When the Cannon Fodder Meets the Love-Brained Female Supporting Character - Episode 38

After that day, Xiao Ran stopped coming for many days.

Jiang Nan thought she could forget about these matters, but to her surprise, the melancholy in her heart didn’t lessen in the slightest.

Occasionally, she would catch a glimpse of someone who resembled Xiao Ran in the crowd and unconsciously pause her work to look. But when the person lifted their head, and she realized it wasn’t the one she longed for, the bitterness in her heart would grow tenfold.

Her desire to see Xiao Ran only intensified with each passing day.

Over time, even someone as carefree as Fang Rui noticed Jiang Nan’s unusual behavior.

She and Yu Qian watched Jiang Nan from a distance.

“What’s wrong with the boss?”

Yu Qian, being more perceptive, said, “Maybe it’s because someone stopped coming.”

“Pfft, what’s the big deal? That’s just how business is. Some people come often, others never come back.”

“No, you don’t understand.”

Half a day later, Fang Rui hurriedly brought something to Jiang Nan. “This was sent by Miss Xiao.”

Jiang Nan looked and felt a flicker in her pupils. She recognized it at once, it was Xiao Ran’s cloak.

The cloak carried a faint floral scent, and even after several months, it looked as pristine as new, clearly well cared for.

But now, after all this time, it had been returned to her.

Jiang Nan mustered all her strength to suppress the overwhelming surge of sorrow in her heart.

Holding the cloak, she gently stroked the fur lining, imagining that Xiao Ran had once touched the same spot.

________________________________________

Winter arrived, and on the very first day of the season, heavy snow began to fall in flurries.

Jiang Nan and Xiao Ran hadn’t seen each other for half a month. As expected, Jiang Huai no longer ran into Xiao Ran. He was too busy dealing with the parade of young women his father had arranged for him to meet.

Fang Rui sat across from Jiang Nan and mischievously drew a little flower on the fogged-up window. “The snow’s getting heavier. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the beautiful Xiao. Did you two have a fight?”

Jiang Nan replied, “She probably won’t come back.”

Fang Rui asked curiously, “What was the fight about?”

Jiang Nan opened the window slightly, letting the snowflakes drift in and melt on the table. “If staying away from someone could prevent them from being hurt, what would you do?”

Fang Rui was taken aback. “…But by staying away, you’ve already hurt them.”

“What if getting closer would cause even greater harm?”

“But boss, how do you know which pain is worse? If staying apart means both of you suffer for the rest of your lives, isn’t it better to be brave just once? I don’t know much about love, but I do know that when two people are together, as long as they truly understand and care for each other, their hearts will be happy. And in the face of that happiness, things like physical harm don’t matter much. Cherishing the person in front of you and the moment you have that’s what’s most important.”

Jiang Nan stretched out her slender fingers to catch a snowflake drifting in from outside. It melted the instant it touched her skin, vanishing without a trace.

A customer arrived downstairs, and Fang Rui got up to greet them.

The spacious third floor was left with only Jiang Nan once again.

Fang Rui’s somewhat clumsy reasoning had brought clarity to Jiang Nan’s heart.

Yes, cherish the present.

The light in Jiang Nan’s eyes grew brighter.

She had been trapped in a mental rut, blindly avoiding risks, only to end up hurting both their hearts.

What was the Jiang family, anyway? Without the predetermined fate, they were nothing!

At worst, she could stop being a Jiang, she could take the surname Wang!

No, “Wang” didn’t sound nice either. Why should she give up the Jiang name?

Better to make the rest of the Jiang family change their surname to “Wang” instead.

Jiang Nan activated the system: “If a piece of clothing is torn and someone mends it haphazardly, making it unsightly, wouldn’t it be better to just tear it apart completely and not bother mending it at all? What do you think?”

The system fell silent for an unusually long time before responding slowly, “You cannot kill the male or female leads. Otherwise, the world might descend into chaos.”

Jiang Nan caught the underlying implication.

As long as they weren’t killed, anything else was permissible.

The system, reading her thoughts, said, “The reason I’m not advising you to proceed this way is that there’s no precedent. We, the system, have no idea what might happen afterward. Are you really willing to gamble on this?”

Jiang Nan replied firmly, “Yes.”

This time, the system didn’t stop her but instead reminded her, “There are only two weeks left before everything is settled.”

Two weeks…

Prompted by the system, Jiang Nan remembered in half a month, Jiang Huai would leave for the capital to take the imperial examinations.

Though the male lead usually seemed anything but bright, in the story’s setup, he was actually quite scholarly.

Once he passed the exams and his father was promoted, he would request the emperor’s decree to marry both a wife and concubines before relocating to the capital.

At that point, no one could defy the imperial order.

Jiang Nan instructed A-Jiu to fetch writing materials. She penned a letter and handed it to her, saying, “Go to the largest tree in my tea plantation outside the city and retrieve the bronze mask buried there. Then take the fastest horse to find Chen Zemin, the Metropolitan Governor. The round trip should take about half a month.”

A-Jiu acknowledged the order and set off immediately.

Fang Rui, having just finished attending to guests, came upstairs and overheard snippets of Jiang Nan and A-Jiu’s conversation.

“Were you talking about masks?” Fang Rui asked with a smile. “I was just about to mention something to you, boss.”

Jiang Nan looked at her curiously.

Fang Rui held up a butterfly-shaped mask, placing it over her face so it covered the upper half. She then removed it and said, “In two days, it’ll be the winter Mask Lantern Festival by the Red River. It’s said to be an opportunity for single men and women to meet before the new year. There’ll be lanterns, lots of delicious food, and fun activities. Would you like to go, boss?”

Mask Lantern Festival?

An image immediately surfaced in Jiang Nan’s mind.

If she could go with that person, it would be perfect.

Jiang Nan went to the neighboring street and picked out two masks. One shaped like an otter, the other like a deer.

When she returned to the teahouse, Wei Su, standing by the door watching the snow, called out to her.

“Where have you been?”

“Buying masks.”

Wei Su smiled knowingly. “Ah, so you’re planning to attend the Mask Lantern Festival.”

Jiang Nan walked over, masks in hand. “There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

Wei Su held her long pipe between her fingers, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “Go on.”

“Help me give this deer mask to Xiao Ran. Don’t tell her it’s from me.”

The white smoke curled upward, dissipating between them. Wei Su studied her before suddenly laughing.

“Of course. I’d be happy to. Is the other mask for yourself?” Wei Su eyed the dull, grayish mask in Jiang Nan’s hand with distaste. “It’s hideous.”

Jiang Nan nodded, holding up the nearly monochrome brown mask, slightly puzzled.

Was it really that bad? It was in the same color palette as Xiao Ran’s deer mask.

Wei Su pursed her lips. “Just wait.”

She turned and went back into Wei’s Teahouse, returning with a red-and-white fox mask that was undeniably several times more striking than Jiang Nan’s choice.

“This snow fox pairs much better with the deer!” Wei Su shoved the fox mask into Jiang Nan’s arms. “Try it on.”

Jiang Nan obediently put it on.

Wei Su nodded in satisfaction and handed her a bronze mirror to take a look.

The snow fox mask was exquisitely crafted, with a few streaks of bright red on its snow-white ears and crimson eyeshadow encircling the eyes, blending purity with a hint of enchantment. Once Jiang Nan wore it, her peach-blossom eyes breathed life into the mask, making the fox’s gaze bright and alluring.

Her naturally rosy lips stood out even more than usual.

“Looks good, doesn’t it?” Wei Su asked.

“Thank you,” Jiang Nan replied. “What about the other mask?”

Wei Su said, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s delivered. Speaking of which, why don’t you deliver it yourself? And why ask me to keep it a secret?”

Jiang Nan fell silent for a moment before answering, “She might not be willing to accept a mask from me.”

Wei Su shrugged. “Alright then.”

The Mask Lantern Festival arrived swiftly.

As night fell, the streets whether lined with shops or stalls were adorned with all kinds of lanterns. Strings of vibrant lanterns stretched overhead, depicting animals, flowers, and plants, their glow intertwining with the moonlight to form a breathtaking scene.

Jiang Nan walked through the bustling streets, where crowds packed the riverside, stretching as far as the eye could see.

She searched one by one, and when she spotted a girl wearing a deer mask, she couldn’t contain her excitement and rushed forward to grab her.

The girl turned around in confusion. “What are you?”

The moment she spoke, Jiang Nan knew it wasn’t Xiao Ran. She quickly let go, apologized, and continued her search.

After a long while, Jiang Nan finally spotted Xiao Ran at a small tea stall.

Xiao Ran sat quietly, sipping tea, wearing the deer mask Jiang Nan had sent her. She seemed serene and detached, as if the bustling crowd around her didn’t exist.

Jiang Nan pushed through the throng and approached her, her heart pounding. “Miss, would you like to admire the lanterns with me?”

Xiao Ran lifted her dewy eyes. A perfect match for the delicate deer mask.

Her lips curved slightly as she replied softly, “Alright.”

Jiang Nan handed her a handheld lantern she had bought as a gift.

The two walked side by side.

Suddenly, a carriage rushed past, and Jiang Nan pulled Xiao Ran aside just in time to avoid it.

Seizing the moment, Jiang Nan grasped Xiao Ran’s hand. “This is better.”

Then, she felt those slender fingers slowly intertwine with hers, locking them together.

Jiang Nan’s mind went blank, her heartbeat racing uncontrollably.

Xiao Ran’s hand was softer and more delicate than she had imagined, her fingertips bearing faint calluses.

Jiang Nan tightened their interlaced fingers, unwilling to let go.

Both their temperatures rose rapidly, their palms burning hot yet neither wanted to release the other’s hand.

First, they went to the riverside to release a lantern.

The lantern drifted slowly downstream, joining countless others carrying people’s wishes, shimmering as they floated into the distance.

Jiang Nan asked Xiao Ran what wish she had made.

Xiao Ran tilted her head and smiled. “How could I easily reveal my wish to an outsider?”

Jiang Nan’s heart clenched.

Fine, it was all her fault.

Later, they went to the bridge by the Red River, where ropes were adorned with countless red love knots, creating a spectacular sight.

Jiang Nan asked softly, “Shall we tie one too?”

Xiao Ran pressed her lips together and refused coyly, “No. We’re not even close.”

Jiang Nan sighed inwardly.

She still asked the vendor for two love knots. Thinking that Xiao Ran was still resentful and wouldn’t write her own name on it, she silently wrote Xiao Ran’s name on the other one.

Xiao Ran, seeing this, asked, “Will it still work if it’s not written by the person themselves?”

The vendor’s eyes darted around, afraid Jiang Nan might change her mind: “Of course! As long as both hearts are sincere, it doesn’t matter who writes it.”

Xiao Ran said nothing more.

After hanging the love knots, the two went to watch the iron fireworks—sparks flying everywhere, dazzling and dreamlike.

Xiao Ran turned her head slightly, blinking at Jiang Nan.

As if to say, Look, it’s so beautiful.

Jiang Nan’s heart melted like ice cream, sweet and soft beyond measure. She reached out and ruffled Xiao Ran’s hair.

Finally, they found a quiet, empty spot to watch the fireworks.

Colorful bursts lit up the entire sky, fleeting like shooting stars.

“I really do blame you a little sister,” Xiao Ran murmured, her voice barely audible, laced with a trace of unwillingness.

Hearing this, Jiang Nan’s heart fluttered nervously. She cupped Xiao Ran’s face and tentatively pressed a kiss to her forehead.

The kiss trailed downward, finally landing on her lips.

Xiao Ran slowly closed her eyes, lashes trembling slightly.

Xiao Ran’s lips were just as Jiang Nan had imagined; sweet, intoxicating.

Their heated breaths intertwined as Jiang Nan deepened the kiss. Everything around them seemed to freeze, as if the world held only the two of them.

Xiao Ran’s chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes glistening, lips moist and flushed, marked red from the kiss.

Jiang Nan pulled away. “I was wrong. Actually, I—”

Xiao Ran’s expression suddenly changed. She shoved Jiang Nan away with force.

Jiang Nan staggered back a few steps, her pupils reflecting a dark object plummeting from the sky right onto Xiao Ran.

It was a tree. For some reason, it had collapsed.

Jiang Nan’s limbs turned ice-cold. Panicked, she rushed over, trying to lift the tree. The trunk wasn’t too large, and after some effort, she managed to move it aside.

“Xiao Ran, wake up. Don’t fall asleep,” Jiang Nan called urgently.

In her daze, Xiao Ran saw Jiang Nan running toward her, stumbling, her hair disheveled. It was the first time she’d seen her so frantic.

She wanted to speak, but the searing pain quickly dragged her into unconsciousness.

Jiang Nan carried Xiao Ran to the clinic on her back.

After examining her, the middle-aged physician said, “Her condition isn’t too bad, just two broken ribs.”

Jiang Nan gripped Xiao Ran’s hand tightly. The latter’s palms were always cold, and she wanted to warm them.

“Then why hasn’t she woken up yet?” she asked.

“Shock and pain have caused a mild fever. I’ll prescribe some medicine first,” the physician replied before preparing the medications.

After a quarter of an hour, he finished and handed them to Jiang Nan. “This one is an anti-inflammatory. Brew it and have her drink it. This is a topical ointment for the wounds to aid healing. Alright, the family can take her home now.”

Jiang Nan nodded, then carried Xiao Ran back to her house.

Xiao Ran woke briefly along the way. Whether from feverish delirium or not, she mumbled upon seeing Jiang Nan, “Sister, I didn’t mean to say we weren’t close. I thought you had your reasons, so I played along.”

Jiang Nan was silent for a moment before replying, “Mm. I didn’t mean to either.”

“And… that dress. I didn’t want to return it to you. When Yue Xue came to my house and saw it, she said she’d seen you wear it before and kept pressing me for an explanation. I told her you lent it to me to cover myself, but she didn’t believe me and asked why I hadn’t returned it yet. I remembered that you didn’t want to be associated with me, so I figured you wouldn’t want others to know. I had no choice but to find someone to return it to you.” Xiao Ran mumbled drowsily.

Jiangnan’s heart clenched. She tightened her grip on the person on her back. “Alright, I understand.”

“When I wake up, you…” Xiao Ran’s eyes welled up with tears as she pouted pitifully. “Sister, you have to remember to give it back to me, okay?”

Jiangnan forced a smile. “Alright, once you’re better, you can pick any dress from my wardrobe.”

“Can I live in your wardrobe too?” Xiao Ran, still dazed and unable to think straight, asked blankly.

“That might not work. The wardrobe’s too small,” Jiangnan rejected the odd request. “Let’s find somewhere bigger to live.”

Xiao Ran pursed her lips and obediently replied, “Oh.”

“Go to sleep for a bit. I’ll brew some medicine for you later.” Jiangnan turned her head and kissed Xiao Ran lightly on the cheek.

Xiao Ran obediently closed her eyes, but not long after, she suddenly opened them again, tears brimming in her gaze.

“Sister, no matter how you treat me just don’t push me away, okay? As long as I can stay by your side, I’ll be happy.” Her eyes were red-rimmed, tears falling like broken pearls, quickly soaking the fabric over Jiangnan’s shoulder.

Jiangnan’s heart ached, but she couldn’t wipe away the tears. She soothed her instead. “It’s my fault, all my fault. Please don’t cry anymore, okay?”

“Then promise me you won’t say those things again.” Xiao Ran rubbed her face messily against Jiangnan’s back, smearing away the tears.

The damp patch only grew larger.

Jiangnan promised, “I’ll never say them again.”

With those words, Xiao Ran finally drifted into peaceful unconsciousness.

Before long, Jiangnan finally arrived at Xiao Ran’s home.

This was the first time she had truly stepped inside. Before, she had only ever lingered outside the courtyard.

The house was filled with bouquets of flowers. Xiao Ran had a deft hand, weaving floral wreaths to hang on the walls, lending the simple stone dwelling an unconventional beauty.

Jiangnan laid Xiao Ran on the bed and went to brew the medicine.

In the courtyard, she spotted Xiao Ran’s orange cat. Plump and nearly blind, it came bounding over, rolling onto its back to show its belly in a playful display only to let out a startled yowl and dash away the moment it recognized Jiangnan’s face.

Loving the owner, Jiangnan couldn’t help but find even this cat more endearing and spirited than others.

She tossed it two pieces of sinewy beef. The cat crept over cautiously, stretching a paw to poke at the meat only for its sharp claws to get stuck. Panicked, it flailed in place, only to impale the other piece of meat with its hind leg. Utterly overwhelmed, it bolted into the bushes, both chunks of beef still skewered on its paws.

The sight of a cat sprinting away with meat stuck to both front and back paws made Jiangnan burst into laughter.

She crouched down to brew Xiao Ran’s medicine.

It didn’t take long to finish.

When Jiangnan returned to the room, Xiao Ran was still fast asleep, showing no signs of waking. She decided to let the boiling medicine cool before rousing her to drink it.

Noticing the wide-open window, she walked over and closed it.

Jiang Nan lowered her head and caught sight of the book 100 Ways to Pursue a Girl, just as her eyes landed on the title of the first technique, followed by Xiao Ran’s meticulously written notes and summaries.

At first, she wondered what kind of strange book this was and flipped through a few more pages.

When she saw the titles of the second, third, and fourth techniques, along with the elegant, hundred-word summaries written afterward, realization dawned on her, her pupils trembled in shock.

A string in Jiang Nan’s heart was plucked violently.

So, all those moments she had thought Xiao Ran was just being foolish… had actually been her earnestly pursuing her?

She really…

Just then, Xiao Ran, lying on the bed, let out a soft moan and slowly woke up, her face flushed with fever.

Her expression was slightly dazed as she stared blankly at Jiang Nan.

Jiang Nan quickly brought over the warm medicine and fed it to her. “Here, drink this.”

Xiao Ran obediently opened her mouth and drank it all down, still looking somewhat out of it.

But when Jiang Nan began to tug at her clothes, Xiao Ran snapped awake instantly.

She remembered what her aunt had told her. Before marriage, certain things should not be done.

Blushing, Xiao Ran covered her chest. “Sister, no! We can’t do this!”

“…” Jiang Nan sighed helplessly. “Be good, I need to apply the medicine.”

Xiao Ran bit her lower lip and shook her head. “I’ll do it myself.” She tried to get up, but a sharp, knife-like pain shot through her chest, forcing her to freeze in place.

“Let me do it.” Jiang Nan’s ears burned red. “You… you’re just a little girl, not even fully developed yet. What’s there to be shy about?”

Hearing this, the shyness on Xiao Ran’s face was swiftly replaced by something akin to indignation.

She protested, “I—I am fully developed!”