Transmigrating as the Female Supporting Character: Dumb with Deep Pockets - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: The Green Tea

“Sure thing.”

Ning Qingyuan said it with a beaming smile, her fingers brushing lightly against Chen Jia’s arm. Even a bystander could see that the gesture was far from “innocent.”

Su Su was ready to explode. “Is she sick? Why is she touching you like that?”

Chen Jia had certainly felt the hands on her, but before she could react, she was caught off guard by Su Su’s sudden emotional outburst.

“Huh?”

Su Su realized her intense reaction must seem strange to Chen Jia. “I just… I think she looks sketchy.”

She really wanted to tell Chen Jia to stop hanging out with her, but she bit her tongue. Chen Jia wasn’t her property; she had no right to demand anything.

“Let’s go, let’s go. Time to head back.”

She clung to Chen Jia’s arm. The Northern nights were starting to get chilly. They hadn’t eaten yet, and it was too late to go home and cook—Chen Jia was still in the experimental phase, and whether the result would be edible was still an open question. By the time they finished tinkering in the kitchen, it would probably be dawn.

They went for Korean BBQ instead, returning home smelling like grilled meat.

Su Su was still preoccupied with the afternoon’s events, her mood noticeably low. Chen Jia, who spent every day with her, knew that Su Su was usually a chatterbox even when just walking; this sudden silence was unsettling.

“In a bad mood today?”

“A little.” Su Su didn’t hide it. She asked point-blank: “That girl you were with today looks unfamiliar. Are you guys close?”

Chen Jia spoke the truth. “Not close. We just met.”

“Oh…” Su Su dragged the word out. “I should find an opportunity to get to know her, too.”

…

After that day, Ning Qingyuan followed Chen Jia almost every day. Although they mostly discussed academic topics, Chen Jia began to find it odd.

“Chen Jia, there’s a 3D modeling competition coming up at school. I heard the prize money is quite high. Join me! If we team up, we’ll definitely win big.”

“I’m not very good at modeling.” Modeling required a certain aesthetic sense; Chen Jia wasn’t particularly interested in it, and even with the prize money, she hadn’t planned on going.

Ning Qingyuan shrugged dismissively. “It’s fine as long as I’m good at it. If it weren’t a mandatory team event, I wouldn’t even bother bringing you. Don’t worry, you don’t have to say yes right away. Think it over and let me know.”

She turned and pulled a bottle of yogurt from her backpack. “I brought this for you. I love this brand, try it.”

Just as she finished speaking, Su Su popped her head out from behind them. “Ooh, what brand? I’ve never had this before. Let me try.”

Before Ning Qingyuan could react, Su Su slowly unscrewed the cap and took a sip. “Not bad.”

She didn’t stop there. After a moment, she acted as if she had just realized she “stole” Chen Jia’s drink. “Oops, sorry! Practice was so long and I was parched. Chen Jia, do you still want some? If not, I’m finishing it.”

Su Su didn’t even give Chen Jia a chance to answer before tilting her head back and gulping down the rest.

Just then, the senior called Chen Jia over for something, leaving Su Su and Ning Qingyuan alone.

Ning Qingyuan looked awkward. “You and Chen Jia are really close, huh?”

“What’s it to you? Stop looking at her with those disgusting eyes.” Chen Jia might not see it, but Su Su saw it clearly—this girl was a “Green Tea” through and through, and a hypocritical one at that.

Ning Qingyuan scratched her cheek. “You two really are…”

This was Su Su’s sore spot; she could tell this girl was trying to “dig at the wall” (steal her girl). “None of your business. Chen Jia is smart; she’ll see through your Green Tea nature eventually!”

Ning Qingyuan smiled calmly. “You haven’t confessed yet, have you? This is fair competition. How am I a Green Tea? It’s not like these things are first-come, first-served, right?”

“You—!”

Su Su hated her. This “dead Green Tea” wasn’t just trying to steal Chen Jia; she was sharp-tongued and incredibly annoying.

When Chen Jia returned, practice was over. As she slowly packed her things, Ning Qingyuan suggested, “Today was tiring. It’s the weekend tomorrow—how about we go out for a meal? You can think about my proposal then.”

“What proposal?” Su Su arrived late for that part. Secrets with the Green Tea? She squeezed between them, demanding to know.

Chen Jia thought it over. Su Su was actually quite talented in modeling and design; it would be good if she teamed up with Ning Qingyuan.

“There’s a 3D modeling competition notice in the class group. Ning Qingyuan wants to form a team. I don’t think I’m a good fit, so why don’t you two participate together?”

Su Su glanced at Ning Qingyuan. Ning Qingyuan smiled, showing her two tiger teeth.

What is she smiling at? Does she think she’s already won?

“No way!” Su Su wasn’t about to compete with someone she hated. But then… she used her limited logic. Keeping the enemy close was the safest bet. She changed her mind: “Actually, it’s not impossible.”

She grinned at Ning Qingyuan with a look of pure mischief. “I said I wanted to be friends. After spending time together today, I think I really should be your friend. What do you think?”

Ning Qingyuan got goosebumps from that smile, but thinking about her long-term plan, she bit the bullet. “Sure! I love making friends with beauties.” She reached out to hug Su Su’s arm, making Su Su want to recoil instantly.

Su Su brushed her off subtly. “It’s settled then. No need for dinner; I’m going home to eat with Chen Jia.”

“You two live together?” Ning Qingyuan looked shocked.

This was Su Su’s biggest trump card. “Yep. We’ve been living together for a while now.” The subtext: Give up.

Ning Qingyuan lowered her eyes. “Oh. I see. Go home, then.”

Seeing her looking dejected made Su Su feel wonderful. She linked arms with Chen Jia and headed home.

…

Su Su never hid her feelings, so Chen Jia easily noticed the shift.

“You don’t like Ning Qingyuan?”

Su Su gave her a look that said Finally you noticed! “Yeah, I don’t like her at all. She doesn’t look like a good person.” She emphasized the last part, hoping Chen Jia would see through the act.

Chen Jia didn’t quite get the hostility, but she didn’t defend Ning Qingyuan either. “She’s good at competitions. You should sign up with her. The prize money might not matter to you, but it’ll look good on your resume after graduation.”

“Fine.” She cares about my future. Su Su was instantly mollified. Once this stupid basketball tournament was over, she’d stick to Chen Jia like glue so Ning Qingyuan wouldn’t stand a chance.

They stopped at a market near the school. Chen Jia had pre-planned a menu and bought ingredients. What seemed like a simple dish resulted in several heavy bags.

From the moment Chen Jia stepped into the kitchen, Su Su hovered around her. This kind of life gave her a sense of peace. If they were together, it would be just like this—grocery shopping, coming home, Chen Jia cooking, and Su Su helping out. The thought almost moved her to tears.

“Chen Jia, what are we eating tonight?”

“Sour and spicy potato silk.” Chen Jia tied her apron, looking apologetic. “I can only do simple vegetable dishes for now.”

Su Su shook her head vigorously. “I don’t mind! If it were me, I wouldn’t even know how to turn on the stove. You’re amazing already.”

She eagerly grabbed the bag of potatoes to wash them. Chen Jia stopped her—she felt she was already getting a deal by living in this big house for so little. “I’ll do it.”

“Do you think I won’t wash them clean?” Su Su’s eyes were stubborn, as if taking the potatoes away was a personal insult.

“No.”

The massive kitchen was filled with the cozy atmosphere of a home. Chen Jia sliced the potatoes slowly and a bit thickly, but Su Su watched with rapt attention, as if every move was a marvel. The “potato silk” turned into “potato strips,” but they ate happily.

Su Su let out a satisfied sigh. “It’s delicious!”

Chen Jia took a bite. Too much vinegar. “It’s really not that good.”

“But it’s your first time! You didn’t burn it or blow up the kitchen—that’s a win. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Su Su, who had vowed to lose weight, ate two bowls of rice. Afterward, they went for a walk. In the quiet villa area, they played on the public exercise equipment. Suddenly, a shy young girl approached Chen Jia.

“Excuse me… I think you’re really pretty. Could I have your contact info?”

Chen Jia had been asked by boys many times, but this was her first time being approached by a girl. Her brain stalled. Su Su saw Chen Jia’s confused expression and felt a mix of relief (she didn’t give it out) and worry (the road to winning her over was long).

Su Su reached out and grabbed Chen Jia’s wrist, her fingers giving a suggestive squeeze.

“Sorry, it’s not very convenient for her.”

The girl looked disappointed, forced a smile that revealed a tiny dimple, and left dejectedly. Su Su felt the girl’s face looked familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

She was about to ask Chen Jia, but changed her mind. “I’m not so full anymore, let’s go home.” She added: “Even though you’re pretty now, you don’t have money yet. Making money is the priority. Don’t give out your number randomly; you’re not in a position to date yet.”

Unless it’s with me, Su Su thought. I have the money.