The Green Tea Supporting Girl Is Still Playing Her Role Today (GL) - Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Back at home, Xie Zhifei flopped onto the bed in high spirits, rolling back and forth, hugging the blanket and giggling nonstop.

At that moment, the system, which had been silent all along, finally couldn’t hold back and spoke up: [Are you really dating Wen Pinghan?]

[Yep.]

[You’re really, really, really dating Wen Pinghan?!]

[Yes!!!]

[…] The system went quiet for a long time, so long that Xie Zhifei thought it had crashed. Then it finally said: [You’re here to fix bugs, not to fall in love!]

Xie Zhifei: [Does the mission say I can’t fall in love?]

System: [Well, it doesn’t exactly say that… but, but! Wen Pinghan is the female lead. How could she like you? She’s supposed to like Gu Zhizhang.]

Xie Zhifei asked: [Is love about what’s supposed to happen? It’s just about love or no love. Besides, did I hold a knife to Wen Pinghan’s throat and force her to like me?]

System: [No…]

Xie Zhifei: [So, there you go. It all happened naturally. There’s no forcing involved. We willingly fell for each other. What’s wrong with that?]

System: [0.0] I haven’t thought of anything yet.

Xie Zhifei: [If you’ve got nothing, then step back. This empress needs her rest.]

System: [Yes, ma’am] (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

The next morning, after breakfast, Xie Zhifei got into the car and headed to the Xie residence.

She dialed a video call, and it connected quickly. Wen Pinghan, dressed in fluffy loungewear, lay on her bed, looking at the camera with sleepy eyes. “Morning.”

“Sister, are you still half-asleep? Why don’t you rest a bit more?” Xie Zhifei asked.

“No, I just got woken up by a client’s call. I’m handling some work now,” Wen Pinghan said, attending a video meeting on her computer while keeping the call with Xie Zhifei in a small window on the side, multitasking.

Xie Zhifei watched her quietly, her fingers itching to touch the screen. She really wanted to feel that fluffy outfit!

Such a cute, soft sister—she’d never seen her like this before!

If she could wake up to this sister every morning, it’d be so perfect to cuddle!

Hehehehehe…

“What are you laughing about?” Wen Pinghan asked. “You’re suddenly acting like a creep.”

Xie Zhifei pinched her cheeks, forcing herself to stop daydreaming. She composed her expression and smiled casually. “Nothing, just thinking about the future… hehehe hohohoho hihihihihi!”

Wen Pinghan: “…” Even creepier.

The car stopped, and Xie Zhifei said, “Sister, I’m here. Let’s talk later.”

“Okay.” Suddenly, Wen Pinghan leaned forward, blew a kiss at the camera, and smiled softly. “Morning kiss. Bye-bye.”

Xie Zhifei froze, staring as the video call ended. Then she hugged her phone and shouted, “Bye-bye what? Get back here and kiss me again, aaaaah!”

“Fei, what are you doing here?” Xie Hongxu, who was strolling in the courtyard, saw her car and came over to tap on the window.

Xie Zhifei switched expressions in a second, smiling as she put away her phone and got out. “I missed you, so I came to hang out.”

Xie Hongxu was touched and asked, “Not busy with the company anymore?”

Xie Zhifei’s smile faltered. “Next time, don’t say I’m too busy with work to spend time with you.”

Xie Hongxu laughed heartily. “Just teasing you. Come on, walk with me.”

“Sure.”

The two strolled around the courtyard. Perhaps because of his age, Xie Hongxu couldn’t help but reminisce lately, often bringing up childhood memories. Seeing his daughter now fully grown filled him with both pride and wistfulness.

“You kids grow up slowly, and we grow old. The future belongs to you. I don’t have many worries left, just that you might meet someone unworthy, and after I’m gone, no one will have your back.”

“Dad, I don’t need anyone to have my back, and I won’t meet someone unworthy. Don’t you trust my judgment?” Xie Zhifei said.

“Hmph, with your judgment, you didn’t even like Li Hongyan. I really don’t know what kind of person you’d fall for.”

“I admire Li Hongyan, but I don’t feel love for him.”

“You’ve always been stubborn. I never forced you into an arranged marriage. I picked someone as great as Li Hongyan for you, and you still… Hmph, I wonder what kind of person you’ll bring home,” Xie Hongxu said, exasperated.

“Of course, it’ll be someone amazing. They might not be your one-in-a-million, but in my eyes, they’re one-of-a-kind,” Xie Zhifei said.

Xie Hongxu shook his head with a wry smile. “Fine, I’ll wait and see.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t wait long,” Xie Zhifei said with a grin.

After lunch together, Xie Hongxu went to rest, and Xie Zhifei sent a message to Wang Wan.

[You home?]

Wang Wan: [What’s up?]

Xie Zhifei: [I’m back at the Xie residence. If it’s convenient, I’ll come over to hang out.]

Wang Wan: [Not convenient. Got guests at home [eye roll].]

Xie Zhifei: [Who?]

Wang Wan: [Zhang Changsheng. You probably don’t know her. She’s a friend Aunt met abroad through some illness connection. But I just noticed her side profile kinda looks like Wen Pinghan. Believe it?]

Xie Zhifei: [Nope.]

Wang Wan: [Don’t believe me? Come see for yourself!]

Soon after, Xie Zhifei arrived at the Gu residence, where Wang Wan was waiting at the gate.

“You came out to meet me?” Xie Zhifei asked, incredulous.

“Just bored. Aunt’s always super chummy with her, doesn’t need me hovering around,” Wang Wan said.

“Where’s your cousin?”

“On a business trip, not back yet.” Wang Wan glanced around, then covered her mouth and whispered, “I’ve got a hunch Aunt wants to set Zhang Changsheng up with my cousin. She brought her home yesterday and keeps dropping hints about him.”

Xie Zhifei whispered back, “I’ve got a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why aren’t you wearing makeup today?”

“Aunt barely said two words to me today. She didn’t even notice I’m barefaced, so I couldn’t be bothered. I’m done wasting time on it. The moment she sees Zhang Changsheng, it’s like she’s her real daughter. Who even notices her grandniece?” Wang Wan said glumly.

“But you look so much better like this—youthful and vibrant,” Xie Zhifei said.

Wang Wan pouted and led her to the living room. “Aunt, Xie Zhifei’s here.”

“Fei’s here too? Come, sit. We’ve got a guest about your age. She just returned to the country and isn’t familiar with things here. You two can take her out to have some fun,” Gu’s mother said, looking up with a smile.

The woman sitting across from Gu’s mother turned, stared at Xie Zhifei for a few seconds, and gave a slight nod, a polite smile on her pale face. “Hello.”

“Hi, I’m Xie Zhifei. My family lives next door, but I’ve moved out on my own now.” Xie Zhifei walked behind her sofa, smiling and extending a hand.

Zhang Changsheng looked at her hand, then slowly shook it, her voice calm and measured. “Nice, thank you.”

“Changsheng, want to take a nap to rest?” Gu’s mother asked.

Zhang Changsheng shook her head, knowing Gu’s mother’s napping habit. “You go rest. I’ll head to my room to read.”

“Good girl,” Gu’s mother said with a smile, nodding. She didn’t forget to nudge Wang Wan. “Wanwan, learn from Changsheng. Read more in your free time.”

“Okay…” Wang Wan lowered her head, pretending to fiddle with her phone, giving a half-hearted response.

“Fei, you know your way around. Make yourself at home. I won’t play host,” Gu’s mother said, giving instructions before heading upstairs to rest.

Xie Zhifei watched her go, then glanced at the other two. Zhang Changsheng sat quietly on the sofa, saying she’d read in her room but hadn’t moved, perhaps unsure of the place or feeling awkward about leaving alone.

Meanwhile, Wang Wan, who wasn’t fond of Zhang Changsheng, stood there like a wooden post, playing Plants vs. Zombies.

The spacious living room echoed only with the game’s eerie background music.

“Changsheng, what do you usually like to do?” Xie Zhifei asked, leaning on the sofa.

Zhang Changsheng replied, “Read.”

“Anything else?”

“Sunning in the courtyard.”

Xie Zhifei glanced at the weather—no sun today. “Want to go out and have some fun?”

“My family and the housekeeper don’t let me go out to play,” Zhang Changsheng said softly.

“Oh… how about a game we can play at home?” Xie Zhifei suggested.

Zhang Changsheng’s eyes lit up, adding a bit of color to her weary face. “What game?” she asked eagerly.

“Let’s go to my place so we don’t disturb Aunt’s rest,” Xie Zhifei proposed.

“Okay,” Zhang Changsheng agreed immediately.

Wang Wan was thrilled at the idea of Xie Zhifei taking her away, hoping for some peace, but Xie Zhifei dragged her along too.

“I’m not going,” Wang Wan said, opening the car door to leave.

“I’ll call Fang Ningshu too,” Xie Zhifei said.

“Really?” Wang Wan promptly shut the door and sat back down. She didn’t want to hang out with Zhang Changsheng, but if Fang Ningshu was there, she could play with her instead.

When they arrived at Xie Zhifei’s villa, Fang Ningshu was already waiting at the door.

“What’s so urgent that I had to come right away?” Fang Ningshu asked.

“Let me introduce you. This is Zhang Changsheng, a new friend. I brought her to play some games, but we’re short a few people,” Xie Zhifei said, pointing at Zhang Changsheng with a smile.

At the name, Fang Ningshu’s mind raced, but she put on a practiced smile, acting like it was their first meeting. “Hello, Miss Zhang. I’m Fang Ningshu, President Xie’s secretary. Feel free to contact me if you need anything.”

“You guys are too polite,” Zhang Changsheng said with a gentle smile.

“Alright, everyone’s here. Can we start?” Wang Wan asked.

“Not yet. One more,” Xie Zhifei said.

“Who?”

‘

“Sorry, I’m late,” Wen Pinghan said, standing at the door.

“Not late at all. They’re eating fruit,” Xie Zhifei said, hurrying to bring her in. She took off Wen Pinghan’s scarf and led her to the entertainment room in the basement, where several people were eating fruit and watching a movie.

“Let me introduce a new friend,” Xie Zhifei said, holding her hand and lowering her voice.

“Who?” Wen Pinghan stepped closer and noticed a stranger with a gentle demeanor, eating fruit slowly, unlike the others. Even when a funny movie scene played, unlike Wang Wan’s unrestrained laughter, she only curved her lips slightly.

She looked at Xie Zhifei, puzzled. “Who’s this?”

“She’s Zhang Changsheng.”

Zhang Changsheng looked up, meeting Wen Pinghan’s eyes, and both froze for a moment.

“I told you they look alike, right? If I hadn’t triple-checked that the Zhang family has no illegitimate daughters, I’d think they were sisters,” Wang Wan chimed in.

Zhang Changsheng smiled slowly. “Hello, I’m Zhang Changsheng. You can call me Changsheng.”

“Hi, Wen Pinghan.”

“Now everyone’s here, right? What are we playing?” Wang Wan asked, rubbing her hands together.

Five minutes later, Wang Wan looked devastated. “This? Mahjong?!”

“Yep, what a brainy, family-friendly multiplayer game,” Xie Zhifei said, turning to Wen Pinghan. “Sister, come on. I’ll cheer you on.”

“I don’t know how,” Wen Pinghan said. Time-wasting games like this weren’t her thing, so she’d never played.

“I’ll teach you. I guarantee you’ll learn, or I’ll make it up to you with my body,” Xie Zhifei said, patting her chest.

“Pfft, shameless. Who wants your body?” Wang Wan scoffed, then turned to Wen Pinghan. “I’ll teach you. I’m a legend in the ladies’ mahjong circle!”

“Thanks, but I want to see her make it up with her body,” Wen Pinghan said, smiling at Xie Zhifei.

“You’ve fallen so low,” Wang Wan said, heartbroken. “If you really want to see that, I—I can do it too!”

“What can you do? Go sit over there,” Xie Zhifei urged.

Wang Wan pouted, seeing Fang Ningshu already seated, and took the spot next to her, across from Zhang Changsheng.

“Actually… I don’t know how either,” Zhang Changsheng said with a sheepish smile.

“No worries. We’ll make sure you both learn today. Come on, Secretary Fang, use that sharp brain and perfect Mandarin to teach them the rules.”

“…”

Fang Ningshu was forced into giving a mahjong lesson. Fortunately, both were quick learners and grasped the basic rules soon enough, though they’d need practice to iron out the kinks.

Xie Zhifei pulled a chair next to Wen Pinghan, guiding her through the tiles, assisting her throughout. She could’ve spoken quietly, but she insisted on whispering in Wen Pinghan’s ear. Wang Wan and Zhang Changsheng didn’t notice anything, but Fang Ningshu, sitting across, had a front-row seat.

Every time she looked up, she saw them being touchy—Xie Zhifei leaning on Wen Pinghan to whisper or Wen Pinghan pinching Xie Zhifei’s face.

The other two didn’t seem to suspect a thing.

“You two are so close,” Zhang Changsheng said, genuinely admiring their interaction. “I’d love to have a friend like that.”

“Do you know what else they are?” Wang Wan asked mysteriously.

“What?”

“Boss and subordinate! You could try finding a subordinate to bond with.”

“I don’t have subordinates,” Zhang Changsheng said with a sigh.

“Me neither!” Wang Wan wailed, then suddenly snapped, “Xie Zhifei, are you done? Stop feeding Wen Pinghan cherries and leave some for us!”

Fang Ningshu shook her head helplessly. “I’m out.”

The others were stunned. Wen Pinghan and Zhang Changsheng were just getting into the game, and Wang Wan was hooked.

At her words, everyone looked at her with confusion and disappointment.

“…” Fang Ningshu, under their stares, gritted her teeth and said to her boss, “I have some work to handle.”

“Can you do it here?” Xie Zhifei asked.

“Sure.”

“Alright, I’ll call someone else.”

Xie Zhifei took her place, constantly making bad moves for Wen Pinghan, infuriating Wang Wan, who bickered with her while playing. No one minded the noise.

Wen Pinghan was used to it, and Zhang Changsheng enjoyed the lively atmosphere, smiling as she watched their banter.

Fang Ningshu sat quietly on the side, relieved to be free, thinking, ‘Let those two clueless ones deal with them.’

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang, and Fang Ningshu went upstairs to answer it.

“Hey, I’m here!” Zhao Xiaojing strutted in, looking around. “Where’s Fei?”

“Downstairs.”

Zhao Xiaojing scanned the room, seeing only Fang Ningshu, and grabbed her arm, whispering, “Did Fei tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“About her liking you,” Zhao Xiaojing said, recounting the whole story and her clever deductions.

Fang Ningshu: “…”

Great. An even bigger clueless one had arrived.