The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Xi Jingchen and Xia Man were doing well in the Xia Family.

Mr. Xia and Mrs. Xia were decent people; although they weren’t too thrilled about Xia Man bringing Xi Jingchen home, they certainly didn’t make it difficult for him.

Not only did they not make it difficult, but Mr. Xia also thought of ways to make delicious food for them every day.

Mrs. Xia was a high school teacher, and her work was especially busy. She was also very responsible and committed to her students, which naturally made her even busier. Mr. Xia worked at a tranquil department, and as long as he completed his tasks, there was really not much else to do, allowing him to go to work and leave normally.

Therefore, most of the household affairs were handled by Mr. Xia.

He was naturally optimistic and cheerful, always laughing, and even when Mrs. Xia voiced criticisms at times, he never got angry.

Mr. Xia and Mrs. Xia had a great relationship, which was why they raised a vivacious and lively young woman like Xia Man.

Anyway, Xi Jingchen liked the Xia Family very much.

He lacked parental affection growing up; seeing Mr. Xia and Mrs. Xia’s affection for Xia Man, he sometimes envied it a lot. Simultaneously, he was trying his best to integrate into the family.

After staying for several days, Mrs. Xia, observing quietly, also felt that Xi Jingchen was genuinely remarkable.

He understood interpersonal relations and was well-mannered, which showed that Grandma Xi had put a lot of effort into raising him.

Consequently, Mrs. Xia further believed Anning’s words, confirming that Xi Jingchen was indeed devoted.

It’s often said that priceless treasures are easy to find, but devoted lovers are rare. With Mrs. Xia’s own happy marriage, she naturally hoped that Xia Man could marry someone who truly loved her and whom she also deeply loved.

Seeing her younger daughter seemed inseparable from this person, she tacitly acknowledged their relationship.

Later, Mrs. Xia requested Anning’s phone number and called Anning discreetly, without Xi Jingchen knowing.

At that moment, Anning was also thinking of calling Xi Jingchen, but she ended up receiving a call from Mrs. Xia.

”Ah, Chun Li, what do you need?”

Mrs. Xia chuckled and said, ”Auntie, I’ve been observing these days and truly think Jingchen is a good kid. How didn’t you have a hard time raising such an admirable child?”

Listening to this, Anning also laughed, ”I’m glad you like him. Jingchen was so anxious before leaving, afraid you and Daddy Manman wouldn’t approve of him. I was also worried the kid might unwittingly upset you. Seeing you all like him now, I’m relieved.”

”Relax.” Mrs. Xia quickly noted, ”Daddy Manman likes Jingchen very much. He’s been experimenting with making different dishes for him these past few days. Auntie, neither Daddy Manman nor I ask for much, just that Manman stays happy. Seeing her so joyful now also makes us happy. I wanted to ask when might you have time; we’d like to visit.”

Since Xia Man had confirmed her feelings for Xi Jingchen, and Mrs. Xia also found him impressive, she naturally wanted to finalize everything. She suggested visiting to see Anning’s response, to determine how much consideration Anning had for this potential family union.

”Well, it’s not a matter of whether I have time or not; I’m available anytime. However, you shouldn’t come over. Once I handle some things, Jingchen’s father and I will come over. It’s said that a daughter from one family attracts suitors from many; Xia Man is such a good girl. Our family should settle things promptly. Traditionally, it’s the groom’s family that seeks approval from the bride’s family, not the other way around; otherwise, people might say we are impolite.”

Anning quickly shared her perspective with Mrs. Xia with a laugh, ”Dear, I’m not one to beat around the bush; I’m straightforward, saying as I think. I’m impatient and dislike dithering. Let’s finalize Jingchen and Manman’s situation; no backing out now. Once I handle my matters, Jingchen’s father and I will visit for an engagement gift.”

”What engagement gifts!”

Mrs. Xia felt relieved and happy hearing this, ”That’s not common anymore. You come over, and we’ll host properly. Both families can meet and discuss the children; there’s no need for gifts, our family doesn’t value such things.”

”That’s settled then.” Anning hurried Mrs. Xia to finalize the matter, ”Dear, although we’ve only spoken twice, I find you amiable and easy to get along with. Once I arrive, let’s chat thoroughly.”

”Yes, let’s chat thoroughly.” Mrs. Xia increasingly felt that Grandma Xi was no ordinary person.

The two chatted for a while before Mrs. Xia hung up.

Anning finished the call and returned to work. Shortly after, an assistant reported that a young Miss named Xiao Tong was looking for her.

Anning chuckled and invited the assistant to bring Xiao Tong in.

She thought that after so many days, Xiao Tong finally had some interest in the Xiao Family affairs. Unfortunately, even after so many days, Xiao Zhang still hadn’t realized all the major events occurring with the company.

”Tongtong is here.”

As soon as Xiao Tong entered, Anning raised her head with a friendly greeting, ”Assistant Sun, please pour Tongtong a cup of tea.”

Assistant Sun left, and Anning gestured to the nearby sofa, ”Tongtong, have a seat. I’ll finish handling my current task, and then we can chat.”

Xiao Tong sat down.

Anning continued working on the documents.

She was busy for about half an hour before finally finishing her tasks.

Xiao Tong figured she was patient enough, waiting over half an hour.

After finishing, Anning got up and sat on another sofa, while Assistant Sun also poured Anning a cup of tea.

Anning took a sip of water, ”Tongtong, is there something important you wanted to discuss?”

Xiao Tong scrutinized Anning, ”You understand, this is the Xiao Family. As the eldest daughter, I naturally need to check on things from time to time.”

Anning remained calm, holding her teacup with a smile, ”Naturally.”

Xiao Tong’s eyes narrowed slightly, ”Within a short while since marrying in, you’ve managed to have Grandpa transform the Xiao Family for you, even better than how Li Wanping handled things.”

”Everyone knows how to deal with matters; just some do it normally while others don’t. For instance, I often have an impeccable approach, but dealing with Li Wanping, who is abnormal, has annoyed me greatly. Looking back now, it seems quite trivial.”

Anning smiled, twirling her teacup, ”Tongtong must sympathize too, right?”

Xiao Tong nodded, ”Indeed, normal people encountering the abnormal find it hard to make sense of things. Listening to you, it seems you’ve got many grievances against Li Wanping. You’re aware of my situation too... My mother was killed by that despicable Li Wanping. With a common enemy, why not ally with cooperation?”

Anning lowered her gaze, ”After all, Li Wanping is Jingchen’s mom.”

”You still believe her nonsense?” Xiao Tong sneered, ”Truth be told, Li Wanping is currently engaging with Miss Hu from the Hu Family. You’ve heard of Hu Yushan, haven’t you? She’s taken an interest in your grandson. What then? Are you genuinely considering having your grandson break up with Xia Man to marry someone he doesn’t love? Listening to Li Wanping’s promises of providing your grandson with a company is pure deception. She’s scheming to sell your grandson for her gains.”

”What?” Anning feigned shock, ”Hu Yushan, I’m aware of her. She’s not a good person.”

”Exactly.” Xiao Tong moved closer to Anning, ”Hu Yushan has issues up here.”

Xiao Tong pointed to her head, ”She’s mentally unstable with an overwhelming desire for control. If your grandson gets entangled with her, his life will be ruined.”

Anning expressed shock and anger, ”I didn’t expect Li Wanping to be this type of person. I showed some mercy because she is Jingchen’s mother, yet she’s scheming against him. It’s unforgivable.”

”How about we collaborate?” Xiao Tong suggested with a sinister yet strangely appealing smile, almost tempting Anning into agreement.

Anning’s expression softened, ”How would we collaborate?”

Xiao Tong lowered her voice, ”You ensure Grandpa’s held back and provide favorable reports about me before him. As for Li Wanping, I’ll help you topple her, driving her out of the Xiao Family. Once I gain control, I’ll have authority over the education division of the Xiao Family; I may grant it to you or your grandson. What do you think?”