Chapter 2.6
"Does Mo Xuanzhi really like me?" Sui Yuan questions 5237, voice full of doubt and expression as puzzled as can be.
Although Sui Yuan’s status as an actor meant to fill in the supporting male lead’s role meant he must always be in love with the female lead, that is all just surface acting. Sui Yuan honestly doesn’t know what this so-called ’love’ is, so naturally, he wouldn’t be able to feel it if someone truly loves him.
In the previous Ancient Era world, people expressed their emotions through flowery words and hidden meanings. Thus, even when those around them paired Qin Zheng and him together in their minds, Sui Yuan didn’t sense anything wrong. He didn’t understand the implications in people’s words and didn’t realise when others tried to sound him out during conversations. On top of that, he couldn’t follow others’ train of thoughts, nor understand the connections made just by hearing half a sentence. In order to maintain his character’s image, he pretended to understand what they were saying, even when he was truly lost. Hence, the misunderstandings grew deeper and deeper while he remained oblivious to it all.
However, this world is an apocalyptic one where people tread the fine line between life and death every day. With the knowledge that they could die anytime, everyone was more accustomed to displaying their emotions directly, letting the other party know how they feel. As conversations in this world were more frank, by the time Sui Yuan is able to decipher what exactly is going on, he is once again thrown into confusion.
According to the scripts he has seen so far, Sui Yuan more or less understands that if one is in love with another, one will have to treat them well, to the point of submitting to their will. But Mo Xuanzhi being totally submissive towards him is something that absolutely will not happen. Still, he is not so ignorant as to miss the fact that the male lead treats him better than anyone else.
Each time they headed out on a mission, Mo Xuanzhi was at his side, not hindering his growth but constantly protecting him from dangers he had no way of overcoming on his own. When the loot was distributed, Mo Xuanzhi would always give some items in his share to Sui Yuan, whether it be food, everyday necessities or recreational objects. Even crystals that are the most treasured objects for Ability Users were placed in his hands. Mo Xuanzhi is certainly not stingy when it comes to giving him goods. He likes to constantly touch Sui Yuan, but when his harassment crossed the line and Sui Yuan began to struggle, he would obediently let go. Mo Xuanzhi’s overbearing attitude didn’t make him feel irritated.
- Well, okay. That’s because Sui Yuan is completely ignorant when it comes to love. Still...
Sui Yuan feels like Mo Xuanzhi is increasingly like Qin Zheng, even if the latter is undoubtedly more refined and courteous. From observing the male lead closely, he can feel it in his bones. They shared more than a few small mannerisms and habits he was rather familiar with due to spending a lot of time with Qin Zheng in the previous world.
Being treated like this for the first time in his existence, Sui Yuan feels a mounting sense of doubt. So he voices this concern to his system, who is the only one he believes is able to dispel it.
5237 is hovering lazily in the air next to Sui Yuan when the latter abruptly asks this question and nearly tumbles to the ground in shock. Steadying itself with much difficulty, it wobbles back up so it is eye-level with its partner. Its brain all but crumbles in disbelief. "What the hell do you mean by that?! Have you fallen for him?!"
For actors like Sui Yuan, the most taboo thing they can do is fall in love with natives of the worlds they are working in. Gaining low marks for tasks or even having points deducted is nothing in comparison, for the only penalty is one wouldn’t be able to be promoted. However, to fall for a world’s native and try in vain to remain by their side after their mission had ended counted as disobeying ’regulations’; the penalty for doing so is rather severe. Although Sui Yuan’s mission constantly goes wrong and will most likely lose a lot of points, at least he is an obedient and diligent partner. 5237 doesn’t wish to be assigned to another actor, and it even more doesn’t want to see this pure child being erased after breaking a ’regulation’.
Sui Yuan shakes his head. "I am only asking."
Convinced that its partner truly doesn’t harbour any other feelings than pure curiosity in those clear eyes, the system inwardly sighs in relief. Gathering its thoughts, it earnestly advises Sui Yuan. "Who cares if he likes you or not? You understand that you cannot remain in any world for anyone right now. You have only just begun your career, so the ’regulation’ doesn’t permit you free will yet. Wait until you’ve gained a few more ranks and earn a lot more points before you even think about this question. You see, the ’regulation’ painstakingly created you, but to fantasize about vacation when you haven’t yet begin to shine is unrealistic."
Pondering over this for a minute, Sui Yuan asks, "What if he is the same as me?"
"If he is also an actor, then it’s even more impossible!" 5237 shakes its head so vigorously that its plump body sways with the motion. "There are countless worlds out there. Having two actors in the same world is already near impossible, let alone trying to work together with the same person more than once. After this world is over, it’s an eternal farewell, never to meet again. It would be best if you simply concentrate on your job and not be distracted by useless things!"
His brow knits again, deep in thought.
Suddenly, a fireball streaks past his ear, close enough that he can feel the scorching heat against his cheek. The burning corpse of a zombie collapses to the ground, an arm’s distance to his left. Looking up from the pile of ashes, he silently regards Mo Xuanzhi who is currently lounging on the roof of a car not far off.
A small flame leaping from finger to finger, Mo Xuanzhi quirks a displeased eyebrow at Sui Yuan. "Daydreaming in the middle of battle?! Are you courting death?!"
Acknowledging he is in the wrong, Sui Yuan wordlessly turns his head around and focuses on the current situation. Flicking his wrist towards the group of zombies, a dome of water with lightning running through it encases the undead. Although the amount of lightning injected into this technique isn’t enough to fry these zombies, it is sufficient in halting their movements. As soon as the group is immobilised, the snipers pick them off one after another.
None of their foes are higher than a Rank 2, for those Rank 3 and above were already cleared by Mo Xuanzhi.
With the addition of Sui Yuan into the team, their battles begin to go more smoothly thanks to his contribution. Under Mo Xuanzhi’s instructions, Sui Yuan’s ability level increases in leaps and bounds. Presently, he is already walking far ahead of everyone else. On top of that, he can be considered as the brains of the team. In regards to planning, judging a situation or directing the members, he is exceptionally sharp and skilful. As such, he has become the unofficial second-in-command. Thanks to his display of overall talents, the members are willing to respect him not only because he is their ’saozi’.
As for Leng Xia...she has also become a rather remarkable logistics personnel within the party. The only downside is that she is still not sticking out amongst the crowd...
Receiving his share of the loot, Mo Xuanzhi’s offered portion this time is a precious Rank 5 water system crystal able to increase an Ability User’s water abilities significantly. As a supporting male lead, being taken care of by the male lead makes him feel like a poverty-stricken person. Staring at the crystal in his palm, he can’t help glancing at Leng Xia trudging along behind him.
If he remembered correctly, in the original story, this priceless item ought to be in the female lead’s hands, as she also possesses a water system. This thought causes him to feel guilty, hesitating on whether or not he should give this hot potato to Leng Xia. However, as per usual, a threatening glare from Mo Xuanzhi results in Sui Yuan obediently absorbing it.
After Mo Xuanzhi’s satisfied gaze shifts away from his person, a team member drapes an arm around Sui Yuan’s shoulders, winking at him smilingly. "Haochen ah, do you harbour any...intentions towards Leng Xia?"
When one first meets Sui Yuan, he is somewhat cold and aloof. However, after interacting with him for a while, one will realise that he is a gentle and mild person with excellent self-control. As long as one doesn’t cross the line with him, he will not be angry. Thus, the other members of the squad quickly warm up to him, teasing him without reservations.
Sui Yuan chokes a little, torn between shaking his head and nodding. After a short inner struggle, he decides to deny. "No, I don’t. Why are you asking?"
"Oh, nothing. Just keep seeing you take such good care of her, so I had to ask. A sweet, graceful, pretty and virtuous woman like her is very desirable. Haven’t you noticed how several brothers have their eyes on her?" The man snickers. "If you don’t like her that way, that means we can woo her, right?"
Sui Yuan is filled with a sense of bitterness. His position as the supporting male lead makes it so he cannot truly become a couple with the female lead, but that doesn’t mean random minor characters can set their eyes on her ah!
- Quickly let go of the female lead! She is the male lead’s woman!
"Truthfully speaking, brother." Turning a blind eye to Sui Yuan’s suddenly blank expression as his heart is full of plans on how to woo himself a beauty, the team member continues. "Since you don’t like Leng Xia that way, then why not accept Boss’ affections? He has never treated someone so well before, you know. I see that you don’t seem to dislike him, so stop dragging your feet and be more direct towards our Boss! Who knows if we will have a tomorrow? We should die without regrets ah!"
"...Must one accept if they don’t dislike that person?" Sui Yuan asks, slightly puzzled.
"Well, it’s not like there’s anyone you like, so isn’t this situation pretty good?" Clearly here to serve as a love advisor, the man unknowingly begins to sway Sui Yuan’s conscience. "Boss is so good to you. At minimum, shouldn’t you repay his good deeds?"
Sui Yuan, who is already feeling rather guilty, feels as though an arrow struck his chest.
"After accepting another person’s regards, you should return it. Else, that’s just being too cruel, am I right?" Seeing the struggle in Sui Yuan’s eyes, the team member seizes this chance to metaphorically stab his heart again.
A morally upright Sui Yuan who possesses five speeches, four beauties and three loves[1] stares at the man who wanders back to his friends after concluding this conversation. His heart is shaken, conscience tottering on the edge.
"...Do you reckon the male lead might still be able to fall for the female lead?" Sui Yuan asks 5237.
Remaining silent for a long time, 5237 eventually has to accept reality. "You can forget about that ever happening now." After it says this, alarm bells start ringing in its head. "What are you planning to do?!"
"I’m merely thinking about whether or not I should repay his kindness..." Sui Yuan scratches the back of his head in worry.
"Don’t even consider it!!" 5237 is on the verge of tears. "Think about your marks! Think about your low score from the last world! Even if you accidentally turned this into a BL world again, you shouldn’t abandon yourself to despair and walk the thorny path of BL! You wouldn’t be able to return once you head down that way ah!! QAQ"
"I wouldn’t turn this world into a BL," Sui Yuan states, full of confidence. "I am only going to repay his kindness."
5237: "...Why do I keep feeling that this terrible situation is going to worsen even further...?"
Returning to his group of brothers, the team member who shook Sui Yuan’s heart gives his report. "Don’t see that Haochen is extremely quick and sharp in other areas. Regarding emotions, he is like small child. In order to ensure that Boss obtains his deserved happiness, I have already tearfully-fed my conscience and integrity to the zombies!!"
Footnotes:
[1] Five speeches, four beauties, three loves (五讲四美三热爱) = It reads really strangely in English, but here’s what it means: Five speeches (culture, manners/courtesy, hygiene, law/order, moral integrity), four beauties (intelligence, conduct, eloquence, care for the environment), three loves (the nation, the leading party, your partner).
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