The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

The Xiao family’s couple haven’t been in good spirits these days.

Even though their eldest son’s relationship has been settled, they still feel depressed.

The main issue is that Xiao Yuan went to Dream City without saying a word to them. When he came back, he went directly to live at the Pei Family, and after being back for such a long time, he hasn’t come home to see them. Even if he’s separated from the family, he’s still the Xiao family’s son, with his parents here. It’s customary and rational to greet them after returning from a trip.

Xiao Daguang’s wife, Zhong Liumei, talked to the neighbors about this, saying, ”Everyone says the girls from the Pei Family are fox spirits, very charming. I’ve seen them now; aren’t they just fox spirits? My son stopped caring about his parents after only a few days with one of them. Forget it, let’s act like we don’t have this son.”

After hearing Zhong Liumei’s continual complaints, as Xiao Yuan brought Anning back and encountered the neighbors, he was asked, ”Yuanzi, I heard from your mom that you came back but haven’t visited home?”

Xiao Yuan wasn’t annoyed and replied openly, ”Yes, I haven’t returned. My dad kicked me out, saying unless I break up with Ningning, I’m not allowed back. I’m afraid he’s still angry with me. My second brother asked me to come back this time, and also because of my eldest brother’s affairs, I had no choice but to come.”

Anning followed behind Xiao Yuan, smiling without a word.

Xiao Yuan pulled out a handful of candy from his pocket for the children gathered around, and greeted the old ladies, ”This is my girlfriend. We’ve been dating for a while, hoping after my brother’s affair is handled, we’ll have our own wedding. Then, we’ll invite everyone for wedding drinks.”

”Wow, this girl is really pretty.”

No matter the reputation of the Pei Family, the Pei Family’s girls are renowned for their beauty in the area. The four sisters including Pei Yu are impeccable in terms of appearance and temperament, not at all like rural girls, with fair skin and delicate features that are very appealing.

Additionally, Anning dressed up today. Her attire would still be fashionable even two decades from now, especially looking stylish at this time.

The women surrounding her admired Anning’s clothes, with some even reaching out to touch them, ”What’s this fabric? It’s so soft. The ones sold in our county are coarse and feel rough, unlike this smooth one.”

Anning smiled, ”This isn’t homemade, it’s cashmere.”

”Does this cost a lot?”

”Not much, just over three hundred yuan.”

Once she mentioned the price, the surrounding area fell silent.

Xiao Yuan took the chance to bring Anning home.

As soon as they left, the women started gossiping, ”Truly a wasteful woman. Over three hundred yuan can buy a lot of meat, enough for a family to eat for a year, and she spent it on just one piece of clothing...”

”One piece is over three hundred; her entire outfit must be several hundred. How much hard labor will Yuanzi have to do to afford that?”

”They don’t look like ones who live properly; just wait, the Xiao family will be crying.”

Zhong Liumei heard Anning’s words at the door; when Anning greeted her with a smile upon entering, she was not pleased.

Anning wasn’t annoyed and followed Xiao Yuan to sit inside.

Zhong Liumei entered the room with a belly full of anger and laughed, ”This is Third’s girlfriend, right? Your name is Pei, Pei what?”

Anning stood up, ”Aunt, I’m Pei Anning.”

”Anning.” Zhong Liumei laughed more cordially, ”The name is nice and easy to remember. Anning, I’ve got it.”

She reached out to hold Anning’s hand, ”No wonder Yuanzi is so taken by you. You’re really beautiful; with this look, this figure, one can’t find a single flaw.”

”You’re too kind.” Anning smiled appropriately, with a touch of politeness and a hint of distance.

”You see, in this family, Yuanzi and his two brothers, I don’t have a daughter. I’m always hoping for a daughter to lend me a hand, and just as you arrived, since you’re here, don’t stay idle. Help me in the kitchen later.”

Zhong Liumei did it deliberately.

She was upset with Xiao Yuan buying such expensive clothes for Anning and didn’t buy anything for her as a mother. Also, she didn’t like Anning’s delicate manners and wanted to trouble her, thinking Anning wouldn’t refuse due to being young. She planned to send Anning to the kitchen to stoke the fire, blackening her face and making her look disheveled, to test how she continues to be prim and proper.

Xiao Yuan glanced at Zhong Liumei without speaking.

Zhong Liumei wasn’t very smart; she underestimated Anning, not believing her capable.

Anning wasn’t angry at all and remained smiling, ”Aunt, you’re very thoughtful. Today I came with my elder brother’s girlfriend, it’s really a hassle for you. If I had known, we would’ve come separately; her today, and me tomorrow, making it easier for you.”

”No hassle, you’re here to help.” Zhong Liumei was thick-skinned, apt at playing rogue and forcing things.

Anning held Zhong Liumei’s hand, appearing very intimate, ”You’re absolutely right. Since we both came today, it eases your work. When my elder brother’s girlfriend comes, we’ll cook together, and you can just wait for the ready meal.”

With that sentence, Zhong Liumei was rendered speechless.

Anning’s meaning was very clear. The guest coming is Xiao Feng’s girlfriend, a guest, yet she is also Xiao Yuan’s girlfriend, a guest too. If Zhong Liumei wanted this guest to work, then it should be fair, and Xiao Feng’s girlfriend should work too.

But does Zhong Liumei dare?

She wouldn’t dare.

The match with Xiao Feng is challenging, and they finally found one, furthermore, her family conditions are decent. The Xiao family is eagerly hoping to settle it. She wouldn’t dare ask the guest, who’s visiting for the first time, to cook. If she dared to do so, the girl would likely break up with Xiao Feng.

Zhong Liumei stopped speaking, while Anning continued, ”If my elder brother’s girlfriend makes it, she’ll be the elder sister-in-law and the head wife in our family, just like in ancient times, she’s the head wife. As the head wife, she should set an example in everything. Don’t you think? Xiao Yuan is the third brother, with two brothers above him. We should never surpass this order. We’ll follow Sister-in-law’s lead and do as she does, so I dare not outshine her.”

Zhong Liumei was about to burst.

She had cursed Anning in her heart many times, thinking the Pei family girls were indeed troublesome.

Cursing inwardly, she dared not react aggressively on the surface, nor did she dare to send Anning to the kitchen to cook.

Anning was indeed formidable; she had a single statement, while Anning had numerous ready to respond, all without showing anger, just a soft smile delivering sharp retorts. Every word was logical, leaving no room for rebuttal. If this continued, she, the mother-in-law, would be the one furious.

”Oh, you’re young and haven’t worked much, never mind, you sit here, I’ll check the kitchen.”

Zhong Liumei managed a smile as she got up and hurried out.

Once she left, Xiao Yuan got busy.

He poured hot water for Anning, then rummaged through cabinets, pulling out sunflower seeds, candy, and snacks Zhong Liumei bought for the guests and placing them on the table. He told Anning, ”We haven’t eaten much this morning, have a snack now to tide you over. Lunch will surely be delayed, don’t go hungry.”

Zhong Liumei went to the kitchen, remembered she forgot something, and returned to get it. As she entered the hall and heard this, seeing the table full, she almost stumbled from anger.