After Seeing Through the Plot, the Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Lead Overturned Her Fate - Chapter 34

“Senior.”

Hearing that familiar title, Ye An couldn’t help but freeze for a few seconds, her footsteps halting instinctively.

She had understood Chi Yan’s personality since their student days: independent, gentle, and kind to others, yet possessing a quiet dignity. Most importantly, she was extremely confident.

Confidence is a good thing, but everything has its limits. Ye An never expected that after years of silence, Chi Yan would not only show up at her door uninvited but also utter such words without batting an eye.

So much time had passed; some things simply could not be reclaimed.

Ye An curled her lips into a thin smile and ignored the bait. She simply said, “I’m leaving. Help yourself, Sister Chi.”

With that, she vanished from sight.

Xia Yihuan was currently standing in front of the company building waiting for her. The setting sun enveloped her in a brilliant, shimmering glow—an indescribable radiance that was both beautiful and dazzling. For some reason, the moment she saw her, Ye An’s irritable mood improved significantly.

“How was your day?” She stepped forward and took the hand Xia Yihuan extended. The weather was getting colder, and the wind on her face made her shiver instinctively; fortunately, Xia Yihuan’s palm was warm enough.

“Thanks to President Ye, I had a good day,” Xia Yihuan said.

Ye An couldn’t help but look at her. “Did you put honey on your tongue?”

“Does President Ye not want to hear it?” Xia Yihuan met her eyes.

“No, I’m quite satisfied,” Ye An said, patting her shoulder. Shi Qian had recently developed several new perfumes, and she had tested the scents this afternoon; a faint, lingering fragrance still clung to her wrist.

Xia Yihuan smiled gently. “Where would you like to eat today? Out or at home?”

“Let’s settle it outside.” Ye An let out a yawn and leaned into the car. “It’s quite exhausting for you to cook every day.”

“Cooking for President Ye can hardly be called exhausting,” Xia Yihuan replied, shaking her head.

Ye An couldn’t help but laugh. “Just for those words, today’s meal has to be on me.”

“Let’s go,” she said, closing her eyes as usual to take a nap against the seat back. Xia Yihuan moved forward as she always did, helping her fasten the buttons of her coat.

A long time had passed since the day they made their agreement. Ye An had gradually adapted to her thoughtful care and begun to enjoy her meticulous service.

Neither spoke again. The car moved quickly and soon stopped in front of a restaurant.

Ye An opened her eyes and saw it was a place she liked.

It seemed that during their time together, Xia Yihuan had completely mapped out her preferences.

Ye An blinked, her lips curving into a slight smile as she opened the door and stepped out.

A night of good dreams.

The next morning, Ye An arrived at the office on time.

There was a lot of work to do today. Ye An didn’t leave her office once throughout the morning, only finally becoming free at lunch break.

Liu Yue’s mother’s birthday was approaching. As a close friend, Ye An naturally took this matter to heart. Mother Liu loved exquisite ceramic crafts, and there happened to be an exhibition recently showcasing several suitable pieces for sale. Ye An didn’t want to miss the opportunity and decided to go early.

To her surprise, as soon as she exited the elevator, she ran into a familiar person.

Chi Yan was there again.

Unlike yesterday, she wasn’t waiting in the meeting room this time but was sitting directly in the lounge area of the lobby. When Ye An came downstairs, she happened to be chatting with the young girl at the front desk, her every movement exuding elegance and beauty.

Her beautiful eyes seemed to have a built-in radar system; the moment Ye An stepped out of the elevator, she quickly cast her gaze over.

“…”

Ye An was momentarily speechless, wondering what Chi Yan’s purpose was for appearing at the company today.

“Sister Chi, what’s this?” She smiled, deciding to take the initiative and greet her.

“An’an, I happened to be passing by and thought you’d be taking a break soon, so I came in to rest for a bit.” Chi Yan stood up immediately, giving her a warm smile. “On the off chance I might run into you.”

“If you wanted to find me, Sister Chi, it’s just a phone call away,” Ye An said. “Why wait here?”

“That would be too embarrassing; I was afraid of interfering with your work.” As Chi Yan spoke, she stepped forward, intending to take Ye An’s hand. Ye An saw it coming and stepped back subtly to avoid her.

Chi Yan stared at her for a moment but didn’t seem annoyed. “Have you eaten?”

“Not yet,” Ye An said.

“Then together?”

“No.” Ye An shook her head gently. “I have things to do; I’ll just grab something quick for lunch.”

“I’m afraid I don’t have time to host you, Sister Chi,” she said. “However, there are several high-quality restaurants nearby. If you are free, I can have my assistant…”

“Are you going to the exhibition, An’an?” Before she could finish, she was interrupted by Chi Yan.

Ye An paused. “How did you know, Sister Chi?”

“A guess,” Chi Yan said, the smile in her eyes deepening. “Isn’t it almost Yueyue’s mother’s birthday?”

She actually still remembers that.

Ye An frowned instinctively.

Back then, the two of them were very close, and by extension, Chi Yan’s relationship with Liu Yue and the others was also good. However, ever since she went abroad, she had proactively cut off all ties. Liu Yue was someone who saw things in black and white; seeing Chi Yan act so ruthlessly, she had simply deleted her contact information and acted as if the person never existed.

Hearing Chi Yan mention Liu Yue’s name again felt a bit ironic to Ye An.

But she didn’t intend to have a falling out with her. The Chi family was powerful; unless necessary, she had no reason to deliberately offend her.

So, Ye An simply nodded. “Indeed.”

“Then it’s quite a coincidence. Let’s go together,” Chi Yan said. Before Ye An could agree, she pulled out her car keys. “It’s been a long time since you sat in my car, An’an. I’ll be your driver again today.”

“…”

After a long moment, Ye An let out a soft sigh.

The exhibition had been well-publicized in advance. The two soon arrived at the venue; looking around, there were indeed many people coming and going.

Ye An had researched several exhibits online beforehand. Upon entering the hall, she went straight for her target and successfully purchased a tea set.

It was a pale cyan “ice-crackle” glaze. The pines, cypresses, and orchids outlined on the teapot were all hand-painted by a master who had been in the industry for over thirty years. Ye An had liked this set at first sight and felt Mother Liu would definitely love it.

However, she didn’t expect Chi Yan to purchase a ceramic ornament as well.

Ye An guessed she might want to give it to Mother Liu. “I don’t think Auntie Liu would like this style.”

“Is that so?” Chi Yan nodded thoughtfully but still paid, asking the staff to pack it for her. “But I think you would like this style.”

Ye An paused. “Me?”

“Yes.” Chi Yan nodded, her gentle gaze scanning Ye An’s face. “I actually bought Auntie Liu’s gift a long time ago. I bought this specifically to give to you.”

“I haven’t done anything to deserve such a reward. I have no reason to accept this gift, Sister Chi.” Ye An shook her head gently. “Since you’ve already bought it, why not keep it for your collection?”

“I just wanted to give you something. Does there have to be a reason?” Chi Yan blinked, seemingly disagreeing. “In that case, consider it a gift for our reunion after such a long time.”

“If you truly feel it’s inappropriate, you can just treat me to a meal later in return.”

This person was hard to sway once she made up her mind. Ye An smiled and didn’t argue further; regardless of what she said, she simply wouldn’t accept it.

There were many more exhibition halls, but Ye An had no mood to browse further. Having finished what she came to do, she wanted to leave as soon as possible. Ye An gestured for Chi Yan to walk out with her, but before they had taken more than a few steps, she saw Xia Yihuan walking toward them.

Ye An was surprised. “Yihuan, why are you here?”

“I came to find you, President Ye,” Xia Yihuan said. “I happened to be free and wanted to grab a meal with you, but I found you weren’t at the company, so I specifically asked your assistant for your location.”

She said this while her gaze scanned Chi Yan’s face. After a pause, she spoke again. “And this is?”

“I am Chi Yan,” Chi Yan smiled. “An old friend of An’an’s.”

An’an.

Hearing that nickname, Xia Yihuan instinctively arched an eyebrow. “Xia Yihuan.”

“Are you two finished with your visit?” she said, glancing down at the items in their hands, her tone flat. “In that case, why don’t we all have a meal nearby?”

“Oh, no thank you.” As soon as she finished, Chi Yan unexpectedly shook her head. “I suddenly remembered I have things to do. Since An’an already has company, let’s just make it next time.”

With that, her gaze met Ye An’s again, the smile in her eyes deep. “Remember to call me.”

Ye An simply smiled without answering. “Then we’ll be going first.”

Just as she was about to step away, she felt Xia Yihuan gently reach out to her. “The exhibition hall is crowded and cramped. Let me support you, President Ye.”

“Alright.” Ye An nodded and said nothing more, placing her hand in Xia Yihuan’s palm.

The gesture looked natural and intimate, as if they had done it a thousand times. Chi Yan raised her eyes to stare thoughtfully at their joined hands, the smile in her eyes quickly vanishing.