Time-Travel: The Tragic Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Character Makes a Comeback
CHAPTER 12: The 1970s Naive Supporting Girl (12)
Song Susu wasn’t exactly tired, but after going a whole day and night without changing clothes, she mainly wanted a fresh outfit.
“That works.”
Still, just in case Song Jianjun tried to stir up trouble, Song Susu filled Li Yanlong in on the situation. She highlighted the important points: she had reclaimed the 7,000 yuan and secured the family’s compensation money.
There was no point in hiding any of it. Even if she stayed quiet, the news would eventually reach Li Yanlong.
Li Yanlong was momentarily stunned, then clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Well done, Susu! That bunch of bastards needed to be dealt with like that. Don’t worry, they won’t dare come looking for trouble. It’s your and Yuanchao’s stuff to begin with, and Uncle Li’s got your back.”
Wang Yanli, rarely seeing her husband this happy, listened in on the gist of the story and couldn’t help but look at Song Susu with new respect.
This girl had always let that family call the shots. Even when she had support, she had been timid and obedient. Back then, Wang Yanli had really looked down on her.
After two months in the countryside, she seemed to have wised up. Maybe she had truly grown up. This was good. With just the two siblings left, they needed to stand strong or they’d keep getting bullied.
Li Yanlong was pleased that Song Susu had grown more assertive. He spoke kindly, “Susu, keep your money safe. I’ve already informed the housing office about your mother’s property. No one else can handle the sale without your permission.”
“Once Yuanchao is discharged, you two can move over there and won’t have to return to the Song household. As for the countryside, Uncle Li will arrange a job for you tomorrow and transfer your household registration back to the City as soon as possible.”
Song Yuanchao, lying in bed, was overjoyed and thanked him first. “Thank you, Uncle Li!”
Song Susu hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Thank you, Uncle Li, but I still need to return to the countryside to handle some things. Later on, if I get the chance, I’d like to continue my studies.”
She remembered that the college entrance exams would resume in another month or two.
Right now, she wasn’t lacking money. Instead of following the usual path of working a regular job, going to college and learning something while improving her credentials made more sense. Education always had value, no matter the era.
Her main goal was to help this side character change her life. Leaving aside unlucky encounters with others, the real issue was that Song Susu had never truly grown up. She had foolishly entrusted her future to someone else.
So, the first step to changing her life was focusing on herself.
Li Yanlong heard this and, thinking about the recent buzz in the City about the college exams resuming, felt this girl was lucky. With exams back, Song Susu still had a chance at higher education.
He smiled with a mix of amusement and pride. “You’ve thought this through, Susu. Studying and gaining knowledge is good. As for the countryside, I won’t interfere for now. When you need to return, just let Uncle Li know in advance, and I’ll make the arrangements.”
Song Susu gave a sincere smile. “Thank you, Uncle Li.”
Song Yuanchao’s cheerful little face slowly drooped, his lips pressing together as he looked at his sister.
If his sister was going back to the countryside, that meant he’d be alone again.
He didn’t want to be separated from her.
Song Susu noticed her brother’s disappointment and quickly said, “Oh, right, Uncle Li. Yuanchao’s almost fully recovered. When I go back to the countryside in a couple of days, I plan to take him with me.”
Song Yuanchao’s eyes lit up instantly, his excitement barely contained as he stared at his sister.
It didn’t matter where they went! As long as he could stay with her.
Li Yanlong frowned slightly. To him, they were still just two kids. He was really worried about them going to the countryside together.
“Susu, conditions in the countryside are tough. Yuanchao’s body has just recovered, and taking him along will be tiring for you. Maybe it’s better to leave him at Uncle Li’s place for now. You can bring him back once you’re done there.”
Wang Yanli, who hadn’t spoken until now, chimed in, “Yes, his body is still so weak. It’s good for him to rest and recover at home for now. Later, he’ll need to go back to school anyway.”
Hearing both Uncle Li and Aunt Wang speak, Song Yuanchao’s bright smile slowly faded, leaving a small trace of disappointment.
He forced a little smile at his sister, obediently saying, “It’s okay, sister. I’ll wait for you at Uncle Li’s house.”
“Yuanchao’s mostly recovered. He’s suffered a lot at the Song household, so this will be good for him to relax a bit. I’ll take care of him. I won’t stay in the countryside too long—once I finish taking care of things there, I’ll come back.”
Her voice was decisive, her eyes steady and carrying a hint of maturity, leaving Li Yanlong and Wang Yanli momentarily speechless.
“Alright then. You’re determined, so we’ll follow your plan. If anything comes up that you can’t handle, remember to call Uncle Li.”
“Okay, thank you, Uncle Li.”
Song Yuanchao’s eyes sparkled again. Amazing! His sister wasn’t leaving him behind—she was taking him with her!
……
After leaving the hospital, Song Susu originally planned to stop by the department store to pick up a couple of fresh outfits.
But Wang Yanli said they’d already bought clothes for the two siblings yesterday. They’d even washed and dried them so they’d be ready to wear after freshening up at home.
Song Susu felt a little more grateful and still went to the department store, coming back with big bags full of nutritional supplements. The original owner didn’t have much money, but there were still some gift vouchers from Uncle Li’s previous visits.
Wang Yanli said she didn’t need to go to such trouble and that it was too much, but inside, she was happy the girl cared enough to do this. After all, her husband used to bring piles of gifts, and while Song Yuanchao’s words were sweet, he was still a child. Song Susu had always been too reserved, just lowering her head to say thank you.
She hadn’t even been to their home many times, let alone carry things for them. Wang Yanli was a Director herself, so the items weren’t necessary, but it still felt heartwarming.
When Song Susu arrived at their home carrying all her bags, Li Huihui was painting her nails. They were a deep red, brought back by her aunt from Shanghai, and looked stunning against her fair skin.
“You little thing, painting your nails out here in the living room in broad daylight? Quick, clean up and go get some fruit for your sister Susu,” Wang Yanli said, her words carrying a playful fondness.
Li Huihui looked a little surprised to see Song Susu, especially with all the bags she was carrying. She slowly tidied up and let out a small “oh” as she watched.
“Susu, come sit, rest your feet first. You can wash up later.”
Wang Yanli poured her a cup of herbal tea and brought over a plate of dried fruits and nuts.
Song Susu sat down and thanked them. After a while, Li Huihui appeared with a large fruit platter. There were big bunches of grapes and some small plums.
“These are from my trip to the next county,” Li Huihui said casually as she placed the plate in front of Song Susu. “They’re fresh and sweet. Try some.”
“Thank you, Huihui,” Song Susu smiled.
“You’re welcome,” Li Huihui replied, taking a seat and glancing at her. She suddenly realized Song Susu seemed to have grown up a little, looking even prettier than before.
Song Susu had been to their house only a handful of times. Usually, Li Huihui just heard about her from her father. She didn’t have strong feelings toward her—neither dislike nor affection—but after hearing so much, she felt a small bit of sympathy. After all, Song Susu was a few months younger than her, orphaned and living under someone else's roof—truly pitiful.
They chatted casually for a bit before Wang Yanli had Song Susu to go wash up.
Li Yanlong, as a high-ranking official, had a large house, complete with a toilet and a shower—luxuries for the time.
After freshening up, Song Susu changed into the clean, new clothes Li Huihui had brought. Her bangs were a little long, so she casually pinned them up, revealing her delicate features, which now looked even brighter and more striking.
When she walked out, Huihui froze at the doorway.
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment