The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 69

Even without acting jobs, the eve of graduation was a busy time. Having been away filming for long periods, Shen Nian relied on the help of close friends like Yang Min to keep up with her coursework. Upon her return, she made up several missed exams just in time to receive her diploma.

To express her gratitude, she treated her friends to dinner. During the meal, Yang Min asked if anyone could recommend a car rental agency.

“What do you need a car for?” the class monitor asked.

With the graduation ceremony approaching, Yang Min’s parents and grandparents were traveling from their second-tier city to celebrate with her and spend a few days touring City A. “I figured renting a car would be most convenient,” Yang Min explained. “We can go wherever we want!”

Shen Nian listened patiently and smiled. “Don’t bother renting,” she said. “I have several idle cars at home that fit your needs. Why don’t you come pick one out?”

The group started teasing and cheering, but Yang Min remained calm and politely declined. “Forget it. Your garage is full of luxury cars. If I get so much as a scratch on one, I won’t be able to afford the repairs.”

Slightly tipsy, Shen Nian blinked and replied, “Don’t be so formal with me.” Yang Min had helped her immensely throughout their four years of university, and Shen Nian had been looking for a way to repay her. Since Yang Min had a genuine need, she didn’t want to miss the chance to help. After the others chimed in to persuade her, Yang Min finally agreed.

The next day, when Shen Nian contacted her, Yang Min was already in a taxi headed to the airport to pick up her family. “Send me your apartment address; we’ll come by tomorrow to get the car.”

Shen Nian thought for a moment. “Won’t you have to take another taxi then? Shen Zui isn’t home, and it’s boring staying here alone anyway.” She grabbed a hat and sunglasses. “Send me the hotel name; I’ll drive the car over to you.”

After some back-and-forth, Yang Min compromised and set a time and place. Shen Nian chose a low-profile vehicle suitable for a family outing from her garage—since becoming famous, she had purchased several “decoy” vehicles to avoid paparazzi and fanatical fans.

Ten minutes after arriving at the hotel, she saw Yang Min’s large family piling out of a cramped taxi. Shen Nian went over to greet them and began helping with the luggage.

Yang Min’s four elders were already familiar with her through Yang Min’s stories. The white-haired grandmother peeled an orange and handed a segment to her. “Oh, little girl, aren’t you hot? Here, have some orange.”

Shen Nian took it with a smile. “Thank you, Grandma.”

“Tsk, tsk, look at you, so tall and elegant…” The grandmother’s eyes were full of the admiration one has for an excellent youngster. “How old are you? Do you have a partner? Our Xiao Min, although…”

“Grandma!” Yang Min ran over from the other side. She was helpless and amused. “Didn’t I tell you in the car? Shen Nian is a star, and she has a girlfriend! They’ve been together for years!”

The old lady’s eyes widened as she looked at Shen Nian. “Is that so?”

“Yes, Grandma.” Shen Nian popped the orange segment into her mouth and gave a playful smile. “I’m already preparing the proposal.”

Yang Min: “Eh?!” The old lady grinned. “A proposal? That’s wonderful news.” She took Shen Nian’s hand. “You’re an Alpha; you must yield to your girlfriend more. In a marriage, it’s most important for two people to adapt and compromise for each other!”

Shen Nian: “I understand. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, Grandma~”

Yang Min felt a bit embarrassed. She grabbed the elderly woman’s arm. “Alright, Grandma, don’t nag everyone you meet. Shen Nian worked hard coming here; let her go back and rest.”

The grandmother glared at her. “You child!” She turned back to Shen Nian. “Good child, don’t rush off. I brought dried radish from home; take two jars back with you!” She hurried toward Yang Min’s parents. “Son, where is the dried radish I put in the suitcase?”

While she was gone, Yang Min immediately apologized. “I’m so sorry. My grandma is just like that. She’s old, her memory is failing, and she loves meddling in everyone’s business.”

“It’s fine.” Shen Nian shook her head with a smile. She handed the car keys to Yang Min. “I think she’s lovely.”

“Really?” Yang Min wrinkled her nose and whispered, “You have no idea. She insisted on bringing those worthless local specialties. We spent a fortune on excess baggage fees. It wasn’t worth it at all. My parents didn’t dare tell her because they didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”

Shen Nian replied, “If it were my choice, I’d be willing to spend that money too.”

Yang Min was stunned. She looked up at Shen Nian and smiled. “You’re from City A, so you probably find those specialties novel. When I was a kid living in the countryside, I was so sick of them. At mealtime, I’d intentionally run around the yard. Grandma would chase me with a bowl and spoon, shouting ‘Nannuan, Nannuan’ (Darling) non-stop. Hahaha—”

At the mention of those memories, Yang Min laughed heartily. Shen Nian was caught up in her emotion. She smiled and blurted out, “I was much better behaved. My grandma only had to…”

Yang Min noticed she trailed off and looked up curiously. “What about your grandma?”

“…” Shen Nian lowered her head awkwardly. “Uh, I remembered wrong.”

Yang Min sensed something was off, but the old lady returned with the jars, and her attention was diverted. Watching the five of them together, Shen Nian felt as if something was missing deep within her.

In truth, even she didn’t know what that subconscious sentence was supposed to be. Xi Wu had died before she was born, and Shen Bi had never shown her a shred of warmth. In that moment, why did the word “Grandma” slip out so naturally? It was as if she truly had once had one.

The dried radish appeared on the dinner table that night. Shen Zui pointed at the small dish and asked, “What is this?”

Shen Nian explained the source. Shen Zui tried some and gave her approval. “Mm, salty and fragrant. It’s not bad.”

Shen Nian mixed a large spoonful into her rice. She stared at her bowl, avoiding Shen Zui’s gaze. “I think so too.”

After dinner, they rested on the sofa. Shen Zui leaned lazily on Shen Nian’s shoulder before deciding she wasn’t comfortable enough and lying down with her head in Shen Nian’s lap. Shen Nian looked down and touched her own chin.

Shen Zui squinted and laughed. “What are you doing?”

“The angle is bad from here,” Shen Nian whispered.

“Who says?” Shen Zui reached up and pinched her chin, turning her face side to side as if admiring a high-end work of art. “It’s very beautiful.”

Shen Nian smiled, twirling a lock of Shen Zui’s hair. “I’ve been so busy lately; I haven’t been to the gym in forever. Have I gotten fat?”

Shen Zui shook her head, her voice full of tenderness. “You’ve worked so hard you’ve gotten thin.”

“Nonsense.” Shen Nian laughed. She looked at Shen Zui’s stomach. “Lying down right after eating?”

Shen Zui arched her back and gave a huff, maintaining her “Don’t meddle in the CEO’s business” attitude. Shen Nian, hopelessly in love, leaned down to kiss her, drawing a muffled protest. When they broke apart, Shen Zui’s face was flushed. She poked Shen Nian’s abs: “Being restless right after eating?”

“Wealth and comfort lead to desire,” Shen Nian teased. “Isn’t that the old saying?”

Shen Zui gritted her teeth but didn’t stop her hands. “And…” Shen Nian stroked her cheek, “just a kiss? How is that ‘restless’?”

“You still want to—ah!” Before she could finish, Shen Nian lifted her into a princess carry.

“You!” On a summer night, Shen Zui’s gauze dress was thin. She kicked her legs, making the hem flutter. “Put me down.”

“Taking you back to the room to get handsy—now that would be ‘restless’,” Shen Nian said, looking at her. “Hmm?”

Shen Zui turned her face away. “You certainly have a vivid imagination.”

Shen Nian walked a few steps toward the bedroom. Shen Zui struck her shoulder weakly. “I just ate dinner, Shen Nian, you… you beast!” (A play on the word for beast/animal, qinshou).

“You… what?” Shen Nian deliberately misinterpreted her. “Lover?” (Qingren). She pecked Shen Zui’s cheek. “With you saying such sweet things, I really won’t be able to hold back.”

“Beast!” Shen Zui continued to struggle playfully until Shen Nian finally set her back on the sofa.

“Alright, that’s enough exercise for now,” Shen Nian muttered, wiping non-existent sweat from her brow. Shen Zui smiled and pushed her away with her foot, but quickly missed the contact. “Come here.”

“Hmm? What for?” Shen Nian stood her ground.

“Come here first, then I’ll tell you,” Shen Zui said, her face turning pink.

“Tsk, tsk.” Shen Nian crossed her arms. “Is this the CEO’s negotiation strategy? It won’t work on me.”

“Oh.” Shen Zui sounded disappointed and lay back down. But a second later, she “accidentally” hitched up her skirt, revealing a large expanse of pale skin. “It’s so hot.”

It was June, and the temperature was high, but the air conditioning in the apartment was on full blast.

“On such a hot day, it’s indeed not suitable to stick together,” Shen Nian joked.

Shen Zui’s eyes flickered toward her like a hook before returning to the TV. “You’re right, aren’t you?”

Shen Nian covered her smile with her hand. “Only this much compensation?” She sat in a separate armchair. “CEO Shen, this is difficult for me.”

Shen Zui couldn’t keep up the act and glared at her. Shen Nian sat with her elbows on her knees, coaxing her: “CEO Shen, show more sincerity.”

Shen Zui rolled her eyes and turned her back, but the cushion wasn’t as comfortable as her “human pillow.” She turned back after a few seconds. “Is the AC too high?”

“Or perhaps CEO Shen is wearing too much,” Shen Nian countered smoothly.

Shen Zui narrowed her eyes and smiled. Her fingers went to her collar. “How much sincerity do you want? Won’t you come negotiate in person?”

Shen Nian swallowed. She admitted her willpower was lacking; she couldn’t look away from those fingers. By the time she realized it, she was leaning over the long sofa, smelling the faint scent of cold plum on Shen Zui.

Shen Zui pulled her down, resting her head on Shen Nian’s lap with a satisfied sigh. She quickly adjusted her collar and skirt. “Don’t move around.”

“How heartless,” Shen Nian whispered, her voice full of affection. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have come over.”

Shen Zui looked up and gave a charming smile. She knew exactly how much power her beauty held over her young lover. “Is this not sincerity enough? Don’t be too greedy.”

Shen Nian didn’t sleep well that night. She had fragmented dreams. Shen Zui had to leave early for the office. Usually, Shen Nian would wake up to have breakfast with her, but today she remained still. When she finally woke up at 10:00 AM, she ate the breakfast Shen Zui had left for her and sent a message to Mo Huai.

[Help me investigate something.]

Mo Huai replied quickly: [What? I told you, I can’t prep a proposal for the graduation ceremony this late. Kill me if you want.]

Shen Nian ignored the remark. [Not that. Help me look into my background—specifically the details of my adoption by the Shen family 20 years ago.]

Mo Huai: [???]

Shen Nian provided the leads. In the entertainment industry, everyone has their methods and connections. Mo Huai was no exception. Shen Nian only reminded her: [Keep it hidden. Don’t let anyone find out.]

Mo Huai looked at the data and asked: [This is outside my job description… what’s in it for me?]

Shen Nian had the chip ready: [I will consider a five-year contract renewal.]

Mo Huai grumbled about “five years” being stingy but sent back a bright emoji: [Got it. Wait for my news~]

The investigation proved surprisingly simple. A day before the graduation ceremony, Mo Huai met Shen Nian at the company and handed over a stack of files. “Here. It’s all here.”

“The adoption procedures were perfectly legal and transparent,” Mo Huai said, sitting across from her. “These are public records from the relevant departments.”

Shen Nian flipped through the documents. She was adopted 18 years ago from the “Orchid Welfare House” in the old district of the neighboring City Y. The records stated she was an abandoned orphan under three years old. Before her adoption, she had no name; the staff called her “Twenty-One” because she was the 21st child adopted that year.

“Orchid Welfare House… is there a specific address?”

“Knowing the address is useless,” Mo Huai interjected. “I checked. That orphanage went bankrupt and closed shortly after you were adopted.”

Shen Nian frowned. Closed?

“Why are you investigating this all of a sudden?” Mo Huai asked.

Shen Nian shook her head and rubbed her temples. After a long silence, she asked, “Can we find my records from the orphanage? Or anything from before I was there?”

“That…” Mo Huai looked troubled. “It’s been closed for over a decade. The records were likely destroyed.”

“Try your best,” Shen Nian said, standing up. “I have to go.”

“Hey! You’re just using me?” Mo Huai pointed at the untouched coffee. “Why the rush?”

Shen Nian checked the time on her phone. “I have an appointment.”

“An appointment? At the hospital? Are you sick?!” Mo Huai was more nervous than Shen Nian was.

“Just a routine check-up.”

“Phew.” Mo Huai relaxed. “Health is most important. Do you need a driver?”

Shen Nian put on her mask and sunglasses. “No, I’m driving myself.”

Shen Nian drove to the Third Hospital, a high-end private facility. She had an appointment with the Director of the Pheromone Department. When her time came, she was shown into the office.

Behind the computer, Huang Zhen froze. “Miss Nian… it really is you.”

“Doctor Huang,” Shen Nian sat down. “Long time no see.”

“Long time… no see,” Huang Zhen stammered.

Huang Zhen was Shen Zui’s former primary physician. Years ago, because she had allowed Shen Nian into the room to mark Shen Zui during a crisis, she had been fired by Shen Bi. Later, under Shen Zui’s recommendation, she had come to work here. Her career had flourished just as Shen Zui had promised; in three short years, she had secured the position of Director.

“Are you feeling unwell? Have you done a pheromone test?” Huang Zhen asked, adopting a professional tone.

“Here is the report,” Shen Nian handed her a file. “I’ve been suffering from insomnia and mental absence lately. I think I need a full examination.”

Huang Zhen studied the report for several minutes. “There are many factors for insomnia. According to this report… your pheromone levels are very healthy. I don’t think pheromones are the cause.”

“Is that so?” Shen Nian studied her. Huang Zhen had put on some weight and looked prosperous under Shen Zui’s support. “Pheromone issues are complex, aren’t they? How can you conclude so easily that it’s not the cause?”

Huang Zhen realized then that Shen Nian hadn’t come for medical treatment. “Miss Nian…”

“Doctor Huang, don’t be nervous.” Shen Nian stood up. “I’m your last appointment today. Can I treat you to dinner? I have some professional questions regarding pheromones I’d like to ask.”

Huang Zhen gave an awkward laugh. Before she could refuse, Shen Nian added, “I don’t know many experts in this field. You wouldn’t deny me this face, would you?”

Huang Zhen bit her lip, unable to find a way to refuse. She finally nodded. “I… I can only answer professional questions. Only professional ones…”

“I know,” Shen Nian said with a satisfied nod.