[Quick Transmigration] Taking the Mission to Save the Female Supporting Characters (GL) - Chapter 8: Saving the Green Tea Female Supporting Role in the Dating Show World (8)

Chapter 8: Saving the Green Tea Female Supporting Character in the Romance Reality Show World (8)

Sleeping together tonight felt completely different from last night. Last night, Guan Yue was worried about Song Lingshu rolling over or her condition worsening, so she squeezed onto the narrow hospital bed after Song Lingshu’s persistent friendliness.

But tonight, the bed was spacious, and there was another equally large, soft bed right next to it. Yet, they chose to cram onto one, their rising body heat creating a stark contrast between the warmth under the covers and the cool air outside.

In the darkness, Guan Yue’s forehead was sweating from the heat. She whispered, “Is the air conditioner set too high?”

But the other person was already fast asleep, not hearing a word.

Guan Yue endured the discomfort for a while, finally drifting off, when she suddenly heard the person beside her mumble in her sleep, seemingly caught in another nightmare, struggling and crying out for help.

Guan Yue turned on the light and saw Song Lingshu drenched in sweat. She grabbed a tissue to wipe her forehead, speaking softly, “It’s okay, it’s okay. Nothing’s going to happen. You’re just dreaming.”

When someone speaks during a dream, the sound can seep into it. Hearing this, Song Lingshu gained a sliver of clarity in her chaotic, terrifying dream, realizing it was just a dream, and woke up eagerly.

She opened her eyes abruptly, meeting Guan Yue’s concerned gaze. Letting out a long breath, she smiled, “Did I disturb your sleep? Maybe I should go back to my bed…”

As she tried to sit up, Guan Yue gently pushed her back down.

“Stay here. If you have another nightmare, I’ll wake you,” Guan Yue said.

Song Lingshu didn’t refuse. She was exhausted, her body ice-cold, and the warmth of the covers was too comforting to leave.

“What did you dream about?” Guan Yue lay beside her, noticing she was still clammy. She lightly patted her arm. “If you don’t want to talk, just sleep.”

“Mmm…” Song Lingshu closed her eyes, feeling her body relax. Wrapped in a faint fragrance, she drifted off, sleeping dreamlessly through the night.

The next day, when Song Lingshu woke, Guan Yue had already left for the company. She sat on the bed, rubbing her head, then groggily got up to wash up, pulling out the system.

Song Lingshu: [It’s been ages since I had that nightmare. Why’s it coming back these past two days?]

System: […Dreams aren’t our department.]

Song Lingshu: [Could it be because you’re messing with my brain, dragging my nightmares back up?]

That dream had haunted her for years until psychological intervention helped it fade. Its sudden return was frustrating.

System: [It’s not impossible.]

Song Lingshu: [Trash system, ruining my youth! How are you gonna make this up to me?]

System: […]

Song Lingshu: [You ￥#&￥#…]

After a string of curses, the system finally spoke: [Maybe your dead memories are attacking you?]

Song Lingshu: [Are you memeing me now? Huh? Trash system!]

System: [No, seriously, something might’ve triggered a memory, bringing back old nightmares… Wait, what are you doing!?]

[I’m setting you up on a date.] Song Lingshu opened the system mall, sending its profile to a dating site. [Go meet your future wife!]

[I’m asexual—!]

The system’s voice faded. Song Lingshu, finally at peace, attended two classes at school, returned, napped, then changed into sportswear to head to a nearby tennis court.

In the living room, she ran into the second male lead, also dressed for exercise. Right, he was the athletic type—slim in clothes, muscular underneath.

They sized each other up. He asked, surprised, “You’re going to play?”

“Yeah, you too?”

“Mmm…” Since they’d gotten this far, splitting up seemed cold. He invited, “Wanna go together?”

Song Lingshu eyed him, asking, “How’s your game?”

“Not bad,” he said modestly.

“Then forget it. I only play with pros.” Song Lingshu walked off dismissively, deciding to play with the court’s coach.

Playing tennis was like dating—better to go without than settle for less.

“Wait up.” Yu Che hadn’t expected her to take his modesty literally. Seeing her dismiss him, he couldn’t back down. “I was an athlete before. I can hold my own.”

“Oh?” Song Lingshu perked up, putting on her cap. “What’re we waiting for? Let’s settle this!”

They headed to the tennis court, cameraman in tow.

Song Lingshu warmed up, tied her hair back, and served first.

Yu Che didn’t grasp the situation’s gravity at first.

He’d been an athlete, but a knee injury ended that, so he opened a gym and basketball court instead.

As a boss, he was busy with work and socializing, no longer training like before. Still, he didn’t think a girl could easily beat him.

But the truth was—this unassuming girl was a technical master. Her strength and direction were flawless, and her long, slender legs had incredible stamina, battling him for over half an hour.

Yu Che went from underestimating her to growing serious, his knee aching again. Stopping now would be humiliating, especially with the camera rolling.

But if he didn’t stop, his knee wouldn’t hold up. He’d come to relax, not to face a tough opponent. Now he was in deep.

Another ball bounced by him. He lumbered to return it, gritting his teeth as he swung. She didn’t catch it.

Something was off.

The ball was weak—even a beginner could’ve returned it. Yu Qin, a skilled player, shouldn’t have missed.

“Help, I’m exhausted. Aren’t you tired?” Song Lingshu fanned herself, grabbed her water, found it empty, and bought two new bottles. She handed him one, saying, “I’m out of stamina. Let’s call it a day.”

Yu Che sighed in relief. “Thanks.”

Whether for the water or her throwing the game, he wasn’t sure.

“For what? It’s cheap.” Song Lingshu smiled, then pulled a pain-relief spray from her bag.

“When’d you get that?” Yu Che asked, surprised.

“I always carry it for injuries,” Song Lingshu said. “Need it?”

Yu Che thought it over. Injuries were common in sports—nothing to hide. He thanked her, took it, and bent to spray his knee, but his old waist injury made it hard to reach properly.

“Let me.” Song Lingshu took the spray, crouched, and carefully applied it to the swollen area.

Yu Che froze, looking at her gentle, beautiful features. His view of her shifted, even sparking some fondness. He had no resistance to athletic, pretty girls.

“Let’s rest.” Song Lingshu saw his leg’s condition and knew getting back to the villa would be tough. They found a nearby spot to sit.

They hadn’t talked much before, and Yu Che’s impression of her was stuck on her unpopular pursuit of Zheng Haonan. Now, he realized he’d been too narrow-minded.

“You’ve been avoiding Zheng Haonan lately?” Yu Che asked.

Song Lingshu knew he was blunt, not mocking, so she answered honestly, “Yeah, it’s better for both of us. Since he doesn’t like me, I’ll just enjoy life. I’ve never lived with so many people before. This is a rare experience.”

Her answer was polished yet left room for more. Sure enough, Yu Che asked, “You never lived in a dorm?”

Song Lingshu glanced at the camera, instinctively angling her best side profile, subtly tilting her face and tucking her chin with a sigh. “Yeah, I’m slow to warm up and bad at relationships. I always end up hurting people unintentionally, so I live alone.”

From Yu Che’s angle, she was looking into his eyes, answering earnestly. He couldn’t help but ask, “Alone? What about your parents?”

“Divorced. They have their own families.” Song Lingshu forced a brave smile.

Yu Che’s heart ached. “Sorry, I admit I misjudged you before.”

“It’s okay. Everyone has emotions. You being upfront shows you’re honest.”

Song Lingshu thought to herself: I told Commander Guan I’m slow to warm up last time. Wonder if the editors will keep it. Saying it again should get at least one take in!

“You’re great. You’ll find your happiness,” Yu Che encouraged.

“Thanks. You too.”

The two chatted idly for a while. Song Lingshu went to the bathroom, then started playing with her phone, noticing that Guan Yue had sent her several messages.

38 minutes ago, Guan Yue: [When do your classes end this afternoon? I’m near your school for some business. Want to head back to the villa together?]

29 minutes ago, Guan Yue: [I really do have stuff to do. Meeting an old classmate. [Picture]]

Song Lingshu looked at the coffee shop photo, indeed near her school, and chuckled: Did I say I didn’t believe you?

18 minutes ago, Guan Yue: [I’m done with my friend. You free now? Can I wait for you at school?]

13 minutes ago, Guan Yue: [Where are you??]

9 minutes ago, Guan Yue: [Cat peeking.jpg]

4 minutes ago: [You’re not still sleeping, are you?]

Song Lingshu: [Sorry, I was playing tennis with Yu Che earlier and didn’t see your messages. I don’t have classes this afternoon and I’m not at school anymore. Cat peeking.jpg]

Guan Yue: [? You’re playing tennis with him?]

Song Lingshu: [Yeah, but we’re heading back soon. See you at the villa?]

Guan Yue: [Sure. Need me to grab any food?]

Song Lingshu didn’t reply—she’d just realized there was no toilet paper in this stall!

Help.

Song Hawkins: [Boss, boss, can I redeem toilet paper from your points mall?!]

System: […]

System: [You’re the most difficult employee I’ve ever dealt with!!!]

When Guan Yue returned to the villa, the two tennis players hadn’t come back yet.

She couldn’t figure out when those two got close enough to play tennis together. Was it some kind of show task?

At that moment, Chen Yueming returned. Guan Yue asked, “Any tasks today?”

“Not that I know of. Why?” Chen Yueming glanced around instinctively. “Where’s Yu Qin? Not with you?”

“She went to play tennis with Yu Che.”

Chen Yueming: “Did I hear that right??”

See? She wasn’t the only one surprised.

They sat awkwardly in the living room, silent. Guan Yue started working, and Chen Yueming pulled out an iPad to watch a movie.

Footsteps sounded outside. Both looked up, but it was Zheng Haonan and Aya returning from grocery shopping, with the third female lead tagging along. They turned back, disappointed.

It wasn’t until nearly sunset that the two finally returned.

The third female lead curiously asked what they’d been up to and got the tennis answer. Surprised, she said, “You guys weren’t on a date, were you?”

Here, a “date” meant a task arranged by the show.

“No, on the way back, we passed a hospital, so I took him to get checked out,” Song Lingshu said, tossing her bag by the sofa and collapsing onto it. She didn’t forget to call out to the injured party, “Yu Che, sit and rest. You should avoid moving that leg for a bit.”

What she thought was minor turned out to be serious. After walking a bit, Yu Che was in severe pain, so they went to the hospital for some ointment, leaving Song Lingshu feeling guilty.

If she’d known about his injury, she wouldn’t have played so hard.

Yu Che didn’t refuse and sat beside her.

Everyone noticed their suddenly close relationship, exchanging confused and complicated glances.

Guan Yue’s fingers tapped the table sharply, closed her laptop, and went upstairs.

Song Lingshu sensed her mood was off. Propping up her tired body to follow, she heard Chen Yueming call out, “Yu Qin, want some snacks? Guan Yue bought these.”

Song Lingshu paused, glanced at the table, and saw a big bag of snacks—biscuits, bread, dried fruit, chips, all sorts.

She grabbed a box of preserved plums and ran upstairs. Back in the room, seeing Guan Yue still working, she said, “Commander, did I forget to reply to your messages again?”

Guan Yue let out a cold huff, not turning around.

Song Lingshu sat beside her, opened the box, and offered her a plum like a peace offering. “Here, perk up.”

By the time Guan Yue realized, she’d already eaten it. “…”

Look at you, so spineless and cheap!

Song Lingshu grinned, popping one in her mouth. “When did you get back?”

“Don’t know.” Guan Yue glanced at her. “You had fun with Yu Che today, huh?”

“Ugh… so sour!”

Guan Yue: “…”

“I mean the plum,” Song Lingshu said, wrinkling her brow and pointing at her mouth. “I’ve never had such a sour plum!”

But Guan Yue felt like there was more to her words!

Just then, the production team knocked, announcing tomorrow’s task—the second date.

The female guests would each pick a postcard, write a sentence, and the male guests would blindly choose. The chosen postcard would determine their secret date partner for the next day.

Song Lingshu picked a postcard with a house and kids, unsure what to write. She sneaked a peek at the others—Aya wrote a short poem, the third female lead wrote a wish to go to the beach.

When she saw Guan Yue’s, she smiled and copied it—

Don’t be late.

Guan Yue turned, saw her copying, and added a line, raising an eyebrow at her—

Don’t be late, Yu Qin.

Song Lingshu, oddly touched, added—

Don’t be late, Guan Yue.

They locked eyes for a moment, then burst out laughing. After submitting their postcards, Song Lingshu grabbed Guan Yue’s wrist, jogging upstairs. “Quick, let’s sleep early. We’ve got a date tomorrow!”

Guan Yue stumbled, nearly falling down the stairs. “You’re excited about the date?”

“Yup! If it’s with you, I’m even more excited!”

Guan Yue tripped, barely catching herself.