The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

In the hotel suite, Anning opened the refrigerator and handed Xi Jingchen and Xia Man two bottles of fruit juice.

She pulled a face: ”What, you think I’m bluffing, Grandma?”

Xi Jingchen quickly waved his hand: ”No, no, it’s just that I’m curious about where Grandma’s money came from.”

Anning took a glass of water and sat down: ”It was left to me by your great-grandmother. Back when your dad graduated and wanted to get married, your mom, that person...”

Anning pursed her lips: ”You’re all grown up now, there are many things you should know. Let me tell you, that Xiao Zhang is your mom’s biological child.”

”What?”

Hearing this, Xi Jingchen couldn’t sit still.

Even Xia Man had a shocked expression on her face.

Anning sneered: ”Back then, your mom and Xiao Zhe acted like they were in love. But as soon as Xiao Zhe graduated, he married Su Yuezhu as per his father’s request. Your mom was pregnant at the time, she went to Xiao Zhe, but Xiao Zhe said he couldn’t marry her. In a fit of anger, she agreed to marry your dad. Your dad initially wanted to raise Xiao Zhang for Xiao Zhe, but feared my disapproval, so he kept it from me. When your mom gave birth to Xiao Zhang, your dad and your uncle personally sent him to Xiao Zhe before marrying your mom.”

Anning told Xi Jingchen the complete story of that time. She then looked at Xia Man: ”Manman, although you’re not an outsider, some things you’ll have to find out sooner or later. I won’t hide it from you. Back then, I didn’t think much of Jingchen’s mother because I knew she deceived my son. She didn’t truly love my son; she was just using him to support her...”

At this point, Anning’s emotions became a bit downcast: ”Over the years, everyone who knows our family says I’m a wicked mother-in-law, that I mistreated Jingchen’s mom. In good conscience, I knew what happened back then, as did Jingchen’s mom. I never said a harsh word, nor was she mistreated by me. All those rumors were because she knew Su Yuezhu had died and wanted to divorce to look for Xiao Zhe, but feared others would scold her for abandoning her husband and child. That’s why she smeared me. I just didn’t want Mr. Jingchen to feel bad, so I’ve put up with it all these years.”

Anning shook her head and quietly wiped her tears.

Xi Jingchen was truly shocked.

He had no idea about what happened back then; he only knew his mom divorced because of his grandma’s health issues. But he was raised by his grandma; he couldn’t resent her. Moreover, Xi Jingchen isn’t foolish; he’s seen his grandma as a truly good person, not sharp-tongued or mean-spirited, ever since he was little. He always suspected there was some misunderstanding regarding what happened back then. Now that his grandma laid it all out before him, unveiling the truth and exposing its ugliness, it made Xi Jingchen’s heart ache.

”Grandma, is it true?”

Xi Jingchen looked at Anning, speaking each word with difficulty, truly unable to fully accept it.

Anning nodded heavily: ”I hid it for so many years. There aren’t many days left for me, what is there to hide now? I tell you this to remind you of what kind of person your mom is, so you don’t trust her too much.”

”My mom...”

Xi Jingchen actually had a weak emotional tie with Li Wanping as mother and son.

These years, he studied in Su Hai and often saw Li Wanping. He’s not foolish; on the contrary, Xi Jingchen is incredibly perceptive. He could tell Li Wanping wasn’t sincere; she only wanted to use him.

But after all, she is his mom; he couldn’t really sever ties. Yet, over the years, what little bond they had was worn thin.

”Your mom is just that kind of person. Back then, when your dad was clamoring to marry her, I could tell they wouldn’t last long. With your mom around, how could I reveal the true situation to them? Besides, our family was getting by, so I didn’t say anything. Later, when your mom left after the divorce, your dad still missed her, so I remained silent. Now you’ve grown up, you’re more understanding than your dad. I’ll tell you the truth, let you know the extent of our family’s wealth in case I’m gone one day, and you know nothing.”

Anning’s words tightened Xi Jingchen’s heart.

He quickly stepped forward, squatted in front of Anning, and looked up at her: ”Grandma, don’t say that. You’re going to have a long life.”

Xia Man nodded quickly: ”Yes, Grandma, you look so young and well-maintained; you’ll surely live to a hundred.”

Anning laughed: ”Good, good, I’ll have a long life. I’m just planning for the future. Now I’ve told you, I can stop worrying about it.”

Xi Jingchen smiled: ”How much wealth does our family have? How much did my great-grandmother leave for you?”

Anning started counting on her fingers to tell Xi Jingchen: ”Your great-grandmother left a lot, a box of top-quality jade, several gold bricks, and some agarwood logs. Also, there’s a small box of various gemstones, and right, some antiques, including a pair of Doucai cups from the Cheng kiln, which seem quite valuable.”

Even though Xi Jingchen was prepared, he was still stunned by Anning’s substantial wealth.

”Grandma, I’m really impressed. You have so many good things, yet all these years you never let on to my dad.”

Anning laughed and patted Xi Jingchen’s head: ”Who’s to say your dad’s a dimwit? Would I dare tell him? My original plan was to tell him after he got married but who knew... Alas, I was left with no choice. Anyway, I haven’t told your dad about this. I’m telling you, don’t mention it to him or to your mom either. These are our family assets; your mom mustn’t plan to give it all to Xiao Zhang.”

That is certainly expected.

Xi Jingchen can tell the difference between those far and near.

He promised Anning: ”I will definitely not tell them.”

Anning laughed happily, then she pulled Xia Man to her side: ”Manman, what do you like? I have a Pink Diamond over ten carats. Though not top-notch, it’s suitable for young ladies. How about we find someone to design a piece of jewelry for you someday?”

Xia Man’s heart fluttered: ”Grandma, I’m still a student. I can’t wear such expensive jewelry. Keep the diamond; you can make jewelry for me when we get married.”

Anning thought for a while: ”Alright, students really can’t wear overly expensive jewelry. But you can’t be completely unadorned. Tell you what, I’ll go through my collection someday, find some less conspicuous gemstones, and make you a set of jewelry. Do you like ancient ornamental pieces? I have a complete set of matching accessories, including the Five Phoenix Bead Crown worn by the previous dynasty’s Empress, which I’m saving for you.”

Xi Jingchen and Xia Man were truly shocked to the point of numbness. Each time Anning mentioned an item, they estimated its value in their minds, and eventually, they were seeing stars.

”Grandma, keep your things safe; we don’t need them now.”

Xi Jingchen dared not let Anning continue talking; if she did, he feared he might suffer a heart attack.

Anning laughed: ”Alright, alright, I won’t say anything more.”

Then, she walked to the cupboard, opened it and pulled out the large bag she brought with her. She placed the bag on the bed and began rummaging through its contents. While rummaging, Anning pulled out a piece of Glass Royal Purple jade and tossed it directly to Xi Jingchen without even looking.

Xi Jingchen hurriedly caught it, startled: ”Grandma, what are you doing?”

Anning laughed: ”You want to stay in Su Hai, don’t you need a house? I don’t have much money right now, take this piece of jade. You can sell it at a jewelry store or auction house and use the money to buy a house. If there’s any left over, you can do whatever you like. Or maybe, use the remaining money to buy Manman a car, a pretty one. It’s inconvenient for young girls to go out without a car, taking busy buses and crowded subways is exhausting and pitiful.”

”What... what else is in that bag?”

Xi Jingchen was so frightened his speech was a bit incoherent.

Anning emptied the bag’s contents: ”Nothing much, just a few pieces of jade, some jade items, and two agarwood carving accessories. These aren’t very nice to look at; I’m planning to sell them.”

Xi Jingchen sighed helplessly: ”Keep these things safe.”

”I’ll find a place to sell them and exchange for money tomorrow.”

Anning said briskly: ”These things aren’t edible or drinkable, and keeping them means I need to worry about them. Better to convert them into cash.”