The Green Tea Supporting Girl Is Still Playing Her Role Today (GL) - Chapter 23

Chapter 23

At this point, Gu Zhizhang could no longer persuade Wen Pinghan to jump ship, so he had to wait for another opportunity to approach her.

The helper he had specially invited was now chatting animatedly with Wen Pinghan about company matters, and he occasionally joined in.

The Xie and Gu families operated in different fields but had deep cooperation, and the two families were old friends. That’s why he had known Xie Zhifei since childhood and had some understanding of her abilities.

But hearing her talk about company affairs in person now, he realized he might have underestimated her. She no longer seemed like the naive, pleasure-seeking little princess from before. When had she suddenly grown into an adult?

He recalled that she had studied abroad for two years. Could it be that she had actually taken her studies seriously during that time?

Lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said, “I’m going to take a call.”

“Sure.” Xie Zhifei caught a glimpse of a familiar name out of the corner of her eye.

—Fang Ningshu.

Xie Zhifei immediately became alert because Fang Ningshu was a significant supporting character in the original story.

As mentioned before, although the original Xie Zhifei was the most prominent green tea villainess, there were other admirers of Gu Zhizhang. However, their backgrounds weren’t as strong as Xie Zhifei’s, nor could they rival her childhood friendship with Gu Zhizhang, so their roles were less significant.

Fang Ningshu was one of them.

Fang Ningshu was now Gu Zhizhang’s personal secretary. She had met him by chance before joining the Gu Corporation and entered the president’s office because of him. After working closely with him, she fell deeply in love but was adept at hiding it. She showed no trace of her feelings, instead using her work performance to earn Gu Zhizhang’s favor, quickly rising to the position of chief secretary.

At the same time, she knew everything about Gu Zhizhang’s love life. When she noticed him taking an interest in a new employee, she subtly informed the original Xie Zhifei about Wen Pinghan’s existence.

As a result, the original Xie Zhifei took notice of Wen Pinghan, a woman with no notable background, and deliberately befriended Fang Ningshu. After building a relationship, she asked Fang Ningshu to secretly sabotage Wen Pinghan’s work in exchange for certain benefits.

This led to Wen Pinghan facing workplace bullying, and each time, Gu Zhizhang stepped in to resolve her issues, rapidly deepening their relationship.

But now, since Wen Pinghan hadn’t joined the Gu Corporation, Fang Ningshu might not notice her existence or approach Xie Zhifei to play the fool. This meant Wen Pinghan avoided a series of workplace bullying incidents.

“Sorry, something came up at the company. I have to head back right away,” Gu Zhizhang said hurriedly as he returned, explaining to them.

“No problem, Brother Gu, go handle your business. Don’t worry about us,” Xie Zhifei said.

Gu Zhizhang glanced at Wen Pinghan, who nodded at him, and he left with reassurance.

“So, what’s next… Sister, what do you want to do?” Xie Zhifei asked with a bright smile, turning to Wen Pinghan.

“Back to the company. I got some results from this business trip, so I need to prepare a contract,” Wen Pinghan replied.

“Let’s go then. I happen to need to stop by the company too.”

The two returned to the company together. It was the weekend, so not many people were working overtime, and the elevator arrived quickly.

They stepped inside one after the other. Just as the doors were about to close, a frantic voice called out, “Wait—”

Wen Pinghan held the elevator, and the doors reopened. Lin Zhimin, holding a cup of milk tea, squeezed in. About to thank them, she saw who it was and quickly greeted Xie Zhifei politely before sidling up to Wen Pinghan.

Xie Zhifei was forced to stand behind them.

The elevator suddenly grew quiet. Lin Zhimin only dared to exchange pleasantries with the young miss, nothing more. When the elevator finally reached their floor, she hurriedly followed Wen Pinghan out, whispering, “You’re working overtime on a weekend too?”

“Aren’t you doing the same?”

“I’m just here to deal with some small stuff, mostly to mooch off the air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Summer electricity bills are too expensive!” Lin Zhimin complained.

Wen Pinghan could tell she was here to slack off. She hadn’t even pressed the button for her own floor, coming straight to Wen Pinghan’s office instead.

“You do your work. I’ll just play a game here,” Lin Zhimin said, plopping onto a small sofa nearby, putting on her earphones, and starting a game on her phone.

Wen Pinghan worked for a while when she heard a knock at the door. Looking up, she saw Xie Zhifei’s secretary.

“What’s up?” She walked to the door, inviting her in, but the secretary waved her off and handed her an afternoon tea.

“Ms. Xie said she couldn’t finish it alone and asked me to bring you some.”

“Thanks.” Wen Pinghan took it, and the secretary left after completing her task. Back at her desk, Wen Pinghan pulled out a slice of cheesecake and a bottle of yogurt from the bag.

She stared at it for a moment, then chuckled softly, took a couple of bites with a spoon, and snapped a photo to send to Xie Zhifei.

Wen Pinghan: [Delicious, thanks [spinning penguin]]

Xie Zhifei: [Glad you like it, Sister~ [spinning penguin][spinning penguin]]

“Hm? Big Sis Han, how come you didn’t tell me you ordered takeout?” Lin Zhimin finished her game and looked up to see Wen Pinghan happily eating alone. She sat across from her, eyeing the nearly finished cheesecake. “It looks so good. Big Sis Han, let me have a bite!”

“Go buy your own,” Wen Pinghan said without looking up, then took a big bite.

“Just one bite! Why are you being so stingy?” Lin Zhimin was puzzled. Big Sis Han was usually generous with afternoon tea!

“Someone gave it to me,” Wen Pinghan said, glancing up. “Want some? Order it yourself.”

“Who gave it to you?” Lin Zhimin’s eyes lit up with gossip. “An admirer?”

“No, a friend. A girl.” Wen Pinghan extinguished her gossip spark.

“Fine, I won’t eat it then. Let me see the receipt so I can place an order.” Lin Zhimin said.

Wen Pinghan couldn’t find a receipt in the bag, so she handed her the cake box with the label on it.

Lin Zhimin entered the name, then froze. “Holy crap! This tiny slice of cake costs over three hundred? Is it made of gold?!”

Wen Pinghan paused, looking up. “That expensive?”

“See for yourself.” Lin Zhimin showed her the phone. The image matched the cake she received. Scrolling further, she saw the yogurt—thirty-something bucks a bottle.

Wen Pinghan: “…”

“Sis, what kind of loaded friend do you have? Can you introduce me? I’m done working hard; I want a sugar mama,” Lin Zhimin teased.

Wen Pinghan finished the last bite of cake, took a sip of yogurt, and said, “Go play your game. I need to get back to work.”

“Alright. Wanna grab hotpot tonight?” Lin Zhimin invited.

Wen Pinghan thought for a moment but didn’t answer right away. Instead, she messaged Xie Zhifei: [What’s for dinner? Wanna get hotpot? My treat.]

Xie Zhifei: [Wow ☆v☆ Sure, sure!]

“Not going. I’ve got plans,” Wen Pinghan said, pocketing her phone.

“With who?”

“The sugar mama.”

“Wah, can’t you bring me along?”

“Not convenient.”

“Fine. The mission to charm the sugar mama is on you. Just remember to use her money to take care of me later.”

“Get lost.” Wen Pinghan laughed, amused by her teasing.

By evening, Lin Zhimin had left the company to find food, while Wen Pinghan stayed in her office, waiting for the sugar mama to arrive.

The sun had fully set below the horizon, and still no one came. She decided to go find her.

On that floor, besides Xie Zhifei’s office, there were a few others, but only Xie Zhifei’s was lit.

Wen Pinghan reached the office and saw Xie Zhifei, head tilted, giving instructions to her secretary. A strand of long hair fell across her face, and she lifted her hand, tucking it back with the pen she held, then signed a document with a flourish and handed it to the secretary. Just as she asked what time it was, she caught sight of Wen Pinghan at the door, her eyes lighting up with a smile. “I’m almost done. Come in and sit for a bit.”

Wen Pinghan nodded and sat for a while. Soon, Xie Zhifei finished up, grabbed her bag, and walked over, taking Wen Pinghan’s hand as they headed out. “Where are we eating?”

Wen Pinghan glanced back inadvertently and saw the secretary’s stunned expression, suddenly feeling as if they were sneaking around. Instinctively, she tried to pull her hand away, but Xie Zhifei held on, looking aggrieved. “Why doesn’t Sister want to hold my hand?”

“We’re at the company,” Wen Pinghan reminded softly.

“So what? Are we some kind of shameful relationship?”

“Of course not. I just… don’t want to be too conspicuous.” Wen Pinghan didn’t want to draw attention or let others speculate that their friendship was mixed with ulterior motives.

“Fine.” Xie Zhifei let go, and they walked into the elevator one after the other, staying silent.

As the elevator descended, Wen Pinghan glanced at her a few times, unaccustomed to this cold Xie Zhifei and wondering if she was upset. Annoyed at herself, she stepped out of the company with her, mulling over how to break the ice. Suddenly, the person in front stopped, turned, and stared straight at her.

Wen Pinghan blinked.

“Once we’re out the door, we’re not at the company anymore, right?” Xie Zhifei asked softly, her eyes curving into a smile.

Wen Pinghan looked at her bright, clear smile, paused for a moment, then smiled back and took her hand. “Yeah.”

There was a large mall nearby, and they went straight to a hotpot restaurant. The food came quickly, and they chatted casually while cooking their ingredients. When conversation lulled, it wasn’t awkward—they just ate quietly.

“Ms. Xie?” A voice suddenly interrupted.

Xie Zhifei looked up at the attractive woman who had appeared. She narrowed her eyes slightly, then raised an eyebrow. “Long time no see.”

Wen Pinghan studied the stranger, dressed in formal attire with her hair pinned up, carrying a tote bag. She had a sharp face, phoenix eyes, and a polished demeanor, with a perfectly professional smile.

Wondering about her background, Wen Pinghan heard the woman say, “It has been a while. Ms. Xie hasn’t visited our company to hang out with President Gu in some time, has she?”

“Yeah, I’ve been busy working at Qisheng lately,” Xie Zhifei replied, then asked, “What are you doing here?”

“Just finished dinner with colleagues.” The woman nodded toward Wen Pinghan, but her gaze paused, drawn to this unfamiliar yet striking woman. Her expression flickered subtly, then returned to normal as she smiled. “Is Ms. Xie here with a friend?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I won’t disturb you. See you another day.”

Wen Pinghan watched the woman leave, then turned to Xie Zhifei curiously. “She’s from the Gu Corporation?”

“Yeah. Fang Ningshu, from the president’s office at Gu Corporation. She’s highly capable, one of Brother Gu’s trusted employees.” Xie Zhifei hadn’t missed the subtle changes in Fang Ningshu’s expression, especially when she looked at Wen Pinghan. Thinking it over, she realized Fang Ningshu likely knew Gu Zhizhang was going all out to recruit an employee.

And Gu Zhizhang’s discreet inquiries into Wen Pinghan’s preferences must have been handled by his capable assistant.

It seemed Fang Ningshu already knew about Wen Pinghan.

“Quite impressive for her age,” Wen Pinghan commented, then urged, “The beef’s getting overcooked. Eat, eat!”

Xie Zhifei picked up a beef roll, ate a few bites, then suddenly chuckled. “Sister, if Fang Ningshu contacts you, you have to tell me.”

“What, afraid they’ll poach me?”

Xie Zhifei gave a cryptic smile. “I’m just afraid they won’t.”

The two left the restaurant, reeking of hotpot. Xie Zhifei noticed several shops displaying Qixi Festival meal signs and checked her calendar, realizing it was tomorrow.

Who knew if Gu Zhizhang, that hopeless romantic, would seize the chance to ask Wen Pinghan out tomorrow, pulling some romantic stunt? With the festive atmosphere, sparks might fly.

“Sister, can you come with me on a business trip tomorrow?” Xie Zhifei decided to whisk her away first, leaving Gu Zhizhang empty-handed.

“Me? What kind of business trip?”

“My dad asked me to come home tomorrow for a blind date setup, so I want you to come along and help out.”

“You need a blind date?”

“My dad thinks I do.” Xie Zhifei shrugged, then shook her arm. “Help me out, please. Don’t worry, I won’t waste your time. A thousand a day—deal or no deal? If not, I’ll find someone else.”

Wen Pinghan: “Deal!”

Where else could she find such a sweet gig, plus a chance to mooch off a rich family’s food? No way she’d lose out.

The next day, Wen Pinghan arrived early at the villa to meet Xie Zhifei, then headed to the Xie residence to dine with Chairman Xie.

But the maid who opened the door said, “Ms. Xie hasn’t gotten up yet.”

Wen Pinghan checked the time—almost ten. With makeup and dressing, they’d likely be late. She asked the maid to take her to the bedroom to drag Xie Zhifei out herself.

“Ms. Xie, time to get up,” Wen Pinghan knocked on the door.

No response.

“Little Xie, we’re going to be late.”

Still nothing.

“…Afei, Afei! Get up!” Wen Pinghan pounded on the door.

The door finally opened. Xie Zhifei stood there, hair disheveled, eyes wide, then her lips curved into a wild grin. “What did you call me?”

“I called you to get up! Hurry, we can’t be late,” Wen Pinghan urged.

“No rush.” Xie Zhifei yawned. “Dinner’s set for the evening. We’ve got plenty of time.”

“?” Wen Pinghan was confused. “Then why did you make me come so early?”

“To wake me up, obviously.”

“Since you’re getting paid for the day, you’ve got to serve me from morning to night.”

“…” What a capitalist jerk!

“Heh heh, Worker Wen, come in and help me pick an outfit. I have choice paralysis.”

Worker Wen accepted her fate. Thinking of the thousand bucks already in her account from last night, she dutifully entered, stood before the wardrobe, and asked, “Any preferred style or color?”

“I have some ideas, but tonight’s a blind date. I don’t want to look too good, but I can’t look bad either—my date’s kind of a big deal, so I can’t seem like I don’t care. The color shouldn’t be too flashy or too dull. A skirt would show off my perfect figure—can’t choose that. Pants would highlight my long legs, but what if he’s into legs? The style can’t be too trendy; it should subtly exude luxury, beauty, elegance, laziness, nobility, and vibrancy.”

Wen Pinghan gritted her teeth.

As expected, no money in this world comes easy!