Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 33

“I’m Yan Qing, ‘Yan’ as in ‘color,’ and ‘Qing’ as in ‘clear water,'” Yan Qing replied.

The two were in an awkward position, but there was no other choice. Yan Qing didn’t dare let go, afraid that he might attack again.

Chu Zhao didn’t mind. He just stared at her, repeating her name seriously, “Yan Qing…”

“Yes,” Yan Qing wanted to laugh. This person didn’t seem scary at all anymore. Her eyes sparkled as she asked, “What’s your name?”

Chu Zhao tilted his head slightly, his ear touching the cool floor. This seemed to make him aware of their current situation. A blush spread across his fair face as he said seriously, “My name is Chu Zhao.”

It seemed he had completely calmed down.

Yan Qing tentatively let go of him and helped him up.

Mrs. Chu and Chu Heng quickly assisted, ensuring she didn’t exert herself.

Once Chu Zhao was seated in the wheelchair, Chu Heng signaled to Yan Qing to push him upstairs.

Yan Qing continued talking to him, “Your name sounds nice.”

Chu Zhao smiled shyly, looking like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy, his eyes clear and almost dreamy. “Thank you.”

Yan Qing couldn’t see his face, but his voice overlapped with the person she met in the rain. He must have spoken this way then, too. But back then, the heavy rain and dark clouds made the world seem engulfed in darkness. His behavior at the time added to her feeling of being in a horror movie.

Yan Qing wasn’t good at chatting. She thought for a moment and said, “I praised your name. You should praise mine too.”

Listening from the side, Mrs. Chu thought, “I’ve never heard someone chat like this.”

But her son believed it. He looked at Yan Qing with a puzzled expression, then apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t know I should do that. Your name sounds nice too, really!”

To emphasize his sincerity, he nodded.

Yan Qing smiled sweetly, “Thank you.”

As the wheelchair moved along the stair railing, Yan Qing walked beside him, racking her brain for conversation topics. “What’s your favorite food?”

Luckily, Chu Zhao wasn’t a typical person. He quickly followed her topic switch. “I like… Hmm… I don’t seem to have a favorite food.”

“That’s a shame. I really like duck blood in hot pot. It’s tender and delicious,” Yan Qing said, finding it easier to talk about food.

Chu Zhao looked intrigued. “Really? I’d like to try it.”

Mrs. Chu and Chu Heng exchanged glances. Should they have hot pot for lunch?

They silently communicated and soon arrived upstairs.

Yan Qing opened Chu Zhao’s room and saw it for the first time.

It was dark, with dim lighting barely penetrating through the thick curtains. The furnishings, bed, quilt, sofa, and many easels were indistinguishable in the gloom.

The room was large, like two rooms combined.

Yan Qing recalled the Chu family’s room layout and confirmed it was indeed combined.

Chu Zhao didn’t like noise, so his room was the innermost one, adjacent to Yan Qing’s. She had thought it was empty, but it wasn’t; it was just merged.

Chu Zhao smiled awkwardly like a teenager whose room had been seen by a girl he liked. “Sorry, my room is a bit messy. Let me…”

“Mom will handle it, mom will!” Mrs. Chu quickly stopped him, afraid he’d try to get up and remember his leg issues.

When the light was turned on, the room instantly brightened.

Yan Qing then realized the room wasn’t messy but so cluttered there was hardly any place to step. Various easels were set up in the middle, and cabinets held paints, even the bathroom was full of paint.

But the paintings themselves were surprisingly beautiful.

They weren’t gloomy but full of life, with children playing on green lawns, birds flying across blue skies, and lush forests…

“These paintings are beautiful!” Yan Qing said earnestly.

Chu Zhao’s smile widened, shyly, “Thank you.”

Yan Qing was about to say something when Chu Heng approached, holding a glass of water and some pills. He handed them to Yan Qing without a word, but the meaning was clear.

Yan Qing took them and said tentatively, “By the way, it’s time for your medicine…”

“Alright.” Chu Zhao’s expression faltered but he took the medicine and water naturally.

With people watching, Yan Qing didn’t have time to add her spring water and gave it to him as it was. He obediently took the medicine, and Yan Qing, looking at the paintings again, suddenly noticed one painting on a fallen easel. Unlike the others, it had a dark, oppressive cloud in one corner, ruining the overall beauty and bringing a sense of suppression.

Yan Qing subtly changed his direction, pointing to a beautiful painting. “May I appreciate this one?”

Chu Zhao nodded, “Of course.”

“Thank you.” Yan Qing smiled and seriously studied the oil painting.

She was an amateur but had her own level of appreciation. She could feel his talent. However, she sneakily glanced at the hidden painting. This one seemed recently completed, unlike the others, which were already framed.

Yan Qing realized all the paintings in the room were Chu Zhao’s work.

He was an artist!

He expressed his emotions through painting.

But why did he have mental issues despite such positive artwork?

Mrs. Chu listened to her son and Yan Qing’s normal conversation, silently crying with joy. Chu Heng, his eyes red, supported his wife and helped tidy their son’s room.

Chu Zhao hadn’t always refused to communicate. At first, he was willing to talk to others, but whenever someone mentioned his legs, he’d lose control. Gradually, he stopped wanting to talk to strangers, not even children.

They eventually stopped letting Chu Zhao meet people, fearing someone might mention his legs again.

Now, it seemed he could communicate normally again.

Mrs. Chu and Chu Heng were deeply moved but didn’t dare to show it, fearing it might upset their son.

The room wasn’t fully cleaned when Chu Zhao, already leaning on his wheelchair, fell asleep.

His delicate, pale face looked like a pure, harmless child.

Qin Zhen came over and silently carried him to bed.

They left the room quietly as Dr. Jiang Cheng arrived.

“Most of the time, he’s actually normal. Do you believe that?” Dr. Jiang Cheng, a scholarly-looking man with glasses, asked Yan Qing softly.

Yan Qing was puzzled but nodded. “You’re the doctor, so I believe you.”

Jiang Cheng, momentarily speechless, adjusted his glasses and said, “His room is his safe space. There, he feels normal, especially when painting, which gives him a sense of security. But he can’t paint all the time, so he becomes agitated. I’ve analyzed his situation, and many cases suggest he might be using physical discomfort to soothe his mind or prove he’s alive…”

True experts always spoke like they were reading from a book.

Yan Qing listened intently, trying to understand. She was smart, even if she didn’t get it now, she’d remember and figure it out later.

Jiang Cheng said a lot, summarizing that when Chu Zhao realized his leg problem, he couldn’t handle it, leading to irrational behavior and self-harm during extreme agitation.

But most of the time, he was normal around outsiders, just a quiet young man with a slightly immature mind for his age.

“Why isn’t he normal around… them?” Yan Qing couldn’t help but ask.

She immediately sensed the Chu family’s sadness and apologized, “Sorry, I just want to understand better.”

Mrs. Chu shook her head, “It’s not your fault, it’s ours.”

Jiang Cheng explained, “Chu Zhao’s accident was due to family issues, and their presence reminds him of his lost legs, so he avoids them. Chu Yang is a bit better, but still not much, mainly because he looks a lot like his father.”

Yan Qing fell silent.

Chu Yang asked, “So why does he treat her differently?”

Chu Yang’s face twisted as he spoke the last words. Despite his efforts, he felt overshadowed by Yan Qing.

Jiang Cheng was unsure, speculating, “Maybe it’s her voice?”

He had heard Mrs. Chu’s account of how Chu Zhao calmed down after Yan Qing spoke but hadn’t witnessed it himself.

Chu Yang immediately denied it, “Impossible!”

The Chu family didn’t believe it either. The first time Yan Qing came to their house, Chu Zhao ran out and stayed in the rain for a long time, returning only after they were all worried sick.

Jiang Cheng shrugged, “Then I don’t know. Maybe we should install cameras in the living room?”

“No way,” Mrs. Chu objected first, “It’s too scary.”

Chu Heng agreed.

So they had to wait and see.

Yan Qing didn’t know what was going on but felt it might be her voice. After all, it wasn’t her originally, but the original owner. Some people were sensitive, especially those with mental issues.

She remembered something else, “Chu Zhao’s paintings are usually sunny and cheerful, right?”

Everyone nodded. Mrs. Chu proudly said, “Yes, Zhao’s paintings are beautiful, and he’s great at portraits. I want him to paint one for me.”

Chu Heng nodded, “Yes, when he’s better, we’ll have him paint portraits for all of us and a family portrait!”

Chu Yang didn’t speak but had the same expectation.

Good, they hadn’t noticed. Yan Qing said softly, “I saw a recent painting in his room. It’s quite oppressive.”

Mrs. Chu and Chu Heng’s faces changed instantly. Jiang Cheng and Chu Yang stood up, “Let’s take a look.”

They hurried upstairs.

A few minutes later, they came down with the painting Yan Qing mentioned. Jiang Cheng was sweating, “Luckily you noticed. It was placed upside down, almost missed it.”

Yan Qing bit her lip, “I put something on it.”

Chu Yang praised her, “Well done.”

Jiang Cheng’s face turned serious, “This painting… He might have suicidal tendencies. Be very careful, don’t leave him alone.”

The Chu family nodded seriously, accepting the advice.

Qin Zhen also nodded, “Sorry, it won’t happen again.”

Chu Zhao had insisted on being alone today. Usually, resisting would cause problems, so they complied.

Jiang Cheng gave more instructions before leaving.

The Chu family fell into a tense silence.

……

With a sudden thud, Mrs. Chu knelt in front of Yan Qing, her eyes red, “Qing Qing, Auntie isn’t trying to use you. It’s just that he only responds to your voice now. Can you spend more time with him, talk to him? You don’t have to do anything else. Just call us if he tries to do something bad…”

“I will, Auntie. I said I’d take good care of him,” Yan Qing quickly helped her up.

Chu Heng didn’t expect his wife to be so emotional. He gently supported her and said, “Qing Qing is a good child. You’ve seen it today. Don’t worry, our son will get better.”

“I’m scared!” Mrs. Chu cried into his arms, “Jiang Cheng never mentioned suicide before…”

She choked up, unable to continue.

Yan Qing felt heartbroken. “Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll take good care of him, I promise!”

“Thank you!” a slightly awkward but steady voice said before Mrs. Chu could respond.

Yan Qing looked at Chu Yang, who said seriously, “As long as you don’t bully my brother, I’ll treat you like a real sister!”

“There’s no need to be so formal,” Yan Qing felt uneasy with their gratitude, frowning slightly.

Chu Yang said no more.

His actions would speak louder than words.

Mrs. Chu and Chu Heng remained silent. The future head of the family was Chu Yang, and his word carried weight now.

That night, they indeed had hot pot.

Even before it was ready, the spicy aroma filled the living room.

The Chu family rarely ate such strong flavors, but since Chu Zhao showed interest, they’d go along with it.

Yan Qing’s mouth watered at the smell.

Qin Zhen, who stayed in the inner room, told Yan Qing that Chu Zhao was awake and daydreaming.

The Chu family looked at her expectantly.

Yan Qing took a deep breath, “I’ll try!”

“Go ahead!”

“If it doesn’t work, don’t force it!”

“We can bring the food to him!”

The Chu family spoke encouragingly, their eyes full of hope and light.

Yan Qing felt determined to succeed.

She went upstairs and knocked lightly. No response.

She thought for a moment and said, “Chu Zhao, it’s Yan Qing. Can I come in?”

Chu Zhao’s room couldn’t be locked. The Chu family rarely went in, fearing he’d harm himself.

Yan Qing prepared to enter if he didn’t respond.

Unexpectedly, he quickly replied, “Yes.”

Yan Qing opened the door and saw the young man lying on the bed, hands clasped over his abdomen, staring blankly at the ceiling.

He lay there motionless even as she entered.

Yan Qing couldn’t help but laugh, especially seeing his pretty face in deep thought.

“What are you doing?” Yan Qing asked curiously, walking to his side.

Jiang Cheng had said that Chu Zhao was mostly a normal person, just a bit immature due to long isolation. His personality was pure.

Yan Qing wondered if he had always been this cute.

She got closer, feeling the distance was too intimate. Blushing, he finally turned to look at her and said softly, “I’m wondering if I’m alive or dead.”

His calm tone discussing such a philosophical question left Yan Qing at a loss for words. Fortunately, she had a task to focus on. “You’re alive because you can taste delicious food. Remember the hot pot I mentioned? It’s very tasty. Want to try it?”

Chu Zhao pursed his lips, hesitated briefly, then nodded, “Okay.”

Yan Qing immediately pulled him out of bed.

Chu Zhao was startled, “What are you doing?”

“Going downstairs to eat!” Yan Qing said, “Is that okay?”

Chu Zhao hesitated. The outside world seemed terrifying, like a beast ready to devour him.

But he had just promised her.

Seeing his hesitation, Yan Qing said quickly, “But you promised!”

Chu Zhao frowned but eventually relented, “Alright.”

Yan Qing smiled brightly.

……

The Chu family was eagerly anticipating Chu Zhao joining them for dinner.

When it happened, it was a huge surprise.

As the wheelchair appeared on the stair railing, the living room silently erupted in celebration.

Yan Qing followed them down, smiling at their tear-filled eyes, and pushed Chu Zhao forward.

The furniture was designed to match Chu Zhao’s wheelchair height perfectly.

He didn’t need to move.

But… Mrs. Chu noticed her son’s face seemed red.

She whispered to her husband, “Is Zhao still running a fever?”

Chu Heng looked at her with a complex expression. Had she suddenly lost her common sense?

He had doubted his son would develop feelings for a sixteen-year-old girl, but now he wasn’t so sure. Yan Qing seemed more mature than her age, not in looks but in demeanor.

She gave off the vibe of a well-raised lady from a powerful family.

And his son… He rarely saw him behave normally. Usually, he was either silent or in a frenzy. Seeing him interact normally with Yan Qing made Chu Heng feel his son had wasted ten years.

Chu Heng reassured his wife, “He’s fine.”

Mrs. Chu relaxed, watching her son as if she could never get enough of him.

The others did the same.

Chu Zhao ignored them, focusing on Yan Qing.

“This is the duck blood I mentioned. It’s tender. Try it?” Yan Qing placed a piece in his bowl with communal chopsticks.

Chu Zhao sniffed the spicy aroma and sneezed multiple times, his nose turning red, but his face cooled down.

He looked at the unfamiliar food. His parents had forbidden such spicy food, saying it was bad for his stomach.

Yan Qing watched him expectantly.

He picked up the duck blood and took a bite. Yan Qing felt like a mother watching a picky child finally eat, smiling lovingly.

“It tastes good.” Chu Zhao only took a small bite, savoring the spicy, flavorful taste, his eyes widening in surprise and satisfaction.

“Phew…”

Several sighs of relief were heard.

Yan Qing noticed she, along with the Chu couple and Chu Yang, had been staring at him eat.

Chu Zhao seemed used to being watched, unaffected, and took another small bite.

Yan Qing swallowed, then began eating herself.

The familiar taste made her forehead sweat, but she enjoyed it even more.

Seeing Chu Zhao still eating the duck blood, Yan Qing suggested, “Try something else.”

Chu Zhao nodded obediently, his spicy, watery eyes glancing at Yan Qing with anticipation.

Yan Qing added beef, pork, and crab sticks to his bowl. Turning back, she saw him panting from the spiciness. “Eat some rice between bites. It won’t be as spicy.”

Chu Zhao nodded, realizing his mistake. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Eat! Eat quickly,” Mrs. Chu urged, seeing her eldest son eating well.

She tasted the hot pot, immediately tearing up from the spiciness.

Chu Heng suggested she eat the clear broth, but she refused, determined to eat the spicy one.

Her mouth turned red from the heat.

So did Chu Zhao’s, but he quickly went upstairs, avoiding others’ gazes.

Chu Yang hardly ate, watching his brother the whole time. His brother was adorable!

But he remembered that sudden spicy food could cause stomach pain, so he rushed out.

Chu Heng, caring for his wife, noticed his son missing and wondered, “Where did that rascal go?”

Mrs. Chu, tears streaming from the spiciness, said, “Why do you care? Oh, it’s so spicy!”

Chu Heng chuckled, taking the water Yan Qing offered to his wife.

After a few sips, she felt better. “This hot pot is delicious.”

Chu Heng sighed.

Ten minutes later, a sweaty Chu Yang returned with stomach medicine, giving it to Mrs. Chu and Yan Qing.

“Give this to my brother. Otherwise, his stomach will hurt,” Chu Yang said.

Yan Qing nodded, taking the medicine upstairs.

She glanced back, seeing Chu Yang quickly eating the leftover food.

What a devoted brother.

Yan Qing smiled, knocking on Chu Zhao’s door. “Chu Zhao, can I come in?”

“Yes,” Chu Zhao answered obediently.

Yan Qing entered, seeing him back in bed. She didn’t ask much, handing him the water mixed with her spring water. “Drink this. Your stomach can’t handle the spice.”

“Okay.” Chu Zhao drank it without resistance.

Feeling better, he closed his eyes, looking content.

Yan Qing quietly left.

After that day, Chu Zhao didn’t treat Yan Qing much differently. He stayed in his room most of the time.

Sometimes Yan Qing would visit to chat.

Chu Zhao was harmless, like a shy artist. A small compliment would make him smile bashfully.

Yan Qing adapted to this version of Chu Zhao. They got along well.

But he rarely came downstairs, only when in a particularly good mood or when he accidentally agreed to Yan Qing.

Alone, Chu Zhao would either daydream or paint.

Yan Qing had her own busy schedule. Mrs. Chu had hired tutors who drilled her with high school knowledge. Fortunately, she was smart and caught up quickly.

Life at the Chu house was comfortable. Yan Qing almost forgot her task until the day before school started. At the dining table, Chu Heng mentioned, “Yan family will declare bankruptcy within a month.”

Yan Qing was momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t cared about the Yan family’s affairs, knowing the Chu family would handle it.

Hearing the good news, Yan Qing smiled, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Chu Heng smiled warmly, “We should thank you.”

These days, his previously picky son had been eating well, visibly healthier.

Mrs. Chu was excited, wishing she could weigh him daily to track his progress.

……

With the news of Yan’s imminent bankruptcy, even the impending high school senior year couldn’t dampen Yan Qing’s mood.

The house had been lively lately.

Mrs. Chu, no longer needing to work, stayed home due to her son’s condition. She only went out with friends when others were home.

Chu Heng was semi-retired, transferring work to his son. He only visited the office every three days, making a quick round before returning.

Chu Yang was the only diligent worker in the family, but he came home on time daily. Sometimes, Mrs. Chu urged him to find a girlfriend, but he ignored her. Recently, he even came home for lunch, afraid of missing Chu Zhao’s mealtime.

Yan Qing admired the Chu family’s love for Chu Zhao.

They treated her well, so she did her best for Chu Zhao.

The system task seemed easy but had no time limit. She had to wait until Chu Zhao no longer had suicidal thoughts to complete it.

Yan Qing looked at her packed luggage.

Standing in the second-floor corridor, she glanced at Chu Zhao’s room, feeling dazed. She had to live at school, returning only once a week. What if something happened to Chu Zhao? She had to leave after lunch, and now she was taking her suitcase downstairs.

As she thought, the door suddenly opened.

Chu Zhao, in his wheelchair, appeared, meeting her gaze. Tilting his head, he asked, “Are you looking for me?”

Good-looking people always improved one’s mood, especially when they looked at you with clear, bright eyes. Yan Qing smiled, “I’m going to school.”

Chu Zhao frowned slightly, confused, “Are you leaving? Will I see you tonight?”

“Not for now. I’ll be back during holidays,” Yan Qing shook her head.

Chu Zhao lowered his head slowly.

Yan Qing felt he looked like a puppy about to be abandoned, pitiful and unsure.

Mrs. Chu saw this and wanted to comfort him.

She knew her son was mentally immature, protected too well by them. They regretted not preparing him for the pain of losing his legs.

“Zhao Zhao…” Mrs. Chu hesitated.

“Come here,” a low voice said.

Yan Qing glanced at Mrs. Chu, who stepped back.

Yan Qing approached, crouching down. “Chu Zhao, you…”

Before she could finish, Chu Zhao suddenly grabbed her, pulling her close and gripping her neck.

……

“Ah!!!” Mrs. Chu screamed, falling to the floor. “Chu Heng, come quickly! Chu Heng! Something’s wrong…”

It was terrifying. Her son suddenly had an episode!

Trembling, she tried to get up but didn’t dare move. After shouting for a while, she remembered Chu Heng was at work. It was just her and Yan Qing at home. Qin Zhen had gone out at Chu Zhao’s request!

Mrs. Chu felt weak, her voice shaky as she crawled toward her son, “Zhao Zhao… calm down. This is Yan Qing. You like her, right…”

Yan Qing realized Chu Zhao’s condition was off. He had hidden it well until now. Trembling, he held her neck tightly, his expression crazed, eyes wide, teeth gritted. His grip was strong, blocking her hands.

Chu Zhao’s face was wild, staring at her throat. In a hoarse voice, he murmured like a ghost in the night, “Leave this here, okay…”

It wasn’t a question but a statement. He was already doing it, his tone leaving no room for doubt. His grip tightened as if to tear her throat out.

“Chu Zhao, it’s me!” Yan Qing reminded him, “Let go. I’m uncomfortable! Chu Zhao…”

Chu Zhao heard her voice but grew more frenzied. His eyes bloodshot, he muttered, “Mine… mine…”

Yan Qing, initially caught off guard, felt the pain in her neck but hadn’t lost her strength. Seeing he wouldn’t let go, her eyes flashed. She broke free, grabbing his elbow, and skillfully pinched his fingers.

With a “crack,” Chu Zhao groaned but still wouldn’t release her.

Yan Qing, surprised, didn’t hold back, pulling him backward.

“Ah—” Mrs. Chu watched in horror as they fell from the wheelchair. She tried to stop them but failed. Yan Qing flipped over, and another “crack” sounded as Chu Zhao’s arms broke completely.

Chu Zhao, now powerless, still appeared mad, staring at Yan Qing, mumbling, “Mine, all mine… mine…”