High-Altitude Worker, Unfortunately a Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Role - Chapter 44

Ten minutes earlier, the miners had been overly enthusiastic, relentlessly inviting Zhao Ke to meet their boss. Unable to refuse, she followed them gratefully.

As they traversed the mine, Zhao Ke chatted casually with the workers while keeping an eye on the Live Stream Room.

The Bullet Screen had been filled with jokes about English puns, but suddenly the tone shifted dramatically.

Zhao Ke, the chairman of this mine is your father!

Zhao Ke: ???

Is this a typo? Or is this viewer daydreaming on my behalf?

How could I have a father, let alone one who owns a mine?

But this outlandish claim wasn’t an isolated incident.

The mine owner’s surname is Zhao too!

Just came from Qiao Shuxue’s stream—Chairman Zhao mentioned he has a daughter.

Guys, Zhao Ke looks completely clueless! What’s going on? Could this be a mistake?

As Zhao Ke climbed a small hill, her eyes landed on Qiao Shuxue’s radiant smile.

Facing Qiao Shuxue, a man stood with his back to Zhao Ke. His silhouette was unremarkable, indistinguishable from the countless other miners she had met.

Xu Yong, who had been slacking off nearby, noticed Zhao Ke first. His eyes widened in shock.

Damn, isn’t that the young miss? What’s she doing in this godforsaken mine?

Zhao Ke didn’t quite believe the Bullet Screen’s wild claim that the mine owner was her father, but when she saw Xu Yong’s expression—the unmistakable look of someone seeing a long-lost acquaintance—she began to waver.

She tentatively called out, “Dad?”

Whatever. Even if this guy isn’t my dad, getting a whiff of the gold mine owner’s fortune would be a blessing for me, Zhao Ke, right?

After all, who hasn’t dreamed of having a family with a gold mine?

To her surprise, the man facing away from her immediately turned around.

The moment Zhao Sheng saw Zhao Ke, the stern, resistant expression he had been wearing while facing Qiao Shuxue vanished instantly. His face, already tanned crimson by the sun, flushed even brighter as he opened his arms wide, looking like he’d just won the lottery.

“Daughter! What are you doing here? I never expected you to visit me! I’m so touched, waaaah!”

Zhao Sheng darted forward with surprising agility for his size, closing the distance to Zhao Ke in a single stride.

“My darling daughter, have you forgiven me? Oh dear, why would you come to a place like this all by yourself? Are you tired? Hungry?”

Zhao Ke stood stiffly, unable to utter a word, as Zhao Sheng scrutinized her from head to toe.

!!! It’s really him! Aaaaaah!

This show is amazing!

Chairman Zhao is such a daddy’s girl, haha! His voice suddenly went all high-pitched!

Zhao Ke took a small step back. Zhao Sheng’s enthusiasm was overwhelming, and she felt overwhelmed.

“I’m fine,” Zhao Ke replied stiffly.

Wait, is this really my dad?

“Daughter, have you still not forgiven me? I didn’t abandon you on purpose to come to this remote place. The environment here isn’t great, and I was worried you wouldn’t be able to adjust.”

Zhao Sheng explained apologetically, his eyes filled with hopeful anticipation.

My daughter traveled all this way to find me. Does that mean she’s finally forgiven me?

Zhao Ke’s muddled mind slowly began to process.

She struggled to recall the original novel’s plot. She remembered clearly: Under Gu Jason’s manipulation, the Zhao Family’s company finally collapsed completely. Chairman Zhao, who had long resented Zhao Ke, seized the opportunity to flee with his favored illegitimate son, absconding with all the family’s assets and abandoning Zhao Ke to start a new life far away.

So, it was all a misunderstanding?

Zhao Ke’s mind reeled.

Rather than a misunderstanding, a better explanation was that the novel’s narrative unfolded entirely from the perspective of the female lead, Qiao Shuxue.

From Qiao Shuxue’s viewpoint, Zhao Ke had been abandoned by her father. In reality, Zhao Sheng’s business had suffered a temporary setback, prompting him to take a desperate gamble. In his middle age, he decided to seize overseas opportunities, taking his younger brother, who served as his laborer, and their meager savings.

As for Zhao Ke’s original self, she had been blinded by prejudice. Influenced by Qiao Shuxue, Qiao Qinglu, and other negative forces, she stubbornly believed her father had abandoned her and unilaterally cut off contact with him.

Realizing the truth, Zhao Ke looked at the pitiful Zhao Sheng before her and could only offer a comforting reply: “No, I’m not angry with you.”

Since I’ve taken the original Zhao Ke’s place in this story, I should try to make amends wherever possible, she thought.

So, they’ve reconciled?

That’s good. Chairman Zhao’s mining business here must be tough, and Keke’s high-altitude work before was also grueling. I’ve had it rough too, sob sob sob, so touching!

Heh heh heh, if Chairman Zhao knew Zhao Ke wasn’t here specifically to see him but just passing through, would he cry?

Nearby, Qiao Shuxue’s composure completely shattered.

Her pupils constricted to pinpricks, and she unconsciously bit her lip, not even noticing when it drew bl00d.

How is this possible?!

A tidal wave of shock crashed through Qiao Shuxue’s mind.

Hadn’t she instructed Gu Jason to utterly destroy the Zhao Family? How could Zhao Ke’s father have risen from the ashes?

How could the chairman of Africa’s renowned Gold Mine, a man worth countless fortunes, possibly be Zhao Ke’s father?

Qiao Shuxue felt like she was going mad.

Why? Why? Why?!

Why had she endured years of hardship, only to be finally recognized by the Qiao Family, who merely ran a mediocre, unremarkable company?

Meanwhile, Zhao Ke had grown up in luxury, and despite Qiao Shuxue’s painstaking efforts to drag her into the mud, she had somehow emerged even wealthier than before.

What right does Zhao Ke have to this?!

Qiao Shuxue took two steps forward, forcing a smile as she interrupted Zhao Sheng’s one-sided reminiscing with Zhao Ke.

“Chairman Zhao mentioned earlier that Young Chairman Zhao is also working here. Could you tell me what specific responsibilities he oversees?”

Zhao Ke glanced at Qiao Shuxue, her expression surprised.

Qiao Shuxue didn’t know what was happening. The Beauty System seemed unable to properly recognize her facial features, causing her face to flicker in Zhao Ke’s eyes.

Excellent, Zhao Ke thought. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Face-Changing tradition needs talents like Qiao Shuxue.

Zhao Sheng paused, then immediately brightened. “Right! Your brother! Come on, let’s not stand around this mine. I’ll call him and have him take you to the city for some fun.”

As he spoke, Zhao Sheng reached for his phone.

LOL, her brother’s just a tool. If Qiao Shuxue hadn’t mentioned him, would Chairman Zhao have even remembered he existed?

Why call him Chairman Zhao? Since Zhao Ke is my wife now, I won’t be polite. Dad, can I have two gold bars?

If Keke is this beautiful, I’m curious what her brother looks like.

Curious +1. I bet he’s handsome too.

Zhao Ke was confused again. Weren’t they supposed to be half-siblings? Shouldn’t she and her brother be at each other’s throats? Why was Zhao Sheng bringing him up so casually?

Zhao Ke was full of questions but didn’t dare ask.

Zhao Sheng completely ignored Qiao Shuxue’s question.

She stood awkwardly to the side, her entire body trembling with anger.

Zhao Ke’s younger brother would never stand by and watch Chairman Zhao favor Zhao Ke, Qiao Shuxue reassured herself. Yes, that must be it. No man could possibly be indifferent to the inheritance.

Once Chairman Zhao’s son arrives, I refuse to believe Zhao Ke can maintain this composure.

Zhao Sheng dialed the phone, his voice booming, “Hey, where are you? Still in the city? Get to the mine right away—your sister’s here!”

Zhao Sheng practically wanted to announce to the world that his daughter had come to visit. Unfortunately, the surrounding workers were all locals from Africa, and none of them understood his Chinese.

NPC younger brother confirmed.

“My daughter’s here to see me!” (Puffs out chest)(Proud)(Announces to the world)

Surrounding workers: What’s wrong with the boss? This constant raving is getting out of hand.

Zhao Ke had intended to explain that she was here to film a reality show, but Zhao Sheng’s rambling—from her kindergarten wetting accidents to her tearful homesick calls from overseas during college—left her no chance to interrupt.

Yet Zhao Sheng’s genuine emotion gradually moved Zhao Ke, even though she wasn’t the original Zhao Ke. A faint ache stirred in her chest.

Now middle-aged, Zhao Sheng, once he started talking, couldn’t stop.

Enough, enough! Any more and I’ll start hallucinating my own dad.

Chairman Zhao single-handedly shattered my illusions about the wealthy. He’s so down-to-earth!

When is the younger brother arriving? I can barely stay awake. I’m so sleepy I might doze off.

Has anyone noticed Qiao Shuxue? Her face looks… off.

No, you’re probably just imagining things.

About an hour after Zhao Ke’s group arrived at the mine from Johannesburg, Zhao Li appeared in the plaza.

His black G-Wagon exuded understated luxury. Zhao Li, impeccably dressed in a suit, stood tall and dark-skinned, his cold expression resembling a Doberman poised to strike.

Objectively speaking, Zhao Li and Zhao Ke didn’t resemble each other much. Zhao Ke possessed striking bone structure, her sharp features lending her face an aggressive edge. Zhao Li, on the other hand, radiated menace even when he smiled, making it clear he was no good.

Oh my god, he’s so handsome!

I bet the younger brother could knock out ten of me with one punch.

Why does he look so angry? It’s like he’s about to start yelling.

As the bullet screen predicted, Zhao Li emerged from the car, his face dark with displeasure, and strode toward Zhao Ke and her companions.

In the next instant, Zhao Sheng leaped up and slapped Zhao Li sharply on the back of the head.

Whack! The force was perfectly calibrated—enough to startle him without causing injury.

“Hey, you little brat! What’s with the sour face? Greet your sister properly!”

“Dad!”

Zhao Li’s tough act crumbled instantly. He chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head and feigning a complaint.

“I even had to give up 0.3 percentage points to get back to the mine on time.”

Zhao Sheng waved dismissively. “Percentage points? I’m not short on cash. Hurry up, your sister’s here. Take her out for a drive.”

Zhao Ke felt stiff and awkward, unsure how to face Zhao Li.

To her surprise, Zhao Li leaned in, bowing slightly. “Sis, you’re here.”

“Mm-hmm,” Zhao Ke replied.

Damn it! I know nothing about this brother of mine. Someone save me! At least tell me if we share the same mother.

Zhao Li seemed accustomed to Zhao Ke’s aloofness.

Catching a glimpse of the live streaming equipment in her hand, he leaned into the camera and greeted the viewers.

“Hello everyone, good afternoon! I’m Zhao Li, Zhao Ke’s younger brother. It should be afternoon in China right now, right?”

Hello, handsome brother!

Such a cool brother!

He looks fierce, but he’s actually so goofy! What a cute contrast!

Does your head hurt from that smack earlier, brother?

“Nah, it’s nothing. I’m used to it,” Zhao Li replied, clearly pleased with the compliments about his looks in the Bullet Screen.

Which “Li” is your brother’s name?

“It’s the ‘Li’ for victory,” Zhao Li replied to the Bullet Screen’s question.

The next moment, the Bullet Screen erupted in laughter.

So, the three of your names together mean “Can Victory”? Hahahaha, I’m dying of laughter!

Such a plain and unpretentious name, I can’t believe it!

These three don’t give off any rich family vibes at all, hahaha! “Can Victory”? What kind of name is that?!

Bro, if you hadn’t mentioned your name, you’d still have that rich young master aura. But now you sound like the fertilizer salesman from my village!

Zhao Ke reacted a beat late. “You knew I was on a reality show?”

Zhao Li nodded honestly. “Yeah, Sis. I’ve been keeping up with things back home. When I heard you were filming a show in Africa, I was even thinking of reaching out. I never expected you to come straight to the mine.”

Zhao Sheng stood beside them, glancing at the live stream camera and then at Zhao Ke before turning to Zhao Li in disbelief. “What did you just say? What reality show?”

Zhao Li smirked wickedly at Zhao Sheng’s bewildered expression. His chance to avenge that slap had finally arrived.

Leaning close to Zhao Sheng’s ear, Zhao Li whispered like a devil:

“Your daughter didn’t come to Africa just to see you. She’s filming a reality show and just happened to pass by.”

Zhao Sheng: ???

The sky had fallen.