Conquering the Male Supporting Character – CH 006

Chapter 6. Seeing a Ghost

“Xiao Bai?”

Lu Wan was somewhat surprised. She was quite certain that the voice she had just heard came from the little white kitten.

She rubbed the kitten’s belly; it was soft and warm, the warmth seeming very real.

Could this be fake?

“Xiao Bai?”

A calm, aloof male voice came, reminding the startled Lu Wan that she had a target for her affections beside her.

She remained composed, her gaze fixed on Xie Yu, lying with unwavering confidence.

“This little cat is so adorable, a pure white ball like snow on a mountain. I think calling it Xiao Bai is quite fitting. What do you think, Xie Yu?”

Having practiced enough, this time calling him Xie Yu came out naturally.

Sitting opposite Xie Yu, her gaze lingered subtly on his face, secretly admiring him. Xie Yu truly deserved the title of Jade Gentleman of the Xie Family.

The pale autumn sunlight streamed through the latticed window into the waterside pavilion, illuminating the young man’s fair, jade-like skin and exquisitely handsome features, seemingly beyond human sculpting.

Xie Yu lowered his gaze to the Xiao Bai cat in her arms, his dark eyelashes casting a fan-shaped silhouette that concealed the coldness in his eyes.

This young lady of the Lu family probably did not know the kind of people he’s dealt with for years, having been in charge of criminal justice.

Her explanation, delivered with such nonchalance, had already given her away; she’s clearly deliberately changing the subject to conceal something.

“That name is quite fitting,” he remarked, and then, as if remembering his purpose, slowly inquired.

“I heard the railings by the Lotus Pond have been erected, so Young Lady Lu can rest assured next time she enters the palace.

However, Young Lady Lu, do you remember how you fell into the water that day?

Although there are no railings by the Lotus Pond, the palace servants sweep it diligently every day, and there’s no moss or pebbles. How could Young Lady Lu have fallen?”

Here he comes, Lu Wan thought, finally understanding his purpose.

So he was here to find out how she fell into the water, suspecting something was amiss.

She just had not expected Xie Yu to be so dedicated as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

However, she was also curious about how the original owner of this body fell into the water—was it an accident or intentional?

After all, if it was intentional, there was no guarantee a second accident would not happen.

But she had no connections or leads, and Noble Consort Lu might not help her. Perhaps it would be better to let Xie Yu do it for her?

Having made up her mind, she frowned, feigning deep thought, and after a long while shook her head. “After returning home that day, I fell ill and only managed to get up today.

I’ve always been afraid of water and have avoided the water’s edge, but this experience has made me much bolder, which is why I was able to invite Lord Xie to this waterside pavilion.”

Lu Wan quickly glanced at Xie Yu, a blush rising to her cheeks, as if shy upon seeing her beloved. She continued, “Because of falling into the water that day, I truly do not remember anything, only that Lord Xie rescued me. I am truly grateful for your life-saving grace.”

See? See? I was sick for several days and only got up today after hearing you were here. Are you not surprised?

However, she could not be too certain. Lu Wan teased him a bit, still needing to pique his curiosity.

The beginning of fate did not always stem from human curiosity.

So she deliberately shifted her gaze, as if suddenly remembering something, and repeated herself in a higher voice.

“Although I do not remember how I fell into the water, I’ve always been afraid of water and rarely go near it.”

Unfortunately, Xie Yu did not seem to suspect anything. Lu Wan could not discern anything from his expression and inwardly scoffed, then enthusiastically introduced the tea and snacks prepared on the table.

She personally carried a crystal-clear glass cup to Xie Yu.

In the cup were uniformly sized orange pieces, pear chunks, and white pomegranate seeds mixed together, with scattered perilla seeds, and the slightly sour aroma of plum brine wafted through the air.

“Spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, may their beauty endure forever.” Her bright eyes shone with hope. “Young Master, why not try this cup of Spring Orchids and Autumn Chrysanthemums? How is it different from others?”

“This line comes from the Nine Songs; it is just a rumor that has been misrepresented, Young Lady Lu.”

Xie Yu said cryptically, glancing at Lu Wan before looking away from her slender fingers holding the glass cup.

The delicate, white hands held the shimmering glass cup; for a moment, it was hard to say which was more captivating.

“Young Master, you flatter me.”

Lu Wan unconsciously puffed out her cheeks, feigning modesty. “At this time of year, every household serves this cup of Spring Orchids and Autumn Chrysanthemums to guests; how could I not know this line?”

【Ding! Xie Yu’s favorability increased by 5%; current favorability is 0. Go, Ah Wan!】

? ???

Lu Wan’s eyes sparkled with affection as she gazed at him, but inwardly she felt disdain. Even if she were a pretty girl on the street, her favorability rating should not be negative, right?

Could the original owner of this body have offended him?

Lu Wan thought back, but it seemed not.

Her gaze towards Xie Yu had changed this time. She had initially thought he was just a thoughtful and refined gentleman, but unexpectedly… he was truly cold and aloof.

Cold-hearted and indifferent.

At the same time, 【Ding! Lu Wan’s favorability decreased by 10; current favorability is 5!】

Xie Yu raised an eyebrow and had no choice but to accept the glass cup. This young lady of the Lu family certainly had clear likes and dislikes; just a cup of pastry could change her impression.

The two, each with their own ulterior motives, one introduced the food and pastries, while the other accepted them all, offering his opinions after a brief taste. They were quite harmonious.

Until she saw Xie Yu off, Lu Wan still could not discern his taste preferences.

Sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty—she had specially gathered all the flavors to create a table full of them, but Xie Yu only tasted each one lightly, mostly tasting nothing at all, showing absolutely no preference.

Though the facade of a pleasant meal was maintained.

This man was too difficult to please, Lu Wan thought, somewhat discouraged.

Tossing and turning in bed that night, she sighed heavily and called out, “A-Yun, bring Xiao Bai.”

The fragrant white kitten was quickly brought over. Lu Wan placed it on her lap, gently raising its two front paws, and the two of them locked eyes.

【Lu Wan: Xiao Bai, are there any more plot information you can reveal?】

【Xiao Bai: Ding! Energy exhausted! Energy exhausted! High energy-saving mode activated. The host can only check the favorability rating of the target once a month. Please complete the task as soon as possible!】

Energy exhausted?

Lu Wan incredulously ruffled Xiao Bai’s fur. The kitten just meowed softly, no different from an ordinary kitten.

Could she apply for a different system?

Lu Wan slumped back onto the bed, somewhat dejected. She’d thought it was a bronze-level task, but after accepting it, it had become a king-level one—this was a bit difficult.

Judging from the system, there might even be a time limit.

After rolling around on the bed like a pretzel, Lu Wan sat up again and told the maid to take Xiao Bai away.

Since that was the case, she could only think of another way.

She rubbed her cheeks vigorously and sighed.

Since she and Xie Yu were still somewhat connected, maybe if she were a little shameless and tried to get closer, she could melt this icy heart.

The concerned faces of Lu Yuan, Lady Zhou, Lu Xiao, and Lu Ling flashed through her mind. A warmth welled up in her heart, but she shook her head—it was all an illusion. She would eventually have to return to the real world.

These were all fictional characters, all fake.

In the real world, only her grandfather had ever truly been good to her.

But her grandfather was dead. Her eyes stung with tears. She stared intently at the bed curtains embroidered with camellia and auspicious patterns, blinking repeatedly until a single tear was wiped away. She pulled the blanket over herself, forcing herself to sleep.

Once asleep, she would not think about it anymore; those painful and joyful memories would not catch up with her.

These days, the servants of the Lu household, in their spare time, were exchanging gossip.

By the lake, under the artificial hill, Ah Liu, tending the flowers and trees, shared the snacks her mistress had given her with her close female friends, not forgetting to gossip about the drastically changed Lady Wan.

“In the past, Lady Wan was very domineering. Sister Yun, who served her closely, often got scolded. She even resented the Eldest Master and the First Madam, and spent all her time in Lady Zhen’s courtyard.”

“But now, after falling into the water, her personality has completely changed. She has not even visited Lady Zhen once.”

“She makes all sorts of pastries for the First Madam every day, and she’s even nicer to the Young Master and Young Lady Ling!”

A-Li, munching on chestnut cake, nodded in agreement, her face full of doubt, fear mixed with a hint of excitement.

“I heard that people who fall into the water are most easily entangled by something. Could Young Lady Wan be entangled by something?”

A-Liu jumped in fright, waving her hand to silence her, looking around before quietly scolding her.

“Do not dare tell anyone! If the Master finds out, you will be beaten to death; that’s the least of your worries! I am going to prune the branches now. I am off!”

A-Li nodded blankly, then watched A-Liu’s departing figure with a strange smile.

A-Liu was the biggest blabbermouth; if she told her, soon most of the maids in the mansion would know.

She threw the half-eaten chestnut cake into a hole in the artificial hill and brushed the crumbs off her hands.

The Old Madam always gave her fresh treats; who wanted this leftover night snack?

Within a few days, the servants in the Lu mansion were gossiping behind her back; even A-Yun had heard about it.

She also felt that Lu Wan had changed somewhat. While serving her during her washing and grooming, she became distracted and accidentally pulled Lu Wan, causing her to kneel in fright and beg for forgiveness.

“It was my fault; my hand trembled. Please forgive me, Young Lady!”

Lu Wan pressed her aching scalp, her morning grogginess clearing somewhat.

“Get up; it is nothing serious.”

A-Yun recalled being punished for pulling her mistress’s hair before, but now…

Her lips trembled, and she quickly stood up to continue combing Lu Wan’s hair.

The glossy black hair felt like the finest silk, cool and smooth to the touch.

But in A-Yun’s eyes, it was like a fine rope wrapped around her neck, ready to take her life at any moment!

The gleaming bronze mirror reflected A-Yun’s trembling hands, and Lu Wan instinctively felt something was wrong.

She suppressed her suspicions, intending to investigate after paying her respects.

But on her way to pay her respects to Lady Zhou, she clearly noticed that some servants would hide from her as soon as they saw her, as if afraid of her. She frowned, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes filled with doubt. Could something have happened?

This suspicion reached its peak when she arrived at Lady Zhou’s residence.

Lady Zhou had a maidservant who had served her for a long time and was always very affectionate towards Lu Wan; even when the original owner of this body was so immature, she always greeted her with a smile.

But today, the maidservant’s eyes darted around uncomfortably; something was clearly wrong!

Lu Wan’s heart tightened. Could it be that they had discovered the persona in this body had been replaced?

She never dared to underestimate the wisdom of the ancients, and now her heart was pounding.

But Lady Zhou looked at her with the same loving expression as always, which made her breathe a slight sigh of relief.

“Did you sleep well last night, Ah Wan?”

“Yes, Mother, I slept perfectly last night.”

Lu Wan stepped forward and affectionately took Lady Zhou’s arm, leaning against her. “Mother, how about the crab soup I had someone bring you yesterday? Is it delicious?”

She raised an eyebrow, shook Lady Zhou’s arm, and smiled smugly. “I made it myself.”

Hmm, she personally instructed the cook on how to make it herself, so it was practically made by her.

Lady Zhou did not call her out on it. Seeing Lu Wan’s sly smile, almost like a cunning little fox with its tail wagging, she herself chuckled and tapped Lu Wan’s forehead.

“I had not even tasted it yet when your father snatched it away. He ate it but said it was good.”

Lu Wan chuckled. Her father was always a bit eccentric, usually wearing a mocking and disdainful face, yet he actually liked the soup she brought.

“Then I will have someone send it to Mother later?”

“Where are Brother and Ah Ling?”

Lu Wan looked around but could not find any used teacups on the table. That should not be the case; those two were the most frequent visitors, were they not?

Lady Zhou’s face instantly turned cold. She took Lu Wan’s hand and patiently explained.

“Yesterday, the Old Madam sent someone to say that Master Yuanguan from Ci’en Temple has been invited, so I told Ah Xiao and Ah Ling to excuse themselves from their greetings today.”

“We can take them with us on our way there.”

She looked at the oblivious Lu Wan, softening her voice but remaining very confident. “Ah Wan, do not panic. Master Yuanguan will naturally clear your name.”

Then her face turned ashen, and her voice sharpened. “It’s also a good opportunity to properly discipline the gossipy servants in the mansion!”

Could it be that she wanted to have a monk come to verify whether she was human or a ghost?

Lu Wan clenched her fist in her sleeve, suddenly understanding A-Yun’s expression that morning.

She had been negligent, too eager to return home, too focused on pleasing her family for freedom of action, and on winning over Xie Yu, neglecting the servants around her.

It seemed rumors were already circulating in the mansion, but none of these gossips had reached her ears.

Lu Wan concealed her thoughts, tilting her head back and feigning annoyance. “Mother is right.”

Whether she was human or a ghost, could anyone really tell?

Lu Wan sneered inwardly; that was unlikely.

Author’s Notes:
Is the dessert “Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum” actually a real dish, similar to an ancient salad? Plum syrup is salty and sour, made by pickling green plums with salt for over six months, resulting in a fruit-vinegar-like flavor.
Pomegranates come in white, pink, and red seeds.
The above content is from “Song Banquet”