-fitting V-neck gown. However, it was far too revealing—not only was the neckline deep, but the skirt had a slit that went all the way up to the thigh.

After two seconds of thought, she chose a more conservative off-the-shoulder silver mermaid dress.

As the attendant cleared the other dresses, Shen Nian couldn’t help but ask what would happen to the green one.

“All of these dresses have been bought by President Shen,” the manager explained with a bow, beaming. “The ones you didn’t pick will be sent to your home for your convenience.”

“All of them?” Shen Nian was momentarily stunned. She then looked at the several pairs of limited-edition high heels. “And these shoes…”

“They’re all yours as well!” The manager picked up two pairs. “President Shen said these were all suitable. Which pair would you like to wear tonight?”

Shen Nian thought for a moment. “…President Shen selected all of this?”

“Of course.” The manager nodded repeatedly. “It’s our first time hosting you, and we were afraid we wouldn’t pick things that caught your eye. President Shen picked out every single item personally.”

Shen Nian shook her head with a smile, murmuring to herself, “It seems her health is perfectly fine; she doesn’t need anyone to worry at all…”

“Pardon?” the manager asked.

“Nothing.” Shen Nian stepped forward and took the light-colored heels. “These will do.”

“Oh, you have excellent taste! This pair is currently only available in…” The manager continued to boast, but Shen Nian’s attention was no longer on her. She went into the dressing room to change.

When everything was ready, she stood before the full-length mirror.

At this age, Shen Nian’s face still had a hint of youthfulness, but her aura was steady and noble, perfectly carrying the expensive attire.

Hearing the door open behind her, Shen Nian turned. The manager, holding a black card, froze on the spot, completely forgetting why she had entered.

Shen Nian adjusted the hem of her skirt and walked toward her. “Is there something else?”

The manager snapped out of it, instinctively touching the corner of her mouth. She coughed lightly. “This—President Shen asked for this to be delivered to you. She said you should keep it with you.”

“Mhm.” Shen Nian took the “High Night” membership card.

She was ready to leave, but as she reached the manager’s side, she remembered something. “Actually… are you free right now?”

“Yes!” The manager straightened her back. “Do you have further instructions?”

“No need to be so nervous.” Shen Nian smiled, her lips curving into a captivating arc. She handed over her phone. “Could I trouble you to take a few photos for me? It’s a bit inconvenient for me to do it myself.”

“Of course!” The woman took the phone respectfully.

Five minutes later, Shen Nian looked at the photos with satisfaction. As a manager in a high-end styling club, the woman’s photography skills were remarkable. Despite the deliberate posing, because she caught the timing perfectly, Shen Nian’s movements looked natural and effortless—so beautiful that even she felt it was unreal.

“You take amazing photos.”

“No, no, no!” The manager shook her head like a rattle. “Miss Shen, your bone structure is incredible. You’re more photogenic than those big stars! Though, no matter how I take the photo, I don’t think it compares to seeing you in person!”

Shen Nian smiled, taking it as mere flattery. Then, as she walked out, she picked a few photos and sent them to Shen Zui with a message:

【Auntie, if I dress like this, will those people finally look up to me?】