The Green Tea Supporting Girl Is Still Playing Her Role Today (GL) - Chapter 24

Chapter 24

In the end, Wen Pinghan picked out a white short-sleeved top from a luxury brand, paired with simple wide-leg pants, and said, “This should do, right? Low-key luxury and not likely to catch the eye of leg enthusiasts.”

“Sister, you’re amazing!” Xie Zhifei was very satisfied, changed into the outfit, and pulled her downstairs for lunch.

“Anything planned for the afternoon?” Wen Pinghan asked.

“No plans for now. Let’s take a nap later, and then it’ll be about time to go see my dad,” Xie Zhifei said, taking a sip of her fancy milk.

“Alright.” As she spoke, Wen Pinghan’s phone rang. She glanced at it and was surprised to see it was Gu Zhizhang. She answered, “Hello, what’s up?”

“I’m in your neighborhood for some business. Got time to grab a meal together?” Gu Zhizhang asked.

“Sorry, I’m not home.” Wen Pinghan glanced at Xie Zhifei, who was focused on eating, her expression unreadable. “I’ve got other plans today. I’m not free.”

Gu Zhizhang pressed, “What plans?”

“Personal matters.”

Not wanting to pry further, Gu Zhizhang only felt annoyed at missing another good opportunity. “Alright, let’s find another time then.”

After hanging up, she casually pocketed her phone. Xie Zhifei, sitting across from her, looked up with a playful smile. “Was that Brother Gu? Why didn’t you just say you’re at my place?”

“I was worried he’d come looking for you and mess up your big plans tonight,” Wen Pinghan said. If Gu Zhizhang showed up, Xie Zhifei might ditch her blind date altogether.

As she’d said herself, her blind date was kind of a big deal. Offending him wouldn’t do anyone any good.

“You’re so considerate, Sister. Thanks!” Xie Zhifei happily raised her fancy milk. Wen Pinghan stared for a moment before raising her own milk to clink glasses with her.

After lunch, Xie Zhifei was about to ask if she wanted to nap together but remembered Wen Pinghan didn’t have that habit. Instead, she took her to the basement media room. “Sister, watch a movie here for a bit.”

“And you?”

“I’m going to take a nap.”

“…” If I’m not mistaken, you’ve been up for less than two hours, right?

As if reading her thoughts, Xie Zhifei grinned and explained, “I usually save up my sleep and catch up when I’m resting.”

“Go ahead.” Wen Pinghan picked out a comedy movie and started multitasking, playing on her phone.

Scrolling through her social feed, she saw many people showing off their Qixi Festival gifts. Among them was Wu Qianqian’s relationship announcement. She chatted with her for a bit, and after confirming her friend was officially off the market, she couldn’t help but smile.

Wu Qianqian: [How’s your day going? Didn’t President Gu ask you out? [smirk]]

Wen Pinghan: [I’m working overtime.]

Wu Qianqian: [Overtime on Qixi? That’s inhumane!]

Wen Pinghan snapped a photo of the movie screen, with a small table in front of her holding drinks and snacks, and sent it over.

[Living the princess life, thousand bucks a day.]

Wu Qianqian: [What the heck?! You’re really working overtime?! Where can I find a gig like that?!]

Wen Pinghan: [The young miss has deep pockets.]

She shared the details of her “overtime” job, and Wu Qianqian’s jealousy practically burst through the screen.

After sending a barrage of exclamation marks, Wu Qianqian finally typed in a normal tone: [If the young miss wasn’t a woman, I’d swear this was her way of pursuing you.]

Wen Pinghan’s lips curved slightly. [Can’t you think of something pure and innocent for once?]

[It’s just hard to believe! Why would she be so good to you for no reason?] Wu Qianqian wondered.

Wen Pinghan’s typing paused briefly. She took a sip of water, twirled her phone, and didn’t reply right away.

Of course, there was no such thing as kindness without reason. After taking Gu Zhizhang’s call just now, she realized Xie Zhifei might have asked her to come over today just to keep her away from him.

After all, Xie Zhifei had plenty of friends. Zhao Xiaojing would’ve been a better fit for this blind date outing. There was no need to pay her to come over early for meals and movies.

But…

Even if that was the case, she didn’t seem upset.

The arrangement was all benefits and no harm. She could earn her daily pay in peace and enjoy herself.

When the movie ended, she returned to the first-floor living room and saw Xie Zhifei already up, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window on a call. Whatever they were discussing, Xie Zhifei’s lips held a constant smile. The afternoon sunlight fell on her profile, casting a warm glow on her fair skin, making it hard to look away.

Noticing her gaze, Xie Zhifei turned, quickly wrapped up the call, and walked over to sit on the couch. Without being asked, she said, “That was Xiaojing.”

“Oh…” For a brief moment, Wen Pinghan envied their friendship.

“She broke up with Li Feng,” Xie Zhifei said concisely.

“Oh… huh?” Wen Pinghan was puzzled. “Then why were you laughing so hard on the phone?”

“Yeah, it’s hilarious. Guess why they broke up?”

Wen Pinghan shook her head.

“Because she noticed Li Feng always steps with his right leg first, while she starts with her left. She said their paces don’t match, so they can’t be together forever.”

Xie Zhifei glanced at the calendar and sighed, “Not bad, though. This time it lasted three months.”

Wen Pinghan was stunned for a moment, then grew curious. Their views on love were clearly so different—one constantly changing partners, the other pining for one man for years. How did they even become friends?

She was about to ask when Xie Zhifei looked over with a smile. “You and I have known each other for three months now, Sister.”

Wen Pinghan froze, her mind flashing back to their first meeting. She never would’ve imagined she’d form such a strong connection with this woman who appeared out of nowhere.

“Meeting you has been great, Sister,” Xie Zhifei said.

Wen Pinghan blinked, then gave a faint smile. “Same here.”

It was about time, so they headed to the Xie residence. The two places weren’t far apart, and the Xie residence was in a famously affluent area. Entry required a gate pass, and it took a while of driving to reach the mansion, which looked like a grand estate.

“Is that it?” Wen Pinghan asked, surprised, pointing at a mansion ahead.

“No, that’s Brother Gu’s place.”

Wen Pinghan nodded, glancing at the massive Gu family estate as they passed. It took a few minutes to drive past it, and another ten or so to reach the Xie residence.

After getting out, she looked back toward the Gu family’s direction, gaining a deeper understanding of Xie Zhifei and Gu Zhizhang’s childhood friendship.

“Let’s go.” Xie Zhifei took her hand and led her inside. The courtyard had a fountain at its center, surrounded by flat stone paths with green grass peeking through the gaps. A smooth walkway led to the main house. Servants trimming flowers and plants called out, “Miss is back!”

“Where’s my dad?”

“The master’s in the study.”

“Got it.” Xie Zhifei whispered to Wen Pinghan, “My mom passed away early, and my dad’s always been busy. He never remarried. He’s nice, so don’t be nervous when you meet him.”

Wen Pinghan thought, *How can I not be nervous? That’s Chairman Xie!*

Stepping into the living room, she was stunned by the opulent decor, like stepping into a palace. The European aristocratic style and dazzling chandelier were overwhelming.

“Dad, I’m back!” Xie Zhifei called, pulling Wen Pinghan to sit on the couch.

A servant cleaning upstairs hurried to the study to notify Xie Hongxu. Moments later, Xie Hongxu came downstairs wearing glasses, noticing a young, attractive woman on the couch. “Who’s this?”

“My friend, also our company’s sales manager, Wen Pinghan. Don’t you remember?” Xie Zhifei introduced.

Xie Hongxu thought back and recalled a young, impressive sales manager from a previous visit, whom Xie Zhifei had praised.

“You know what today is. Why’d you bring a friend?” Xie Hongxu asked.

“She’s working overtime for me today. I figured it’s just an extra pair of chopsticks, so I brought her along to hang out,” Xie Zhifei said, linking arms with Wen Pinghan and smiling. “Dad, I’m taking her upstairs to check things out.”

Xie Hongxu didn’t even get a chance to send Wen Pinghan away.

“How’s it going? Still nervous?” Xie Zhifei asked with a smile after bringing Wen Pinghan to her room.

“A little,” Wen Pinghan admitted, patting her chest.

“Hmm, let me think.” Xie Zhifei’s eyes darted around, then she ran to Xie Hongxu’s room, dug out a pack of cigarettes, and pulled Wen Pinghan to the hallway. “Watch this.”

“Dad, what’s this!” Xie Zhifei held up the cigarette pack.

Xie Hongxu looked up, startled, and bluffed, “I don’t know. Where’d you get that?”

“From under your pillow. What did you promise me?”

“I-I-I… I really don’t know where it came from. Someone must’ve hidden it!” Xie Hongxu said hurriedly.

“I don’t care. It was in your room, so it’s solid evidence! Since you broke your promise to quit smoking, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Xie Zhifei threatened.

“No—don’t!” Xie Hongxu pleaded. “Wen Pinghan, stop her!”

“Uh, okay.” Though unsure of Xie Zhifei’s plan, Wen Pinghan grabbed her. “Don’t do it. Be good.”

Xie Zhifei suddenly grinned, ducked under her arm, and ran to the kitchen. After rummaging around, she ordered, “Auntie, go buy some durians!”

“No, don’t—!” Xie Hongxu wailed.

Wen Pinghan: “??”

Xie Zhifei strode up to Xie Hongxu, chin raised. “Gonna sneak smokes again?”

“No way,” Xie Hongxu shook his head.

“Hmph, if I catch you again, I’ll open a hundred durians!”

Xie Hongxu, as if already smelling them, covered his nose with a pained expression. “No, no, really, I won’t.”

Wen Pinghan finally got it—Chairman Xie was scared of durians. Seeing him so deflated was amusing, and he suddenly felt much more approachable.

Seeing Wen Pinghan relax, Xie Zhifei stopped teasing her dad and sat to chat with him. Soon, a servant announced, “Guests are here.”

A tall, handsome man walked in, heading straight for Xie Hongxu. “Uncle, I heard you were back in the country. I haven’t had the chance to visit until today.”

“Oh, I’ve heard the Li family raised a fine son, but I didn’t expect you to be this handsome,” Xie Hongxu said with a chuckle, gesturing to Xie Zhifei. “This is my daughter, Xie Zhifei. She’s new to the company and wants to learn about management. You’re older and have run a company for years, so you’re the perfect mentor, haha.”

Xie Zhifei recognized him as Li Hongyan, the Li family’s eldest son, a well-known gentleman in their circle. In his thirties, he wasn’t just a trust-fund kid—he was highly capable, which was why Xie Hongxu liked him.

“Hey, Brother Li,” Xie Zhifei greeted with a smile, then turned to Xie Hongxu. “Dad, let’s sit and talk.”

“Hello.” Li Hongyan nodded with a smile, but paused when he saw Wen Pinghan. “And this is?”

“My friend,” Xie Zhifei said.

Li Hongyan immediately guessed Xie Zhifei wasn’t keen on the blind date, hence the friend. He played along. “Since Ms. Xie wants to discuss management experience, I have a friend who’s quite knowledgeable. Mind if I invite him over?”

Xie Zhifei: “Of course, please do.”

Xie Hongxu: “??” *It’s just an excuse, why are you both taking it so seriously?!*

As they sat, Li Hongyan called his friend, while Xie Zhifei got a message from Zhao Xiaojing inviting her for drinks. She told her about the blind date.

Zhao Xiaojing: [? That’s too good to miss! I’m coming to see!]

Xie Zhifei didn’t refuse. When it came to handling men, Zhao Xiaojing was a pro—practically a savior!

So, on the surface, Xie Zhifei and Li Hongyan chatted cordially, but both were waiting for their reinforcements.

Soon, a servant announced, “Guests are here.”

They turned to see Zhao Xiaojing, dressed flamboyantly and exuding charm, strut in. “Afei, I’m here… uh, Li Hongyan? What are you doing here?!”

Li Hongyan’s brow twitched as he looked at her.

Zhao Xiaojing toned down her swagger, stopped batting her eyes, and sat next to Xie Zhifei with a subtle grimace.

“You know him?” Xie Zhifei whispered.

“Flirted with him. The only one I failed to charm,” Zhao Xiaojing said, shooting Li Hongyan an annoyed glance.

Xie Zhifei wanted to laugh but held it in, quickly sharing the gossip with Wen Pinghan. Both struggled to suppress their giggles.

Zhao Xiaojing: “…” *I’m right here!*

She’d come to see her friend’s drama, but now her friend and her friend’s new friend were laughing at her. Zhao Xiaojing huffed.

Xie Hongxu welcomed Zhao Xiaojing and tried to keep the blind date on track, awkwardly steering the conversation to a new topic. But before long, a servant rushed in again. “Master, another guest!”

A man stormed in. “Zhao Xiaojing!”

Everyone turned to see Li Feng, visibly upset, marching toward Zhao Xiaojing. “Give me another reason!”

“I know you’re upset, but calm down. Let’s talk slowly,” Zhao Xiaojing said, frantically signaling him to behave in front of Xie Hongxu.

Li Feng glanced at Xie Hongxu, reining in his temper, greeted him, and sat next to Zhao Xiaojing.

Just as Xie Hongxu got acquainted with Li Feng, another servant rushed in. “Master, yet another guest!”

“Who now?” Xie Hongxu barely finished when he saw a familiar face and smiled. “Little Gu? What are you doing here?”

“I invited him. Zhizhang was originally my client, then became a friend,” Li Hongyan said.

Gu Zhizhang’s gaze landed on Wen Pinghan first, his eyes lighting up, before he greeted the others and casually sat next to her.

Behind him stood a woman, all business—his personal secretary, Fang Ningshu.

Xie Zhifei: … *How did a simple blind date turn into a chaotic showdown?!*

“You said you were working overtime. How’d you end up here?” Gu Zhizhang leaned over, whispering to Wen Pinghan.

“I’m working overtime for Ms. Xie,” Wen Pinghan said, subtly shifting away, tilting her head toward Xie Zhifei.

Just then, Xie Zhifei poked her. Wen Pinghan leaned in and heard her say in a teasing tone, “He’s always asking you stuff. Must be exhausting, huh?”

Wen Pinghan: “.”

Xie Zhifei continued her playful jab: “Don’t be mad at him. He just thinks you’ll fall for him. He’s not a bad guy~ If I were him, I’d fall for a girl like you too. Too bad no one likes me~”