The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 37

The trending topics lingered for two days, only gradually fading after Shen Nian’s follower count reached 300,000.

Meanwhile, the popularity of Tao Di’s songs began to soar alongside the rising temperatures. It wasn’t until Shen Nian looked at the seasonal clothes sent over by Shen Zui’s subordinates that she realized midsummer had officially arrived.

She picked up a piece of gauze fabric from the sofa, intending to toss it aside, but a second glance revealed it was actually a thin, delicate camisole. The designer had been stingy with the fabric; as Shen Nian turned it over, she felt like she was holding a traditional dudou that couldn’t cover anything at all.

Just then, Shen Zui emerged from the study. Shen Nian held the two thin straps up to show her. “Can someone actually wear this?”

Shen Zui paused. She turned her head, her hair sliding across her delicate skin and over her chest. “Of course they can.”

Vivid, flirtatious images involuntarily flashed through Shen Nian’s mind—ambiguous scenes that invariably ended with her pulling those thin straps off Shen Zui’s shoulders.

“Why is your face suddenly so red?” Shen Zui approached her.

“It’s… it’s nothing…” Shen Nian’s eyes darted around, not daring to look at her. She felt the cool, slippery fabric against her palm and asked with unsteady breath, “Isn’t it a bit big?”

She was too familiar with Shen Zui’s body; this piece would definitely be loose on her.

“What are you thinking about?” Shen Zui reached out, snatching the camisole back. Holding the garment, she looked at Shen Nian with a playful, meaningful smile. “Niannian, this one is yours.”

Shen Nian’s brain short-circuited for two seconds. Looking at the semi-transparent fabric being caressed by Shen Zui, her already flushed cheeks turned hot enough to fry an egg. She instinctively took two steps back. “No, no…”

Expectation flickered in Shen Zui’s eyes. “You don’t like it?”

“…Just leave it there.” Shen Nian suddenly remembered her errands. She grabbed her shoulder bag and headed for the entryway. “I have to go to the drama club this afternoon. I’m leaving now.”

Shen Zui followed her for a few steps. Seeing Shen Nian hurriedly putting on her shoes, she remembered something. “Is the rehearsal going well?”

“Yes,” Shen Nian nodded. “Everyone is experienced, so we’re coordinating faster than expected. But the performance is next month, so we still need more practice.”

Shen Zui hummed. “Then, regarding what I mentioned before…”

A while back, after learning Shen Nian had performed in Tao Di’s MV for free, Shen Zui had asked for a promise of her own. At the time, caught up in the heat of the moment, Shen Nian had agreed without thinking.

“I remember,” Shen Nian said, straightening up. “I won’t delay your matters, Little Aunt.”

Shen Zui’s lips curled into a smile. “Good.”

After rehearsal that day, Shen Nian received a call from Zhou Nan. It took her a moment to remember he was the screenwriter for The Chronicle of Zhuang Zhou, the series she was set to film over the summer.

“Hey, beautiful, remember me?” Zhou Nan greeted her cheerfully. He explained they were organizing a table read to let the cast meet before filming and asked her to join the group chat.

Back at the apartment, the group was already buzzing. Shen Nian followed suit and posted her introduction: [Shen Nian, 18, freshman at A University’s Acting Department. I’ll be playing the role of ‘Chen Amin.’ Nice to meet everyone.]

Her message should have been buried quickly, but someone tagged her immediately.

Tan Zhu: [@Shen Nian? Are you the Shen Nian from Tao Di’s MV?!] Shen Nian: [Yes.] Tan Zhu: [Omg, I’ve watched that MV so many times! Shen Nian, you are seriously too beautiful!]

The group exploded with praise, ignoring the script to express their excitement about working with her. Shen Nian politely replied with “Thank you” repeatedly. Suddenly, a jarring message hissed out like a venomous snake.

Wang Ze: [@Director Cai Kong @Screenwriter Zhou Nan, what is this? Why did you find a freshman who knows nothing to act? Do you have any idea how much trouble a newbie like this causes?]

Shen Nian remembered the name Wang Ze. He was the male lead of The Chronicle of Zhuang Zhou—and the culprit who eventually caused the production to disband in her past life.

His tone was so aggressive that the chat went silent. No one wanted to cross him. But Wang Ze didn’t stop.

Wang Ze: [Some people shouldn’t think they can do whatever they want just because they have a pretty face. This is acting; it’s not the same as posing in some trashy MV.]

This was a direct call-out. Shen Nian couldn’t ignore it.

Shen Nian: [We haven’t even met. Why label me as ‘knowing nothing’? @Wang Ze, do you know a lot?]

Wang Ze sent a disdainful emoji. [Tough talk. I’ve already filmed three shows. What about you? Do you have any experience?]

Shen Nian: [I currently have no professional filming experience.]

Wang Ze (triumphant): [Heh, isn’t that it then? If you know you’re bad, keep a low profile. Don’t come out and embarrass yourself.]

Shen Nian gave a cold smile and typed: [I wonder what kind of works you’ve filmed?] Without waiting for a reply, she continued: [I can hit the trending lists just by ‘posing’ in an MV. @Wang Ze, with so many works, you must be incredibly famous, right?]

If they were face-to-face, Shen Nian would have enjoyed seeing Wang Ze’s face turn purple with embarrassment. He sat there, typing and deleting, unable to find a comeback. His “three works” were actually bit parts in low-budget web dramas; The Chronicle of Zhuang Zhou was his first lead role. He thought he would be the center of the universe, but Shen Nian had stolen his thunder before they even met.

Wang Ze: [True actors don’t need trending topics. Shallow!]

Shen Nian didn’t even bother to respond. Zhou Nan eventually stepped in to play peacemaker, but Wang Ze insisted: [I don’t want to act with an inexperienced newbie. Replace her.]

Zhou Nan explained the cast was set, but Wang Ze kept throwing a tantrum. Finally, Shen Nian spoke up.

Shen Nian: [There is a final performance for the students at the start of next month. I’m playing the lead, ‘Lu Jue,’ in the play “Mushroom Jungle.” If everyone is free, you are welcome to come and watch.]

The other cast members agreed enthusiastically. Zhou Nan even suggested they use that day for their table read and have a group dinner afterward. Wang Ze, drowned out by the others, could only leave one parting shot: [@Shen Nian, you only have one chance. If the performance is bad, I hope you’ll withdraw yourself.]

Back in the kitchen, Shen Zui called her. Shen Nian leaned against the doorframe.

“Dinner is almost ready,” Shen Zui said. She had been tinkering in the kitchen for a while. She gestured for Shen Nian to take the plates out, but Shen Nian didn’t touch the food. Instead, she stepped up and hugged Shen Zui from behind.

“Hmm?” Shen Zui looked down at the arms wrapped around her waist. “What is it?”

Shen Nian rubbed her chin against the top of Shen Zui’s head. This position highlighted their height difference; Shen Nian found she could perfectly cocoon Shen Zui in her embrace. She smelled a faint, lingering scent of plum blossoms in Shen Zui’s hair.

“The drama performance is next month,” Shen Nian said quietly. “Are you coming?”

“Mm,” Shen Zui replied. “Send me the time and address.”

Shen Nian circled Shen Zui’s wrist with her fingers. “The venue will be crowded…” Crowds meant a chaotic mix of pheromones, which was a heavy burden for the sensitive Shen Zui.

“I’ll wear a mask,” Shen Zui said dismissively.

“A mask can’t guarantee 100% safety.” Shen Nian tilted her head, her lips brushing Shen Zui’s earlobe.

Shen Zui narrowed her eyes and turned slightly. “Niannian, you’re too tense. My body isn’t as fragile as you think. Besides, it’s been so long since the marking; ordinary pheromones won’t affect me.”

“But…” Shen Nian looked down at her. “Shen Zui, you’re so small.” So small she fit perfectly in her arms.

Shen Zui pinched her arm lightly. “You don’t want me to go?”

Shen Nian didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure how she felt. She was worried, yet she wanted her there.

” ‘Mushroom Jungle,’ ” Shen Zui mused. “Speaking of which, I was the one who helped you rehearse that play at the beginning.”

That was over two months ago, when Shen Zui was still staying in the small building of the Shen Estate. In that closed sickroom, she had played the role of the rich young lady seduced and swindled by Shen Nian’s character.

“So,” Shen Zui asked, “did that poor girl get tossed away by you after you were done with her?”

Shen Nian smiled helplessly. She leaned into Shen Zui’s ear. “Lu Jue is a great liar. She stole the rich lady’s brooch during a dance and disguised herself as a noble to get close to her target. Later, they met by chance on a ship deck…”

Shen Nian stopped, drawing a dissatisfied look from Shen Zui. “Little Aunt, guess how that lovely rich lady reacted when she saw her expensive brooch pinned to Lu Jue’s chest?”

Shen Zui played along. “I think the lady chose to believe her again… No, rather, the lady never once thought Lu Jue could be a liar.”

Shen Nian’s eyes widened. “I guessed right,” Shen Zui smiled, seeing her reaction.

“Yes,” Shen Nian nodded. “Lu Jue claimed she found the brooch by accident and had been looking for the owner. The rich lady was delighted and thanked her. Isn’t she foolish?”

Surprisingly, Shen Zui shook her head. “She wasn’t foolish.”

“Then what was she?”

“People instinctively beautify the things they like,” Shen Zui said softly. “Even if they notice something is wrong, they are willing to blind themselves and pretend they don’t see it.”

Shen Nian laughed. “Then I suppose the screenwriter gave Lu Jue a massive ‘golden finger’ (cheat code).”

Shen Zui set down the salad bowl and turned around in Shen Nian’s arms, facing her. Shen Nian was drawn to her clear eyes. Shen Zui placed a finger against Shen Nian’s lips.

“Looking into Niannian’s eyes,” Shen Zui said, “even if one knows everything is a facade, no one would be willing to shatter such a beautiful illusion.”

“Is that so?” Shen Nian murmured.

Shen Zui smiled. “Niannian doesn’t know?”

Shen Nian lowered her gaze. She didn’t answer. Instead, she continued the plot: “No wonder Lu Jue dies because of her in the end…”

“Hmm?” That sentence caused a crack in Shen Zui’s perfect expression.

“Lu Jue dies because of this insignificant supporting character,” Shen Nian whispered, grabbing the finger at her lips. “There were many factors, but the direct cause was this simple, beautiful, rich lady she had seduced from the start.”

Shen Zui blinked. It took her a moment to compose herself. “Now that you say that, I have to go to the performance even more. I need to see for myself how Lu Jue trips up so badly at the hands of such a person.”

“Indeed.” Shen Nian kissed her fingertips.

The moment grew heavy as Shen Nian began to playfully nibble on Shen Zui’s skin. Shen Zui snapped back to reality and popped a cherry tomato into Shen Nian’s mouth to stop her.

“Is it good?” Shen Zui asked.

Shen Nian didn’t answer. She leaned down and captured Shen Zui’s lips. The bitten cherry tomato was pushed between their teeth, the sweet and slightly tart juice exploding as they sank into a lingering, tomato-sweetened kiss.

The Day of the Performance.

A huge crowd had turned up for Shen Nian. Aside from Shen Zui, she had to host the cast of The Chronicle of Zhuang Zhou, as well as Tao Di and Qi Lulu.

Shen Nian looked stunning. Even for the stage, she didn’t need heavy makeup to look imposing. She was the first to finish her styling and immediately left the backstage to contact Shen Zui.

“Where are you? Call me when you arrive,” she sent via voice message. “No rush, the play is in an hour.”

She ran into Tao Di and Qi Lulu outside the hall. The two girls were staring at her, wide-eyed.

“Why are you here so early?” Shen Nian asked. She was wearing a high-end suit, her hair slicked back with wax. Her features were fully revealed, making her look dazzling and sharp.

“Shen Nian… this look is… too good!” Qi Lulu squealed. “Honestly, even if you don’t perform and just sit on stage for two hours, I wouldn’t move an inch.”

Shen Nian laughed. Tao Di, however, looked serious. “Shen Nian, I’m really looking forward to your acting! I can’t wait to see your interpretation of the character.”

Those words touched Shen Nian’s heart. She gave a genuine smile. “Thank you.”

Before they parted, Qi Lulu pulled her aside. “I almost forgot! We saw Mina on the way here…”

“Mina? At A University?” Shen Nian was confused.

“Yeah, over by that building,” Qi Lulu pointed. “You should avoid that area. We’re not scared of her, we just don’t want you catching her bad luck!”

Shen Nian laughed. “That’s the Economics and Management Department’s territory. I won’t be going there.”

Thinking of that department, she suddenly remembered Shen Zhuan was a junior there. But she couldn’t see a connection between Shen Zhuan and Mina. She shook the thought away.

Once they left, Shen Nian’s phone rang. She answered, “Little Aunt?”

“Niannian.”

“Where are you?” Shen Nian moved away from the noise. “There are a lot of buildings; can you find your way?”

“It’s fine,” Shen Zui’s voice carried a hint of a smile. After a pause, she added, “I ran into two acquaintances. I’ll be a bit late. Do your thing, don’t worry about me.”

Acquaintances?

Shen Nian’s lips twitched. She didn’t ask further and simply said, “Okay.”