When the Cannon Fodder Meets the Love-Brained Female Supporting Character - Episode 44

Yu Qian followed behind, her eyes subtly shifting.

A faint ache throbbed in her chest.

There had been a time when she, too, had felt her heart stir for Jiang Nan. How could she not have been moved by such a remarkable and capable woman, one who stood out from the crowd and had saved her from dire straits?

Yu Qian was doing well now. Though her life wasn’t as leisurely as it had been when she was a young lady of privilege, she had learned the skills to make a living. These skills gave her confidence—she no longer needed to rely on others or cater to their whims. Even if offered immense wealth, she wouldn’t trade this independence.

In a few days, Jiang Nan would send her to another town to manage a branch store.

At the thought, Yu Qian’s gaze softened.

Jiang Nan had helped her so much, securing her a bright future. How could she let her selfish feelings disrupt their harmony?

Yu Qian spoke slowly, “Congratulations.”

Fang Rui also caught on and grinned. “Ah, congratulations! Looks like I’ll have to start saving up again—I’ll give you the biggest red envelope when the time comes.”

Night fell, and the system reappeared.

It announced, “Congratulations, Host. Your mission is complete. You may now claim your reward—returning to the modern world.”

Jiang Nan turned her head, glancing at Xiao Ran, who was sleeping soundly in the room. She shook her head. “I’m not going back.”

The system’s voice carried a ripple of surprise. “You truly don’t wish to return? This system will no longer appear in this world after this.”

“Yes, I’m not going back,” Jiang Nan said firmly.

In the modern world, she had millions in assets, but what she had here far surpassed that wealth.

“I have just one request,” Jiang Nan said. “Donate all my modern savings.”

She didn’t want the money, nor would she let her so-called “family” benefit from it.

After a moment of silence, the system replied, “Very well.”

Jiang Nan looked up at the stars again, their twinkling lights flickering in the night sky.

Another incense stick’s worth of time passed before the system’s mechanical voice sounded once more. “Host Jiang Nan has completed the mission. Wishing the host a happy life—System 1031.”

With that, it fell silent forever.

Jiang Nan knew it was truly gone.

When she returned to the room, Xiao Ran seemed to be dreaming, murmuring softly in her sleep. Jiang Nan tucked the blanket around her and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Time flowed like water.

The Hidden Fragrance Teahouse had long since established its foothold in Qu City.

With its reputation solidified in the provincial capital, expanding to other towns became much easier. Many sought to join as franchisees. Jiang Nan agreed, but with two conditions: they had to procure their own supplies, and they had to adhere strictly to the tea-making standards, never substituting inferior ingredients. Inspectors would make unannounced visits from time to time.

These conditions were unheard of, unprecedented. But because Hidden Fragrance offered great benefits and had a sterling reputation, after weighing their options, they were still willing to join.

Jiang Nan said to Fang Rui, “See? No need for you to run around everywhere. They’ll come to you.”

Fang Rui nodded in admiration. “Boss, you’re amazing.”

Two months later, Hidden Fragrance opened five or six more branches, firmly establishing itself as the largest teahouse chain in Ji Province—unrivaled.

New Year’s Eve arrived, and new buds sprouted on the mountain trees.

Some hung spring couplets, others lanterns, and the sound of firecrackers filled the air all day. The entire city of Yang was bathed in festive joy.

Children ran through the streets and alleys collecting festive treats, while mischievous youngsters dressed as mythical beasts to startle passersby. By noon, the rich aroma of meals wafted from every household, scattering the children like startled birds as they hurried home to eat.

Xiao Ran hung one paper-cut after another on willow branches, creating a vibrant display of red blossoms against green foliage from afar, radiating festive joy.

Qin Wan returned to Yangcheng as promised.

Dressed in a spirited outfit, she brimmed with energy, as if overflowing with boundless vitality. Behind her trailed over a dozen mules, each laden with treasures she had collected.

Jiang Nan and Xiao Ran opened the door together to welcome her.

Qin Wan first offered a proper New Year’s greeting: “Wishing my dear sister and sister-in-law a joyful New Year, endless happiness and prosperity.”

“All these,” she gestured behind her, “are New Year gifts for you.”

With a single glance, Jiang Nan could tell these items were extraordinary.

“Why such lavish gifts?” Jiang Nan chuckled. “A simple token of goodwill would have sufficed.”

Qin Wan smiled in return. “Only the finest gifts are worthy of such a wonderful sister.”

“Here’s a red envelope for you.” Jiang Nan handed her a thick, bulging packet. “May all your wishes come true, and may your path ahead be smooth. If you ever grow weary, come back—this will always be your home.”

Xiao Ran also presented her own prepared red envelope, equally thick, flashing her a warm smile.

Qin Wan accepted them, her eyes reddening slightly as she nodded firmly.

Before long, Yu Qian arrived to pay her New Year respects.

Jiang Nan asked, “Where’s Fang Rui?”

Yu Qian replied, “The assistant manager was dragged off by her parents to visit relatives.”

Wa Ji Village

Fang Rui irritably shook off her mother’s grip. “I’m not going anymore. We’ve already visited five households and crossed five hills today—isn’t this exhausting?”

Her mother frowned. “Nonsense! We’re not even pressuring you to marry anymore. Just visiting relatives during the New Year—what’s so tiring about that? Do you want to cut ties with your family?”

This conversation had already repeated several times.

Fang Rui sighed, rubbing her sore muscles. This was more exhausting than managing multiple teahouses. She asked, “How many more do we have to visit?”

Her mother answered, “About ten. We’ll try to finish within three days.”

Fang Rui grumbled inwardly—anyone watching would think they were on some kind of mission, not just visiting relatives!

After the time it took to burn several incense sticks, they crossed yet another hill and arrived at another relative’s home.

“Relative” was a loose term—this was more like the sister of a cousin’s niece, a connection so distant Fang Rui had only met them once in her life, back when she was a baby.

Their way of bonding inevitably involved the classic line: “I held you when you were just a baby!”

The moment Fang Rui stepped into the courtyard, dozens of unfamiliar faces turned toward her in unison. Each pair of eyes gleamed with enthusiasm, smiles brimming with expectation, making even the usually unflappable assistant manager of the Hidden Fragrance Teahouse—who handled customers with ease—feel thoroughly unsettled.

She didn’t recognize a single one of them.

Yet her mother was perfectly at ease. In moments like these, her memory suddenly sharpened as she led Fang Rui around to “reconnect” with each relative.

“This is your Third Great-Uncle, this is your Second Aunt, this is your Great-Aunt—your grandmother’s sister—this is your Uncle’s cousin…” Her mother guided her from table to table, introducing them one by one.

The relatives chimed in with remarks like: “You’ve grown so tall!” “So beautiful now!” “You’ve done well for yourself!” “What have you been up to lately?” “Are you betrothed yet?”

Fang Rui felt nothing but pressure, her head spinning. She mechanically repeated names in greeting, growing numb by the end.

After barely managing to eat something and rest for a while, Fang’s mother urged her to visit the next relative.

Fang Rui refused.

“What’s the point of acknowledging all these useless relatives? Go yourself if you want.”

Fang’s mother frowned. “How is it useless? You’re currently the deputy manager of a teahouse. If business slows down someday, you can ask them to support you. If you run into any difficulties, you can call on them for help.”

Fang Rui almost laughed.

The Hidden Fragrance Teahouse didn’t need their help. Besides, they were never around—why would they suddenly lend a hand?

Fang Rui felt a pang of sadness. She’d much rather spend the New Year with her boss and the others.

Then an idea struck her.

“Mother, are you saying we’re only visiting relatives who might be useful to us in the future?”

“Exactly! You’re finally starting to understand.”

.

Fang Rui took her parents to Jiang Xiao Manor for New Year’s greetings.

The moment the two of them saw the dozen or so people seated in the main hall, their pupils shrank. Each was dressed in luxurious robes, exuding an extraordinary aura—none of them could compare to their so-called relatives.

All eyes turned toward the elderly couple, waiting for them to speak.

Fang’s mother hunched her shoulders nervously, while Fang’s father rubbed his fingers together, neither daring to lift their heads.

Fang Rui, however, felt completely at home.

She introduced her companions to her parents.

“The one seated in the place of honor is our boss, Jiang Nan. She’s the owner of the Hidden Fragrance Teahouse, overseeing more than a dozen teahouses. She’s brilliant and kind-hearted—everyone under her respects her.”

Fang’s mother glanced up.

The woman smiled at them, her beauty transcendent, her brows like distant mountains, her every movement graceful as a celestial being.

Fang’s mother’s eyes stung as if pricked, and she quickly lowered her gaze, murmuring nervously, “Greetings, Manager Jiang.”

Jiang Nan nodded. “Greetings to you as well.”

Fang Rui continued the introductions. “Next to Boss Jiang is Sister Xiao, Xiao Ran. She’s one of the most famous embroiderers in Yangcheng—her orders are booked until next year.”

Fang’s parents looked up again.

Xiao Ran’s face was as radiant as peach blossoms, her beauty ethereal—another extraordinary figure.

“Greetings, Miss Xiao.”

“Greetings to you!”

“This next one is truly impressive. Qin Wan, leader of the Qin Xin merchant caravan. Right now, all goods in the southeastern region rely on her. She’s even earned the emperor’s favor—such remarkable achievements at such a young age!” Fang Rui said with a smile.

Qin Wan was dressed casually, but her years of leading caravans gave her a presence no less imposing than the previous two, leaving no room for underestimation.

Fang’s parents bowed their heads even lower.

“And this is Yu Qian, manager of a Hidden Fragrance Teahouse branch…”

Fang Rui led them through introductions one by one. Their expressions shifted dramatically—from timid and hesitant to utterly numb.

Yet they couldn’t just leave.

Any one of these people was far more “useful” than all their relatives combined.

Finally, after the introductions were over, Fang’s parents discreetly wiped the cold sweat from their brows.

They took their seats as the group of more than a dozen began discussing “strategies” and “marketing”—concepts Fang’s parents couldn’t comprehend at all.

They endured like this for an entire hour.

To Fang’s parents, that hour felt like an eternity.

Then a servant from the kitchen announced that the New Year’s Eve feast was ready.

Fang Rui turned to her parents. “I’m staying to eat with Boss and the others. Will you join us?”

Fang’s father quickly waved his hands. “No, no, we wouldn’t understand anything. We wouldn’t want to dampen your spirits. We’ll head home now.”

Fang Rui feigned disappointment. “Alright then.”

.

Jiangnan had prepared a large round table, big enough to seat over a dozen people.

The table was set up in the courtyard, where everyone could enjoy the fireworks, admire the moon, and listen to the distant sounds of firecrackers.

The brazier beside the table burned brightly,

while the table itself was laden with an abundance of delicious food, exuding an enticing aroma. Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone was in high spirits.

Fang Rui teased, “Boss, when are you getting married? We’re all waiting for the wedding banquet!”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Jiangnan glanced at Xiao Ran, who had sipped a couple of drinks, her cheeks flushed with an intoxicating red. “Soon,” she replied.

“Yay! We can’t wait!”

“Come on, let’s toast. Happy New Year, everyone!”

“Cheers!”

“Happy New Year!”

Everyone raised their glasses high, the crisp clinking of porcelain creating the finest melody of the night.

.

By evening, everyone was thoroughly drunk. Staggering and stumbling, they could barely find their way out.

Fang Rui hugged a large tree and exclaimed, “Ah, isn’t this my big white dog? Come here, give me a kiss! Mwah, mwah!”

Jiangnan grabbed her by the collar, utterly disgusted. “Don’t kiss it, that’s filthy.”

Fang Rui spotted Jiangnan and grinned foolishly. “Hello, Boss. I’m Second-in-Command.”

Jiangnan had no choice but to let them stay overnight at Jiang-Xiao Manor.

As a businesswoman, modern commerce inevitably involved social drinking. Thus, her alcohol tolerance was decent. In this ancient era where liquor was far weaker than in modern times, she could even boast of being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.

And so, she became the only sober person in the room—but being the only sober one came at a price: handling the aftermath.

After Jiangnan had settled everything, she massaged her sore shoulders and returned to her room, only to find Xiao Ran sitting on the bed, her face flushed red, staring straight at her.

Jiangnan gently ruffled her little head.

“Time to sleep.”

“No.” Xiao Ran shook her head. “Sister hasn’t accepted my New Year’s gift yet!”

“Alright, where’s my gift?” Jiangnan chuckled.

Xiao Ran removed her outer robe, leaving only a crimson bellyband, her snow-white skin exposed beneath. She took Jiangnan’s hand and guided it to the ribbons of her bellyband, slowly, deliberately tying them into a bow.

“Here it is.”

Her eyes shimmered, her lips like cinnabar, her lashes fluttering slightly. She tilted her slender, graceful neck, her expression dreamy, like a ripe, luscious red fruit waiting to be plucked.

Tonight would be a sleepless night.

(The End)