The Cold and Ruthless Supporting Male Lead

With this thought in mind, Lin Xiaomu’s attitude toward studying became increasingly earnest.

She felt that someone as handsome and perfect as the boss deserved to be matched with someone equally outstanding.

Fueled by that motivation, Lin Xiaomu pushed her protagonist’s halo to its absolute limit.

This time, she had grown wiser. She didn’t directly express her love for the boss but adopted a different approach, working tirelessly to showcase her excellence to Hai Ku.

Once she adjusted her mindset, Lin Xiaomu realized the immense gap between herself and others. It was a gap that couldn’t be bridged overnight.

Whether in terms of thought or culture, Lin Xiaomu still clung to habits from her own world, some of which needed to be abandoned.

Fortunately, Lin Xiaomu knew her strengths and the direction in which she needed to improve.

After a period of foolishness, her enlightenment brought her accomplishments that were earned through hard work. With her knowledge and love for plants, Lin Xiaomu not only studied relevant fields but also developed several new types of fertilizers using that knowledge.

Although part of the success of these fertilizers was due to the small amounts of Spiritual Spring water from her space, it was also because Lin Xiaomu had previously done foolish things that turned the space, which could have provided an ideal environment for plants, into a fertilizer production zone.

As the level of her space increased, the capacity of Lin Xiaomu’s fertilizer space grew larger and larger.

Hai Ku intentionally helped Lin Xiaomu keep the existence of the space a secret. He purchased large amounts of fertilizer from the factory they had previously cooperated with and even handed over the task of acquisition to Lin Xiaomu, making it convenient for her to “swap the prince for a civet cat.”

(T/N: swap the prince for a civet cat = something of great value or importance is traded for something insignificant or inferior; which is also a play on words since the original ML is a prince.)

In just a few short years, Hai Ku witnessed Lin Xiaomu’s growth. He had to admit that when the female lead worked hard, she was truly impressive. Talent and cheat-like abilities were important, but diligence was even more crucial.

Now, Lin Xiaomu had reached a point where Hai Ku could hardly find any major faults. Raising the female lead with his own hands gave Hai Ku a great sense of accomplishment.

I’m like her second parent!

Hai Ku was very pleased.

However, seeing the female lead become so diligent and studious now, Hai Ku felt his purpose in this world was nearly fulfilled. The only thing he still worried about was whether Lin Xiaomu might once again be deceived by Zhang Daniu.

After raising her for so many years, it was impossible not to have developed feelings. Sometimes, Hai Ku even felt like he regarded Lin Xiaomu as a daughter. Now, the thought that his “daughter” might suffer at the hands of a scumbag filled him with worry.

Given the current trajectory, even if Lin Xiaomu didn’t become the ‘Queen of the Ranch’, she was very likely to become the queen of fertilizer. It was his first time playing a cultivation game, and he couldn’t let one bad apple ruin everything.

***

On a sunny day, Hai Ku strolled around his farm again.

Without Lin Xiaomu as a stepping stone, Zhang Daniu had found other targets.

However, most people on the ranch were older, with the youngest being a 35-year-old orchard auntie. Despite having been a “prince” in his previous life, Zhang Daniu still had his standards. Recently, he had been portraying himself as a filial son.

He had no intention of changing his ways. His time outside had accustomed him to being supported by women. Even after coming to the ranch, except for the period when he had to shovel pig manure, he hadn’t experienced much hardship.

When Hai Ku arrived, Zhang Daniu was chatting with someone else, the same perfunctory smile on his face as before.

“How have you been lately?”

Hearing Hai Ku’s voice, Zhang Daniu turned curiously toward him.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but he felt that Hai Ku’s tone carried a hint of mockery.

Still, being a thick-skinned person, Zhang Daniu wasn’t bothered. Beneath his shy expression, however, he felt a bit nauseated. “Boss, long time no see.”

A trace of jealousy crept into his heart. Zhang Daniu felt that the world was unfair to him. He had been a prince before, so why was he reduced to being a laborer here?

Unable to resist, he sized up Hai Ku, his smile becoming fawning. “Boss, are you heading somewhere today? You’re dressed so handsomely.”

Hai Ku nodded. “I’m going to discuss a business deal today. Daniu, I think a young man like you shouldn’t stay on the ranch forever. Xiaomu has already gone out and achieved great things.”

Zhang Daniu grew even more envious.

“Boss, you’re only saying that because you helped her. If you helped me, I’d definitely do better than her!” Zhang Daniu’s eyes lit up as he moved closer. “Boss, I used to have a good relationship with Xiaomu. Why don’t you let me learn from her for a while? She’s just a girl, after all. She can’t be as capable as me when it comes to physical work or anything else.”

Hidden within his words was a hint of pride. Zhang Daniu believed that if he had the same luck and assistance, his achievements would surely surpass Lin Xiaomu’s.

“You’d have to ask Xiaomu about that. She’s now in charge of the fertilizer for our farm and is one of my most trusted assistants.” Hai Ku had originally planned to personally help Lin Xiaomu rid herself of this man. However, after some thought, he realized that if Lin Xiaomu couldn’t overcome this hurdle herself, there would be little point in handing her the solution on a silver platter.

Zhang Daniu grew even more excited. Ever since Lin Xiaomu had left, it had been a long time since he’d last seen her. The last time was during the New Year, and it had been 2 or 3 years since then.

Given how obsessed Lin Xiaomu used to be with him, Zhang Daniu was very confident that she could fall for him again.

Patting his chest, Zhang Daniu assured Hai Ku, “You don’t have to worry about this. Xiaomu and I are on great terms. Just a few words from me, and she’ll definitely help me out.”

Hai Ku smiled silently.

***

Lin Xiaomu had been preparing for this confession for over 3 years. She felt she was now ready.

The person in the mirror had shed the long black straight hair from 3 years ago. To make herself look more mature, she had dyed her black hair a flaxen color, and the ends curled slightly, giving her a playful and youthful appearance, like that of a college girl.

Her face was tinged with a slight blush. Lin Xiaomu couldn’t help but wonder if Hai Ku would like her current appearance.

Over the past few years, she had worked so hard, all for the day she could stand in front of Hai Ku and boldly tell him that she liked him.

Although she hadn’t yet achieved the same level of success as her boss, Lin Xiaomu felt that her progress was sufficient.

If she succeeded, she would work even harder, hoping to someday stand as his equal.

After applying the most delicate makeup she could manage, Lin Xiaomu hesitated for a long time before finally calling Hai Ku.

When the call connected, Lin Xiaomu felt her heart leap into her throat. She hadn’t even been this nervous the first time she negotiated a business deal.

“Boss… um, I… I just wanted to invite you to dinner to thank you properly. Would you be able to come?” Her voice trembled, and she felt herself shaking.

Hearing her voice, Hai Ku thought something was odd. However, having just met Zhang Daniu earlier that day, he felt it necessary to discuss the matter with Lin Xiaomu.

After agreeing, Hai Ku tidied himself up and headed out.

Having already bought a house outside the ranch, Lin Xiaomu rarely returned to the ranch unless necessary. Moreover, she had begun dressing and presenting herself more thoughtfully.

There was a sense of pride, as if watching a young girl blossom into a capable woman. Hai Ku’s sense of accomplishment only grew stronger.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but Hai Ku felt that Lin Xiaomu’s demeanor was a bit peculiar.

It wasn’t until they sat down and she opened a bottle of red wine that Hai Ku had a sudden realization. “Xiaomu, are you in a relationship?”

Her hand trembled as she poured the wine. The blush on her cheeks deepened. “Boss, you’ve already figured it out?”

“Which handsome guy is it?” Hai Ku asked, feeling a bit excited. As long as it wasn’t the male lead, he could rest easy and leave this world.

Hearing his words, Lin Xiaomu was speechless, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes.

From the tone of his voice, it was clear he hadn’t guessed.

Suddenly, she felt worried that if she confessed, she would be rejected outright. Her anxiety grew stronger.

Perhaps her previous imagined confession had only been a dream.

If the boss truly liked her, why hadn’t he shown any feelings for her after all these years by his side?

A wave of coldness washed over her heart. Lin Xiaomu forced a smile. “It’s not set in stone yet. When I succeed, I’ll let you know. For now, I just wanted to share my happiness with you.”

“That’s great news! When you get married, I’ll make sure to give you a huge red envelope,” Hai Ku said, sipping his wine. For the first time, he saw a glimpse of the female lead’s late-stage aura in Lin Xiaomu.

“And what about you, Boss? Why haven’t you found a wife after all this time?” Lin Xiaomu asked nervously.

As soon as she spoke, she regretted it.

Still, she was desperate to know the answer, caught in a state of both hesitation and inner conflict. Her hands began to tremble involuntarily.

“Aiya… I shouldn’t go and ruin someone else’s life,” Hai Ku sighed, closing his eyes as he began to spout nonsense again. “I don’t have many years left to live. Let me be honest with you; I’ve been diagnosed with an incurable disease. I probably only have a year or 2 left before I kick the bucket. That’s why I’ve been training you to be my most capable assistant. You see, I have no sons and no daughters. To be honest, I’ve always thought of you as my daughter.”

Lin Xiaomu: “…”