After Seeing Through the Plot, the Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Lead Overturned Her Fate - Chapter 11

A dreamless night passed, and the next morning Ye An headed downstairs right on time.

The temperature had already been quite chilly when the two returned the previous night, and this morning a drizzling rain had begun to fall. As soon as Ye An emerged, she saw Xia Yihuan waiting for her in front of the building entrance, holding a soaking wet umbrella.

“The weather really changes whenever it feels like it.” Ye An sighed. She wasn’t particularly fond of rainy days; the slick pavement and humid air always made her irritable.

And most importantly, she was sensitive to the cold.

Fortunately, Xia Yihuan’s body temperature was always warm.

Ye An gently rested her hand in Xia Yihuan’s palm.

Having indeed drunk quite a bit last night, Ye An felt a bit out of sorts and had uncharacteristically woken up a little later than usual. She had no appetite for the ingredients pre-prepared in her fridge; it seemed better to just have breakfast at the company.

“Have you eaten, Yihuan?” After smoothing her skirt and sitting down, Ye An glanced sideways at her.

“Not yet,” Xia Yihuan replied immediately.

“Then let’s go together.” Ye An curled her lips into a smile. “Shi Qian’s cafeteria is actually quite good. They have both Chinese and Western breakfasts with a full variety.”

“Several of the chefs have been with us since Shi Qian was founded; their skills are top-notch. If you want a taste of another country’s cuisine, just ask—they can usually accommodate you.”

“Thank you for the kind offer, President Ye.” Xia Yihuan shook her head. “There’s no need for such trouble. A simple sandwich and coffee will do.”

She truly sounded like someone with very few desires.

Ye An looked directly at her profile. “Yihuan, there’s no need to stand on ceremony with me.”

“I’m not standing on ceremony.” A red light ahead lasted for several dozen seconds, and Xia Yihuan slowly brought the car to a halt, turning her head to meet Ye An’s eyes. “I don’t have many requirements for food or drink, as long as it’s palatable.”

No requirements for food, no requirements for clothes or tools.

“I see.” Ye An withdrew her gaze. This was likely the result of being raised in wealth since childhood—having seen things others hadn’t, used things others hadn’t, and having everything within reach whenever it was needed.

A person like that naturally wouldn’t have much obsessive interest in anything.

She was the complete opposite.

Ye An let out an imperceptible sigh. Her family background had been poor from the start; her parents divorced early and quickly formed new families. No one wanted to take in a “burden” like her. Ye An had been kicked around like a ball for years, struggling even to find a meal.

From then on, Ye An vowed to work hard—initially just to stay fed, but now she wanted more and more.

However, there would eventually be no more chances.

The light turned green. Xia Yihuan seemed to glance at her from the corner of her eye before starting the car. “What would President Ye like to eat? I’ll get it for you.”

“Half a salad,” Ye An said after a thought. “And a piece of fried bacon, some muesli, and a small slice of whole wheat bread.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The roads were a bit congested. The car crawled forward for another ten minutes before finally reaching their destination.

Xia Yihuan opened the umbrella for Ye An, and the two sat down together in the cafeteria. During this time, a call came in. Ye An was busy handling business and didn’t pay attention to Xia Yihuan’s movements.

After chatting for a few minutes, she hung up to find two sets of breakfast placed before her.

—Everything she had asked for.

“I can’t eat this much.” Xia Yihuan sat down opposite her. Ye An propped her chin on her hand and looked up at her. “Yihuan, what is this?”

“One set is mine,” Xia Yihuan explained. “Always eating the same breakfast is a bit dull, so I’m changing it up.”

“I ordered the same as President Ye. You don’t mind, do you?”

She had sounded so firm in the car, yet in the end, she imitated Ye An’s choice.

Hearing this, the corners of Ye An’s lips turned up slightly. It seemed the difference between them wasn’t as vast as she had previously thought. “It doesn’t matter.”

“As long as you like it,” she said, mirth flowing in her eyes. “Whatever you want.”

After the meal, Ye An took the elevator back to her office.

Xia Yihuan seemed to have her own things to do; Ye An didn’t care to ask. She flipped open the accumulated files on her desk and quickly immersed herself in work.

Recently, besides the upcoming launch of the new themed perfume, Shi Qian also intended to release several brand-new accessories. This time, the target consumer group wasn’t just young, vibrant girls; office workers, housewives, and even elderly women could wear them.

As she had said long ago: everyone has the right to love beauty, and everyone is uniquely beautiful.

The Design Director had submitted several drafts this morning. Ye An browsed them carefully, listing the areas that needed adjustment one by one, and sent them back for revision.

Before she knew it, the morning had passed.

Ye An rubbed her brow, got up, and went to the lounge to lie down.

She intended to take a short nap, but before she could close her eyes, her phone vibrated.

It was a message from Sheng Shiwen: [An’an, you there?]

[I’m here.] Ye An replied promptly. [What’s up, Wenwen?]

Sheng Shiwen: [Actually, it’s not a huge deal, and I know you’re busy all day so I shouldn’t bother you. But I’ve thought about this for a long time and I just can’t figure it out on my own.]

[If I don’t talk to you about it, I really might suffocate.]

Ye An couldn’t help but smile helplessly. She had known Sheng Shiwen for years and had never seen her this hesitant. [Just say it. I’m listening.]

Sheng Shiwen finally spoke truthfully: [Do you remember Ji Chu? The girl I brought last night.]

Seeing the name Ji Chu, Ye An quickly replied: [I remember.]

Sheng Shiwen was decisive: [I like her.]

This was the first time Ye An had learned of her friend’s orientation. [I see.]

Sheng Shiwen sent a sighing emoji: [I’ve never told you guys I liked girls all these years. While I don’t think liking the same sex is shameful… well, you know, many people still discriminate against same-sex love.]

[I don’t care about the gaze of others, but I’m afraid I’ll lose our friendship because of it.]

Those words were truly heart-wrenching.

Ye An shook her head: [There is nothing wrong with liking someone, regardless of whether they are male or female. Besides, you’ve been my friend for so many years. Not only will I not care, I will choose to support you unconditionally.]

Seeing this, Sheng Shiwen was moved: [Thank you An’an, you’re the best.]

Ye An smiled and sent a “hug” emoji: [Then hurry up and tell me your worries and troubles.]

Sheng Shiwen replied quickly: [Okay.]

For the rest of the time, Ye An listened as Sheng Shiwen talked about how she and Ji Chu met, how their feelings grew warmer, and how, as time went on, she was no longer satisfied with being just colleagues and hoped for something more.

Sheng Shiwen: [It’s just that I can never read her mind, so I came to ask for your opinion.]

So that’s how it is.

Ye An fell silent for a moment. She didn’t know Ji Chu well, but judging by Sheng Shiwen’s description, she seemed to be a rather timid and honest girl.

But even a girl like that had accompanied Sheng Shiwen to a party full of strangers, drank several glasses for her, and spoke so many good words for her with flushed cheeks. If she had no feelings for Sheng Shiwen, Ye An wouldn’t believe it.

[Since you like her, try to pursue her,] Ye An finally gave her advice. [But be mindful of your approach. Try to consider things from her perspective.]

[Ji Chu is a good girl. It would be a pity to miss out.]

In truth, Sheng Shiwen already had the answer in her heart; she just needed someone to help ease her anxiety. Seeing Ye An’s support, she finally became firm: [I understand. Thank you.]

[You’re welcome.]

Ye An typed the words and looked up. The lunch break had already passed.

Soon, it was time for the scheduled trial shoot.

Ye An finished her immediate work and headed to the studio right on time. Since Lu Man had come from afar, it was only polite to say hello.

However, when she arrived, the shooting had already begun.

“Man-man rushed here immediately after her last appearance,” the manager said with a smile, shaking hands with Ye An. “She said everyone works very hard and didn’t want the staff waiting too long for her.”

“Our Man-man has been using Shi Qian perfumes since her debut,” she added. “She’s been happy for several days having this opportunity.”

“We appreciate the love,” Ye An smiled back. “It is also Shi Qian’s honor to collaborate with Miss Lu Man.”

“To a successful collaboration.”

“To a successful collaboration.”

The two stood there exchanging professional pleasantries until the first round of shooting ended. Lu Man came off the stage to touch up her makeup and drink water. Seeing Ye An, her eyes instantly lit up.

“President Ye!” She gave a small wave toward Ye An, a smile on her lips. “You’re here.”

“Miss Lu.” Ye An smiled. “Hard work on the shoot.”

“It’s not hard.” Lu Man shook her head. The makeup artist had just finished the touch-up, and she quickly stood up to walk over to Ye An. “Seeing you in person is even better than the rumors—you’re more beautiful than in photos.”

“You flatter me. How can I compare to Miss Lu?” Ye An said sincerely. “Beautiful people are common, but someone as lovely, spirited, and possessing such outstanding temperament as Miss Lu is rare. I was amazed when I saw you from afar last time, but standing close is truly stunning.”

“Last time?” Lu Man paused. “President Ye remembers me!”

Ye An nodded gently. “Of course.”

“That’s wonderful.” The second round of shooting was about to start, so they didn’t have much time to chat. Lu Man seemed somewhat reluctant to turn away, but as if remembering something, she quickly turned back to face Ye An.

“Is there something else?” Ye An asked with a smile.

“I’ve always been a fan of Shi Qian,” Lu Man said. “Since we’ve finally met, I have many things I want to discuss with you. Shall we have dinner together after the shoot?”

Ye An nodded. “I actually already had a restaurant booked and prepared Miss Lu’s favorite dishes. If you aren’t in a rush… then of course, that would be great.”

Lu Man’s smile widened. “It’s a deal then. Thank you in advance, President Ye.”

With that, she finally turned and left. She had long, beautiful black hair that fluttered slightly as she moved.

Soon, a faint fragrance drifted into Ye An’s nose. She was familiar with this scent—it was indeed a Shi Qian perfume.

But the name was a bit interesting—”Ambiguous Confession.”

Ye An arched an eyebrow.