Green Tea Villainess Fails 29

Chapter 29

“We’re here.”

Qin Ai drove through the front yard of the Zuo family home, stopping the car in front of the grand villa. Zuo Bian, however, didn’t get out immediately.

“Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?” she asked.

The Green Tea Handbook stated that if someone drove you home at night, it was best to invite them in for a cup of tea. However, this usually worked best when no one else was home, allowing for some alone time and creating an ambiguous atmosphere.

Qin Ai thought for a moment and replied, “Okay.”

Zuo Bian immediately beamed. “Then let’s get out of the car.”

Inside the Zuo family home, everyone except Zuo Bian was gathered in the living room. Zuo Yan sat calmly at the mini bar, reading a book. Zuo Yuan, with a sullen expression, sat on the sofa with Du Yundong, watching TV.

“Dad, Mom, Brother, I’m home.”

Du Yundong looked up in delight upon hearing Zuo Bian’s voice. “Xiao Bian, you’re back!” Her eyes quickly landed on Qin Ai, who was standing beside Zuo Bian.

Zuo Bian introduced Qin Ai to her mother. “Mom, this is my friend, Qin Ai. She drove me home, and I wanted to invite her in for a cup of tea before she leaves.”

Du Yundong’s face lit up with a warm smile, her eyes full of affection and approval.

“Of course, you must have some tea. Xiao Qin, please sit down.” Du Yundong instructed the maid to prepare tea.

Zuo Yuan remained motionless on the sofa, his arms crossed and his face filled with displeasure. He let out a loud “hmph.” It was unclear who he was directing his displeasure at, but no one paid him any mind.

Zuo Bian’s father, Zuo Yan, put down his book and joined Du Yundong in welcoming Qin Ai. Qin Ai greeted the two elders and sat down next to Zuo Bian.

Qin Ai wasn’t as cold and aloof in front of Zuo Bian’s parents as she was at the company. She wore a gentle smile and behaved politely and appropriately, making Du Yundong even more satisfied.

Zuo Yuan, ignored by everyone, quietly turned around and leaned against the sofa, half of his face peeking out as he glared at Qin Ai.

His fierce gaze was as if he wanted to grab a harpoon and chase Qin Ai out of their house.

“Such a good pretender,” Zuo Yuan muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

Qin Ai’s expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn’t heard Zuo Yuan’s words at all.

Du Yundong smiled awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Xiao Qin, don’t mind him. Our Zuo Yuan never thinks before he speaks. Don’t take his words to heart.”

Qin Ai smiled gently. “Of course, I won’t take it to heart. Mr. Zuo is always straightforward and doesn’t bother to hide his emotions. He’s much more likable than those two-faced people.”

Zuo Yuan sneered. “So you’re aware of that, huh?”

“Brother, you seem to be prejudiced against Qin Ai. It’s not right to judge someone before you get to know them.”

Zuo Yuan clutched his chest as if he had been hurt. “Xiao Bian, why are you speaking up for Qin Ai? I’m your real brother!”

“I’m not speaking up for anyone, I just think what you’re doing is wrong.” Zuo Bian’s eyes were clear and her expression was serious. She genuinely believed that Zuo Yuan was wrong.

“Okay, then I’ll try to get to know Qin Ai better before I dislike her.”

Just based on the fact that Qin Ai had stolen his sister’s heart, Zuo Yuan was certain that he would never like her in this lifetime.

“The tea is here, Xiao Qin, have some tea. Thank you for taking care of our Xiao Bian today.” Du Yundong tried to lighten the mood.

Qin Ai took the teacup and smiled politely. “You’re welcome, Auntie. It’s what I should do.”

“It’s getting late, Xiao Qin, would you like to stay for the night?”

Qin Ai took a sip of tea and slowly put down the cup, politely declining. “Thank you for your kindness, Auntie, but my mother and brother are waiting for me at home.”

“Then you should go home early, Xiao Qin, and don’t worry your family.” Du Yundong’s gaze towards Qin Ai was filled with sympathy.

The older generation in their circle knew a bit about Qin Ai’s family situation. Du Yundong both admired and felt sorry for this child who had single-handedly shouldered the responsibility of reviving the Qin family.

“Then I’ll take my leave. Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle and Auntie.” Qin Ai stood up and walked towards the door.

Zuo Bian followed her to the entrance and watched as she got into the car.

“Qin Ai, be careful on the road. See you the day after tomorrow.” Zuo Bian waved goodbye reluctantly.

Qin Ai rolled down the car window. The light from the living room illuminated her beautiful face, and Zuo Bian could clearly see the gentle smile in her eyes.

“Before you go, call me one more time.”

Qin Ai didn’t specify what to call her, but Zuo Bian understood.

She took two steps closer to the car and whispered, “Ai Jiejie.”

“I’m leaving, go back inside.”

“Mm.”

Zuo Bian watched as Qin Ai’s car disappeared from sight. Suddenly, she felt someone pat her shoulder.

“Xiao Bian, you’ve really grown up. Did you not eat enough because you were nervous having dinner with Xiao Qin? If you’re still hungry, Mom will have someone prepare a late-night snack for you.”

Zuo Bian shook her head. “Thank you, Mom, but I’m full.”

Du Yundong smiled and led Zuo Bian into the living room, asking her some questions. Zuo Bian answered each question honestly, just like Qin Tian.

“This Qin Ai, I can tell she’s not a good person at first glance. Mom, why do you like her so much?” Zuo Yuan sat on the sofa, flipping through channels on the TV with the remote control. The TV emitted strange sounds as the channels changed too quickly.

Du Yundong sat down beside Zuo Yuan, pushing him aside and snatching the remote control. “Why are you holding the remote if you’re not watching TV? Shoo, shoo, don’t disturb me and Xiao Bian while we’re watching TV. Xiao Bian, come sit with Mom.”

Zuo Bian sat down beside Du Yundong, watching TV with her.

Since coming to this world, Zuo Bian hadn’t watched much TV. Before joining the production crew, she was busy studying, and after joining, she was busy filming.

The TV was currently showing a popular drama. The female lead was one of the few domineering and powerful female characters in the entertainment industry.

At that moment, the female lead was wearing a tight leather jacket and helmet, straddling a heavy motorcycle. She raised her chin at the male lead with a cool and confident air. “Dare to race?”

Du Yundong sighed. “The actresses these days are getting more and more beautiful.”

Zuo Bian blurted out, “I think Qin Ai is more beautiful.”

Du Yundong chuckled. “Yes, yes, yes, Xiao Qin is the most beautiful.”

“I think she’s just average. Our Xiao Bian is the most beautiful. The mother who gave birth to such a beautiful child is also beautiful. You’re a mother of two, but your figure and face still look like you’re only twenty-eight.” Zuo Yuan’s sweet-talking made Du Yundong beam with joy.

=================

Before going to bed, Zuo Bian decided to play some games. While playing, she received a WeChat message, but she didn’t check it until after finishing a game.

“555, someone named Lin Qingqing sent me a friend request. Lin Qingqing?”

【Host, have you forgotten? The female supporting character with a threat level of 61 that you met this afternoon is Lin Qingqing!】

“But why is she adding me?” Zuo Bian clicked “Reject” as she spoke. “I’d rather not add her.”

After rejecting the request, Zuo Bian went back to her game, but Lin Qingqing kept sending friend requests. Zuo Bian frowned and asked 555 what she could do to stop receiving messages from Lin Qingqing.

【It’s easy, just block her.】

“Okay.” Zuo Bian blocked Lin Qingqing with 555’s guidance.

After blocking Lin Qingqing, Zuo Bian continued playing games feeling refreshed. Before going to sleep, she had a video call with Qin Ai.

The next morning, Zuo Bian woke up to the sound of Little Frog counting. She yawned and sleepily made her way to the bathroom to wash up.

【Host, what are your plans for today?】

‘I’m going shopping with Qin Ai tomorrow, so I want to scout out the area beforehand. I also want to buy a new gift for her. The chocolates will be gone soon, I need to get her something she can always keep with her.’

【Host, you’ve truly mastered the Green Tea Handbook. It says that you should give the other person gifts so they’ll be reminded of you every time they see it. I recommend a necklace or a watch, something they can carry with them.】

‘Mm-hmm.’

Zuo Bian came out of the bathroom and picked out a casual outfit, ready to go out. She then heard Little Frog’s anxious voice.

“Take me with you, ribbit! I want to go out and play too, ribbit!” Little Frog hopped around on Zuo Bian’s bedside table. It actually had arms and legs, but they were so tiny that they were almost negligible.

Zuo Bian walked over and picked up Little Frog, squeezing its soft little butt. “Okay, but you have to be quiet, be careful not to be discovered.”

“Okay, ribbit! I’ll try not to count, ribbit!” Little Frog’s round face was flushed red.

Zuo Bian left the house with Little Frog in her hand. Little Frog widened its already large eyes, looking at the unfamiliar world with almost greedy curiosity.

Zuo Bian got out of the car at the largest shopping street in City A, holding the cute little creature in her hand. It might seem strange for an adult to be carrying a small toy, but Zuo Bian’s calm demeanor and outstanding beauty made people subconsciously ignore the little frog in her hand.

As they entered the mall, Zuo Bian saw a small inflatable playground with a dozen children playing inside.

“Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!” Little Frog couldn’t help but exclaim excitedly. “It looks so fun, ribbit!”

Despite living for thousands of years, Little Frog still had a childlike heart.

555, who was just as childish as Little Frog, also envied the playing children, but it didn’t even have a physical body, so it could only watch.

Unbeknownst to Zuo Bian, a woman wearing sunglasses and high heels approached her.

“Miss Zuo, can I have a word with you?” Although she was making a request, the woman’s tone was not polite at all.

Zuo Bian followed the voice and recognized the woman even though her sunglasses were covering half of her face.

It was Lin Qingqing.

“But I don’t think we have anything in common to talk about.” Zuo Bian looked away.

“So that’s why you blocked me yesterday?” Lin Qingqing finally took off her sunglasses. If her eyes could shoot fire, she would have already burned Zuo Bian’s hair to ashes.

Lin Qingqing was furious when she was blocked by Zuo Bian yesterday. In order to talk to Zuo Bian, she had been waiting near the Zuo family home since before dawn, only following her after she left the house.

“I’m sure Miss Zuo would be interested in learning about Sister Qin’s past. I’ve known her since we were young, I know her better than anyone.” Lin Qingqing tried to coax Zuo Bian into going with her.

However, Zuo Bian wasn’t interested in Lin Qingqing’s words at all. She replied coldly, “Can you please not disturb me while I’m enjoying the scenery.”

The “scenery” Zuo Bian was referring to was the inflatable playground filled with children. Lin Qingqing followed Zuo Bian’s gaze and saw the playground, her face turning red with anger.

In her mind, Zuo Bian was definitely doing this on purpose to humiliate her.

“I heard there’s a milk tea shop nearby with delicious milkshakes and a great atmosphere. It’s perfect for having a conversation.” Lin Qingqing used her last resort.

She had done her research beforehand and knew that Zuo Bian loved drinks, but she wasn’t sure if Zuo Bian would take the bait.

“Okay.”

“You agreed?” Lin Qingqing couldn’t believe it. She had just tried her luck, and Zuo Bian actually agreed.

Zuo Bian, who had already taken a few steps, turned back to look at Lin Qingqing. “Aren’t you coming?”

Lin Qingqing composed herself, smoothing her hair and swaying her hips seductively as she walked towards Zuo Bian. “Follow me.”

Zuo Bian followed behind Lin Qingqing, her eyes fixed on her back. She couldn’t help but ask 555 in her mind, ‘555, do you think her waist will hurt from walking like that? She’s swaying so much, and she’s wearing such high heels. Isn’t she afraid of falling?’

【Maybe it’s because she’s still young. When she gets older, she might have a herniated disc.】

In 555’s eyes, Lin Qingqing was too pretentious. Its aesthetic sense had gradually been assimilated by Zuo Bian. It preferred straightforward people and couldn’t appreciate those who were coy and beat around the bush.

[Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, I think I can talk to you now, ribbit.]

‘Little Frog?’ Zuo Bian heard the voice in her ears, but it was actually transmitted directly into her mind.

[Ribbit, it’s me, ribbit. I have the power to see through people’s hearts, ribbit. This woman who was just talking to you likes Qin Ai, ribbit. Her love level is 80, ambition level is 90, combat power is 61, intelligence is 59, action power is 100, and overall score is 30, ribbit.]

Hearing the last part, Zuo Bian was confused. She asked in her mind, ‘Lin Qingqing’s stats are all so high, why is her overall score only 30, ribbit?’

Zuo Bian realized that after listening to Little Frog talk for so long, she had also started adding “ribbit” to her sentences.