When the Cannon Fodder Meets the Love-Brained Female Supporting Character - Episode 31

She spoke in one breath, leaving the room in stunned silence once again.

Xiao Yun swallowed hard, dumbfounded.

Jiang Nan was also rooted to the spot.

This girl was practically reciting a menu here.

Many people behind her craned their necks, curious to see if Jiang Nan’s outfit matched what Xiao Ran had described.

Even Xiao Yun was sneaking sidelong glances.

Jiang Nan suddenly wished there was a hole in the ground or that she could dig one herself and crawl into it.

The silence lingered for a while.

The host finally snapped out of it and asked Xiao Ran, “Finished?”

“Pretty much.” Xiao Ran’s entire face was flushed red.

Would Sister Jiang think differently of her now that she knew how closely she’d been paying attention?

The female host nodded. “Miss Xiao has named the most items so far, a full ten!”

Scattered applause rose from the crowd.

“Alright, next!”

The following participants, spurred on by Xiao Ran’s performance, racked their brains and managed to list six or seven items each.

Those who couldn’t recall either made things up or mentioned outdated details, only to be politely interrupted by the host and asked to step down.

In the end, the game concluded with Xiao Ran as the winner.

Xiao Ran untied her blindfold herself, blinking in the sudden light before turning her dazed gaze toward Jiang Nan and flashing her a smile. A delicate blush spread across her fair cheeks.

Jiang Nan’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

The sky gradually darkened.

Xiao Yun bid farewell to the two of them, and they went their separate ways.

________________________________________

The next day, and the day after.

Jiang Nan continued familiarizing herself with the area. She had once heard Xiao Ran mention the most beautiful place in Qu City, Wangyue Forest.

She went to see it for herself, and indeed, it was stunning. Layers of trees stretched endlessly, and the ground was carpeted with golden ginkgo leaves, forming a radiant path. Amid the tapestry of yellow and green, occasional pink and purple flowers dotted the scenery.

Opening a teahouse here would be lovely.

Unfortunately, there was one drawback. It was too far from the bustling city center.

Even the finest wine fears an obscure alley.

Jiang Nan explored other locations and eventually settled on a spot for her teahouse, Hefang Street.

Once she finished scouting, she prepared to pack her things and return to Yang City on the morning of the fourth day. She also informed Xiao Ran of her plans.

________________________________________

The Xiao Residence.

Xiao Wan hefted the bag slung over her niece’s shoulder. It was surprisingly heavy. She asked what was inside.

Xiao Ran snatched the bag back, her expression slightly awkward. “Nothing much…”

She had brought The Hundred Ways to Woo a Girl with her to Qu City but hadn’t had the chance to read it yet.

It was time to check out the third strategy.

These past few days, Jiang Nan had preferred exploring Qu City alone rather than letting Xiao Ran accompany her. Her attitude remained neither warm nor distant, showing no progress at all.

Back in Yang City, Jiang Nan had at least held her hand and even covered her mouth once.

Xiao Wan looked at her empty hands and sighed helplessly.

Her little niece was keeping so many secrets now, unwilling to share even a word, and even refusing to let her touch the bag.

But…

Watching the girl flit back to her room like a butterfly, clutching the bag with a hint of urgency, Xiao Wan smiled.

At least she was livelier than before.

Now she actually resembled a teenage girl!

Xiao Ran was a woman of action. The moment she returned to her room, she opened The Hundred Ways to Woo a Girl.

The Hundred Ways to Woo a Girl: Strategy Three—Showcase Yourself.

Strategy Three: Remember this rhyme—
If you’re pretty, flaunt it.
If you’re rich, spend it.
If you’re talented, shout it.

Xiao Ran pondered the words carefully, turning them over in her mind.

First, she was praised by her aunt as being naturally beautiful, yet she often showed her face in front of Jiang Nan.

Second, no matter how much silver she had, it could never surpass Jiang Nan, whose business was thriving.

Xiao Ran fixed her gaze on the last line.

Talent she needed to speak up. Having grown up in a prominent family, she had been taught by the finest tutors in Yangcheng.

Among her abilities, there was one in which she surpassed all her cousins and had even earned praise from her tutors. She had memorized numerous idioms.

This would be the way.

The next day.

Xiao Ran bid farewell to Xiao Wan and handed her two small boxes.

“I feel more at ease leaving Mother’s belongings with you.”

Xiao Wan was momentarily stunned before accepting them. Usually cheerful and open-hearted, she now stared silently at the rusted box, lost in thought.

The box unlocked memories she had long sealed away.

It was something she and her elder sister had bought together on the streets before her sister married. Those days were the most beautiful in her memories.

But alas…

Suppressing her emotions, Xiao Wan stepped forward and straightened Xiao Ran’s clothes, whispering softly, “If that useless father of yours bullies you, come to me, understand? Stay here in Qu City. No matter how much of a scoundrel he is, he won’t dare cause trouble here.”

Touched, Xiao Ran hugged her back. “Auntie, once we part, who knows when we’ll meet again…”

Xiao Wan burst into laughter. “Why so sentimental? Last time you went back, you returned within days. Didn’t even mind the hassle.”

“It probably won’t happen like that this time,” Xiao Ran said.

“Don’t be so sure. Maybe you’ll be back in a couple of days,” Xiao Wan teased.

Xiao Wan was sharp and had a vague idea of why Xiao Ran had come this time.

Judging by Jiang Nan’s demeanor, she would surely return to Qu City.

Her lightheartedness eased the melancholy between them.

Xiao Ran blushed slightly. “Really.”

Jiang Nan had mentioned the reason for coming to Qu City during their journey. This time, she had come personally to survey the area. Once the inspection was complete, she would send people to open a teahouse here.

So, the next visit would likely be some time later.

.

After Jiang Nan had A-Jiu hire a carriage, she stood outside, hesitating to board.

A-Jiu draped a thin cloak over her shoulders and said, “If you’re waiting for Miss Xiao, why not sit inside the carriage?”

Jiang Nan replied, “No need. I’ll wait right here.”

Just looking at the carriage made her uncomfortable. The memory of the last bumpy journey, which left her stomach unsettled for days, filled her with resistance.

Remembering something unfinished, Jiang Nan instructed A-Jiu to arrange for the items she had won at Hefang Street to be stored in the newly rented warehouse.

After A-Jiu left, Jiang Nan stood by the bridge, gazing at the small river ahead as she pondered her grand business plans.

Then, Xiao Ran arrived.

Jiang Nan explained the situation and asked her to wait a moment.

Being alone with Jiang Nan, this was exactly what Xiao Ran wanted.

Standing beside Jiang Nan, she followed her gaze to the river, thinking that Jiang Nan must like the water.

She reviewed the techniques from One Hundred Ways to Woo a Woman.

After an internal struggle, Xiao Ran, too embarrassed to speak, hesitated.

Seeing Jiang Nan about to move away, she panicked and mustered her courage, parting her lips softly. “The murmuring stream, the rippling blue waves.”

Jiang Nan, startled by the sudden words, snapped out of her thoughts.

Was she complimenting the river?

Glancing at the water, Jiang Nan replied, “This river is indeed lovely.”

A moment later, Jiang Nan’s palms grew slightly damp with sweat. She looked up at the sky.

The clouds around the sun grew increasingly sparse, leaving the scorching sun glaring brightly in the sky, its heat making people restless.

So Jiang Nan asked Xiao Ran, “The autumn heat is relentless. Why don’t we take shelter under the trees?”

Xiao Ran glanced at the blazing sun. Under Jiang Nan’s gaze, her face flushed slightly as she racked her brain for an idiom.

After a long pause, she finally uttered slowly, “The sun burns like fire; let us rest in the shade.”

Jiang Nan blinked in surprise.

This was this her way of agreeing?

The two walked beneath the dense parasol trees by the bridge, the stifling heat on their bodies dissipating almost instantly.

When A-Jiu returned after finishing his errands, Jiang Nan said to Xiao Ran, “Let’s go, time to get in the carriage.”

“The horse neighs, the bells chime naturally, naturally we shall ride,” Xiao Ran murmured, furrowing her brows as she struggled to piece together the four-character idiom, then looked at Jiang Nan with hopeful eyes.

…

Jiang Nan stood frozen in place, staring straight at Xiao Ran.

The latter’s heart fluttered with excitement.

The Hundred Ways to Woo a Woman really worked! Sister Jiang was looking at her like this now!

“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Jiang Nan said, puzzled. “Why do you keep speaking in four-character phrases? It’s strange.”

Xiao Ran’s heart sank.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

The book said this tactic would surely make women see her in a new light.

Well, she was looking at her…

Jiang Nan stepped forward and touched Xiao Ran’s forehead, raising an eyebrow. “No fever! Have you been studying too hard?”

Suddenly touched by the person she had been longing for, Xiao Ran’s face turned crimson, the heat spreading rapidly to her ears and neck, burning fiercely.

Dazed, Xiao Ran thought. This still counted as success, right?

It was just a shame the touch had been so brief.

Stammering, Xiao Ran managed, “N-now it’s hot… Sister Jiang, would you like to…?”

Jiang Nan didn’t catch it. “Huh?”

Xiao Ran tugged at her sash, bashful. “Never mind…”

Once they boarded the carriage, the coachman turned and said they couldn’t proceed. The road ahead was blocked.

Jiang Nan sent A’Tuo to check the situation.

Soon, A-Jiu returned and whispered in Jiang Nan’s ear, “A dozen or so people are brawling up ahead, some even wielding knives. No one dares to intervene. The constables arrived but couldn’t stop them. To prevent bystanders from getting hurt, they’ve sealed off the road. No telling how long it’ll take to resolve.”

No telling how long?

Jiang Nan glanced at the sun. If they delayed any further, they might not reach Yangcheng until midnight.

She decided to take a look herself.

Jiang Nan stepped out of the carriage.

She stopped Xiao Ran from following. “Wait here for me.”

Locking eyes with Xiao Ran, she finally came up with an excuse after a long pause: “I need to use the latrine. I’ll be back soon.”

If she told the truth, Xiao Ran might insist on coming along. Better to make up a reason to keep her waiting obediently.

If Xiao Ran went and got hurt, Jiang Nan wouldn’t know how to explain it to her aunt. Xiao Wan had just sent over a pile of gifts that morning, asking her to look after Xiao Ran.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yun, having learned at Tongfu Inn that Jiang Nan had just checked out, hurried in the direction the innkeeper had pointed, hoping to catch up with them.

Jiang Nan’s demeanor yesterday had clearly marked her as a wealthy young lady. Xiao Yun had finally stumbled upon such an opportunity. She couldn’t let this golden goose slip away!

After walking a stretch, the crowd behind her suddenly swelled.

A wall of people formed, shoving Xiao Yun relentlessly outward.

Someone nearby was shouting, “Hurry up, hurry! If the road gets completely blocked off, we won’t be able to go home tonight!”

Blocked off?

Xiao Yun was still in a daze when she suddenly spotted Jiang Nan and A-Jiu walking against the flow of the crowd on the opposite side of the street.

She was frantic, wanting to cross over and greet Jiang Nan. But she couldn’t move an inch. She called out loudly, but amidst the crowd’s curses and grumbles, her voice was drowned out. She waved at Jiang Nan, but not even a glance came her way. In the end, she could only watch as Jiang Nan disappeared into the sea of people, sighing in frustration.

Xiao Yun was jostled by the crowd for a while before the pushing finally eased at a fork in the road.

She was free again!

Just as she was debating whether to take a detour back, she suddenly spotted Xiao Ran standing beside a carriage near the bridge.

Straightening her disheveled clothes, she walked over with a smile and greeted her, “Isn’t this Miss Xiao? What are you doing here?”

“I’m waiting for Sister Jiang,” Xiao Ran replied.

Xiao Yun understood immediately.

Curious, she asked Xiao Ran, “Where did Miss Jiang go?”

Xiao Ran found this woman a bit annoying. Ever since they’d met yesterday, she was always asking questions. But she still answered politely, “Sister Jiang went to the restroom. She’ll be back soon.”

Xiao Yun paused in confusion, then couldn’t help but laugh. “No way, you’re way too easy to fool!”

She watched as the faint smile on Xiao Ran’s face faded almost to nothingness, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction.

Xiao Yun continued, “Miss Jiang tricked you. She didn’t go to the restroom, she left you behind and went somewhere else.”

Xiao Ran fell silent, her eyes dimming slightly.

Even though Xiao Ran’s quiet demeanor resembled a fragile falling petal, Xiao Yun had no intention of being gentle or considerate.

She pressed on, “Did she tell you anything at all? Seems like she’s not what you thought she was.”

She doesn’t care about you. You two aren’t anything important to each other.

Does it hurt? Are you sad? Hurry up and leave so you can make room for someone else.

“No, you’re wrong.”

Xiao Ran shook her head lightly and looked at the woman trying to sow discord.

Xiao Yun’s smirk hadn’t yet fully faded.

“She lied to me because she cares about me,” Xiao Ran said softly but firmly.

She didn’t know what Jiang Nan was doing.

But she believed that if someone took the effort to deceive another, at least they’d put in the effort!