Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 32

After a full two-hour sleep, Yan Qing woke up again. The timing was just right, and the aroma of food wafted faintly through the crack in the door, making her stomach growl with hunger.

She quickly got up and saw that the closet door was open, revealing several sets of clothes inside. On her bedside, there was a set prepared for her to wear now. She didn’t know when they were placed there, but she felt quite pleased with the thoughtfulness.

Yan Qing picked up the clothes, a light green dress, and noticed that the size fit her perfectly, likely the smallest size since the original owner was very thin. If it weren’t for her fair skin, her looks would have been quite average.

Holding the dress with some excitement, she put it on and went to the bathroom to check herself in the mirror.

Fortunately, the original owner’s skin was very fair, although her thinness made her look a bit out of shape, her complexion was good. Her large eyes and delicate nose were well-formed, although her lips lacked color. Her oval face wasn’t stunning, but passable. However, her arms and legs were too thin, significantly lowering her overall appeal.

And then there was her dull, yellow hair.

Yan Qing sighed, touching her hair. It felt rough. She even considered, for a moment, shaving it all off.

But that was just a thought. She didn’t have the courage to actually do it.

Yan Qing opened the door, and there was a pair of delicate pink slippers outside, just the right size to replace her canvas shoes. She put on the slippers, exposing her fair, slender toes, which looked quite nice.

“Qing Qing, you’re up just in time for dinner,” Mrs. Chu called from downstairs, speaking to Chu Yang, who had just returned. Hearing the commotion, she turned around and saw the girl in the light green dress she had just bought, her smile widening, looking kind and approachable.

Chu Yang squinted at Yan Qing, his eyes full of suspicion.

He remembered the girl’s initial reluctance to be in their home and what she had said then. His demeanor cooled.

Under his scrutiny, Yan Qing instinctively shrank her neck but quickly straightened up, smiling softly, “Auntie.”

The original owner was introverted, rarely speaking much, and had little desire to converse. Yan Qing gave a brief greeting, then glanced at Chu Yang, who seemed a bit unhappy, and slowly made her way downstairs.

In the original owner’s memories, the person she feared the most in the Chu family was Chu Yang. Only he looked at her with such a penetrating gaze that her little schemes felt completely exposed.

Mrs. Chu noticed her son’s stare, nudged him, and said unhappily, “Why the stern face at home? Can’t you learn from your father? Does he look stern with you guys?”

Chu Heng was known for being serious with outsiders but was very gentle with his family. His cold demeanor was never directed at them.

Yet, her son always had a stern face.

Yan Qing stole a glance and felt that Chu Yang’s stern expression suited him well.

Chu Zhao resembled Mrs. Chu, more delicate and handsome, whereas Chu Yang, like Chu Heng, had sharp, cold features. His thick, black sword-like brows and almond-shaped eyes were fuller, with pitch-black pupils and snowy whites. His high, well-shaped nose gave him a sharp, cold look. His lips were full but not too thick, habitually pressed together.

His appearance was more striking, wearing a crisp suit, his tall frame and broad shoulders giving an imposing presence.

This was a formidable man.

However, now, facing his mother, Chu Yang’s brows furrowed slightly as he reluctantly called out, “Mom.”

“Alright, alright, don’t be so stern,” Mrs. Chu muttered, turning to Yan Qing, taking her hand with a smile, “Don’t be afraid, Chu Yang is a good kid too.”

Chu Yang’s frown deepened. Just as he was about to speak, Mrs. Chu cut in, “Your brother specifically asked for her to stay, so forget about the past!”

Chu Yang raised an eyebrow, seemingly incredulous, “Brother said it himself?”

It had been a long time since Chu Zhao had spoken to them, years perhaps.

Chu Zhao had been increasingly withdrawn, almost completely isolated from them.

Mrs. Chu nodded proudly, imitating Chu Zhao, and softly said, “He came over himself, then said: ‘Let her stay,’ and left. He really said it himself… he really did… sob…”

Pride turned into sobbing, her eyes red and tears streaming down her familiar face.

These years, Chu Zhao’s suffering was not just his own but theirs as well.

Yet, they couldn’t bear to watch him deteriorate further.

Yan Qing, witnessing this, felt at a loss. She didn’t know what to do. Chu Yang patted his mother’s shoulder in comfort, “Mom, it’ll be alright. Brother will get better.”

Yan Qing fetched a tissue and handed it over.

Mrs. Chu took the tissue, comforted by Yan Qing’s worried little face. The tears stopped flowing, and she said, “Sorry if I scared you, Qing Qing. Auntie just got too emotional.”

“It’s okay,” Yan Qing shook her head.

Just then, Chu Heng came down, speeding up at the sight, “What happened? Chu Yang, did you upset your mom?”

Chu Yang, with a straight face, said, “No.”

Mrs. Chu pulled her husband, “No, it’s me being too happy. Zhao Zhao hasn’t spoken to us in a long time.”

Chu Heng immediately understood. He was also deeply moved but, being a man, he was better at holding it together. After a few comforting words, he invited Yan Qing to the dining table.

Yan Qing quietly followed them, a couple of steps behind.

Coincidentally, Chu Yang also lagged behind by two steps, close enough to whisper a warning, “Behave. Say anything you shouldn’t, and even if my brother doesn’t care, I won’t spare you!”

Yan Qing maintained her smile and slowly nodded.

Chu Yang paused, surprised.

She wasn’t afraid?

Yan Qing wasn’t afraid. Having come to the Chu family, as long as she didn’t provoke Chu Zhao, she wouldn’t be easily sent away. Her task was simply to watch over Chu Zhao.

As she expected, the Chu family was not easy to get along with.

Chu Heng, who discovered the Chu family’s first gold mine, was particularly formidable.

Had he been easier to get along with, the gold mine would have been taken long ago, and there wouldn’t have been a second or third.

But Chu Heng managed to expand the Chu family step by step.

Mrs. Chu, who kept Chu Heng in check and maintained family harmony, was equally formidable. The other ladies in their circle wouldn’t dare say a word against her family. Anyone who did would quickly regret it.

However, she was fair and only acted against those who provoked her. Her methods were strong, earning her respect over the years.

Their two sons were different stories. Chu Zhao, the eldest, was notoriously difficult, and many whispered that his mental state had deteriorated. If he weren’t crippled and harmless, the family would have long sent him to a mental hospital.

These whispers were never voiced openly, and Mrs. Chu pretended not to hear them, knowing she couldn’t stop them.

The younger son, Chu Yang, bore the family’s responsibilities. Four years younger than Chu Zhao, he had graduated and taken over the family’s business. He was fiercely protective of his brother.

Chu Yang’s most notorious story was a youthful romance with a supposed “white lotus” girl. Despite the family’s disapproval, he refused to break up, leading to several rebellious acts, including running away at sixteen and living independently for half a year.

At seventeen, the family relented, willing to accept the girl. However, when Chu Yang brought her home, she was terrified by Chu Zhao and said something inappropriate. Chu Yang ended the relationship then and there.

When asked why, he said, “She doesn’t like my brother and doesn’t want to live with him. That’s impossible!”

People were baffled. Who gets married and still lives with their brother?

But that’s how Chu Yang thought.

Yan Qing’s biggest challenge in the Chu family was Chu Yang. When she first arrived, it was his harsh words that had driven her away.

A more impulsive youth, unlike his parents, who would have asked her to leave politely.

At the dinner table, they waited a while. Mrs. Chu kept glancing upstairs, Chu Heng watching the stairs, and even Chu Yang looking expectant.

After ten minutes, the food was getting cold, and Mrs. Chu finally gave up, starting the meal with a sigh.

Chu Zhao hadn’t come down.

The three of them, after hoping for so long, felt only a little disappointed. They apologized to Yan Qing, hoping she wouldn’t mind.

Yan Qing naturally didn’t mind. In fact, they had invited her to eat first, but their hope had kept them waiting.

Yan Qing blinked, finding the family quite warm, much better than the original owner’s.

The original family had parasitic relatives. Yan Qing’s father was a dutiful son, allowing his parents, brothers, and sisters to leech off him, while his wife and children suffered.

Her mother was a simple woman, compliant to her husband, never standing up against the parasitic relatives, leaving Yan Qing feeling neglected.

When her parents passed, Yan Qing was completely ignored, treated as a burden, with the family using her parents’ money without guilt.

Living in such a family, the original owner had always felt unloved, growing increasingly withdrawn and timid. Her lack of nutrition even affected her intelligence, leading to poor academic performance and easily being manipulated.

By contrast, the Chu family’s care for Chu Zhao, especially Chu Yang’s, was enviable.

“Eat more. This soup is made to nourish your body. Try it and see if you like it. If not, we’ll change it,” Mrs. Chu said gently, placing a bowl of thick soup in front of her.

Yan Qing, meeting Mrs. Chu’s eyes, felt a warmth in her heart. She gratefully accepted, “Thank you.” She took a sip, finding it rich and flavorful, not greasy, and quickly said, “It’s delicious. I like it.”

Mrs. Chu’s smile deepened, and she continued to serve her.

The table was rectangular. Yan Qing sat to Mrs. Chu’s left, Chu Yang opposite, watching his mother fuss over Yan Qing. His brows furrowed.

He still remembered the words Yan Qing had said when she first arrived, finding them unforgivable.

But since his brother had personally asked her to stay, he couldn’t act out, leaving him feeling stifled.

After a quick meal, he said, “I’m done. You guys continue.”

“Go ahead,” Mrs. Chu replied without looking up.

Yan Qing remained silent, stealing a glance.

Chu Yang headed upstairs.

The Chu family’s large, quiet house meant even small sounds carried. Fortunately, each room was soundproofed, which was why Yan Qing hadn’t heard much noise.

Eating slowly due to the original owner’s frequent hunger, Yan Qing ate cautiously to avoid stomach issues, finishing her meal leisurely.

She could hear faint sounds from upstairs.

Chu Yang was knocking, speaking in a serious, pleading tone, “Brother, it’s Yang Yang. Have you eaten?”

Inside: “…” Silence.

Chu Yang didn’t give up, “Brother, I just got back from work. Open the door, please…”

Still no response.

Finally, another voice, probably the young man Yan Qing had seen, said, “Young Master… work…”

Chu Yang stopped talking, dejectedly returning to his room.

Yan Qing heard everything, recalling the memories of Chu Zhao’s encounters. All she remembered was madness; he would break things, be silent, and sometimes self-harm. Not traditional self-harm, but strange behaviors like standing in the rain.

In the original owner’s past life, Chu Zhao never cut himself but would do odd things, becoming increasingly frightening.

He had to complete tasks he set for himself, or he would go mad. Yan Qing guessed his standing in the rain was such an instance, with the family reluctantly agreeing to avoid worse outcomes.

Dinner ended quickly, and at around 7:30 PM, a young man in a light-colored suit arrived at the Chu house, heading straight to the second floor.

Mrs. Chu explained that this was Jiang Cheng, Chu Zhao’s primary doctor and a high school friend. Chu Zhao’s psychological issues stemmed from losing his legs at a prime age, leaving him deeply scarred. Ten years ago, psychological issues weren’t well understood, and all attention was on his legs.

This delay worsened his mental state, leaving the family unsure how to help, other than accommodating his needs.

Yan Qing listened quietly, waiting for half an hour until the doctor emerged, wanting to speak with the parents. Yan Qing cooperated by leaving the room, hearing him mention a cold and fever.

Probably from standing in the rain a few days ago.

Yan Qing went upstairs, hesitating outside the adjacent room. She didn’t dare approach, fearing it would provoke Chu Zhao.

“Click!” A door opened quietly.

Chu Yang’s eyes were knowing, his voice cold, “Don’t disturb my brother.”

“Okay,” Yan Qing quickly nodded, entering her room.

Chu Yang didn’t leave immediately, standing at the door for a while before returning to his room.

That woman had completely changed since a few days ago!

Back then, she had avoided the Chu family, fearful and reluctant, speaking harshly. Her words had provoked Chu Zhao, leading him to lock them in and stand in the rain, returning with a high fever.

That was why Chu Yang was so wary and resentful of her.

Chu Yang clenched his teeth, his cheeks tight, his beautiful almond eyes glistening with frustration. He didn’t know when his brother would ever get better.

Outside, Yan Qing knew nothing of this. The room’s soundproofing blocked most noises unless they were loud.

She lay on the bed, played with her phone, and drank from her spiritual spring water before falling asleep.

That night, Chu Yang tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Chu Zhao had given them hope today, and Chu Yang clung to the idea that he might get better because of Yan Qing.

This tiny hope kept him awake, imagining his brother’s recovery.

But then, the sound of a wheelchair rolling outside caught his attention.

Worried that Yan Qing might disturb his brother, Chu Yang had left his door slightly ajar.

Hearing the wheelchair, he jumped up.

Opening the door, he saw Chu Zhao about to enter the next room.

“Brother?” Chu Yang whispered, shocked.

His brother was opening the girl’s door in the middle of the night?

Chu Yang disliked Yan Qing but didn’t want his brother to harm a minor. He hurried over, his stern face now full of concern, “Brother, calm down. Even if she might be your future wife, she’s only sixteen!”

Chu Zhao looked at him with disdain, his gaze icy.

Chu Yang felt hurt but persisted, holding his brother’s hand, “Brother, really, let’s not do anything bad, okay? If you want…” He gritted his teeth, “I’ll take you to a club!”

Chu Zhao’s disdain grew.

With soft lights illuminating the hallway, Chu Yang felt like a fool under his brother’s cold gaze, not daring to speak. The oppressive atmosphere from Chu Zhao made him freeze.

Chu Zhao pushed him away forcefully.

Chu Yang fell, his backside hitting the floor painfully.

Rubbing his sore back, Chu Yang watched his brother open the door and enter.

Worry gnawed at him. Would his brother really harm a minor?

Bright moonlight filtered through the curtains, slightly lighting the room.

Chu Zhao wheeled over and reached out, pushing the sleeping person.

Once!

No response.

Chu Zhao frowned, pushing harder the second time.

Yan Qing woke, startled by the shadowy figure. She sat up, pressing against the wall, “Who is it?”

“…” Chu Zhao turned on the bedside lamp.

The sudden light made the room as bright as day. Yan Qing saw the person clearly.

Her heart, still pounding from the shock, slowly calmed down, though still beating faster than normal.

Breathing slightly heavily, Yan Qing asked, “Why are you here?”

The person stared at her silently. Under the bright light, the sinister aura faded, leaving only his beauty and the coolness in his light brown eyes.

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw a faint sparkle and a hint of a smile. He seemed… happy?

Yan Qing blinked, unsure how to react.

Remembering her task, she softly asked, “Do you need something?”

Chu Zhao’s slightly sunken eyes narrowed, shaking his head slowly. Satisfied, he turned his wheelchair around.

Leaving Yan Qing bewildered, watching his retreating figure.

At the door, three people were watching.

Chu Yang’s mouth was slightly open, astonished at the interaction between Yan Qing and his brother. When had they gotten so close?

Had something happened he didn’t know about?

His brother didn’t harm a minor but calling her just to hear her speak?

Chu Yang was confused and a bit jealous. He had waited so long, but his brother only looked at him with disdain, while he willingly woke Yan Qing up for a chat.

The other two were the Chu parents.

Chu Heng and Mrs. Chu, keeping their door slightly open to hear Chu Zhao, rushed out at the commotion. Seeing Yan Qing’s open door, they naturally approached.

Seeing Chu Yang blocking them, they joined him, watching quietly.

Yan Qing, seeing the three pairs of shining eyes, awkwardly waved her hand, “Uncle, Auntie.”

The girl, huddled in the blanket, looked small and fragile. Her freshly washed hair was soft and shiny, making her look much better than usual. Her face was even smaller under the bright lights, her large eyes shining brightly, her hand waving like a little fortune cat.

She was, in all fairness, quite cute.

If not for the awkwardness caused by Chu Zhao, Mrs. Chu would have wanted to ruffle her hair. But now…

“Sigh,” Chu Heng and Mrs. Chu quickly nodded, cautiously watching their son.

Seeing him return to his room, they followed, shutting the door, and softly apologizing, “Sorry if we scared you. It’s the first time we’ve seen Zhao Zhao act like this. If he comes again, just call out, and we’ll be right there. We won’t let him harm you…”

Yan Qing, now completely calm, shook her head, smiling, “It’s okay. He didn’t hurt me.”

Mrs. Chu examined her expression, seeing no dissatisfaction, and finally felt relieved. After a few more words, she left.

Yan Qing watched them leave, lying back down. This time, she didn’t turn off the light, debating whether to lock the door.

She decided against it and went back to sleep.

Yan Qing quickly fell asleep, but the Chu family didn’t.

“Yan Qing really is helpful for Zhao Zhao!” Mrs. Chu excitedly held her husband’s hand, “I knew letting the word out was the right move. Out of all those girls, one would catch Zhao Zhao’s attention.”

Chu Heng, equally excited, pondered his son’s reaction, shaking his head, “Zhao Zhao probably isn’t interested romantically. What about this girl draws him in?”

Mrs. Chu decisively said, “It’s her eyes. Yan Qing has beautiful, big, bright eyes, clear like the waters of Mermaid Island, stunning at first glance.”

Mermaid Island’s waters were crystal clear, the surrounding scenery picturesque, like a paradise. This was Mrs. Chu’s highest compliment.

Chu Yang, after some thought, disdainfully nodded, “Probably. Other than her eyes, she’s too skinny.”

Mrs. Chu knocked on his head, seriously saying, “Buy more supplements for her, like bird’s nest and donkey-hide gelatin. Qing Qing is still young, bullied before, so she hasn’t grown well…”

Chu Yang, no longer defiant, obediently nodded, “Got it. I’ll go to sleep now.”

“Go on, and remember to treat your future sister-in-law well,” Mrs. Chu teased.

Chu Yang snorted, not replying. But the next day, he was much kinder to Yan Qing.

Yan Qing knew little about Chu Zhao, learning mostly from overheard conversations and the original owner’s memories.

But those memories terrified her.

Yet, Yan Qing wasn’t afraid. Her task was simple: prevent Chu Zhao from committing suicide. But it was difficult because Chu Zhao, currently obsessed and immersed in his world, frequently harmed himself in non-traditional ways.

Yan Qing didn’t know what might trigger him. To better understand him, she bought two books on psychological issues related to physical disabilities and high school textbooks.

Life at the Chu house was better than expected.

Chu Zhao rarely appeared. Occasionally, he would be pushed out by Qin Zhen, with the family being cautious not to provoke him, but without suppressing others.

Knowing Yan Qing might help him, they didn’t force her to interact with him.

Well-fed and cared for, within a week, Yan Qing visibly gained weight, her frame filling out.

The spiritual spring water also played a significant role.

Feeling indebted to the Chu family’s kindness, Yan Qing occasionally did small favors, adding a drop or two of the spiritual water to their drinks, improving their overall well-being.

She wasn’t sure of the water’s full effects, but it seemed to promote general health. Since using it, her stomach had been fine.

However, she couldn’t find an opportunity to give it to Chu Zhao.

Yan Qing descended the stairs, the Chu house’s temperature perfectly maintained at 25-26 degrees, wearing a thin dress and a cardigan, neither hot nor cold.

Wearing a sheer dress with a pale blue cardigan, Yan Qing stepped downstairs. Mrs. Chu, seeing her, smiled warmly, “I knew pink looked good on you. Look at that waist, I’m so jealous.”

Mrs. Chu nodded in agreement, “Indeed, the lady has a good eye. Miss Yan Qing’s fair skin looks great in these colors.”

“Exactly,” Mrs. Chu agreed, pleased.

She always wanted a daughter, but after having her second child and health issues, followed by Chu Zhao’s accident, she never dared to have another, fearing neglect of her eldest. A daughter remained her regret.

She didn’t like her brother-in-law’s spoiled daughter. Now, with a girl in the house, she indulged in all the things she wanted to do for a daughter, like buying clothes and accessories.

Accepting the praise without embarrassment, Yan Qing felt shy. Sarcasm was easy to handle, but sincere compliments made her blush.

Seeing this, Mrs. Chu teased, “What’s there to be shy about? You’re beautiful, aren’t you?” She looked at her husband in the living room.

Chu Heng quickly turned around, “Of course. Qing Qing is very pretty! She’d be even prettier with a bit more weight.”

“Yes, you should eat more,” Mrs. Chu added, then asked, “Isn’t your school enrollment coming up? When is it? I’ll prepare in advance.”

Yan Qing, recalling her struggles with high school subjects, quietly said, “There’s still time. It’s on the 28th, more than ten days away. Auntie, can I get a tutor?”

The original owner struggled with studies, her mind like a veil blocking knowledge. Since Yan Qing arrived, it felt like a river, making learning even harder. Especially with science subjects.

Without a teacher, self-study was painful. Only Chinese was manageable, but other subjects were baffling.

Mrs. Chu immediately understood, suggesting, “Of course. How about two tutors, each teaching two subjects?”

Grateful, Yan Qing looked at her, “Thank you, Auntie!”

“Don’t mention it,” Mrs. Chu said, making a call, “I know some professors. I’ll get their best students to help. Don’t worry, they’ll be excellent.”

“Okay,” Yan Qing responded, relieved, ready to return upstairs to study.

She saw Chu Zhao heading outside.

Yan Qing squinted at the blazing sun, over 40 degrees? He wanted to go out?

Mrs. Chu, alarmed, dropped her call, rushing over, “Dear Zhao Zhao, it’s too hot. How about going out later, in the evening?”

Chu Heng blocked his path, “The sun will make you faint, Zhao Zhao. Let’s stay inside, okay?”

“I want to go out!” Chu Zhao’s voice was strained, his handsome face shadowed with rage, trembling as if losing control. The Chu parents were terrified.

“Call Jiang Cheng!” Mrs. Chu’s voice shook.

Chu Heng was already dialing.

Yan Qing stood frozen, unable to recall anything useful from the books she had read. Meanwhile, Chu Zhao started to rise from his wheelchair.

Mrs. Chu, shaking, tried to help, “Zhao Zhao, don’t be mad. You can go out… Zhao Zhao…”

Approaching him, Chu Zhao leaned away, almost falling.

Yan Qing rushed over, catching him just before he hit the ground. She barely had time to react before he violently resisted her touch, his face contorting, eyes wide with rage. He tried to choke her, growling, “Go! Go!”

Yan Qing frowned at the familiar motion, feeling a hollow sense of unease. Instinctively, she countered, gripping his hands and flipping him over, “Calm down!”

Her words made Chu Zhao pause, his expression softening slightly. He looked at her, confusion mingling with calm, asking, “Who are you?”

The frantic parents also paused, exchanging looks of disbelief, nearly breaking into tears.