The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Xiao Yuan knew Xiao Lei’s girlfriend.

To be specific, Xiao Lei’s girlfriend was called Gao Nana, and she’d been Xiao Yuan’s classmate in primary school.

This Gao Nana looked pretty good, quite tall, nice figure, thick eyebrows and big eyes with a quick-witted face. At a quick glance, you’d think this girl was actually quite nice.

But Xiao Yuan had been classmates with her for three or four years in primary school, and they’d even shared a desk in third grade.

Xiao Yuan knew what this Gao Nana was like.

Gao Nana was just like people in the countryside say, ”a shiny pile of donkey dung”—only the surface looks good. She was just decent-looking on the outside, but in fact the girl was a bit simple-minded.

Not just simple-minded, her IQ was a bit low. Back in school she couldn’t learn anything no matter what it was. Every exam she was dead last, and anyway, no matter which subject, her score had never made it into double digits.

Xiao Yuan still remembered back in fourth or fifth grade, Gao Nana had even peed her pants once.

Xiao Yuan didn’t know whether Xiao Lei knew about Gao Nana or not, or what mood he was in to be dating her, but he had no intention of bringing this up.

After all, the Gao family was also from the town, not far from the Xiao Family. If Xiao Lei wanted to ask around, he’d definitely be able to find out.

And since Xiao Lei hadn’t said anything and even brought Gao Nana over today, he probably did know what kind of person she was, but didn’t mind.

With it like this, if Xiao Yuan started talking about whether she suited him or not, Xiao Lei wouldn’t like hearing it, and might even hold a grudge.

Thankless tasks—Xiao Yuan wasn’t stupid, he wasn’t going to do that.

What Xiao Yuan hadn’t expected was how shallow Zhong Liumei could be.

As soon as Gao Nana arrived, Zhong Liumei got all excited, dragging her around to introduce her to relatives and friends: ”This is Leizi’s girlfriend, they’ve been seeing each other for a while now. As soon as the Eldest is married, we’ll hurry and do their wedding too. Aiyo, our Leizi isn’t tall, of course he’s got to find a tall one. Just look at Nana’s build, you can tell it’s good at a glance. I just love girls like her.”

Listening to Zhong Liumei going around introducing her, with that faintly proud tone, Xiao Yuan couldn’t help secretly shaking his head.

He didn’t stay home long. In the afternoon he helped with some work, and before it got dark he rode his bike back.

When he got back to the Pei Family, they had just finished making dinner.

After working all afternoon, Xiao Yuan was already hungry. As soon as he got back, he washed his hands and sat down to eat.

”Big Sis’s cooking is the best. I’ve gotten used to your food, anywhere else just doesn’t taste right.”

That flattered An Xian into a big smile: ”I’ll cook for you all often then. You’re just like Anning—Anning keeps saying that too. I don’t think it’s anything special, but you two just love it.”

”It really is good. Ever since you started cooking, I’ve put on quite a bit of weight.”

Anning spoke without even looking up from her bowl: ”My old clothes don’t fit me anymore.”

”Girls ought to be raised fair and chubby, that’s what looks nice.”

Laughing, Liu Dalian said, ”You used to be too skinny. So skinny I felt sorry just looking at you.”

Anning finished one bowl of rice and added a bit more: ”Back then I looked good in anything. Now in a lot of clothes I don’t look good anymore.”

Xiao Yuan grinned at Anning: ”You look good in anything.”

”Eat your food.” Anning picked up a big piece of rib and dropped it into Xiao Yuan’s bowl.

After dinner, once they’d gone back to their room, Xiao Yuan told Anning about Gao Nana: ”You’ll see, there’s going to be plenty of drama at the Xiao Family in the future.”

Anning thought of that sharp Zhang Xiaoyu, then thought of this slightly foolish but very money-grubbing Gao Nana, and she figured with a sister-in-law like that, there was bound to be endless fuss.

When the eighteenth came, Anning and Xiao Yuan got up extra early.

Weddings around here were timed quite early. Usually the bride would get out of the sedan chair a bit after seven, which meant they had to set out even earlier.

The Xiao Family had set five o’clock as the departure time, so Anning and Xiao Yuan got up a little after four.

After they got up, they washed their faces and brushed their teeth. Anning tidied herself up, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and only then did they drive the family’s big truck into town.

Earlier, Xiao Daguang had told Xiao Yuan they’d need to use the Pei Family’s truck to go pick up the bride, mainly to haul Zhang Xiaoyu’s dowry and the men carrying the chests.

This had been agreed on already, and it wasn’t any big deal, so of course Xiao Yuan didn’t object.

When he and Anning arrived at the Xiao Family’s place in town, it was ten minutes to five.

As soon as they got out of the truck, Zhong Liumei started complaining: ”Couldn’t you come earlier? We’re all just waiting on you two.”

Xiao Yuan didn’t say anything. He pulled Anning inside and had her sit and warm up for a bit, then went to find Xiao Daguang himself: ”Dad, when are we leaving?”

Xiao Daguang handed him a bowl of egg noodles: ”Eat first. We’ll go as soon as you’ve eaten.”

Xiao Yuan took the noodles: ”Anning hasn’t eaten yet. Is there more? Get her a bowl.”

”Go dish it up yourself in the kitchen.”

Xiao Daguang said, annoyed.

Xiao Yuan put his own bowl down, turned and went into the kitchen to find a bowl. He rinsed it with hot water first, then started to dish up the noodles.

When Xiao Yuan came out with the noodles, Anning had just found a teacup and was rinsing it with hot water.

Standing off to the side, Zhong Liumei curled her lip and said, ”Anyone who didn’t know better would think she was some pampered city miss. So fussy.”

”Eat first.” Xiao Yuan handed the noodles to Anning, sat down and helped her rinse the teacup, then poured her a cup of hot water and set it by her hand. After that he took a clean handkerchief out of his pocket and passed it to her.

Some of the people who’d come to help out nearby couldn’t help laughing: ”Yuanzi really dotes on his wife. Look how good he is to his girl.”

Xiao Yuan didn’t bother chatting with the others. He quickly finished his bowl of noodles. Anning handed him some water, and he took a sip. As soon as he set the cup down, it was time to leave.

Xiao Yuan reminded Anning, ”Stay in the house. It’s cold outside, don’t go out yet. Just keep warm in here, and if anything comes up, wait till I’m back.”

Once he’d said his piece, Xiao Yuan went out to drive.

He had barely gone out when Zhong Liumei came over to clear the bowls, grumbling as she worked: ”Hurry up and eat. Once you’re done, tidy up the room. The bride will be getting out of the sedan chair soon, and this place is still a mess.”

Anning lifted her wrist and checked her watch: ”There’s still a good two hours. It’s not late.”

She ate her noodles slowly and leisurely, paying no mind at all to the ugly look on Zhong Liumei’s face.

Anning wasn’t so lazy she’d just sit there, though. After she finished the noodles and drank some water, she helped Zhong Liumei clean up the room.

They tidied the house, set up a big round table in the bridal chamber, and another table in the main room, putting out tea, melon seeds, candy and such on the tables.

Once everything was arranged, Anning found a warmer room to rest in.

She had just sat down when Gao Nana came in.

With a simple, honest smile on her face, Gao Nana sat down next to Anning. She just smiled and didn’t say anything.

Anning grabbed a handful of peanuts and asked her, ”Want some?”

Gao Nana waved her hand: ”No. My mom says I’m a bit fat, and when I get married it’ll be hard to borrow dresses. She told me to eat less and lose weight.”

Anning was taken aback for a moment, then just started shelling peanuts and eating them.

Watching Anning eat so happily, Gao Nana scooted closer and asked, ”Is it good?”

Anning raised an eyebrow: ”Yeah, it’s good. Want some?”

Gao Nana swallowed: ”Then... then I’ll have a little, I guess.”

Anning laughed and gave her a handful: ”What time did you get here?”

”A bit after three. My mom told me to come early and be diligent, so people would think well of me.” Gao Nana mentioned her mom every few sentences, sounding quite obedient. ”My mom also told me not to talk too much. Only answer when someone asks. If they don’t ask, I’m not allowed to say anything.”

Anning made a sound of assent and nodded: ”Right. It’s chaotic today, talking less is the right way to go.”

In her heart she thought, Xiao Yuan was dead right—this Gao Nana really was a bit simple.