The Real Daughter Needs Saving by This Vicious Female Cannon Fodder? - Chapter 5

“Miss Gu, did you come to me today because you couldn’t sleep at night and needed me to warm your bed?”

Ning Anran’s gaze remained indifferent. In her eyes, Cheng Chen was no good person, and Gu Xia was even worse.

If Cheng Chen hadn’t shamelessly pursued her, Gu Xia wouldn’t have taken every opportunity to abuse and torment her, making her life a living hell.

Though Ning Anran didn’t yet understand why Gu Xia’s attitude toward her had suddenly changed, in the past, she had often used excuses like “the air conditioner is broken” to force her to strip and warm the bed as a form of humiliation.

There were even times when Gu Xia had poured an entire bucket of ice water over her—all because she was jealous that Ning Anran had met with Cheng Chen while he refused to see her.

Gu Xia was completely floored by the female lead’s remark.

The words she had prepared died on her lips, twisting instead into a stiff, businesslike smile.

“Of course not—I was just worried you might be too cold in the dorm.”

“Look, I bought you a down jacket.”

“Oh, and this scarf—it was a buy-one-get-one deal from the store. You should put it on right away.”

As the weather grew increasingly bitter, Gu Xia couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety seeing the thin coat Ning Anran was wearing.

If this went on for a few more days, the female lead’s frail body would surely catch a cold—or worse, the flu.

She pulled out a snow-white down jacket from the bag she was carrying and held it up against Ning Anran for size.

Good. The data she’d gotten from the system about the female lead’s measurements seemed accurate.

At least there were no mistakes.

How awkward would it have been if she’d bought the wrong size?

It would’ve made her look completely insincere—like she was deliberately trying to humiliate her.

Ning Anran’s eyes flickered over the logo on the bag Gu Xia was holding, and a trace of doubt surfaced in her mind.

A single piece of clothing from this luxury brand cost tens of thousands—there was no way a high-end chain store would run a cheap “buy-one-get-one” promotion.

But she quickly arrived at an answer.

Gu Xia must have bought a knockoff somewhere, intending to make her a laughingstock among their classmates.

But so be it. Maybe this misfortune would turn into a blessing. If Gu Xia wanted to mock her, let her.

The jacket did feel warm, at least—it would save her a few hundred bucks on winter clothes.

Ning Anran laughed bitterly to herself. She was already so poor she couldn’t even afford her university tuition—why would she care whether this jacket was genuine or counterfeit?

Miss Gu’s methods of tormenting her were getting more and more juvenile.

“It looks good on you.”

Wrapping the scarf around Ning Anran’s pale neck, Gu Xia carefully adjusted her long hair.

She handed the bag to Ning Anran.

“I was discharged from the hospital today. My sister picked me up, and since she had to pass by your place, I thought I’d bring you some things.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea—this isn’t me being nice to you. You absolutely must not think that.”

“I just figured that as the neighbor of Uncle Fu, even the housekeeper’s daughter shouldn’t dress too shabbily at school—it’d reflect poorly on both Uncle Fu’s family and ours.”

Seeing the female lead’s expression—as if she was about to toss the supplements straight into the trash—Gu Xia twisted her fingers nervously, her tone laced with a mix of arrogance and petulance.

Playing this brain-dead character is absolutely exhausting—do I at least get compensation for this?

“You should count yourself lucky, host. As a Villainous Cannon Fodder Self-Rescue System, I must say you’ve awakened quite early. At this stage, the female lead merely dislikes you—she hasn’t descended into full villainy yet.”

“Otherwise, even if you offered her your heart on a platter, she’d chop you into minced meat, stuff you in a burger bun, and toss you to the sharks!”

“Damn it! If you can’t speak properly, then shut up! Shut up!”

The wind tousled Ning Anran’s loose strands of hair as she listened to the rustling leaves of the plane tree overhead, letting out a soft chuckle.

She replied with perfect composure, “Indeed, Second Miss Gu wouldn’t want her pet dog to embarrass her.”

“I understand perfectly.”

Ning Anran was long accustomed to Gu Xia treating her like a dog. Though unaccustomed to Gu Xia’s recent behavior, she showed no outward reaction.

She maintained their usual dynamic.

Any misstep might provoke Second Miss Gu’s vicious retaliation—or worse, have the matter reported to her parents, guaranteeing another brutal beating.

“Still, I should thank Second Miss Gu. This autumn has been exceptionally cold.”

Ning Anran wasn’t sure whether she was moved by Gu Xia’s sudden change of heart, or if her long-frozen body was simply responding to unexpected warmth.

Female Lead Affection +5

Rubbing her hands together, Gu Xia wholeheartedly agreed with the comment about the weather. This damn cold was unbearable—a few more minutes outside and she’d turn into an ice sculpture!

Yet the system’s affection notification warmed her heart.

The coat hadn’t been a wasted gift after all. With another 5 affection points, her mortality rate had dropped from 100% to 75%—an excellent start!

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Shall we meet tonight then?”

“Ning Anran, any food preferences? My sister mentioned a new French restaurant—20% off for couples. Shall we go?”

Raised in luxury, Gu Xia had porcelain skin, sparkling eyes, and an extraordinary presence.

Beneath the golden autumn tree, the pair drew countless admiring glances.

Ning Anran truly couldn’t fathom Gu Xia’s intentions now.

Was this about summoning her as a drinking shield at some social gathering?

If so, that would actually be manageable.

She’d never liked alcohol, but job hunting and networking had forced her to develop tolerance.

Still, owing Gu Xia both a favor and 20,000 yuan left her no room for refusal.

“Very well. Shall I drive to pick you up, Second Miss?”

Ning Anran opened her palm.

She’d earned her driver’s license through part-time work—essential for employment, as many companies required staff to drive for business trips.

But owning a car remained beyond her means, something Gu Xia knew full well. Every key-throwing demand for chauffeur service came with the attitude of treating her as hired help.

“Or should I…”

Wait a minute—that damn girl doesn’t even have a driver’s license!!!

How could we let the esteemed female lead drive for her!!!

Ahhhhhhh!!! If I’d known this would happen, I should’ve prepared better wording to ask her out for dinner earlier. Now I’m caught completely off guard.

“What’s wrong? Does the second young miss not want to?”

Ning Anran lowered her eyes, a trace of disappointment flashing through them as she began to withdraw her outstretched hand.

“No, of course I want to!”

“But I didn’t bring the car keys. Wait here—I’ll go get them from my sister!”

Like a startled rabbit, Gu Xia bolted away as if her pants were on fire.

Ning Anran watched Gu Xia’s retreating figure. The cold wind whipped against her white scarf, but her nearly frozen body gradually began to warm again.

Just what was she trying to do?