After Becoming a Cannon Fodder Side Character, I Became the Group’s Favorite (GL) - Chapter 36

This year’s winter was a warm one. The sun remained strong in the early morning and midday, and Wen Mubai still had to apply a thick layer of sunscreen when going out, wanting to wear a turtleneck every day.

She had already replied to the university in Country Y to express her intent, and they hoped she would arrive before the start of the next semester, which was before the end of March. Therefore, she had recently begun preparations for going abroad.

Passing by the familiar dessert shop, Wen Mubai habitually stopped and went in to buy a box of mille-feuille cake. Just as she was paying, the ringtone she had specially set for Xu Chacha sounded.

“Chacha?” she answered.

“Auntie, what are you doing?”

Wen Mubai held up the cake bag. “Buying food for you. I’ll be over in a bit.”

“Yay!” Xu Chacha cheered, then asked, “Do you want anything? Food or things you can use, anything is fine.”

She knew Wen Mubai lacked nothing, but thinking of her imminent journey, Xu Chacha felt like an old mother, wanting to stuff Wen Mubai’s suitcase full to feel at ease.

“I don’t need anything. Just remember to answer Auntie’s calls,” after they had their honest talk, Wen Mubai didn’t shy away from the topic. “I’m leaving on the twenty-fifth. That’s still early.”

“Oh,” Xu Chacha sighed softly. “Understood.”

She hung up the phone, her feelings fully showing on her face, her mouth pouting enough to hang a kettle on it. Xu Yanshu, who was watching from the side, felt a pang in her heart.

“It’s not goodbye forever. You don’t have to be this sad, do you?” Xu Yanshu sat down and hugged the small bundle. “Your sister is still here, you know.”

Xu Chacha lightly hugged her shoulder back, still looking gloomy. “Because I can see Sister every day. If Sister went abroad, I would miss you too.”

Xu Yanshu’s breathing paused for half a beat, and she silently patted her back. “Don’t be unhappy. When she’s not here, your sister will dote on you.”

Xu Chacha lifted her head from her embrace, blinking twice. “I’ve thought of a gift to give Auntie!”

Xu Yanshu: That’s it?

The Xu family made their fortune in perfume, and Xu’s mother was an active perfumer involved in new product research. It was only natural that a substantial space in their home was set aside for her as a perfume lab.

Xu Yanshu occasionally used it for experiments, so Xu’s mother had given her a key.

Xu Chacha told Xu Yanshu her idea and pleaded with her for a long time before she agreed to let Xu Chacha enter the lab while she was present, but the key was absolutely out of the question.

Xu Chacha knew nothing about perfumery, but the lab had many manuscripts and materials left by her mother, plus Xu Yanshu, a walking encyclopedia. She somehow felt full of confidence.

She set the base note for her perfume—gardenia scent.

The subsequent work involved slowly adding scent materials under Xu Yanshu’s guidance, adjusting the proportions, and constantly trying and failing to achieve the scent in her mind.

The scent she wanted was like the gardenia field after the rain that day: the clean air after the rain carried a faint gardenia fragrance, neither overpowering the other, and the scent was not too heavy.

The gardenia perfumes on the market were generally made to be quite sweet and cloying. Xu Chacha didn’t dislike that smell, but she always felt it didn’t match Wen Mubai’s temperament.

After a perfume is made, it smells better after aging for a month or two, but Xu Chacha couldn’t wait that long. She barely managed to concoct a tiny dosage before the twenty-fifth. The bottle was no thicker than her thumb.

She carefully affixed a label, tied a white ribbon into a bow, and gently tucked it into the gift box.

The day she went to see Wen Mubai off at the airport, she carried the small box in her backpack to give her.

“Don’t look so sad. I’ll come back to see you as soon as I settle down.”

Wen’s father hadn’t come to see her off today. Xu Chacha had asked Butler Zhang to bring her, so the scene felt a bit lonely. Her eyes were red; anyone could tell she had been crying muffled in her blanket all night.

“I know,” Xu Chacha raised her hand to pull up the corners of her mouth, forcing a smile. “I want to smile when I send Auntie off. Auntie, don’t worry about me. Over there, get along well with your classmates, study hard, eat on time, and don’t stay up late…”

“Are you re-stating all the instructions you gave me back to me?” Wen Mubai held her hand, smiling. “I know. Auntie remembers everything you said right here.”

She pointed to the area over her heart.

“Good.”

“It’s time to board,” Wen Mubai crouched down and pointed to her cheek. “Give Auntie a kiss, and Auntie will go.”

Xu Chacha took two steps forward, lightly hugged her neck, and gave her a familiar smack kiss. “Auntie, remember to miss me.”

“Mhm, I will.” Wen Mubai gave her head one last rub, then turned and walked away.

Xu Chacha subconsciously followed her for two steps but was quickly stopped by reason.

She stood still, watching the tall, slender figure gradually move away. Her nose started to sting again. Seeing Wen Mubai turn around, she immediately put away her sad expression and waved at her.

Wen Mubai gave her a faint smile. This time, her turn was without hesitation.

As her figure gradually disappeared from sight, a feeling of deep emptiness surged up from the bottom of her heart. Xu Chacha didn’t understand the source of it at the time.

She innocently attributed it to reluctance to part and innocently categorized Wen Mubai in the same position as Xu Yanshu.

It was only much later that she realized that feeling that day was the sensation of a gardenia seed being planted in her heart.

This seed needed a long period of cultivation before it would one day bloom into a flower.

…

Wen Mubai never broke any of the promises she made, not even the childish promise to meet once every two weeks by returning to the country.

The first time she returned, Xu Chacha was truly ecstatic, as if she had been gone for half a year. She dragged her around, making her eat all the delicious food she could think of.

Her reasoning was “You won’t be able to eat this once you leave.”

Then came the next time, and the time after that. The two kept in touch. The roaming charges were not worth mentioning for the two “small rich women.”

Wen Mubai tried hard to make Xu Chacha not feel too much of a difference, as if she were still just going to school like before, only this time the journey back to school was a bit long.

But Xu Chacha was not an insensible child. She watched Wen Mubai’s complexion worsen day by day, and once, during a nighttime call, Wen Mubai was so tired that she just fell asleep.

Xu Chacha searched the name of Wen Mubai’s university online and, after a long search, found a course schedule on a Twitter account that seemed to belong to a student in the same major.

The schedule blocks were almost all filled. Just by looking at the image, one could imagine Wen Mubai’s life, so busy she barely had time to breathe.

But Xu Chacha could tell she was happy. When a person is busy doing something they are passionate about, their eyes are different.

Wen Mubai needed more time and energy to focus on her own things. Xu Chacha soon realized that she seemed to have unknowingly become a burden to the other party.

This was not what she wanted, so she voluntarily nullified the agreement.

“When I grow up and earn money, I’ll go abroad to see Auntie. For now, Auntie should focus on her own work. Chacha will work hard with Auntie back home too.”

When she said this, Xu Chacha didn’t realize how quickly “growing up” would come.

After starting junior high, her concoctions seemed to finally work, and her height suddenly shot up to 1.7 meters. Standing next to 1.5-meter Chen Xixi, she was almost a head taller.

Xue Miaomiao was about the same height as her, but this height balance was shattered after Xu Chacha’s unreasonable second growth spurt in high school.

“Does drinking milk really help you grow taller?”

This was during the summer vacation after the college entrance exam. The three girls met up for afternoon tea at the familiar dessert shop they often went to as children.

It was Chen Xixi who asked. Xu Chacha slowly stirred the coffee milk in her cup and replied, “I wasn’t just drinking milk, okay? Going to bed early and waking up early is the key. If you and Xue Miaomiao keep staying up late to play games, forget about growing taller, you’ll be hand-in-hand going for hair transplants before long.”

“Ah!” Chen Xixi covered her suddenly cool-feeling scalp, her plump face wrinkling up. “How did you know I’m balding?”

Xue Miaomiao, who hadn’t said much, glanced sideways. “Do you know that when tall people look down at your head, it’s practically a clear view?”

Chen Xixi: “You’re body-shaming me! Chacha, tell her off for me!”

Xu Chacha, who was sipping her milk, said “Ah” and mediated. “Don’t talk about Xixi like that. What’s wrong with 158? Being small is also very cute.”

Chen Xixi choked even more when she heard that number. “It’s not 158! It’s 160!”

Xu Chacha nodded, indulging her like a child. “Yes, yes, yes. Rounding up, our Chen Xixi is 1.8 meters tall.”

Xue Miaomiao burst out laughing. She didn’t say anything, but her eyes conveyed everything.

“Ah, it’s almost two. I have to go,” Xu Chacha said, grabbing her bag and standing up. “I’ll pay. Take your time eating.”

“Ah… why are you leaving so early again?” Chen Xixi said with a long face. “I have to book an appointment to see you, and once I finally get one, you only grace me with your presence for an hour or two.”

Xu Chacha tried to stifle her laughter. “Next time, I’ll clear a whole day to hang out with Consort Xixi, okay?”

Xue Miaomiao reached out and turned Chen Xixi’s head, saying in an accustomed tone, “No one compares to that ‘Auntie Mubai’ in her eyes. Why bother fighting with her for attention?”

Chen Xixi stopped talking. After a while, she waved to Xu Chacha. “Go, go. I won’t bother you and your call across the ocean with your auntie.”

“I’m really leaving.” Xu Chacha took a few pieces of chocolate from her bag and put them on the table. “Don’t be unhappy. I’ll spend time with you guys next time.”

Xue Miaomiao’s face was full of disdain. “Take them away. How old are we to still be appeased with chocolate?”

Chen Xixi snatched them up. “Perfect, I’ll eat them.”

“Chen Xixi!” Xue Miaomiao realized her voice was a little too loud, and she lowered it, holding out her hand to Chen Xixi. “Give me one.”

“Would you die if you weren’t so tsundere for one day?” Despite the complaint, Chen Xixi still gave her a piece.

Xue Miaomiao didn’t take her hand back, beckoning to her. “Give me another one. I saw her give you four.”

…

Xue Miaomiao wasn’t wrong with her complaint. Xu Chacha did go home to call Wen Mubai.

By calculation, it had been nearly ten years since she went abroad. At first, Xu Chacha thought she would return after graduation, counting the days until her return.

However, during her internship, Wen Mubai was noticed by the editor-in-chief of the Country Y magazine, HN, and was persuaded to stay.

A few years later, the editor-in-chief retired, and the highly capable Wen Mubai succeeded her, becoming the youngest editor-in-chief in HN’s history. At this point, Xu Chacha no longer expected her to return anytime soon.

Although the two rarely saw each other all year, Xu Chacha could always see Wen Mubai’s name in the screenwriting credits of some popular TV series or movies.

Working as an editor-in-chief and still having the leisure to write screenplays—if she didn’t know her personally, Xu Chacha would suspect Wen Mubai was a superhuman who never needed sleep.

Xu Chacha kicked off her shoes. Before her bottom even touched the sofa, Butler Zhang brought over a cold drink.

“Here, try the latest longevity tea with bird’s nest, red dates, and oats that Grandma invented. It just came out of the fridge, perfect for beating the heat.” She held an enamel mug larger than her face.

“Grandma, you’re feeding me like a pig,” Xu Chacha complained, but still puffed out her cheeks and took a big gulp.

She had to admit, this stuff was actually… quite delicious.

It was a bit like an oat milk green tea with 30% sweetness and pudding, just lacking a bit of milk flavor. However, it was perfect for a health veteran like her.

At exactly two o’clock, Xu Chacha’s phone lit up. She immediately put down her cup, quickly smoothed her hair twice, and answered.

At this time, it was around seven in the morning in Country Y. Wen Mubai habitually called her every morning right after waking up.

The woman on the screen hadn’t changed much in ten years. The slightly youthful girl from back then had matured, becoming more poised and composed. Her aloof and distant aura was stronger, making her look unapproachable.

“Didn’t you say you were going shopping with Xixi and the others? Why are you home?”

Wen Mubai was still wearing a nightgown. Her naturally black hair, which had never been dyed or permed, was lazily draped over her shoulders, looking beautiful enough. She was lifting her arms, tilting her chin up to tie her hair, her elongated neck as graceful as a swan. Her sidelong glance held a hint of nonchalance.

If the current Wen Mubai were walking on the street, Xu Chacha definitely wouldn’t have the courage to approach her. She suddenly felt a little thankful that she had met this woman ten years earlier.

“I wanted to come back to video chat,” she answered Wen Mubai’s question obediently.

The person on the other end of the screen slightly curved her lips and smiled, a lazy, somewhat casual look that, paired with her soft nasal tone, had an exquisite kind of sexiness.

“So obedient?”

Her voice had more texture than it did when she was eighteen, so beautiful that Xu Chacha had saved her “good night” as a separate ringtone.

Hearing her say the word “obedient” used to make Xu Chacha feel indignant about being treated like a child, and it still did now.

But she only wrinkled her nose and didn’t utter a sound. Wen Mubai was too familiar with the source of all her little expressions and just smiled without speaking, enjoying her occasional display of annoyance.

“When does school start?”

“September first,” Xu Chacha answered.

She had chosen the Chinese Literature department at Q University. Although Wen Mubai only stayed at that university for less than a year, Xu Chacha had chosen it without hesitation when filling out her application.

“Why the sudden switch to the liberal arts?” Wen Mubai had finished tying her hair and, without any avoidance, started changing into a shirt right in front of her.

Xu Chacha awkwardly looked away, her words stammering. “I just suddenly wanted to study it.”

The other side didn’t speak for a long time. After a while, presumably after she had changed, Wen Mubai sat back down in front of the chair.

“Xu Chacha,” she suddenly became serious, her stern demeanor quite intimidating.

Xu Chacha’s back involuntarily tensed up, and she sat up straight. “W-what is it?”

“Have you been a little too reserved with me lately?”

This “lately” could actually be extended. It wasn’t that Wen Mubai was overly sensitive; as Xu Chacha grew older, she could clearly feel the change in her attitude. She didn’t act spoiled anymore, and her speech was much more measured.

“Measured” could also be understood as having more distance. Perhaps everyone becomes more independent as they grow up, but Wen Mubai always felt that Xu Chacha should be the kind of girl who, no matter how old, would be pampered and held in the palm of her hand.

“Huh?”

Seeing Xu Chacha’s utterly confused expression, Wen Mubai shook her head, telling herself she might be overthinking things.

“Never mind. It’s no use explaining to a silly person.”

Xu Chacha furrowed her brows. “Who’s silly? I’m almost eighteen. Stop talking to me in a tone you use to humor children.”

“Aren’t you a child?” Wen Mubai softly countered. “You used to be a cute child, and now you’re a slightly awkward child.”

“I’m not awkward,” Xu Chacha muttered quietly.

Wen Mubai heard her words as if she had supersensitive hearing. Propping her chin on her hand, she leaned casually toward the camera, her gaze seemingly penetrating the screen. “If you say you’re not, then you’re not. Let’s just say I miss the little child who used to call me ‘Auntie’ so sweetly.”

Xu Chacha felt uncomfortable with her words. She poked at the keys on her phone. “I’m hanging up. Go eat your breakfast quickly. You’re always dawdling. If you’re not careful when you’re young, you’ll be riddled with diseases when you’re old.”

After speaking, Xu Chacha pressed the hang-up button before Wen Mubai could reply, then leaned back against the chair, covering her heart, which was wildly beating in her chest.

“Why does she keep treating me like a child?”

She picked up the longevity tea, which had almost returned to room temperature, and took a sip. Her turbulent emotions finally calmed down a little.

But her face still felt hot.

Xu Chacha stood up and walked into the bathroom. She scooped water from the faucet with both hands and splashed it on her face. The icy touch finally made her feel a bit more comfortable.

She looked up and met her gaze in the mirror.

The only thing on this face that somewhat resembled her childhood was the smooth, lively almond eyes. Below them was a dainty, upturned nose. The baby fat and round face of her childhood had unknowingly matured into an elegant, classical oval face. Her soft lips always had a faint, dewy pink color, even without lipstick.

Xu Chacha pulled the corners of her mouth apart, trying to squint and smile the way she used to, but it looked noticeably stiff, as if the face wasn’t her own.

She raised her hand, rubbed her cheek, and sighed softly, “It doesn’t suit me anymore.”