Chapter 13: The Sorrowful Second Male Lead Revises the Script

Chapter 13: The Sorrowful Second Male Lead Revises the Script

Qin Qing thought he was hallucinating.

He steadied himself and then took an unusually thin cigarette from the case, placing it gently between his pale lips.

"What's the next plot point?" he asked silently to himself.

The filter moistened under his pink tongue, the familiar bitter taste of tobacco hinting on his taste buds.

996, rubbing his plump paws, grinned from ear to ear, "The next plot point is to flirt, no, to strike up a conversation with Cang Hui. Such tasks are considered special plot points, with high scores. The minimum is 20 points, with some reaching hundreds. Don't miss out! The more points you get, the faster your body and soul will heal."

Qin Qing gently bit the filter with his pristine white teeth, a smile hinted at the corner of his lips, but his eyes remained devoid of amusement.

Xu Yi Zhi, standing not too far away, silently chuckled, then cast a profound gaze at Cang Hui.

Cang Hui stood straight as ever, silently smoking against the backdrop of the vast azure sky. Nothing happening around him seemed to shake his composure.

"Tell me, why would I try to seduce Cang Hui?" Qin Qing asked, removing the cigarette from his lips, his voice low and serious.

996 tapped his forehead, finally realizing where Qin Qing's confusion lay. Due to his formidable abilities, he was out of sync with the scripted story.

The script detailed that the original protagonist was humiliated at a banquet, faced setbacks at work, and constantly asked Qin Huai Chuan and Ji Lan for money to support Shen Ming Shu and Qin Bao Er. Because of this, his family had a negative impression of him, treating him coldly.

Bereft of respect at home and outside, he turned malevolent. Encouraged by Zhou Yu Rou, he vowed to take Cang Hui away to stand against Qin Zi Shi.

Now, Qin Qing hadn’t encountered any of the problems that the original character faced. He repaid any slight or insult he received manifold. He was never belittled, trampled upon, or oppressed.

Why would he seduce Cang Hui?

Qin Qing continued, "Godly Messenger, can you give me a reasonable motive? Hmm?"

He emphasized the word "reasonable," drawing out the last syllable to highlight his puzzlement and dissatisfaction.

996 cautiously said, "The motive was triggered some time ago; you just didn’t notice. Do you remember what Zhou Lin Lin said to you on your birthday? Those words are your motive."

Reflecting briefly, understanding dawned on Qin Qing. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Xu Yi Zhi, not far away, exhaled a puff of smoke, lazily inquiring, "What motive?"

Cang Hui didn’t care to answer and simply handed his phone to Xu Yi Zhi.

Xu Yi Zhi found a video message in WeChat, and after watching, his slender eyebrows raised slightly.

"This world is indeed quite dull," he commented, handing the phone back to Cang Hui. The spark of interest in his eyes had gradually dimmed.

Clearly, to him, such disputes seemed rather trivial.

However, a moment later, Xu Yi Zhi heard someone voice out a candid sentiment, "Don’t you find such a motive too petty? If you want something, why not get it with your own capabilities? If you can't, then take it by force!"

Those words rekindled the gleam in Xu Yi Zhi’s eyes. His interest seemed to be piqued once more.

Qin Qing held a slender cigarette between his fingers but made no move to light it.

He looked at 996, amusement and disdain evident in his deep voice, "Do you really think I'd need to degrade myself in such a manner to deal with Qin Zi Shi? Is he even worth it?"

996 was at a loss for words. Darn it! Why did Qin Zi Shi seem so much weaker compared to Qin Qing? Qin Zi Shi was supposed to be the main male lead!

With his deep black eyes, Qin Qing subtly glanced at Cang Hui and remarked, "Do you think someone who’s arrogant, conceited, disdainful, and aloof deserves all my effort to win over? Is he even worth it?"

Before 996 could react, Xu Yi Zhi already began chuckling softly.

The raspy, magnetic, and delightful laughter echoed in the smoking room, reminiscent of bells tolling at dawn, lingering and profound – almost enchantingly pleasant.

As Qin Qing looked over, he saw Xu Yi Zhi flipping through his phone, laughing intermittently, probably having stumbled upon something amusing.

Cang Hui, who had been staring out of the window, turned his gaze, giving Xu Yi Zhi a frosty look. Eventually, his eyes met Qin Qing's, cold and piercing.

Contrasting Xu Yi Zhi's languid gaze, Cang Hui's was as chilling as an icy blade.

Qin Qing quickly diverted his eyes, daring not to meet Cang Hui's stare.

With an amused voice, Xu Yi Zhi murmured, "Impressive usage of idioms."

Cang Hui exhaled a puff of smoke and returned his gaze to the window, his relaxed brows now slightly furrowed.

996 clasped his chubby paws together and mumbled, "How is he not worthy? Cang Hui is the child of fate in this world! He can change fortunes with a flip of his hand. Why shouldn't he be worthy of your attention?"

"Child of fate?" Qin Qing caught onto the keyword.

Until now, the tag he had associated with Cang Hui was "Qin Zi Shi’s lover."

Xu Yi Zhi smirked silently, while Cang Hui tapped off the ash from his cigarette, remaining unmoved. Surprisingly, neither reacted to such a fantastical description.

996 nodded earnestly, "Child of fate, the darling of destiny – you've heard of this, haven’t you?"

Qin Qing's deep, dark eyes momentarily seemed to hold eons of memories, as if recalling myriad moments from the past.

His pale lips slightly parted, whispering, "Darling of destiny? Of course, I've heard of it."

Not only had he heard, but he had also witnessed.

"Destiny would grant the child of fate the best of everything, including a life partner. This fortunate individual chosen by destiny is the fated one. Every child of fate has a destined lover. Essentially, we're here to serve them," 996 continued.

"So, Qin Zi Shi is this destined one?" Qin Qing's profound eyes blinked in contemplation.

"Yes, the child of fate is always meant to be with their destined one. Even destiny won’t allow them to be apart. We were born for this very mission. While they are the protagonists, we are the supporting characters, fated to sacrifice for them. Do you understand?"

"I'm just a supporting role?" Qin Qing lowered his gaze to the ominous scar etched into the palm of his right hand.

"Exactly. What else did you think you were? Didn’t I make that clear from the start?" 996 tilted his head quizzically.

"I thought... I thought I was only a side character in this world," Qin Qing gripped his injured hand tighter, eyes misting over.

"So, the child of fate and their destined one are meant to be, and no one can tear them apart?" His gaze grew distant, his voice laden with a trance-like quality.

"Exactly!"

"What if a supporting character insists on being with the child of fate?"

"They would meet a grisly end."

"A fate from which there’s no return?"

"Absolutely!"

"Reduced to dust?"

"Exactly!"

"Their soul shattered, leaving them empty and void?"

"Of course! No one can sever the bond of destined lovers! No matter how much effort one invests, the fate of supporting roles is to be the expendable one!" 996’s face showed a hint of disdain.

Qin Qing retreated slowly, his back pressed against the expansive floor-to-ceiling window. Despite the warmth of spring sunlight streaming in, it couldn't thaw the deep chill in his heart.

He raised a hand, covering his ashen face, his slightly reddened eyes deep and somber, shimmering with moisture.

996 took a couple of steps forward, concern evident in his voice, "What's wrong? Will you pursue this plot point or not?"

Qin Qing closed his eyes, becoming a shadow, retreating to a corner untouched by the brilliant spring light. He remained silent for a long time, with only his slightly ragged breath filling the smoking room.

"Is it a flare-up of your gastric ulcer?" 996 gently nudged Qin Qing's leg with his paw.

Xu Yi Zhi's lips tightened as he looked over, while Cang Hui remained unyielding and motionless.

Qin Qing lowered his hand and suddenly offered a faint smile. Eyes tinged with a touch of rosiness, he looked radiant yet enchanting in the warm spring light.

"Trying to seduce Cang Hua, are you?" With slender fingertips, he gently brushed away a strand of hair from his forehead.

"Yes, go over there quickly! Or they might leave." 996 nodded with enthusiasm.

Qin Qing adjusted his tie and straightened his diamond cufflinks, then slowly walked towards Cang Hua and Xu Yi Zhi, who were standing nearby.

Xu Yi Zhi shot Cang Hua a meaningful glance. Cang Hua furrowed his brow, his intimidating aura instantly radiating.

However, when Qin Qing approached, he didn’t greet Cang Hua but stood next to Xu Yi Zhi. Curling his pale lips slightly, he offered a gentle smile, "Mr. Xu, might you have a lighter?"

He then raised the slim cigarette in his hand. The filter was slightly moistened by a lick, bearing faint imprints of two tiny teeth marks.

Even such a minuscule detail exuded an indescribable allure.

Xu Yi Zhi raised an eyebrow, amusedly smiling, "A smoker without a lighter? Hmm?"

His voice trailed off, sounding both deep and sultry.

Qin Qing responded with a touch of helplessness, "Forgot to bring it when I left home. I had an interview today, was a bit nervous."

That reason was sufficient.

Xu Yi Zhi took out a lighter from his pocket. It was of a black gold material, the nozzle shaped like a lifelike, fierce leopard head, its eyes adorned with two fiery red diamonds, giving off a menacing gleam.

"Thank you." Qin Qing took the lighter, his cool fingertips brushing Xu Yi Zhi's palm like the wings of a butterfly.

A tingling sensation traveled up his skin and into his heart. Xu Yi Zhi's eyes slightly narrowed, their depths darkening.

Qin Qing ignited the lighter, his lush eyelashes concealing his clear, radiant eyes as he earnestly lit his cigarette, seemingly unaware of Xu Yi Zhi's intrigued and heated gaze.

Moist, reddened lips clasped the cigarette, exhaling a hazy mist infused with the scent of tobacco, a sight more lingering than the warmth of a late spring sun.

Xu Yi Zhi's gaze grew profoundly intense.

Qin Qing didn't return the lighter but held it, absentmindedly playing with its switch.

His half-lidded eyes casually observed a ray of sunlight piercing the room. The light brought a gentle warmth, with minute specks of dust floating within, each particle reflecting light, turning them into specks of gold.

Qin Qing extended a slender finger, playfully interacting with these golden specks, either flicking or gently pushing. His fingertips were also illuminated by the warm sunlight, revealing an ambiguous pink hue.

The presence of Xu Yi Zhi was so commanding that he felt utterly overlooked.

After a while, he finally ceased playing with the golden grains, took a deep drag from his cigarette, and gently brushed away a stray lock of hair on his forehead as he exhaled, subsequently lowering his eyelids.

He resembled a cat basking in the spring sun, nearly drifting into slumber.

Xu Yi Zhi, who had been patiently waiting, was not irritated but rather engrossed in observing his every move.

As Qin Qing played with the dust, Xu Yi Zhi's gaze clung to Qin Qing's transparent fingertips. For those who admired hands, this jade-like hand was the pinnacle of art.

The curve of his lips, his tousled hair, the act of smoking, and his partially closed eyes, every gesture of Qin Qing painted a picture of spring, brimming with romance and an unparalleled allure.

Knowing well that this scene was intentionally presented for him to admire, Xu Yi Zhi couldn't deny its captivating beauty. He licked his dry lips and stubbed out his cigarette.

"Mind if I have a smoke?" His voice rasped.

Qin Qing looked up, glanced at his own cigarette, then at the butt Xu Yi Zhi had discarded into the ashtray, and chuckled lightly, "Mr. Xu's cigarettes must be more premium than mine."

There's probably a significant difference between a pack that costs tens and one that costs hundreds.

"I can't discern any particular taste," Xu Yi Zhi shook his head and persisted, "Could you lend me one?"

Qin Qing finally produced his cigarette pack, his calm voice rippling like gentle waves on a serene lake, "My cigarettes are orange-flavored. Not sure if it'll suit your palate."

"Cigarettes come in orange flavor?" Xu Yi Zhi feigned a hint of surprise.

"Indeed, care to try?" Qin Qing offered a stick, lighting it up for Xu Yi Zhi.

A strikingly handsome face drew near, with languid eyebrows and eyes, lips curved even without smiling, and an overpowering aura of masculine charm.

Qin Qing couldn't comprehend how such an outstanding character was merely a side role.

Xu Yi Zhi took a drag and shook his head, "Doesn't taste like much."

Qin Qing softly chuckled, extending two slender fingers, "Give it to me."

Xu Yi Zhi handed over the cigarette.

The filter was moistened where it had been held. Qin Qing, with equally damp lips, delicately took it into his mouth. The sweet floral fragrance combined with the sharp pine aroma, creating a tantalizing blend of scents.

Xu Yi Zhi watched intently, a hidden flame smoldering in his gaze.

"There’s a burst bead flavored with orange inside the filter. Crush it before smoking, and a faint orange taste will seep from the tobacco strands," Qin Qing explained.

As he spoke, Qin Qing’s pearly white teeth gently ground on the cigarette filter. A soft pop announced the bead’s demise, releasing a strong orange aroma before he handed the cigarette back to Xu Yi Zhi.

Indeed, Xu Yi Zhi could have easily crushed the bead himself had Qin Qing simply told him to. But he didn't...

Xu Yi Zhi accepted the cigarette but didn’t smoke it immediately. Instead, he stared intently at Qin Qing, his gaze focused and inscrutable.

Qin Qing placed his own cigarette between his lips, his less dexterous right hand continuing to fiddle with the black gold lighter, seemingly oblivious to the sensuous implications of his actions.

Cang Hua, standing aside, turned his head and shot Qin Qing a meaningful glance.

A raspy, low chuckle escaped from Xu Yi Zhi before he wrapped his lips around the moist, subtly indented cigarette.

"Taste the hint of orange?" Qin Qing inquired at the right moment.

Xu Yi Zhi shook his head, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"How could that be?" Qin Qing expressed disbelief.

With a smile, Xu Yi Zhi whispered, "The world, as I perceive it, is bland beyond common comprehension."

"Oh? How bland exactly?" Qin Qing wasn’t flustered by the abrupt shift in conversation and immediately responded.

Xu Yi Zhi glanced at him and then gazed out at the desolate blue sky, "All sensations feel hollow. Food lacks flavor, flowers lack fragrance."

As he spoke these words, his gaze penetrated deep into Qin Qing once again.

Qin Qing’s grip tightened around his cigarette, his heart contracting momentarily. Were those words a veiled reference to him, or was it just a delusion?

Xu Yi Zhi continued, "I’m devoid of emotions and sentiments - joy, anger, sorrow, love, hatred, grief. Everything is as bland as water. Accomplishing anything comes too easily, inducing a boredom that makes eternal sleep seem enticing."

Cang Hua, standing beside them, forcefully extinguished his cigarette, his profile taking on a stark coldness.

Qin Qing shook his head, "My experience is the complete opposite of yours." Pointing at the clusters of pink flowering trees below, he continued, "Look at how enchanting the world is. My existence is justified by its beauty."

His gaze piercing into the depths of Xu Yi Zhi’s eyes, "I came into this life like so. Perhaps you’ve been perched too high. Break yourself, scatter into the mortal world, and you might find an array of amusements."

Xu Yi Zhi’s eyes narrowed into a smile, his tone languid as he queried, "And how do you know I haven’t shattered myself?"

Somehow, the conversation had taken a bewildering turn. 996 hid behind Qin Qing, its eyes wide with incredulity.

What the hell! None of this makes any sense!

Qin Qing chuckled, seemingly at a loss for words. He then took a deep drag from his cigarette and blew the thick smoke directly onto Xu Yi Zhi's face.

"Smell it now?"

Qin Qing tilted his head with a squinted smile, then looked out at the vibrant spring outside, drawing out his words in a languid tone, "Feels like summer is approaching, right? Orange soda and crisp ice, the perfect combination, wouldn't you agree?"

The strong scent of oranges mixed with a mysteriously sweet floral aroma, and a cool hint of cedar enveloped Xu Yi Zhi.

The orange came from the cigarette, the sweet floral scent was Qin Qing's, and the cedar was his own. It was the first time Xu Yi Zhi could distinguish so many distinct scents so clearly.

He paused for a moment, and then, feeling oddly overheated in the suddenly scorching spring sunlight, loosened his tie and replied in a raspy, measured tone, "Yes, summer is near."

Suddenly, an inexplicable fullness filled his once-hollow senses.

Cang Hua abruptly turned to look at Xu Yi Zhi, a deep surprise momentarily flashing in his icy gaze.

996 watched the scene, increasingly baffled. Tilting its head, it suddenly shrieked, "Meow! Qin Qing, are you trying to seduce Xu Yi Zhi? I thought Cang Hua was your target!"

Qin Qing gave a low chuckle, the shattered look in his eyes now replaced with mischievous taunt.