The Green Tea Supporting Girl Is Still Playing Her Role Today (GL) - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

“Big Sis Han, you’re awesome! You finally closed the deal with Mr. Li!” Lin Zhimin shouted in the office.

“Alright, don’t disturb others’ work.” Wen Pinghan helplessly pulled Lin Zhimin over, urging her to sit down.

Colleagues around them chimed in with congratulations. Lin Zhimin clamored for coffee, so Wen Pinghan treated everyone to some, which sparked even more cheers.

She’d been working on Mr. Li’s deal for a long time, long enough that he remembered her and even asked if she played tennis.

Thinking back to the tennis court encounter a few days ago, Wen Pinghan felt a strange mix of emotions.

That beautiful woman’s words still lingered in her ears.

—I just made sure I was ready to see you anytime.

What did that mean?

They were strangers, so why did her words carry a hint of inexplicable anticipation?

After mulling it over, Wen Pinghan felt the reason must lie with that man named Zhizhang… no, Gu Zhizhang.

She recalled their close relationship, how the woman called him “brother” with an unusual affection.

If, as the woman said, Gu Zhizhang had fallen for her at first sight and was eager to meet her again, and she was helping him pursue her, then it made sense.

But what kind of feelings did that woman have for Gu Zhizhang?

It seemed like love, yet not quite?

*

“I don’t care if he drops dead.” Xie Zhifei sprawled at home, reading a novel while chatting with the system.

The system was scolding her for stealing the male lead’s spotlight, preventing him from showing his gentle, caring, and doting personality.

“Since I’m here to fix the plot, we’re partners, right? I remember the rules only said one thing: stick to the manipulative persona. Otherwise, why am I here? If I just follow your original plot, what’s the difference from the old story?” Xie Zhifei asked.

System: […] Well, convinced.

“And… the more I see this male lead, the more he annoys me. How did he even become the male lead?!” Xie Zhifei shook the novel in her hand. Its cover had two pink, flowery words: Honeyed Pain.

The title screamed early sweetness, later melodrama, with a touch of angsty, non-mainstream youth vibes—the original novel of this world.

“The more I read, the more this guy seems arrogant and self-absorbed, wanting everyone to revolve around him. Every time there’s a misunderstanding, he makes excuses for himself and waits for others to comfort him. He doesn’t even have basic trust in the female lead. One sob from a side character, and he’s all soft.” Xie Zhifei rolled her eyes dramatically. “Honestly, from what little I know of Wen Pinghan, I can’t believe she’d fall for this guy.”

From her observations, Wen Pinghan was independent, strong, and capable at work—not some delicate, lovesick damsel.

[For the story’s sake, character traits shift. Strong people can become emotional and possessive in love. Independent people, when in love, might want to rely on someone. Aren’t those charming and shippable traits?] the system asked, confused.

“…” Xie Zhifei lay there like a dead fish, eyes blank. “No idea. I’m just reasoning as a single dog. Whether love really makes people so crazy that it changes their personality, I wouldn’t know.”

[That’s why we chose you, a single dog who knows nothing about romance.]

“I may not date, but that doesn’t mean I won’t roast a system!” Xie Zhifei gritted her teeth.

The system wisely shut up.

It was Saturday. Xie Zhifei had taken a nap when Zhao Xiaojing’s call woke her.

“Lost Way Bar, come quick. There’s a surprise,” Zhao Xiaojing teased slyly.

A bar, huh…

Let’s go!

Xie Zhifei thought about how her past life was all work, barely any fun, and felt she’d missed out. Now, reborn into such a privileged life, it’d be a waste not to enjoy it.

Lost Way Bar was a hot local spot, large, well-decorated, often hosting live music. No live show today, but it was still lively.

As she walked in, she saw Zhao Xiaojing in the central VIP area, waving with a cigarette in hand.

Xie Zhifei reached the booth and realized Zhao Xiaojing was snuggled up to a man—Li Feng, Gu Zhizhang’s old classmate.

“Hey,” Li Feng greeted.

Zhao Xiaojing smirked at her, her expression screaming, “Look how awesome I am.”

Xie Zhifei shook her head with a laugh, sitting across from them. The place was loud; a big table nearby was having a group dinner, screaming as they clinked glasses. She had to raise her voice. “Where’s the surprise?”

“Right here.” Zhao Xiaojing pointed at Li Feng. “He can get Gu Zhizhang to come. How’s that? Your gal’s got your back.”

Xie Zhifei: “…” Thanks a lot!

If she’d known the surprise was a roundabout way to summon Gu Zhizhang, she’d rather be at home drinking cheap beer.

“He’s almost here,” Li Feng said, checking his phone.

Xie Zhifei was done. She had zero desire to see Gu Zhizhang. Meeting him meant acting manipulative—who wants to work overtime on a day off?

“You guys drinking? No? I’ll down it.” Xie Zhifei suddenly grabbed the drink in front of her, catching them off guard, and chugged half the glass, smacking her lips.

So expensive, and it doesn’t even taste that great.

Fun over, time to go. As she stood, she came face-to-face with a man.

“Fei, you’re here too,” Gu Zhizhang smiled.

“…” Are you some kind of instant summon?

Zhao Xiaojing stifled a laugh, playing wingwoman. “Come sit! I called Fei to keep me company.”

Gu Zhizhang glanced at Zhao Xiaojing and Li Feng’s cozy vibe and sat across from them. Zhao Xiaojing urged Xie Zhifei to sit, but Xie Zhifei clutched her chest, pretending to gag, waved, and headed downstairs. “Can’t. Drank too much. Gotta hit the bathroom.”

Sensing trouble, Zhao Xiaojing followed. “I’ll check on her.”

In the bathroom, Xie Zhifei turned on the faucet and caught a whiff of smoke.

“What’s with you?” Zhao Xiaojing stood beside her, taking a drag. “I set up such a perfect chance. To get Gu Zhizhang here, I practically threw myself at Li Feng.”

Xie Zhifei stared at her, then grinned. “Fine, I’ll admit I’m the one drooling over Li Feng.”

“I’m serious. I’ve got stuff to do. Gotta go.”

“You’re acting weird. Every other time, you’d drop everything for Gu Zhizhang,” Zhao Xiaojing frowned.

Xie Zhifei thought for a second, then faked a dejected look. “He’s into another woman. I’ve decided to let go.”

“Are you kidding? All these years, you’ve chased off every woman near him.”

“This time’s different. He’s really smitten.”

“Then rip his heart out.”

“…” Xie Zhifei glanced at her. “That’s my girl.”

Zhao Xiaojing burst out laughing, tossed her cigarette butt, lit another, and shoved it into Xie Zhifei’s hand. “Whatever. I’ve always thought your obsession with him was annoying. There are tons of guys out there. Why hang yourself on one tree? Here, smoke and think. So many men in the world, and you stick to just one? What a loss.”

Xie Zhifei: “…”

She didn’t know if love was intoxicating, but she knew it was bad for her health.

Zhao Xiaojing went back to Li Feng. Xie Zhifei was about to wipe her hands when she noticed the cigarette between her fingers. Out of habit, she took a couple of puffs.

Back when she worked overtime, she’d occasionally smoke. Coffee and cigarettes—better than any high.

…Except for dying early, no real downsides.

She chuckled softly, and as she looked up, she noticed an unexpected face in the mirror behind her.

Turning in surprise, she saw Wen Pinghan’s flushed face. Realizing Gu Zhizhang was out there, it wasn’t odd to see her here. But had she overheard their conversation? How much?

For a moment, neither spoke.

Wen Pinghan was too tired to ask why Xie Zhifei was here. She walked to the sink, turned on the faucet, and splashed her face twice.

The person beside her spoke first. “What’re you doing here?”

“Group dinner.” Her team had closed another big deal that afternoon, so the boss organized a meal.

Xie Zhifei nodded, glancing at her. “Drank a lot?”

Wen Pinghan seemed normal, but she reeked of alcohol, and her fair cheeks had two rosy patches. Kind of cute.

Feeling the blatant stare, Wen Pinghan couldn’t dodge it, so she met her eyes. “What’re you looking at?”

“You.”

Defeated by her bluntness, Wen Pinghan choked, her gaze landing on the cigarette in Xie Zhifei’s fingers.

“Want it?” Xie Zhifei, good-naturedly, held it to her lips. “Take a puff?”

“No thanks.” Wen Pinghan’s voice was calm. “Smoking’s bad for your health.”

“You’re right. Too unhealthy!” Xie Zhifei immediately stubbed out the cigarette and tossed it in the trash.

Wen Pinghan raised a brow slightly, surprised by her compliance.

They left the bathroom one after the other. Xie Zhifei, who’d planned to slip away, stayed, returning to her booth. Hearing the two men talk business, she zoned out, scanning for Wen Pinghan.

She soon spotted that tall, slim figure in the lively crowd. Unlike her earlier calm, Wen Pinghan now wore a smile for socializing, her tongue sharp, chatting easily with everyone.

One man, slightly chubby with a floral tie, was particularly chatty with her.

Xie Zhifei recognized him from a morning meeting—a regional manager.

As she observed, the man beside her stood, eyes gleaming. “It’s her.”

Xie Zhifei didn’t need to ask who he meant.

That darned main character aura, always spotting each other in a crowd, huh?

The next moment, Gu Zhizhang was hurrying downstairs to find Wen Pinghan. Xie Zhifei sighed, meeting Zhao Xiaojing’s puzzled look and shrugging. “Off to find his crush.”

“There’s really someone?” Zhao Xiaojing leaned over the railing, tracking Gu Zhizhang. Moments later, she turned back, incredulous. “Isn’t that the woman from the tennis game?”

Li Feng looked too, stroking his chin meaningfully. “Oh, Wen Pinghan? Gu Zhizhang likes her?”

Wen Pinghan wasn’t surprised by Gu Zhizhang’s appearance. She’d overheard that bathroom conversation, piecing together their relationship and guessing he was at the bar.

“Mr. Gu, it’s not a good time to talk.” In front of everyone, he pulled her aside. With colleagues and bosses watching, she felt awkward.

She had no interest in joining a love triangle, especially when she felt zero involvement. Somehow, a guy fell for her at first sight, and somehow, a woman who’d long pined for him was letting go because of her.

Wen Pinghan’s only thought: “???”

What’s wrong with you people?