HBWMA -Chapter 142 Not Playing the Supporting Role

After returning to the Shen residence, Fu Sui’er looked at Shen Jiao with an intensity that flowed like an endless river.

Shen Jiao, looking helpless, tapped the little troublemaker on the forehead. “Alright, silly girl. Don’t let anyone notice anything. I told the old master I was taking you to apologize—so none of you are allowed to slip up!”

“Oh.” Fu Sui’er covered her forehead and grinned foolishly. “If apologies are always like this, I won’t feel sleepy anymore.”

Shen Jiao shot her a glare, then turned to Jiang Huashan. “What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet ever since earlier.”

Jiang Huashan shook her head. “Nothing. Thanks today, Godmother.”

Shen Jiao studied her for a moment, then lightly tapped her forehead as well. “It’s still early. Come with me to the Winter Garden—I’ve prepared some things for you. You can see if you like them.”

With that, she pulled out a pair of diamond-studded sunglasses from her crocodile Birkin bag and put them on, swaying elegantly as she walked into the Shen residence.

Fu Sui’er stared at her back, stroking her chin. “What kind of habit is wearing sunglasses at night? How did I never notice before—my mom is actually kind of pretentious.”

Jiang Huashan glanced sideways at her, too embarrassed to say that in the future, Fu Sui’er herself would wear sunglasses all day long—even refusing to take them off during a midday nap on camping trips.

As soon as Shen Jiao stepped into the Winter Garden, all the housemaids instantly went into alert mode, swarming forward in perfect coordination.

Everything proceeded in an orderly manner—some took her bag, some brought clothes, others handed towels. From the courtyard to the main hall, they followed closely. By the time Shen Jiao turned and sat down, all the heavy accessories on her had already been removed, and she was wiping her hands with a warm towel like a queen caressing her scepter.

Jiang Huashan: “…”

Was Shen Jiao always like this?

Fu Sui’er was long used to it. She patted Jiang Huashan’s shoulder. “Sorry about that. My mom’s been suppressed for too long at the Fu family.” After a pause, she lowered her voice and whispered, “Oh, and don’t criticize her—because she won’t change anyway.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Shen Jiao handed the towel back to a maid. “Give them towels too.”

The maid immediately brought warm towels to Jiang Huashan and Fu Sui’er, and the two obediently wiped their hands.

Shen Jiao pointed at the single sofas in front of her. “Sit.”

The two exchanged a glance and sat down obediently.

The maids didn’t need any instructions—reading the atmosphere, they withdrew from the main hall without hesitation. Just then, Aunt Feng entered with two cups of hot milk, smiling warmly.

“You’re back.”

Fu Sui’er perked up instantly and started chatting. “Grandma, you didn’t see it earlier—my mom was so impressive! My aunt didn’t even dare to say a word in front of her.”

Aunt Feng glanced at Shen Jiao and asked with a smile, “Is everything settled?”

Fu Sui’er nodded. “All settled. When we left, we even heard my aunt smashing things inside the house—it was so sca—”

“Enough.” Shen Jiao lazily cut her off. “Your aunt is petty and holds grudges. Stay away from her in the future. And don’t get involved with the second branch either—nothing but bad luck comes from it.”

Jiang Huashan’s gaze shifted slightly as she couldn’t help but look at Shen Jiao again.

She suddenly realized she might have made a serious misjudgment—she had greatly underestimated Shen Jiao’s capabilities.

Being in Country A yet able to control forces in Country S—even Shen Yuan or Shen Che might not be able to do that. So how did Shen Jiao manage it?

And if she was this capable, how did she end up being the first to die in her previous life?

So maybe she had been wrong from the start? Maybe Shen Jiao’s death wasn’t simply the result of the Fu family’s schemes?

“What are you thinking about now?”

Shen Jiao looked at Jiang Huashan, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. “You’ve been distracted ever since we got back. What is it? Did I scare you?”

Jiang Huashan was about to shake her head when Shen Jiao continued on her own, “That can’t be it. I’m not as crazy as you anyway. The old master said even if I go ten levels crazy, it’s not as much as one level of your madness.”

“…” Jiang Huashan froze for a moment. When she came back to her senses, she realized Shen Jiao was looking at her with ill intent, and couldn’t help but laugh helplessly. “Godmother, you’re forging an imperial decree.”

Shen Jiao shot her a glance. “Who told all of you to be so troublesome? Enough—don’t look so down. Go take a look at your gift.”

As soon as she finished speaking, four maids pushed in eight racks of clothing into the main hall, followed by another four carrying various gift boxes of different sizes.

This time, Jiang Huashan was truly stunned.

Fu Sui’er took a casual glance—and instantly jumped up, her eyes shining. “Hermès! Chanel! Dior! All the latest collections!”

Shen Jiao covered her ears. “Why are you shouting? These are the autumn outfits I prepared for Shanshan. This is just a start—when new pieces arrive, we’ll swap them out. Those are accessories and bags; just mix and match as you like.”

“What about me?” Fu Sui’er asked eagerly.

Shen Jiao looked at her with mock annoyance. “Didn’t you hate the clothes I bought for you? The ones I got before were either torn apart by you or put on dogs.”

Thinking of it, Shen Jiao couldn’t help but complain again. “Fu Sui’er, I’m warning you—while you’re still young, I won’t interfere. But after you turn sixteen, if you dare to wear those eye-searing black stockings and flared leather pants again, don’t blame me for whipping you with a cane!”

“….” Fu Sui’er was stunned for a long moment. Then, as if she remembered something, she suddenly grabbed Shen Jiao’s hand ingratiatingly. “Aiya~ Mom~ I used to be a weirdo, now I’m a cutie~ Don’t wait until I’m sixteen—start managing me now! From now on, whatever you buy, I’ll wear!”

Jiang Huashan found it both amusing and bittersweet.

In her previous life, not long after Fu Sui’er turned sixteen, Shen Jiao had died. She never got the chance to dress her precious daughter up like a princess before disappearing forever.

Sui’er probably didn’t want to have that kind of regret again.

Shen Jiao frowned, her face full of disdain. “At this point, it’s no longer just a clothing issue—you need a complete makeover.”

Fu Sui’er nodded repeatedly. “Change, change! I even shaved my head—doesn’t that show my determination?”

Shen Jiao still looked conflicted. “You said it yourself. Fine, I’ll pick a few outfits for you later.”

Fu Sui’er shook her head and dashed toward the dazzling racks of clothes. “No need for that trouble—Mom, just buy another set like these. Then I can wear matching outfits with Shanshan every day. That’s perfect.”

Shen Jiao felt a headache coming on and flatly refused. “No.”

Fu Sui’er grew anxious. “Why not? These clothes are all beautiful, and I like them too—why not?”

Shen Jiao was silent for a few seconds, then walked over to the racks, picked up a dress, and casually held it up against Jiang Huashan. Instantly, the maids’ faces lit up with admiration, and even Aunt Feng praised how good it looked.

Switching hands, Shen Jiao held the exact same dress against Fu Sui’er. Immediately, the room fell silent. Even Aunt Feng said nothing.

Fu Sui’er pouted. “What does that mean?”

Shen Jiao picked three more outfits in succession. Without exception, every piece looked as if it had been tailor-made for Jiang Huashan—perfect in every way. But the moment they were held up against Fu Sui’er, they appeared mismatched, tacky, and awkward no matter how one looked at them.

Although it was quite a blow to Fu Sui’er, Jiang Huashan felt deeply moved. It was enough to show that every single piece here had been carefully selected by Shen Jiao just for her.

Fu Sui’er shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s fine. I don’t mind. Shanshan is prettier than me anyway. If I’m the green leaf, then I’ll be the green leaf.”

Shen Jiao frowned, her relaxed gaze suddenly turning sharp. “Fu Sui’er, don’t have such a dangerous mindset.”

Fu Sui’er froze, looking at her in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“Does Shanshan being beautiful conflict with you being beautiful? Or if you become prettier, will Shanshan become ugly? Is it some either-or condition?”

Fu Sui’er shook her head. “That’s not what I meant.”

Shen Jiao continued, “Since that’s not what you meant, why not change your way of thinking? Shanshan is beautiful—because you like her, you should also work hard to become beautiful and stand shoulder to shoulder with her. Don’t casually label yourself as someone willing to be the green leaf or a supporting role. Human nature shouldn’t be underestimated. Rather than one day letting resentment grow from being reduced to a backdrop and corrupting your feelings, it’s better to bloom together. Because no matter whether the ending is brilliant or withered, at least you fulfilled each other along the way.”