The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Pei Anjing’s married village, Shangxi Village, isn’t far from where the Pei Family resides in Xiaxi Village. Anning rode a bicycle with Pei Anjing for about twenty minutes to get there.

The Chen Family is right by the roadside in Shangxi Village. It’s actually quite close to the town, and if the town expands, the Chen Family would practically be in town.

Because it’s by the road, Chen Qiang’s house has a small store at their doorstep. People coming and going would buy things there, and villagers lacking something would also come to find some. Overall, the Chen Family’s life is quite good.

Anning pushed her bike to the Chen Family’s door and nudged Pei Anjing, ”Go in.”

Pei Anjing was a bit timid, ”I’m scared.”

”Aren’t you usually so competent?” Anning sneered, ”Didn’t you even fight with your mother-in-law? Why don’t you dare to go home now?”

”If I go back, they’re sure to talk about me.” Pei Anjing was somewhat self-aware, ”After all, I caused such a ruckus before, and I almost mishandled the child.”

Seeing Pei Anjing shrink back, refusing to enter the door, Anning had no choice but to call out toward the small store, ”Is Auntie home?”

The store had a curtain hanging at the entrance, both to prevent bugs and to block the view a bit.

At this moment, the curtain lifted, and Wu Shuhua peeked her head out.

Seeing Anning and Anjing, she pursed her lips, ”So, you’ve decided to come back home.”

Anning smiled and approached, ”You’re here, let’s talk inside, shall we?”

Wu Shuhua glanced at Pei Anjing, ”What are you frozen for? Hurry and get back inside.”

Pei Anjing entered the house with her head down.

Anning also led Wu Shuhua inside.

In the main room of the Chen Family, the three of them sat down. Anning quickly said to Wu Shuhua, ”Auntie, I brought my second sister back, and I’m here to apologize on behalf of my mother. This matter, well, it’s our fault. Please, as a bigger person, don’t hold it against us small people.”

Wu Shuhua was taken aback by these words.

She never expected Anning to apologize to her.

She glanced at Pei Anjing, ”What did you do wrong? For our Chen family’s child, you mend and keep him as you like, not even making a sound, that’s it, you guys...”

Wu Shuhua was full of anger over this matter, and with Pei Anjing acting up daily after joining the Chen family, Wu Shuhua had a lot against her. Now, in front of Anning, she started to vent: ”You all think we’re easy to bully because we’re honest, and rely on my son liking her...”

Anning moved closer and held Wu Shuhua’s hand, ”Auntie, I understand everything. It’s true my second sister was wrong. I had a word with her about it, and my mother did scold her at home. She knows her mistake now and promises to change in the future. I’m here today to clarify this with you. Actually, here’s the situation: my second sister didn’t know she was pregnant initially. She kept having stomach pains, and before time, there was some bleeding. She was scared, did not want to tell you, and instead, ran home to tell my mother. You know what my mom’s like, a bit of a muddlehead. She took my sister to see a barefoot doctor who said she was pregnant. Just after they got back, my sister got uncomfortable again, with not just the tummy pains but also vomiting, feeling faint, and couldn’t eat anything. She even bled a bit more later. My mom got scared, thought the kid might not make it, and both of them were terrified, at a loss. So, in their panic, they made a foolish decision. My mom, fearing something might happen to my sister, hardened her heart and got some medicine, thinking of taking care of the child.”

Anning’s eyes reddened as she spoke, and she wiped her tears, ”We truly didn’t know. My second sister was frightened too. My mom said drinking the medicine would fix it, so she drank it. Right after, someone who reads children’s fortunes visited, took one look at my sister and said she’s probably carrying a boy. My mom immediately regretted it...”

As Anning narrated, she stood up, bowing to Wu Shuhua: ”Regardless of the reason, it was indeed our mistake. My second sister was at fault too; she didn’t tell you about anything and just went running to her mother’s home. I’ve already spoken to her; she definitely won’t do this in the future. For the child’s sake in my second sister’s belly, please forgive her as a bigger person, and overlook her mistakes.”

What else could Wu Shuhua do? She could only sigh, ”Alright, alright, she’s part of our family now. I can’t be unforgiving. I’m a mother-in-law but also her mom, can’t just harp on her mistakes forever.”

”You’re broad-minded and sensible. My second sister is so lucky to have a mother-in-law like you; it must be the fortune from several lifetimes.”

Anning nudged Pei Anjing with a look, ”Second sister, isn’t that right? You have to be grateful from now on.”

Pei Anjing hurried to respond, ”Yes, I’ll be good from now on.”

Only then did Anning sit down, closely next to Wu Shuhua: ”Auntie, we’re young and don’t understand many things. You’re the elder, say what needs saying, teach what needs teaching. My second sister will rely on your guidance from now on.”

Unable to stop herself from smiling, Wu Shuhua said, ”What can I teach? I don’t even know much myself, just living by the old teachings handed down.”

”That’s exactly what we need.” Anning held Wu Shuhua’s hand with a big smile, ”We younger ones must learn properly. Someday I’ll find some time to come over and listen to you and learn to be more sensible, so I won’t make a fool of myself someday.”

Pei Anjing lowered her head without saying a word.

She was internally criticizing Anning.

She felt Anning was being overly insincere, saying such syrupy words.

If it were her, she wouldn’t flatter her mother-in-law like that if it killed her.

Wu Shuhua was delighted.

Everything Anning said struck a chord with her, and she loved hearing every word, making her feel bright inside. ”Kids like you who understand things aren’t common these days. I reckon there aren’t many like you in whole surrounding areas.”

Anning pressed her lips and smiled, ”You’re flattering me.”

After sitting for a while, she stood up, ”Auntie, I have something at home, so I’ll leave now.”

”Stay a while longer.” Wu Shuhua was genuinely a bit reluctant to let Anning go, ”Have a meal before you leave.”

Anning looked at the sky, ”No, it’s hard to go on the road after dinner. I won’t eat this time; I’ll come back another day to taste your cooking. Auntie, you don’t need to see me off.”

Wu Shuhua walked Anning to the door, ”Visit often when you have time.”

”I will for sure.” Anning smiled as she responded, ”You stay busy, I’m leaving now.”

She waved to Wu Shuhua before pushing her bicycle and heading away.

Watching Anning’s back, Wu Shuhua couldn’t help but shake her head, ”Such a nice girl, just a shame she’s born into such a family; really dragged down by her parents.”

Instead of going home, Anning rode her bicycle and took a detour to the town.

She intended to find someone in town to enquire about the loan issue but had barely ridden for a short distance when she heard a group of people arguing up ahead, with many others gathered to watch the commotion.

Initially, Anning didn’t want to get involved, but hearing someone say, ”Isn’t that Pei Yu from Xiaxi Village...”

On hearing this, Anning quickly pushed her bike over.