Chapter 3: Transmigrated as the Abused Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Character
“A Sphinx?”
Xin Wanyin stared, wide-eyed and bewildered, at the dog with the mask on its head behind Xin Yao.
She tilted her head, pondering for a moment before a smile lit up her face. “Ah, I get it! It’s a big doggy! You’re so funny, Sis! But it’s huge! And kinda cute.”
Xin Yao: No, seriously, what’s wrong with your taste? It’s wearing a mask! That’s more creepy than cute.
Well, I guess if she wasn’t blind, she wouldn’t have fallen for Xu Qing.
Fortunately, after the initial surprise, Xin Wanyin didn’t question the bizarre scene further. After all, large dogs weren’t unheard of.
Xin Yao breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, enough joking around. Come in.”
Xin Wanyin entered and immediately went straight to Wang Dui Dui, showering the dog with compliments and petting it enthusiastically.
“Why is it wearing a mask? Isn’t it uncomfortable?”
Wang Dui Dui froze, its eyes darting nervously towards Xin Yao as the girl’s hands wandered over its fur.
Help!
She’s almost touching my butt!
If this goes on, I’ll blurt something out, and then we’re both screwed!
Xin Yao glared at the dog. Serves you right for playing games. Aloud, she diverted Xin Wanyin’s attention. “He just likes to be dramatic. Don’t mind him. Have you had dinner? Want to join me?”
“I’ve already eaten,” Xin Wanyin replied cheerfully.
Xin Yao nodded, taking a seat on the nearby sofa.
Successfully distracted, Xin Wanyin removed her hand from the dog and, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, sat down next to Xin Yao.
“Sis, you’ve barely been back and you’re already going to business events. Are you tired?”
Xin Yao paused, raising an eyebrow. “I’m fine.”
Her curt reply seemed to frustrate Xin Wanyin, who quickly followed up with another question. “Are you bringing the…doggy home for dinner this weekend? Will it be too much trouble? Do you want me to help?”
Her ingratiating tone and eagerness to make conversation were clear signs that she had an ulterior motive.
Xin Yao smiled. “You’ve never been good at hiding things. Just say what you want.”
Xin Wanyin pouted. “I just…I’m worried about you, Sis. You’ve been abroad for so long, and it’s a rare family dinner.”
She hesitated, then continued haltingly.
“And I was thinking…I’m an adult now. I can’t always rely on my family. I want…” She glanced at Xin Yao, gauging her reaction. “I want to tell Dad that I want to be independent, to move out.”
“Sis, you’ll support me, right?”
Xin Yao immediately recognized the plot point. This was where Xin Wanyin ran away from home for love.
This was exactly what happened in the original story.
Xin Wanyin’s desire for independence was a pretense; her real goal was to move in with Xu Qing.
A few months ago, Xu Qing had just graduated from university and was looking for a job. Coincidentally, he applied to Xin Yao’s father’s company.
He should have been rejected, but Xin Wanyin, upon learning of his application, had pulled strings with her third uncle, the HR manager, to get him hired.
Xu Qing owed his job entirely to his girlfriend, which was why Xin Yao’s father and sister disapproved of him.
And now she wanted to move in with him?
In the original story, after they moved in together, Xu Qing, fresh out of college and broke, lived in an apartment Xin Wanyin bought.
She also bought him a car and covered most of their living expenses. Xu Qing, the freeloader, didn’t even pay the utility bills.
Would their father agree to this?
But Xin Wanyin was determined. She had a huge fight with her father and sister, refusing to go home.
Xin Wanyin’s visit today, disguised as concern for her recently returned sister, was a ploy. She was too afraid to confront her family directly, so she came to Xin Yao, hoping to win her over first.
Seeing through Xin Wanyin’s scheme, Xin Yao sighed.
Her sister was good in every way except for being hopelessly in love.
She couldn’t stand by and watch her jump into the fire. “Independence? You want to move in with your boyfriend, don’t you?”
Xin Wanyin, surprised that her sister had been so blunt, stammered, “I’ve graduated. What’s wrong with living with my boyfriend?”
“Tell me,” Xin Yao pressed, her brow furrowed, “where will you live?”
Xin Wanyin didn’t hesitate. “In the apartment at Xishan.” It was a gift from her father for her 18th birthday.
“Who will cook? Who will pay the bills? Didn’t you just buy a car? Are you planning to give it to him?” Xin Yao continued. “You’re giving him so much. What is he contributing?”
Xin Wanyin looked incredulous. “Sis! We’re in love! Why are you being so materialistic?”
Xin Yao chuckled. That “materialism” you speak of is built on Dad’s blood, sweat, and tears, and my endless business dinners.
“Well, let me be clear. I won’t agree.”
“Why?!” Xin Wanyin jumped to her feet. “What era are we living in? Are you still hung up on social status? Dad was a worker, too!”
Xin Yao’s expression turned icy. “If you know that Dad built his company brick by brick, you should respect every penny he earned. You even pulled strings to get Xu Qing hired! How could you, Xin Wanyin?!”
“Xin Corp doesn’t belong to just you. It belongs to thousands of employees. Do you think you’re being fair to them?”
Xin Wanyin had never seen her usually doting sister scold her like this. Startled and speechless, she looked pathetically small.
But this time, she was facing Xin Yao, a sister who knew her tragic fate and wouldn’t coddle her.
Xin Yao knew that Xin Wanyin’s happiness depended on separating her from that scumbag. She couldn’t afford an ounce of sympathy.
She also knew that Xin Wanyin needed to understand her stance. They couldn’t be together.
Xin Yao sat there, her gaze cold and sharp, sparks of anger flickering in her usually seductive eyes. She looked both beautiful and intimidating.
Xin Wanyin, the pampered little girl, burst into tears.
“You’re so mean!”
She turned and ran, but not before attempting to grab Wang Dui Dui, who had been eavesdropping from the sofa, in a fit of pique.
Wang Dui Dui was too large for her to lift. She struggled, managing to move the dog not even an inch.
She did, however, manage to tickle the dog’s sensitive spot, almost making it laugh. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Dui Dui bumped Xin Wanyin’s lower back with its hindquarters, sending her stumbling.
Xin Wanyin wailed, “Even your dog hates me!”
She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Xin Yao watched her go, then leaned back against the sofa, letting out a weary sigh. She hadn’t eaten all day, and the confrontation with her love-struck sister had drained her.
Wang Dui Dui, finally free to speak, piped up.
【I thought I’d burst!】
“Serves you right!” Xin Yao snapped, not even looking at the dog. “You should have left when you had the chance.”
【The world is full of distractions. Don’t blame me.】
Despite its playful tone, the dog was perceptive. It noticed Xin Yao’s exhaustion.
【Alright, I’ll make you dinner before I go.】
It stood on its hind legs, walked to the kitchen, put on an apron, and started cooking, its paws expertly handling the wok and spatula.
Xin Yao couldn’t help but smile.
And just like the hangover soup, the meal was fantastic. Wang Dui Dui set a four-dish meal and a soup before Xin Yao, the aroma filling the air.
It was time for the dog to leave. It glanced back at Xin Yao, who, busy eating, simply waved a hand dismissively.
Wang Dui Dui rolled its eyes, removed its apron and mask, and muttered under its breath. 【Good grief, I trade one master for another.】
With a flash of white light, it vanished.
Silence returned to the apartment, now feeling slightly empty.
Xin Yao finished her meal, washed the dishes, tidied up, and worked on her mission plan late into the night before finally heading to bed.
As she undressed in the dimly lit bathroom, she couldn’t help but notice the lingering marks on her skin, a stark reminder of the passionate encounter. They looked like the claw marks of a wild beast.
Embarrassed, she averted her gaze, but her mind drifted back to the chaotic hotel room and the hazy memories of that night.
—The other person’s ragged breathing, warm fingers, the hot sweat trickling down her neck.
She had been too busy to think about romance before, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t longed for it.
Despite her outward composure, she couldn’t deny a certain curiosity about the person she had shared such intimacy with, a person whose face she couldn’t even recall.
Oh well.
It was just a fleeting encounter. We’ll probably never meet again. Better to forget about it.
The next day, however, Xin Yao didn’t rush to break up the happy couple. The family dinner was the day after tomorrow, and she had another important engagement today.
—The Pei Corporation’s charity gala.
In S City, one could forget their own name, but not the name of Pei Corp.
This long-standing, prestigious family was a titan among titans, wielding unimaginable power.
The Xin family, in comparison, were merely nouveau riche.
Xin Yao wouldn’t miss this hard-won opportunity to attend the gala.
At 8 pm, as dusk settled and the stars began to glimmer, Xin Yao arrived at the building hosting the event.
Sitting in the car, she couldn’t help but marvel at the Pei Corporation’s extravagance.
The grand building seemed to stretch endlessly.
Luxury cars, rarely seen elsewhere, filled the parking lot.
Countless reporters jostled for position, their camera flashes creating a dazzling spectacle.
The scene exuded an air of glamour and wealth, a feast for Xin Yao’s eyes.
Truly worthy of S City, worthy of the Pei Corporation.
Tonight’s attendees were mostly there because of the Pei name.
But perhaps what they truly wanted was a glimpse of the elusive head of the corporation.
The new head of the Pei Corporation was shrouded in mystery. Having taken over just a few years ago, she had revitalized the declining company, transforming it into a behemoth. Her brilliance and ruthlessness were legendary.
Yet, she rarely made public appearances and never gave interviews. Apart from a few business partners, no one had seen her.
The only known fact was that she was a woman.
Given her secretive nature, Xin Yao doubted she would appear tonight.
As she pondered this, her secretary parked the car, and it was time to enter.
The gala operated on a one-person, one-invitation basis, so her secretary had to wait in the lounge. Xin Yao entered alone.
Unfazed, she walked confidently towards the entrance, drawing admiring glances.
She was strikingly beautiful, her features soft and alluring, her eyes large, bright, and captivating. A single glance, though unintentional, could steal one’s breath away.
Her figure was equally mesmerizing, with alluring curves, a slender waist, and long, elegant legs.
Though petite, her proportions were perfect. She was the kind of delicate beauty one could easily scoop up into their arms.
The evening was chilly, and the occasion formal.
Xin Yao had chosen a long-sleeved, moon-colored gown made of heavy silk. As she moved, the fabric flowed around her, the beautiful purple shimmering like moonlight.
Pale, star-like buttons adorned the neckline and sleeves, fastened securely.
The skirt, however, featured a high slit on the left, revealing glimpses of her long, slender legs and silver high heels as she walked.
She looked both elegant and sensual.
Many eyes followed her, some even attempting to approach her.
But Xin Yao had already presented her invitation and was being escorted inside by a waiter, her graceful figure disappearing into the crowd.
As expected, the venue was magnificent, the decor lavish and exquisite, even the smallest details meticulously crafted.
However, as she followed the waiter, Xin Yao realized something was amiss.
She was being led further and further forward, towards the front row!
She discreetly glanced around. The first row was mostly empty, clearly reserved for VIPs.
The few individuals already seated were elderly, their presence commanding and powerful.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” Xin Yao asked politely.
The waiter turned, his tone respectful. “This is your designated seat, Miss Xin. Please be assured there is no mistake.”
Xin Yao was even more puzzled. She shouldn’t be sitting here, but she also knew the Pei Corporation wouldn’t make such a blunder.
The waiter, however, only knew his assigned task and couldn’t offer any further information. The crowd was growing, so she couldn’t delay any longer. She took her seat.
Strangely, the other VIPs were seated on the right, while she was alone on the left. With the first three rows mostly empty, she felt conspicuous.
What’s going on?
Xin Yao couldn’t figure it out.
As she discreetly observed her surroundings, feeling slightly awkward, a sudden commotion erupted near the entrance. Xin Yao even heard a gasp from one of the younger VIPs.
She turned to look towards the brightly lit doorway.
And froze, speechless, her eyes widening in astonishment.
In that single glance, she witnessed a vision of unparalleled beauty, a sight she would never forget.
From the soft light at the entrance, a figure slowly emerged.
Tall and perfectly proportioned, the woman possessed a graceful figure that seemed sculpted by the gods. She was breathtakingly beautiful, every detail flawless.
She wore an elegant gown, the top a shimmering pale blue like the night sky, gradually fading into a deep black skirt that trailed on the floor.
Like Xin Yao’s dress, it featured a high slit, revealing glimpses of long, white legs and black high heels as she walked – a touch of mystery and sensuality.
As she approached, the star-like embellishments on her gown glittered, as if she wore the entire night sky.
Most striking was her unusual hair, a beautiful snow-white, loosely gathered in a bun at the back of her head.
She exuded elegance, refinement, and an icy aloofness. Though stunningly beautiful, she seemed untouchable.
Those following behind her kept their heads bowed, not daring to look up.
The only oddity was that she wore sunglasses at night, obscuring her features.
Yet, even so, Xin Yao couldn’t deny her breathtaking beauty.
As the crowd murmured, speculating about the identity of this striking woman, she walked towards the first row. The VIPs rose to greet her respectfully.
Xin Yao faintly heard their greetings: “It’s been a while, President Pei.”
President Pei!
She’s the one who controls the Pei Corporation, the legendary, ruthless President Pei? She’s so young! And incredibly beautiful.
Stunned for the second time that evening, Xin Yao was wondering if she should also stand up and greet her when President Pei, having finished her brief exchange with the others, began walking towards her.
Xin Yao watched as she drew closer and closer, finally stopping beside her and taking the seat to her left.
President Pei was much taller than Xin Yao. As she sat down, her shadow fell upon Xin Yao, creating a sense of almost overwhelming presence.
Her posture was relaxed, one hand resting lightly on the armrest between them, her arm flawless, her fingers long and elegant.
Xin Yao discreetly glanced around. The first three rows were still mostly empty, just the two of them.
This couldn’t be a coincidence.
Had President Pei arranged for her to sit here?
But that was impossible. They didn’t know each other.
As Xin Yao pondered this, she maintained a polite facade, offering a greeting. “Hello.”
The breathtakingly beautiful woman turned her head.
Her unique fragrance, a cool, aloof scent that mirrored her personality, drifted towards Xin Yao.
Their proximity intensified the fragrance, enveloping her like a silken net.
Her voice, as melodious as jade chimes, was polite yet distant.
“Hello.”
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