Ruling the Historical Romance Novel as the Female Supporting Character-Chapter 269: Does She Look Like a Saint to You?!

"I think an apology is natural, but being dismissed from her job is too harsh," Zuo Huilan said with a sorrowful expression, trying to feign sympathy.

However, her sighs went unanswered. Su Yijia turned her head away, not even glancing at her.

Zuo Huilan had no choice but to seek support from other aunties.

"I just think this whole situation is unpleasant. Losing her job means it’ll be even harder for her at home. Especially when they have children in the future, without that extra income, it’ll be the kids who suffer."

Hearing about the future of the children seemed to stir some of the aunties. It’s hard to get a job nowadays, and it’s known that working at the Art Ensemble is tough. But while they acknowledged this, no one was willing to stand up and face the consequences.

Auntie Chen, looking at Zuo Huilan with growing impatience, eventually chose to side with Commander Xue. After all, once Qin Kaize recovered, there were rumors he would be promoted. The team had no vacancies at a higher level, and if it came to that, they would have to be reassigned, with Commander Xue being Qin Kaize’s direct superior.

"Comrade Su, you haven’t danced or had children. She has worked hard for years, and now one mistake has led to everything being taken away. If she has children in the future, they’ll suffer because of the lack of income. You might as well be merciful and do some good," Auntie Chen said, her tone quite assertive.

"So you mean, if I don’t find a way to get the punishment overturned, I’m the one committing a sin?" Su Yijia’s smile grew cold, carrying a hint of contempt.

Zuo Huilan, seizing the opportunity, said quickly, "You don’t need to go to the higher-ups. Just talk to your husband. Men listen to their wives the most."

"So am I stupid?" Su Yijia’s voice, which had been sweet, turned icy and harsh.

Not only did Zuo Huilan and Auntie Chen flinch, but other aunties also looked confused by her reaction.

Su Yijia’s sarcasm intensified, "So I’m supposed to tell my husband, who has been standing up for me, that he’s being too harsh and that it would be sinful not to forgive her? And then he should go through all this trouble to get the punishment reversed? Am I crazy or just foolish to expect him to turn a blind eye after fighting so hard for me?"

Auntie Chen’s frown deepened as she scolded, "How can you not understand? No one can whisper in their ear like this."

"So I’m supposed to stay up all night, talking to my husband about how hard and pitiful another woman’s life is? So my husband will feel sorry for her and forgive her for bullying me? Is that it?" Su Yijia’s tone grew darker.

Even if Wang Futong deserved it, Su Yijia would only celebrate. At most, she’d give her husband a kiss to thank him for standing up for her.

The most detestable people are those who benefit from others’ struggles but act like saints, undermining them in the process.

"Alright, since the higher-ups have decided on this punishment, it must be well-considered," Fang Xuewei quickly intervened to diffuse the tension.

Auntie Chen, not daring to offend her, immediately shut up with a forced smile.

Zuo Huilan, still red-eyed and looking pitiful, said, "I’m just concerned about the harmony of the team. Commander Xue is a leader, and if there’s trouble at home, it will affect his work."

"If this kind of thing affects his work, then it’s better to let someone more capable take his place," Qin Kaize’s cold and deep voice carried a hint of intimidation from behind.

Everyone turned to see Qin Kaize, who had come out carrying cut fruit. He placed the cutting board with three plates on the nearby table and reached out to Su Yijia.

Su Yijia squeezed out of the circle of aunties and walked to his side, her pretty face showing a hint of grievance.

"Isn’t it too much to make such a fuss over just one wrong word?" Zuo Huilan said with a flushed face, still firmly speaking for Wang Futong.

It was obvious that she had received some benefit and was now trying to convince Qin Kaize and his wife to downplay the situation.

Everyone wasn’t fooled; it was clear that Zuo Huilan had no support.

Qin Kaize’s lips curled into a slight, contemptuous smile.

"If you’re so keen on being magnanimous, I can give you a chance."

"What chance?" Zuo Huilan’s eyes brightened with hope.

"Admit publicly that you’re a vixen, let my wife slap you a few times, and you won’t pursue the matter further." Qin Kaize’s conditions were increasingly unreasonable.

Fang Xuewei frowned at the terms. Before she could speak, Zuo Huilan hurriedly shook her head.

"No! How can that be?! Comrade Wang made a momentary mistake, and what you’re proposing is clearly deliberate. Besides, what you said is far worse than what she said."

"If you want to be virtuous, why not make some sacrifice?" Qin Kaize’s gaze was as sharp as icy needles piercing her.

Despite the indignation, everyone felt that his demands were humiliating.

When Zuo Huilan bowed her head under the pressure, Qin Kaize’s derisive smile returned to his usual cold demeanor.

"This punishment was decided by the top leaders of the Fu Province team. It’s meant to remind everyone that those who have contributed to the country cannot be easily trampled upon." His tone was calm but firm.

Fang Xuewei quickly supported him, "Yes! Qin is a hero who has made great contributions. Wang Futong is the one who disrupted the unity." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Other aunties nodded in agreement.

Zuo Huilan was on the verge of tears, but Qin Kaize didn’t spare her another glance. He took Su Yijia’s hand and apologized to the aunties, "My wife will be making two desserts next. Please wait in the living room."

"We’ll help out," Auntie Ju said immediately.

But Su Yijia shook her head, "I’ll be quick. Plus, with me, there are already five people in the kitchen. It’s too crowded, and we really can’t fit anyone else."

Fang Xuewei, familiar with the layout, knew the kitchen was too small for more people, so she didn’t insist. The other aunties, though, were determined to help and followed them outside the kitchen.

Seeing the cramped space, they gave up on their attempt to assist.