The villainous female supporting character becomes a heartthrob, and the powerful man successfully r

Xia Ying took out the local specialties from her luggage: salted duck eggs, spicy cabbage, and cured meat that she had made herself.

"Qianqian, these are for you and your aunt and uncle to try."

She arrived in this unfamiliar place, and Lu Qianqian gave her warmth and help, so she wanted to give back. Right now, these were all she had to offer.

"Yingying, you're being too polite. We have everything we need, so don't feel bad about it. Just stay here and relax; my dad will take care of everything for you soon!"

Xia Ying didn't take it back. She smiled and said, "How about I cook for you? As a thank you gift. And let you taste my cooking."

This time, Lu Qianqian did not refuse and led her to the kitchen.

"Just make a few simple dishes. My older brother might not be coming back."

"So Qianqian has an older brother." Xia Ying exclaimed as she washed the vegetables.

Lu Qianqian chuckled awkwardly, hummed in agreement, and changed the subject, seemingly unwilling to talk about her older brother.

Xia Ying's movements were swift and her knife skills were superb; in Lu Qianqian's eyes, it was almost like showing off her skills.

She diced the cured pork and wrapped it into soft, white buns. She also cooked hot and sour shredded potatoes and white peony greens.

During this time, Lu Qianqian ran out again to exchange her meat coupons for a piece of pork belly.

"Yingying, can you make braised pork?"

"I'll give it a try."

Xia Yingmei's eyes shone with confidence, and the kitchen knife in her hand was like a handy weapon.

When Professor Lu returned from outside, he smelled the aroma of meat and exclaimed with delight, "Did Qianqian get this braised pork from the cafeteria?"

"Mom, is the braised pork in the cafeteria really this fragrant?"

Lu Qianqian looked quite proud, tilting her chin up as she said, "Of course, it's our Comrade Xia Ying's cooking!"

"Why are you making Xia do all this work? She's a guest."

Xia Ying, wearing an apron, brought out the dishes just in time to hear this. She said awkwardly, "Aunt Lu, I have something to ask you. I really feel bad if you don't let me do something. Please don't blame Qianqian."

"Yes, Mom. We young people aren't like you old-fashioned folks."

Professor Lu laughed loudly and said, "Are you trying to subtly criticize me and your older brother? Wait until Huaisheng comes back tonight and we'll deal with you."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qianqian immediately stopped smiling and turned to go into the kitchen.

Professor Lu then explained to Xia Ying, "Xia, Old Lu has something to do tonight and won't be back. I've already told my eldest son about this. He's the district director and can help you, but it'll take some time to go through the procedures and investigate the evidence."

"Aunt Lu, thank you. I'll wait for news at the guesthouse while I wait."

"No need, you can stay here." Lu Qianqian brought out steamed buns from the kitchen, just in time to hear Xia Ying's words. She felt that there were plenty of rooms in the house, so why should Xia Ying move out?

Xia Ying waved her hands repeatedly and said, "I can't just eat and stay here for free. I'm already lucky enough to have met you all."

Professor Lu was very satisfied with Xia Ying's gratitude and understanding of propriety, but her family was not an ordinary family. Staying for one day was fine, but if it went on for too long, the necessary procedures would still need to be followed.

"Let's eat first, and see what your older brother has to say tonight."

Lu Qianqian immediately wilted and said, "My older brother definitely won't agree..."

But soon, she turned her grief and anger into a craving for food.

"Yingying, your braised pork is not only fragrant but also not greasy, it's so much better than the cafeteria chef's! And these sauerkraut and pork buns are so delicious! Eating your cooking is such a treat!"

Seeing Lu Qianqian so excited, Professor Lu also picked up a piece of bright red braised pork and put it in his mouth. It was so tender that it melted in his mouth, and his eyes lit up. He gave Xia Ying a thumbs up.

After the meal, Xia Ying's cooking skills won over the mother and daughter, and she was very happy. However, she was still preoccupied before going to bed. She didn't have much money left, so how would she live in the future?

Overthinking caused Xia Ying to have some insomnia at night.

She could clearly hear the sound of doors opening and footsteps coming from downstairs.

Soon, the sound of conversation could be heard.

She got up, opened the door a crack, and heard a stern male voice from downstairs.

"Mom, Qianqian is being silly, are you going to join in? Leaving her at home without an investigation is very dangerous."

"Mom just felt sorry for that girl."

"She's pitiful, but what about your lives? What if... Mom, I'll investigate. If it's true, I'll help her get her things back. But she can't be kept alive. I'll send someone to take her to a guesthouse now."

After hearing this, Xia Ying obediently packed her things, acting as a sensible person.

Soon, there was a knock on her door; it was Lu Qianqian.

"Yingying, I'm sorry. You can't stay at my house. My older brother said you have to go to a guesthouse. But I will definitely do what I promised you."

Xia Ying didn't look disappointed; instead, she chuckled and hugged Lu Qianqian.

"That's only right, Qianqian doesn't need to look like a heartless man."

"What time is it for you to tease me?"

"Anyway, it's been a pleasure meeting you. Qianqian, I'll come visit you again once I've settled in."

Xia Ying made a promise with Lu Qianqian. She changed into a white dress, tied her hair into a side braid, and looked gentle with a natural soft-focus filter. When she came down from the second floor, she looked like a fairy who had gracefully arrived.

Especially her almond-shaped eyes with amber pupils, as clear and bright as lake water, can draw people into a whirlpool with just one glance, making it difficult for them to extricate themselves.

Lu Huaisheng was giving instructions to the people around him when he saw someone come out. He raised his eyes slightly, his gaze scrutinizing and probing, as if he could see through the person's eyes and understand their deepest thoughts.

Xia Ying paused, but after seeing Lu Huaisheng's face clearly, she quickly lowered her head to hide the amazement in her eyes.

He was wearing a modified Zhongshan suit, and his height was nearly 1.9 meters. The well-fitting clothes accentuated his perfectly proportioned figure. He stood out like a crane among chickens in a crowd.

His eyebrows were sharp, his features deep and defined, and his jawline was smooth, giving his chiseled face a touch of menacing aura. His thin, natural-colored lips were tightly pressed together, exuding an air of authority without anger. His phoenix eyes were slightly raised, cold and dignified, making him seem unapproachable.

"You are Xia Ying."

Lu Huaisheng walked up to Xia Ying, giving her no time to look her over. His voice was cold and devoid of warmth. Xia Ying didn't dare to look him in the eye, only lowering her eyes and nodding gently in response.

"Brother, it's too late now. How about tomorrow..."

"Let's go." Lu Huaisheng's attitude was firm, interrupting Lu Qianqian and indicating that there was no room for negotiation.

Xia Ying said goodbye to Lu Qianqian and Professor Lu, and got into the car at the door.

The car was eerily quiet. Xia Ying clung tightly to the door, praying that it would go faster. What if the person next to her was in a bad mood? She would be in trouble.

At the guesthouse, the young receptionist helped Xia Ying register. When it came time to pay, a large hand grabbed her hand, preventing her from taking the money.

"I'll do it."

As he spoke, Lu Huaisheng took out his own money and handed it over before slowly withdrawing his hand.

Xia Ying's ears burned, and she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

"I'll give you the money..."

"No need. You're still under suspicion, so don't wander around. I'll have someone call the guesthouse regularly; if you don't answer the phone, it'll be troublesome. Understand?"

Xia Ying looked up in alarm, wanting to ask why. But the cold, indifferent eyes in front of her froze her and she dared not ask.

"I...I understand."

"Go and rest."

"Ouch." Xia Ying left without looking back.

Lu Huaisheng stood still until the person disappeared around the corner of the stairs before leaving.

The next day, he received information about Xia Ying. It included not only her place of origin and background, but also her true purpose for coming here.

"Get married?" Lu Huaisheng looked at the contents of the document, and for some reason, his face became increasingly gloomy.

Upon seeing the familiar name, he thought for a moment and then made the call.

"Duan Jichen, this is Lu Huaisheng. I have something to ask you..."

After listening to Lu Huaisheng's explanation, Duan Jisong thought that he might as well make use of his older brother's resources.

"Lu Huaisheng, for the sake of friendship, could you please look after Xia Ying for me? Don't let her come to my house and cause trouble. You don't know how fiery she is; she made my mother sick yesterday. As for what she wants, make her give me a written agreement. If she needs money, I can give her a stipend. Please ask her not to ruin the Duan family's reputation everywhere."

"it is good."

Lu Huaisheng hung up the phone, a slight smile playing on his lips. A fiery personality? Then who was it that was scared like a little quail yesterday?

He suddenly became interested and called the guesthouse, specifically asking for Xia Ying from room 203.

Not long after, a sweet voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Hello, this is Xia Ying."

"Xia Ying, this is Lu Huaisheng."

"Hello, Comrade Lu." Lu Huaisheng felt somewhat displeased upon hearing this. Yesterday, she addressed Lu Qianqian as "Qianqian Qianqian," but to him, she was simply "Comrade Lu"?

"Duan Jichen accuses you of extortion. How do you explain that?"

Xia Ying was silent for a moment, then said angrily, "Then go ahead and call the police."

After saying that, she decisively hung up the phone.

Lu Huaisheng suddenly stood up and took the car keys from the driver's hand.

"Director, where are you going?"

"Catch the rabbit."