The Real Daughter Needs Saving by This Vicious Female Cannon Fodder? - Chapter 22

“Do you need help with your clothes too?”

Ning Anran removed the hair tie from her wrist and swiftly tied up her hair.

“No need! I can do it myself!”

Despite her words, Gu Xia’s trembling fingers betrayed her. Ning Anran pressed her palm against the back of Gu Xia’s hand, patiently assisting her.

Even though it was just a bath, Gu Xia couldn’t shake the strange, indescribable atmosphere.

“Let me help.”

“If the Second Young Lady keeps being this stubborn, we might not finish bathing tonight.”

Every time Ning Anran called her “Second Young Lady,” there was a teasing lilt to her voice—just as she had done before Gu Xia awakened.

The unawakened Gu Xia had been like a fool, afflicted with the same “intelligence reduction” typical of every malicious cannon-fodder female antagonist.

Of course, she couldn’t detect the mockery hidden beneath Ning Anran’s flattery.

She had even taken pride in it, believing Ning Anran’s behavior was complete submission—proof that she was a well-trained lapdog.

But now, the awakened Gu Xia could only look back at her past self and cringe at how utterly clueless she had been—not just lacking judgment, but devoid of any intelligence at all!

“Really, it’s fine… Ning Anran, I can manage…”

Having a pair of hands worth hundreds of millions in the future serve her like this was practically a waste of talent.

In her flustered rush toward the bathroom, Gu Xia forgot she was still drunk. The moment she stood up, stars danced before her eyes, and she nearly kissed the floor.

“Is this what the Second Young Lady calls ‘managing on her own’?”

“Don’t end up covered in bruises or with a bump on your forehead—I’d have to take time off tomorrow to nurse you back to health.”

Ning Anran moved swiftly, grabbing Gu Xia’s arm and pulling her into her embrace.

Once again, she lifted the drunken mess into her arms and carried her straight to the bathroom.

Gu Xia’s heart pounded like thunder. Under the warm yellow light, the sound of running water filled her ears.

To her surprise, she felt a faint flicker of anticipation. Maybe letting Ning Anran bathe her wasn’t so bad after all…

After all, Ning Anran’s service was incredibly comfortable. Gu Xia felt her resolve wavering, as if she were being conquered by sweet temptation!

“Host, anyone would be tempted by such a beauty—it’s not your fault~”

This system sure knew how to comfort her.

As if she were some kind of lustful fiend!

Ning Anran tested the water temperature before easing her mind and placing the now-undressed Gu Xia into the pristine white bathtub.

She squeezed some body wash onto a loofah, working it into a rich lather with practiced ease.

Her movements were so skilled, it was as if she were a professional bath attendant.

Gu Xia stared in a daze, her alcohol-fogged mind further muddled by the steam.

“Ning Anran… were you a bath attendant in the past?”

“Your technique… is so refined.”

At the question, Ning Anran paused, her gaze lingering on Gu Xia’s snow-white skin before she chuckled softly.

“I was. But only for you.”

She wasn’t lying—Ning Anran had indeed only ever bathed Gu Xia in her life.

The sheer straightforwardness of her answer left Gu Xia flustered. Under Ning Anran’s unwavering gaze, she grew even shyer.

“The water’s ready. Drink some honey water later, then brush your teeth.”

“It’ll help relieve some of the headache and nausea,” came the voice as gentle as coaxing a child. Leaning against the bathtub, Gu Xia unknowingly drifted into sleep.

Though asleep, Gu Xia wasn’t completely unconscious. She could sense Ning Anran drying her with a soft towel, wrapping her in a bathrobe, then carrying her out.

This version of Ning Anran was so tender—more so than even her own mother.

Sometimes, Ning Anran’s words carried a sharpness, like salt sprinkled on a wound, leaving a sting.

Yet, Gu Xia found herself willing to savor it. Why? Perhaps because being around Ning Anran, the female lead, made her feel like she had regained a sense of rationality.

After placing Gu Xia on the bed, Ning Anran turned to the coffee table, picking up Gu Xia’s favorite porcelain cup. The spoon clinked softly as she crouched down, murmuring coaxingly,

“Here, drink this.”

“Just half a cup—any more and you’ll complain about bloating.”

The warm honey water touched her lips, reminding Gu Xia of the last time Ning Anran had playfully force-fed her chicken soup.

Immediately obedient, she parted her lips without hesitation, afraid that even a 0.01-second delay would result in Ning Anran shoving the spoon in!

The perfectly sweetened honey water moistened her lips. Watching Gu Xia drink, Ning Anran nodded in satisfaction before scooping another spoonful.

Only after the entire half-cup was gone did Ning Anran finally turn away to wash the cup.

Another half-hour passed before Ning Anran emerged from the bathroom, heading for the couch.

Wrapped in the thin blanket Gu Xia had once bought her, she felt content.

Compared to squeezing into that cramped maid’s room with her mother, Ning Anran would much rather sleep on Gu Xia’s relatively comfortable sofa.

At least there were no sighs or endless scoldings here.

She had peace.

Watching that blanket-draped figure, Gu Xia knew exactly why Ning Anran willingly chose the couch.

It all traced back to her pre-enlightenment days—when she had been utterly unreasonable!

To torment Ning Anran around the clock, Gu Xia had demanded she follow her everywhere, even banishing her to sleep on the sofa.

To flaunt her own thick, warm quilt, Gu Xia had spitefully bought a thin blanket, bestowing it upon Ning Anran like an imperial decree—”so you don’t catch a cold” on the couch.

Oh, Gu Xia! Gu Xia!

The foolishness you once embraced now demands you lick it all back, drop by drop!

Tears welled up unbidden.

Clutching the sheets, Gu Xia steeled herself—a true woman knew when to bend and when to stand firm! Biting her lip, she called out,

“Ning Anran, don’t… don’t sleep on the couch.”

“Come share the bed with me. It’s too cold alone, and the heater takes forever to warm up…”

Pfft—as if anyone would believe that!

Gu Xia found it just as absurd as that legendary line—”Oh, my cat can do backflips!”

Pausing mid-sit on the sofa, Ning Anran sighed inwardly.

She wasn’t fond of sharing a bed—the couch was far more comfortable. But she couldn’t refuse Gu Xia.

Whether the heater was slow or not, Ning Anran couldn’t say, but Gu Xia truly was sensitive to cold. The slightest chill would send her sniffling.

Turning around, Ning Anran lay down on the bed.

“Didn’t you say you were cold?”

“Then come closer.”

She opened her arms and pulled Gu Xia firmly into her embrace, using her own body heat to chase away the chill.

Before Gu Xia could react, she was already wrapped tightly in Ning Anran’s arms!

Her heart pounded like a drum—if Ning Anran had a system too, she’d surely hear Gu Xia’s affection points skyrocketing!

With her nose pressed against Ning Anran’s collarbone, Gu Xia was completely enveloped in warmth. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted off to sleep.

Damn… She might actually like Ning Anran a little… Was she some kind of pervert…?