The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Any family truly considering their daughter’s best interests would keep their daughters far from Xi Jingchen. It’s only natural, and Anning doesn’t blame the Xia Family for it.

But in this lifetime, Anning is determined to assist Xi Jingchen, so she must alleviate the Xia Family’s concerns. Communicating with Mrs. Xia is essential; otherwise, if the Xia Family disagrees, and Xi Jingchen loses Xia Man, wouldn’t he be on the brink again?

Speaking of which, Xi Jingchen really has some similarities with Xi Zhenhua. Both father and son are hopeless romantics, unyielding once they’ve set their hearts on someone, unwavering even unto death.

However, Xi Jingchen loves Xia Man, who has a good character and truly loves Xi Jingchen back, while Xi Zhenhua fell for Li Wanping, who turned out to be a scoundrel.

Mrs. Xia took Xia Man into the bedroom and immediately asked: ”Tell me, what’s really going on with the Xi Family? I have a bad feeling about it.”

Feeling helpless, Xia Man briefly explained the Xi Family’s situation: ”Mom, there’s really nothing to worry about. Jingchen has bought a house in Su Hai, and he’ll hardly see his mother moving forward. Honestly, it’s not a big deal.”

Xia Man thought positively, but Mrs. Xia grew more concerned: ”Look at you, with your attributes, you can find anyone you want. We don’t care about money; we only want a good family with decent parents who are righteous and have good kids. Surely that’s not impossible to find. Why on earth... The situation with the Xi Family isn’t as simple as you think! Step-father and siblings from different fathers, a step-father with a daughter, now there’s a step-grandfather, and in the future, if his father finds someone else, another stepmother might come along, possibly with more kids. How will this household handle it all? Even siblings from the same parents argue endlessly. What’s going to happen with all the fighting when they’re not from the same parents? Your future will be in shambles, and your father and I would be heartbroken.”

Xia Man quickly hugged her mother: ”Mom, it’s not as complicated as you think, truly. We hardly deal with that Xiao brother and sister, and they don’t acknowledge us either. They’re as good as strangers; I’ve only met Jingchen’s stepfather once or twice. He treats us like strangers too—no acknowledgment but no trouble either. It’s actually decent this way.”

”You silly girl.” Mrs. Xia tapped Xia Man’s forehead: ”You get dazzled by good looks and forget to think things through with your head. It’s truly maddening.”

Just then, Mr. Xia called from outside saying dinner was ready. Mrs. Xia had no choice but to pull Xia Man out of the bedroom.

Xi Jingchen was helping Mr. Xia set the table. When he saw Xia Man come out, he raised his head and smiled at her.

Xi Jingchen truly had exceptional looks. His smile not only stunned Xia Man but even managed to impress Mrs. Xia.

Mrs. Xia had some complaints earlier, but now they all vanished. She smiled and invited Xi Jingchen to quickly sit down and join the meal.

After finishing dinner, Mrs. Xia recalled the troubling matters of the Xi Family, and her mood soured again.

Xi Jingchen noticed the disapproval from Mrs. Xia and Mr. Xia. He remembered Anning’s advice and approached Mrs. Xia: ”Auntie, my grandma called and said she’d like to have a word with you if convenient.”

Mrs. Xia thought for a moment: ”Alright.”

Xi Jingchen called Anning, and when the call went through, he handed the phone to Mrs. Xia.

Anning had just finished her dinner and was taking a walk in the yard. Receiving Xi Jingchen’s call, she immediately knew the reason.

”This must be Xia Man’s mother. I am Jingchen’s grandma.”

The person being an elder, Mrs. Xia naturally showed respect: ”Hello, Auntie. I am Xia Man’s mother, my surname is Wu. You can just call me Xiao Wu.”

”I’ve heard Manman mention you. I know your name is Wu Chunli; let me call you Chunli, it feels more intimate.” Anning wouldn’t call Mrs. Xia by ”Xiao Wu,” that would seem distant. She naturally directly called Mrs. Xia’s name: ”Chunli, I must ask for your care in these upcoming days for our family Jingchen. He’s still young and hasn’t experienced much; if he does anything incorrectly, you’re the elder, feel free to correct him. Kids need to be properly taught to grow.”

These words eased Mrs. Xia’s mind. Regardless, this grandma of Xi Jingchen seemed to understand matters.

”Oh, what you said makes sense. We are the elders; we should be lenient with little mischiefs. Besides, Jingchen seems very good. It’s rather our Manman that we’ve spoiled rotten, truly both willful and lazy. If she does anything wrong, please feel free to guide her.”

Anning laughed along: ”Manman is great; she and I get along so well. The most remarkable part is that Manman doesn’t find me annoying and even is willing to chat with an old lady like me; sometimes she accompanies me shopping. How many of today’s youngsters do that? Chunli, you don’t know how much I like Manman; this lifetime I have only one son and one grandson. I wanted a daughter and later a granddaughter but didn’t have the chance. Thank heavens now there’s Manman, I cherish her like my own granddaughter.”

Anning expressed her position and support for Xi Jingchen and Xia Man.

”You surely know about our family situation. I’m here to reassure you. Please don’t worry about Jingchen’s parents. His dad may be a little confused but is still respectful to elders, he listens to me. Jingchen’s mother might be someone difficult, but she’s remarried now, and she has her own son to take care of future matters. It won’t trouble Jingchen. Besides, she is my daughter-in-law now, and with me around, she won’t stir trouble.”

”Yes, I know, I understand, I don’t have any concerns.”

All Mrs. Xia could say was that she hadn’t overthought it.

Of course, Anning didn’t believe her. She continued: ”Jingchen has bought a house in Su Hai; later he and Xia Man will live there together. It’s a nice house, well located, with four rooms and two halls. The two of them living separately would be spacious enough. If they want something else later, I’ll get them a bigger place—a large flat, duplex, or villa, according to Manman’s preference. I and Jingchen’s mom won’t disturb them; there’s nothing to fear. As for after they’re married, if Manman decides she wants to work after, Jingchen’s grandpa has prepared a company for her to learn to manage. If she doesn’t want to work, then staying home is fine. If she wants to have children, that’s okay too. If not, we won’t push. Whether it’s a son or daughter, we adore them equally. During postnatal care, if she wants me to help, I’ll be happy to. If she wants you to come and care for her, we’re also delighted to welcome you.”

Mrs. Xia was taken aback: ”Aunt Tao, what are you saying? Children are supposed to care for the elders; they shouldn’t neglect you and make you worry like this.”

Anning chuckled: ”I’m sincere in what I say; this is how I think and plan. I’m not just exchanging pleasantries with you. Don’t go thinking that I let age burden me; I can see things clearly. I won’t insist the kids do anything against their will. Also, I must tell you one more thing—our family Jingchen deeply loves Manman. You might be unaware, but several generations of the Xis have loved this way. His grandpa has cared for me like this, and his dad loved his mom the same. Even though she remarried, his dad hasn’t forgotten her all these years. Jingchen’s feelings toward Manman are even more profound. So, you and Manman’s father needn’t worry about Jingchen ever cheating. I’m familiar enough with my own grandson; there’s no way Jingchen would change his heart in this life unless Manman doesn’t want him anymore—Jingchen would never do anything unfaithful to Manman.”

Anning saved the most crucial point for last with all these words.

That final statement cleared all of Mrs. Xia’s worries. Relief flooded her mind.

”Well, you see, though I’ve only just met Jingchen, I can tell he’s a well-mannered and disciplined young man.”