It's Actually Not Easy Wanting to be a Supporting Male Lead-Chapter 2.4
Chapter 2.4
When Sui Yuan catches sight of Lu Sheng's largest survivor's base of operation, he almost breaks character by shedding tears of joy. Fortunately, due to finally reaching their destination, every member of the team also cheers in excitement and relief. Hence, the slightly-moved expression that appeared on his usually aloof face is considered in character.
Standing behind Sui Yuan, Lend Xia chews on her lower lip, fretful and restless as though weighed down by a difficult problem that she has no idea how to solve.
"What's the matter?" As the supporting male lead, it is natural that he has to be aware of the female lead at all times whenever they are within proximity of each other. Even if he knows why she looks so torn, he still plasters an inquisitive look on his face and inquires patiently.
Leng Xia opens her mouth, then closes it before hesitantly shaking her head.
"…It's ok if you don't feel like talking about it now." Sui Yuan pats her shoulder supportively, voice soft. "When you feel like speaking to someone, I will always be here."
Leng Xia's eyes moisten. As she stares at Sui Yuan when the latter walks away, her hands clench into fists and she makes a firm decision in her heart.
Entering the base is a rather trying affair. In the initial stages of the apocalypse, a large quantity of survivors poured into the base, causing the personnel to work overtime in order to complete the registration procedure as quickly as possible. At the same time, before one can enter the base proper, there is a separate checkpoint where full-body inspections are conducted in order to ensure no one carrying the infection is allowed inside. In total, one will need to waste five to six days before they are finally permitted entrance.
During the early days when a large wave of survivors showed up seeking shelter, the people awaiting registration and entry had to set up camps in the vicinity of the base. Fortunately, one of the duties the personnel within this base took on was clearing the surrounding area of undead. As long as there is no mishaps, the area surrounding the base is relatively safe.
Despite having both the male and female lead in the party, Sui Yuan and his team still need to adhere to the inspection process and remain outside until they are allowed in. After lining up to register their names, they find a quiet area to settle down and wait.
According to the original plot, for the supporting male lead, the period between waiting and entering the base is peaceful. He wouldn't meet any zombies or encounter unexpected trouble.
After finding a suitable place in the form of a residential housing not far off, Sui Yuan begins to order the others to prepare for a short stay. As travelling together for some time has given everyone a fair understanding of each other, the process of settling down is smooth and efficient, not giving Sui Yuan anything to worry over.
That night, after finishing his night-watch shift, Sui Yuan finds the female lead standing outside the door of his assigned unit for who knows how long.
As soon as she sees Sui Yuan, Leng Xia's eyes brighten. Standing ramrod straight, it is clear she has something to discuss with him. Although Sui Yuan is already feeling rather fatigued, as a character who grants whatever the female lead requests of him, he keeps the weariness out of his voice when he speaks. "What's up? Still not sleeping at this time?"
"…I have something to tell you," Leng Xia replies. "Will it be all right?"
"Of course. I've told you before that I will always be here." Sui Yuan smiles, cultured and refined.
Leng Xia laughs shortly, but it is strained, tinged with worry and stress as she follows Sui Yuan into the unit.
Because this apartment has limited rooms, despite being the captain of the team, he cannot monopolise an entire unit. Very unfortunately, when they were being assigned rooms, the male lead's tyrannical side surfaced as he claimed one-half of the unit Sui Yuan picked. The only good news is there are two rooms and a hall within. As long as one closes the room's door, it will not disturb the other party.
Still, Sui Yuan doesn't feel like the female lead is going to share anything that needs to be concealed from the male lead. Therefore, he doesn't mention Mo Xuanzhi's presence within. Being too occupied with her thoughts, Leng Xia also doesn't notice the individual in the other room, settling down on the old sofa in the hall as soon as she enters.
"I don't plan on entering this base," Leng Xia states bluntly. "I want to continue onwards to the capital."
Having already mentally prepared himself for this conversation, Sui Yuan adopts an appropriately surprised expression, then frowns. "Do you have close relatives or important matters to take care of in the capital?"
"Nothing of that sort," Leng Xia shakes her head, answering honestly.
"Then why do you insist on going?" Sui Yuan recites the script word for word. "Is there anything wrong with this base? I made discreet inquiries in advance and received news that this is a fairly safe location. In addition, it is a foreground for further technological and bio-medicinal development."
"Perhaps you wouldn't believe me, but…" Inhaling a deep breath to compose herself, she finally continues, "But this base wouldn't last very long. In less than two years, it will be sieged by a large horde led by a high-level zombie!"
Sui Yuan: "……"
Leng Xia: "…You don't believe me?"
Sui Yuan: "……"
Shit! Not discussing even a little with your counterpart and deviating from script just like that? What do you expect your dialogue partner to do? It's extra unwanted pressure ah! He suddenly doesn't know what to say anymore!
5237 almost kneels over in despair. It had been so happy to finally experience a period of not straying from the storyline! One can brush off the male lead and ignore him as best they can if said lead is not following the script, but why is the female lead also running to join the party?! This spoiler should not be leaked so early ah!
Luckily, because he has relative experience in dealing with situations unexpectedly derailing from the plot, Sui Yuan quickly regains his composure and calmly pushes up his glasses. "Why do you say so? How do you know such an event will occur?"
"I…have actually been concealing something from everyone," Leng Xia forces a smile, reciting an excuse she prepared beforehand. "I have another ability, one of foresight. I can foresee specific future events that will occur. Because not everyone will necessarily believe me, and might even threaten my safety, I have never told anyone else before." Pausing, she peeks through her lashes to gauge his reaction, eyes carrying a faint trace of hope. "Do you believe me?"
Sui Yuan remains taciturn. As a supporting male lead who always wishes the best for the female lead, he should not bring disappointment to her. But on the other hand, as an actor utterly dedicated to staying in character, he has to preserve the original storyline. Weighing the pros and cons, Sui Yuan suddenly thinks of a method that can simultaneously appease both sides.
Meeting Leng Xia's gaze, Sui Yuan slowly opens his mouth. "Will I die?"
Leng Xia stiffens at the unexpected question. After pondering for a moment, she shakes her head. "No, you will not die. Although it is a crisis, you manage to escape…and arrive safely in the capital."
Sui Yuan's expression relaxes a little. "Why are you telling me all this? This secret, you indeed should not have informed anyone."
"…Because I do not wish for you to be met with danger. I…also wish that I can always stay by your side." Her cheeks redden, but her voice remains steady.
Due to Mo Xuanzhi's premature arrival, Sui Yuan and his team repeatedly faces dangerous situation after dangerous situation. Throughout it all, this supporting male lead diligently looks out for the female lead, making her safety his top priority. Multiple times, he risked his life to save hers, taxing himself both physically and mentally for her sake. Her opinion of Sui Yuan keeps rising more and more.
In contrast, Leng Xia's opinion of Mo Xuanzhi keeps falling a notch with every action he makes. Comparing him with Sui Yuan, Leng Xia feels that the latter is seriously too perfect. A conscientious leader, considerate, gentle and soft, elegant, graceful. On top of having such a great personality, he is also an excellent Ability User. If she doesn't catch and hold onto him with all her might, even the Heavens will berate her! Moreover, there is a Mo Xuanzhi by his side who is always eyeing Sui Yuan like a tiger watching a prey. In case she accidentally let slip and allow Mo Xuanzhi to kidnap him and carry him off, she wouldn't have a chance to snatch Sui Yuan back. Naturally, in order to not let that scenario happen, one will need to strike first and gain the upper hand!
With this in mind, Leng Xia takes the initiative to break the layer of paper and declare her interest.
"You will believe me, right?" Leng Xia repeats, reaching out to clasp Sui Yuan's hand.
Sui Yuan's eyelashes tremble, deep emotion in his eyes are he stares at Leng Xia before nodding. "Of course, I believe you."
Her heart soars in joy, but his next words quickly shoot it down into the valley. "However, I have made the decision to remain here, and it will not change."
"Why?" Leng Xia asks anxiously.
"Because I have things that must be done here," Sui Yuan replies firmly. Ensuring the plot stays as it should be is a duty that surpasses everything else. Seeing Leng Xia's disappointed expression, he smiles softly, grasping her other hand to soothe her concerns. "Don't worry. Didn't you foresee that I will not die, instead returning to the capital safe and sound? Wait for me, I will find you when I get there."
Leng Xia's eyes drop from his. After accompanying him on the journey here, she is very clear about Sui Yuan's character. If he decides to do something, nothing will sway him, unless someone else manages to persuade him with a better proposal backed up by solid reasoning. Leng Xia's pride doesn't permit her to continue pestering him, or weep and pray on his behalf, or anything of that sort. Now, she has no alternative besides accepting his decision.
When the silence stretches for long enough, she nods her head and half-jokingly says, "…Got it. But I cannot guarantee that I will always wait for you."
"As long as you are living happily, it is sufficient for me." Sui Yuan smiles, calm as ever. Naturally, he knows that the female lead cannot wait for him. According to the plot, when He Haochen returns to the capital, it is around the time of the main leads' wedding feast.
Still looking down at her lap, Leng Xia's smile becomes a little more bitter. Not allowing herself to dwindle any longer, she stands up to bid him goodbye. "It's rather late now. After busying for a whole day, you ought to rest. I will take my leave first."
"Sure." Sui Yuan follows behind, intending to send her to the door.
Since Leng Xia keeps quiet, Sui Yuan also doesn't say anything more. Although the atmosphere remains somewhat heavy and sombre, his heart is cheery to the point of wanting to scatter flower petals in the air.
He didn't disappoint the female lead and managed to ensure the storyline will return back on track. This moment is surely a brilliant and neat little milestone in his career as a supporting male lead!
5237 is also feeling extremely gratified with Sui Yuan's way of handling this touchy scene, praising him repeatedly, crowing that he has a flexible, quick mind and a way with words.
In a superb mental state, Sui Yuan takes the initiative to open the door for Leng Xia, showcasing his gentlemanly side. Head lowered, Leng Xia steps out the door before taking a deep breath and spinning around, facing Sui Yuan in order to say something - probably something along the lines of "have a good night". It's a shame that those words never left her throat, for in the split-second between lifting her head and opening her mouth, she catches sight of something extremely shocking. At a loss of what to do or say, she can only gape with wide eyes.
Sui Yuan's heart freezes. Just as he is about to turn around, a stab of pain flares in his neck. Against his will, his body falls limp.
There's no need to wonder about the identity of his attacker. As his knees buckle, he feels an arm around his waist and another across his chest, supporting him against their front. A soft laughter rings in his ears.
Right this moment, only one thought flashes through his brain - why is it so difficult for a plot to advance smoothly the way it should?!
