The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Anning stayed on the mountain beside Hongliu Village for several months, from early spring to autumn.

During these months, it seemed like she did nothing but teach students.

This was completely against the intent of Family Head Zhu, who sent her to the mortal world for training. She appeared to be living leisurely and peacefully every day, but in reality, she was setting up a grand scheme.

Soon, the first person took the bait of her scheme.

Jie Dongyang did not stay with Zhu An Yue the entire time.

After following Zhu An Yue for a few days and realizing that Zhu An Yue didn’t know where Anning was, he bid farewell to Zhu An Yue. Then, with some small magic and a wealth of knowledge, he entered an official’s house as a guest. Though called a guest, he was actually a strategist.

He intended to use the official’s connections to find out Anning’s whereabouts.

After inquiring for several months and gaining the trust of that official, he finally received some news about Anning.

Of course, this was also related to the students taught by Anning.

Because one of the students taught by Anning passed the Child Student exam.

The one who passed the Child Student exam was Ping Dabao.

Ping Dabao was only about ten years old this year, and had only been learning to read and write with Anning for a few months. He originally had no intention of participating in the imperial examination, and Ping Tiezhu never thought of letting Ping Dabao take the exams either.

But contrary to expectations, Anning provided some Silver to support Ping Dabao, suggesting he give it a try.

Ping Dabao thought about it and decided that giving it a try might not be a bad idea.

He didn’t have much psychological burden, thinking that he definitely wouldn’t pass, he just wanted to see what the examination venue looked like and what kind of characters those talented scholars were.

To their astonishment, Ping Dabao really did pass. He passed both the county and Prefecture Exams, and only needed to pass the college examination to officially become a Scholar.

Hongliu Village hadn’t had a scholar in many years, so for the village or the surrounding villages, having a Child Student lent quite a prestige.

So, after inquiries, families with the means from the surrounding villages also sent their children to Anning for education, hoping to produce a scholar of their own.

Word soon spread that a fairy, with a kind heart, was living in Hongliu Village, teaching children from nearby villages for free.

Jie Dongyang heard this news and deduced that the fairy must be Anning.

That day, Ping Dabao brought some braised chicken pieces made by Mrs. Zhao to Anning.

He was about to take the college examination and came to inform Anning, and to see if she had any instructions.

Anning was quite pleased to see the chicken pieces and invited Ping Dabao to eat together.

She had cultivated a plot of land in the mountains where she grew some vegetables. With the chicken pieces, Anning stir-fried some bok choy and made two pancakes.

She chatted with Ping Dabao as they ate.

”When you go for the college examination this time, be careful. Do not eat anything from others, and remember to bring some oil cloth with you.”

Anning advised Ping Dabao with a few words.

Ping Dabao listened very earnestly.

After thinking for a while, Anning put down her pancake, got up to fetch a bottle of potion from the inner room for Ping Dabao: ”Take this with you for the exam.”

Ping Dabao was a bit puzzled.

Anning smiled: ”You know about the ’stinky number station,’ right?”

Ping Dabao was taken aback for a moment.

Anning pointed at the bottle of potion: ”If by chance you get assigned to the stinky number station, just hold a pill in your mouth and you won’t smell anything during the exam.”

That really was a useful item.

Ping Dabao quickly and carefully put it away.

He took a big bite of the pancake: ”Fairy, you say you don’t accept disciples, but in my heart, you are my teacher. Once a teacher, always a father. I...”

Anning waved her hand: ”Let’s not talk about that. Focus on doing well in your exams, and when you pass as a Scholar, continue studying with me.”

”Sure.”

Ping Dabao’s eyes turned slightly red as he nodded heavily.

Anning heard a faint sound.

Her expression unchanged: ”Alright, I’ve said what needs to be said. You should head back early.”

Coincidentally, Ping Dabao had finished his pancake. He stood up, saluted Anning, and left with his bamboo basket.

As soon as Ping Dabao left, Anning walked out of the house with a smile: ”Alright, since you’re here, stop skulking around.”

Anning stood in the courtyard, looking toward the back of the house.

A figure gracefully descended into the courtyard from the rooftop.

The person, of course, was Jie Dongyang.

When he saw Anning, his eyes shone with admiration.

Jie Dongyang gestured with his hand in greeting: ”I am Jie Dongyang, a disciple of the Tianxing Sect. I heard some days ago that a fairy was residing in Hongliu Village, and guessed it must be a fellow like-minded individual, so I came to visit. I didn’t expect it to be Ning Xianzi.”

Anning glanced at Jie Dongyang a few times, smiling gently: ”I know the Tianxing Sect. My father visited the Tianxing Sect in the early years. Which elder’s disciple are you?”

Jie Dongyang replied with a smile: ”I’m the eldest grandson of Elder Jie.”

”So you’re a descendant of Elder Jie, forgive my lack of respect.”

Anning also cupped her hands, a trace of admiration flickering in her eyes.

Jie Dongyang was pleased in his heart.

He knew that bringing up his grandfather would generally leave a good impression on people.

After all, during the war with the Demon Clan more than two hundred years ago, his grandfather contributed significantly, and coupled with his grandfather’s personality and character, he was highly respected throughout the Dongling Continent.

”The fairy’s place is indeed serene.”

Jie Dongyang looked around at Anning’s abode, a hint of a smile on his face: ”I wonder if Ning Xianzi has any difficulties; if so, I could lend a hand.”

Anning invited Jie Dongyang to sit down: ”There isn’t much difficulty. By the way, Young Master Jie, please have a seat, I’ll brew some tea.”

Generally speaking, serving tea is basic etiquette when a guest visits, so Anning brewing tea was appropriate. Jie Dongyang did not decline, pulled up a chair, and sat down.

Anning went inside and soon returned with a teapot and two teacups.

She poured a cup of tea for Jie Dongyang: ”This is wild tea I picked and processed from the mountains. Though not extravagant, it has a wild charm. Please, have a taste.”

Watching Anning gracefully pour the tea and listening to her gentle words made Jie Dongyang’s heart race even more; just this brief encounter had him bewitched by Anning.

”Thank you.”

Jie Dongyang lifted the teacup and took a sip.

Anning smiled as she also picked up her teacup to drink.

After finishing a cup of tea, Jie Dongyang was just about to say something, but suddenly everything went black before his eyes, and his mind became unclear.

His expression changed dramatically as he pointed at Anning: ”You...”

He only managed to utter the word ”you” before collapsing.

Anning sneered and kicked Jie Dongyang, who remained as unconscious as a dead man.

She fiddled with him a bit, then crouched down to take his Storage Bag, searching further until she found his Token.

After pondering for a moment, Anning used the Soul Searching Technique on Jie Dongyang.

Having seen Jie Dongyang’s memories, she remarked with a smile: ”Just as expected.”