Chapter 12: A Sorrowful Supporting Male Character Rewrites His Script

Chapter 12: 1. The Melancholic Second Lead Adjusts the Script

Qin Huaichuan, accompanied by Qin Qing, descended from the second floor.

The long dining table was laden with dishes. Qin Guangyuan sat in the main seat, with Ji Lan to his side, followed closely by Qin Zishi.

Upon seeing his grandson, Qin Guangyuan greeted him with a warm smile, gesturing towards the spread, and kindly offered, “Come, let's eat.” He made no mention of the rivalry between his two grandsons.

Qin Qing bowed slightly, addressing his grandfather. Instead of sitting, he gracefully pulled out a chair for Qin Huaichuan, awaiting his father to take the seat first.

Every movement, every nod, every smile was the epitome of elegance and decorum. Despite Qin Zishi being privy to twenty-five years of a lavish lifestyle and elite education in the Qin family, he didn't possess the innate nobility that Qin Qing did.

Qin Guangyuan's smile widened, and he personally served his grandson a bowl of soup.

Gratefully accepting the soup, Qin Qing, in return, served bowls to Qin Guangyuan, Qin Huaichuan, and Ji Lan. Meticulous in his courtesies, he didn't so much as spare a glance for Qin Zishi. He didn't even bother to fake cordiality with his cousin.

Yet, no one deemed his actions as petty or inappropriate. Everything he did seemed so natural.

Qin Zishi gripped his chopsticks tightly, suppressing the humiliation boiling within. He was aware that Qin Qing was intentionally sidelining him. Such neglect felt even more demeaning than covert confrontations and provocations.

While he perceived Qin Qing as his greatest rival, the latter barely acknowledged him. Wasn't that laughable?

Qin Zishi's grip was so tense that his lips and face lost their color.

Ji Lan, concerned, stole a glance at him and suddenly revealed, “Zishi is under police investigation.”

Qin Zishi, already on the brink, now felt an even more intense wave of shame. Why would his mother disclose such a matter? Wouldn't Qin Qing gloat about it?

A pulse of anger throbbed visibly at Qin Zishi's temple, seemingly on the verge of erupting.

Unsurprisingly, Qin Qing appeared unflustered and calmly remarked, “Is it because of the kickbacks from POC? That's bribery, which is punishable by imprisonment, isn't it?”

Ji Lan's eyes welled up, seemingly on the verge of tears.

Both Qin Huaichuan and Qin Guangyuan set their chopsticks down, their expressions darkening.

Just as 996 was about to sneak a few braised shrimp from the dining table, it was so startled that its fur stood on end. "Meow? What did you just say? Qin Zishi is going to jail? He's the male lead! How can the main character end up in prison?"

Qin Qing sighed deeply, a mix of reproach and resignation in his voice, "No wonder Mr. Li trusted Qin Corporation with such a large order. You've been in this alliance of mutual benefit for some time, haven't you? Didn't you know that it's illegal?"

The tone he used now mirrored that of a stern yet caring elder brother, indirectly rebutting Mr. Li's comment about giving face to Qin Zishi.

Face or no face, they were nothing more than partners in crime.

Qin Zishi took several deep breaths before gently placing his chopsticks on the table, smiling as he said, “I didn't accept any bribes. The police have investigated, and those responsible have been apprehended. I've been proven innocent."

He'd already disposed of any incriminating evidence and found scapegoats, keeping his own hands clean. But such details were not to be shared openly.

Suppressing his anger, Qin Zishi smiled and assured, “Mother, don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me.”

Tears welled up in Ji Lan's eyes as she choked out, “How can I not worry about your troubles?"

Yet, Qin Guangyuan coldly remarked, "Just keep your hands clean."

Qin Huaichuan warned, “Don’t get involved in such matters again. The Qin family is not lacking in wealth. We don’t owe you anything.”

Those words reddened Qin Zishi's cheeks instantly. Shame, embarrassment, resentment, and frustration filled him.

He'd thought Qin Qing's return wouldn't impact him. How could someone without a college degree, having struggled at society's bottom rungs for over a decade, pose a challenge?

But he was wrong. From their first meeting till now, he'd never gained an advantage. If not for the influence of Mr. Cang and Mr. Xu, he might've already been kicked out.

The way his father and grandfather talked made him feel like a beggar driven by greed. Perhaps, deep down, they might think – like father, like son...

Qin Zishi refused to entertain these humiliating thoughts any longer. Clenching his fists, he tried to find something to hold onto. He quickly realized his lifelines were Cang Ming and Xu Yizhi.

They were his main pillars of support.

Ji Lan suddenly placed a hand on both Qin Zishi and Qin Qing's hands, pleading, “Can you both stop this rivalry? Why not share the family's wealth equally? No one gains more or less. My assets will also be divided equally between you. Please stop this feud. I’m truly worried."

Grasping his mother's hand, Qin Zishi said with a hint of grievance, “Mother, trust me. I've never targeted Qin Qing. What Mr. Li said was entirely his own narrative. I never anticipated Qin Qing would react so intensely. He's too sensitive, but I understand him. I promise to get along better with him in the future.”

His words brought a relieved smile to Ji Lan's face.

However, Qin Qing gently withdrew his hand, first taking a leisurely sip of his soup, and then meticulously wiping his hands with a napkin.

"We can split the property, but can we divide love?" He set down his napkin and calmly posed the question.

"What?" Ji Lan blinked in confusion.

Qin Qing stood up, his voice cool, "After I resigned, did you comfort me? When I faced injustices outside, did you worry about me? If your maternal love can't be divided equally, why should the inheritance be?"

Ji Lan looked up at him, her face reflecting unease, "What do you mean?"

Qin Qing leaned down, tenderly stroking Ji Lan's hair with a hint of amusement in his voice, "Mother, I forgot to tell you, I've always wanted everything."

Everything of what? All the wealth or all the maternal affection? Or perhaps he wants to possess everything, not sparing even the tiniest bit for others?

Ji Lan stared in disbelief at her son. His smile was charming, his touch gentle, but his words sent chills down her spine.

Qin Huai Chuan and Qin Guang Yuan remained silent, but their expressions betrayed approval. Such ambition was precisely what they expected from an heir.

Qin Zishi's heart raced, a sense of impending doom washing over him. Qin Qing's words were nothing short of a challenge. If Qin Qing took everything, would there be a place left for him in this family?

"I have an interview at Lan Yu Tech tomorrow. Mother, can you wish me well?" With one hand on the dining table and the other around Ji Lan's shoulder, Qin Qing asked affectionately.

"Lan Yu? Why are you going there?" Ji Lan's voice sharply rose in alarm.

Qin Guang Yuan, though initially surprised, soon beamed with pride. His grandson had ambition and guts. Perfect!

The chopsticks in Qin Zishi's grip clattered to the table as he shot Qin Qing a look filled with panic and rage.

"Mother, won't you wish me success?" Qin Qing responded, his eyes downcast, filled with hope and longing, as if desperately seeking his mother's encouragement.

Ji Lan, her lips pale, trembled as she spoke, "Of course I hope you do well. But why are you going to Lan Yu? What do you intend to do to Zishi?"

She feared this man.

Feared his vindictiveness and his obsession.

Qin Qing suddenly leaned in, silencing Ji Lan with a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you, Mother. With your blessing, I'm sure my interview will go smoothly," his deep voice, filled with joy and satisfaction, made him sound like a child basking in maternal love.

Yet to Ji Lan, that kiss felt more like a thorn piercing her skin.

Using his slender fingers, Qin Qing brushed Ji Lan's hair behind her ear, stood upright, and politely excused himself, "I'm done eating. Grandfather, Father, enjoy your meal. Zishi, I'll see you tomorrow at Lan Yu."

He waved, smiling warmly and kindly.

Qin Zishi hastily put on a smiling face, but a storm brewed silently in his eyes.

Is this Qin Qing's declaration of war?

996 picked up a braised shrimp and quickly caught up with Qin Qing.

"Meow! You're OOC! You arguing over assets just now made you seem like a major antagonist, not the tragic second male lead!"

"What's OOC?"

"OOC means breaking character."

"Do you know that roses have thorns?"

"Of course, meow."

Qin Qing chuckled lightly, offering no further reply.

"What do you mean, meow? Hey, don't walk so fast, wait for me! What does a rose having thorns have to do with you being OOC? You're changing the subject way too abruptly!"

The noisy voice of the little chubby cat gradually faded away…

The next day, at the Lan Yu Tech Tower.

Qin Zishi went to the HR department and, as expected, found Qin Qing's name on today's interview list.

He pulled out Qin Qing's application materials, headed to the top floor, and knocked on the CEO's office door.

"Mr. Cang, I'm sorry to disturb you," Qin Zishi bowed deeply, saying with evident unease, "There's something I need to report."

He placed Qin Qing's application neatly on the table.

Cang Ming, who was reviewing a document, glanced coldly at the materials and inquired indifferently, "Is there a problem?"

Qin Zishi quickly explained, "I found my brother's application in HR. Our company usually hires top talents from prestigious international universities. My brother only has a high school diploma and no work experience; I don't think he's a good fit. I asked HR, and they mentioned he seemed to have gotten in through my connections. But I was unaware of this. It might be that my parents used my name to persuade the HR manager. I apologize, Mr. Cang, this is my fault. I'll ask my brother to leave immediately."

Qin Zishi bowed again, his face filled with remorse and guilt.

Without lifting his head, Cang Ming remarked, "Since he's here, let him finish the interview before dismissing him."

Such trivial matters have never troubled him. He wouldn't even give that file a second glance.

Cang Ming's reaction was entirely within Qin Zishi's expectations. Silently relieved, he responded with a smile, "Understood, Mr. Cang. I'll inform HR to dismiss my brother. This will not happen again."

"Deduct two months' salary from the HR manager. Pass that along," Cang Ming stated coldly.

Having never seen eye-to-eye with the HR manager, Qin Zishi wasn't the least bit worried about offending him.

He bowed slightly, "Very well, Mr. Cang. I'll pass on the message. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. Take care." He began walking to the door, seeming to hesitate and wrestle with his thoughts. Then, he paused and turned back.

Cang Ming, still engrossed in his document, inquired icily, "Anything else?"

With determination, Qin Zishi approached and placed his phone on the desk.

"Mr. Cang, I believe it's necessary for you to see this video. I've sent a copy to your phone as well."

As the video played, a woman's voice filled with suggestive undertones resonated, "... seduce Mr. Cang. Snatch him away and see how smug Qin Zishi remains! You're ten thousand times more handsome than him..."

Finally lifting his head, Cang Ming's already profound, shadowy eyes darkened a fraction more as they met Qin Qing's face on the screen.

Clearly embarrassed, Qin Zishi added, "A guest from the birthday banquet sent me this video. Based on this conversation, I suspect my brother's intent in joining Lan Yu is ulterior."

Bowing deeply, he apologized again, "Mr. Cang, I'm truly sorry. It seems I've inadvertently brought trouble to your door."

In the video, Qin Qing delicately sniffed a white rose, his face graced by a gentle smile.

He was, indeed, exceptionally handsome.

A rare kind of beauty.

Yet, Cang Ming remained unmoved.

He bowed his head again and said simply, "No need for the interview. When he arrives, just send him away."

Qin Zishi's thin lips barely concealed a triumphant curve.

"Understood, Mr. Cang. I'll speak with him privately. Today, I'm also one of the interviewers, and I will uphold the company's consistently high standards."

Cang Ming waved him off dismissively.

Qin Zishi glanced at the stern, icy expression of the man before quietly making his exit. Once outside, he held up Qin Qing's application, staring at the remarkably handsome portrait photo, and smirked contemptuously.

"Qin Qing, you'll never be able to take what's mine," he murmured, tearing Qin Qing's documents into shreds.

Qin Qing arrived punctually at Lan Yu Tech Headquarters.

He looked up at the towering dark-grey edifice, confronting its majestic aura. Clouds drifted around the building's apex, slowly dispersing. Such a vast sky was punctured by this immense structure.

In fact, including the buildings surrounding it, seven or eight in total, all belonged to Lan Yu Tech. In the highly valued area of the coastal city, it claimed the best location and largest space. Referring to it as a commercial empire was no exaggeration.

Qin Qing took the elevator to the 19th floor. The corridor was filled with anxious interviewees.

An HR representative handed Qin Qing a number tag.

996 cheerfully remarked, "Meow, you're indeed the last to be interviewed, just like the script mentioned!"

Qin Qing smiled faintly, staring at the number tag, his gaze deepening. Would events really unfold as scripted?

After a brief hesitation, 996 cautiously proposed, "I can give you Cang Ming's location, so you can proceed with the scripted sequence?"

The location coordinates were swiftly relayed into Qin Qing's consciousness. He located Cang Ming in a smoking room on the 19th floor.

"What sequence?" Pulling a pack of cigarettes from his suit pocket, Qin Qing leisurely made his way to the indicated spot.

"I'll inform you about the sequence once you reach the smoking room," 996 said, feigning mystery but actually feeling apprehensive. It felt that Qin Qing was becoming increasingly unpredictable.

As Qin Qing approached the smoking room, a group of men in suits exited hurriedly, looking tense. They glanced at Qin Qing, seeming to want to warn him about something but retreated silently upon seeing his number tag.

Not being colleagues, they saw no need to engage.

Qin Qing knew why they left so abruptly. If a predator were to suddenly intrude upon a flock of grazing sheep, the herd would naturally scatter.

When Qin Qing opened the door, he realized this wasn't a single predator scenario – there were two.

Two tall figures stood near the window. One of them stood rigidly straight, his broad shoulders, lean waist, and exceedingly long legs all wrapped in a luxurious black suit.

Despite the door's noise, he remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the view beyond. Sharp eyebrows slanted sharply towards his temples, and dark eyes held roiling shadows. His robust stature combined with an intimidating aura made the air around him palpably tense.

No wonder those who had been in the smoking room earlier had fled. Few could bear the oppressive aura exuding from the man for long.

This man was Cang Ming.

Standing beside Cang Ming, dressed in a sapphire-blue suit, was Xu Yizhi. Leaning against the window, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other casually flicking away cigarette ash, he exhaled wisps of pale blue smoke.

At the sound, he cast a casual glance over, reminiscent of a languid predator.

He fleetingly appraised Qin Qing, his gaze also skimming over 996.

996 bristled, arching its back and inquired, "Qin Qing, did he see me?"

"I'm not sure," Qin Qing responded, gripping the door handle unconsciously.

Xu Yizhi arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement evident as he smirked.

He remembered this creature, distinct from all others around.

Qin Qing didn't approach the two executives for greetings; he simply nodded with a subtle smile.

Suddenly, a hand pressed against the graceful curve of his back, pushing him forward.

"Why are you blocking the way? Don't others need to enter?" An impatient female voice sounded from behind.

Thrust into the smoking room, Qin Qing turned to see a briskly moving female staff member with neatly cropped hair.

Recognizing Qin Qing, she paused for a moment, her previously irritable tone shifting to a gentler, almost age-inappropriately sweet one: "I'm sorry. That was careless of me. Did I hurt you?"

Only then did she notice the two executives by the window.

Swiftly redirecting her gaze from Qin Qing, she bowed respectfully, greeting the two executives. She then retreated to the furthest corner, lighting up a cigarette and silently drawing from it against the wall.

Compared to the men who'd hastily retreated earlier, she was markedly bolder.

Taking the cue, Qin Qing ventured deeper into the room, positioning himself by a floor-to-ceiling window, a distance away from Cang Ming and Xu Yizhi.

Xu Yizhi withdrew his gaze, squinting out of the window, and murmured almost inaudibly, "How do you intend to handle this one?"

Cang Ming's smoking gesture remained nonchalant. Qin Qing's undeniable beauty held no allure for him. He was indifferent to both men and women.

"Today will be the last time he appears before me," Cang Ming replied indifferently.

Xu Yizhi chuckled softly, remarking with a hint of regret, "Such a pity." However, his emotionless, dark eyes betrayed no trace of genuine disappointment.

"What do you think they're talking about?" 996 stealthily hid behind Qin Qing, as if sneaking around.

"I can't hear them," Qin Qing nonchalantly fiddled with his cigarette case, appearing relaxed, but tumultuous emotions stirred within.

He was a creature of magic; even in a mortal's body, his senses were sharper than most. At this close distance, he shouldn't have trouble hearing the conversation between the two.

Yet the truth was, he heard nothing. It unnerved him, heightening his anxiety.

To distract from his nervousness, Qin Qing gazed out at the spring scenery.

The flowers of the city were in full bloom, presenting a mist-like pink hue when viewed from above. Clusters of cherry blossoms and peach blossoms adorned the view.

"Why have you brought me here? What plot are you trying to spin?" Qin Qing asked with a furrowed brow.

"Well, um..."

996 suddenly stood up, rubbing his chubby paws together, and with a bashful expression said, "In essence, the entire plot can be summed up in four words – Seduce Cang Hui. You're up for this, right? Each seduction earns 20 points!"

"What?" Qin Qing's fingers paused as they played with the cigarette case.

Xu Yi Zhi and Cang Hui, standing on the other side of the room, remained motionless, but their eyes darkened significantly.

In the blink of an eye, Xu Yi Zhi burst out laughing with glee, "Let's keep him, shall we?" He exhaled a light blue smoke towards the beautiful scenery outside, his slender eyes shimmering with mischief.

"I don't have time for such trivial games." Cang Hui released a puff of smoke, his tone icy like a winter's day.