It's Actually Not Easy Wanting to be a Supporting Male Lead

Translated by Eve

Edited by Juurensha, Cat & Wuxian

Sorry for the late update guys. It was scheduled and didn’t go through ...and I went to bed real early last night so only realized now.

Sui Yuan felt bitter. He and the protagonist gong seemed to have an innate, ’predator and prey’ kind of relationship. As soon as they met, the protagonist gong kept breathing down his neck, unwilling to let him escape. It was so fraudulent that it couldn’t get any more fraudulent!

According to the summary of his last world, Sui Yuan lost a fair amount of points from having stepped in between Huo Ke and Le Sen’s relationship, causing Le Sen to fall in love with him instead. Although it ended up back on the right track at the very end, it was poles apart from what the original plot intended. When he saw the final evaluation, Sui Yuan felt extremely wronged! He had never sensed Le Sen’s feelings for him, ah? Falling in love with him? Stop playing around! How could he not have known?! Could it be that Zhao Xihe’s vigilance against Le Sen was because he was really a love rival and not because he was just indiscriminately on the offensive against any male or female living being that approached him?!

From that moment on, Sui Yuan, who had learned from his mistakes, secretly warned himself to stay far, far away from this being called ’the protagonist gong’, unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, he’d follow the ’three no’s policy’: Don’t look, don’t listen, don’t speak. However, what should he do when faced with the protagonist gong who came to follow him around of his own volition?

If he did things based on Sui Yuan’s own will, then he could definitely choose to reject this friend request. However, as an actor playing the role of [Disdaining the King of Hell], he absolutely could not pass this opportunity to befriend the number one god. If he chose the former, his character settings would be on the verge of collapse. If he chose the latter, his score would fall into imminent danger. Sui Yuan’s brain was about to explode!

Fortunately, the game’s system seemed to sense Sui Yuan’s conflict and after floating in the middle of his screen for a minute, a countdown appeared.

Sui Yuan impatiently watched as the number fell from 30 to 20. In the end, it reached zero and the friend request automatically disappeared.

Instantly, Sui Yuan, now worry-free, felt refreshed.

—— En, after he pressed the button to return him to his guild, let’s just pretend that he left his computer, went to find something to eat, poured some water to drink, or straightforwardly just went to the washroom. He didn’t see this request at all!

Sui Yuan happily made his decision. Soon after, he happily ran into the guild’s encampment and tossed the protagonist gong who was seeking death to the back of his mind.

Being both the protagonist shou’s baby that he diligently tended to and the guild that would almost dominate the entire server, {Heaven’s Alliance}’s encampment was especially imposing and luxurious. Additionally, there were large numbers of players that came and went. So, between [Disdaining the King of Hell]’s reputation and his good relations with other people, no matter where Sui Yuan went, the local channel was full of ’Hello Guild Leader. It was a bit like a group revolving around a revered leader.

It turns out that this ordinary [Disdaining the King of Hell] was made to feel like he could walk on air by these phony praises and false renown. He thought himself omnipotent in-game. However, to Sui Yuan, this kind of thing wasn’t worth looking at.

[Wind-Like High Official] was not at all like [Disdaining the King of Hell] who was an otaku who would shut himself at home all day while playing video games every day. He found himself a relatively stable job so the time he spent online was very scheduled. For example, right now, he wasn’t online. This let Sui Yuan sigh in relief. After all, he and [Wind-Like High Official] were ’nominal lovers’ right now. Sui Yuan really didn’t know how to act as lovers with someone who wasn’t Zhao Xihe.

After imitating [Disdaining the King of Hell]’s tone of voice and chatting with a few of the guild’s elders and senior members, Sui Yuan was basically able to grasp the guild’s situation. Next, what he needed to do was wait for the new lover to take the initiative to get in touch with him. After that, they’d agree to meet in person, and it’d be time for them to roll in the sheets.

Sui Yuan moved his character to the guild’s central plaza and had it idly meditate. He pulled open his friends list and began to ponder over who Zhao Xihe was. The plot this time had quite a few main and secondary supporting roles, thus the scope was extremely wide. However, the so-called ’important supporting male leads’ who were emotionally entangled with the protagonist — aside from Sui Yuan’s cannon fodder gong role — were only two.

The first one was [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves], the standard gentle supporting male lead who had liked the protagonist for a long time, helped him a lot but in the end, due to his too lukewarm personality, missed his chance to get together with the protagonist shou, and could only look on helplessly as he threw himself into the arms of his own close friend.

The second is Hua Xinlei, the standard supporting male lead that liked to seek death, [Disdaining the King of Hell]’s new flame. He provoked and suppressed the protagonist shou a lot. In the end, he’s driven away from the game with his tail between his legs.

Sui Yuan’s gaze first fell onto [Hua Xinlei].

Actually, Sui Yuan really hoped that Zhao Xihe would be [Hua Xinlei]. At least, the matter of having to meet and have sex would be then easily solved. Moreover, [Hua Xinlei] is a shou, [Disdaining the King of Hell] is a gong. Although this reverse CP is a bit weird, Sui Yuan can’t help but fantasize about it a bit.

Seeming to see the light flickering in Sui Yuan’s eyes and figuring that he was probably thinking about something strange, 5237 turned its round body and bluntly poured a bucket of cold water on Sui Yuan’s head: "Don’t think too much. Even if Zhao Xihe entered the body of a delicate, soft shou, I believe that he would transform that shou character into a gong. It’s not a question of the body, but of the aura."

Sui Yuan：".................."

5237："Actually, a beautiful, delicate younger gong is quite meng, isn’t it?"

Sui Yuan："...You can shut up now, thank you."

5237："No problem. ╮(╯▽╰)╭"

Fine. Sui Yuan had to admit, Zhao Xihe turning into a shou was just his own fantasy. Compared to [Hua Xinlei], [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] was more in line with Zhao Xihe’s typical choice. Sui Yuan used his mouse to click on the [send message] button under [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]’s name. He hesitated on whether or not he should take the initiative to contact him.

After all, it wasn’t good for Zhao Xihe to always take the initiative to find him, right? No matter what it was, it’s important for there to be a give-and-take from both sides. However, what if he chose wrongly? How would he explain that he had sent it to ’the wrong person’?

While Sui Yuan hesitated, [Hua Xinlei]’s name suddenly jumped — the plot had begun.

【Hua Xinlei】: [Hi Disdaining Gege =333= I’ve come online~ Did you miss me, ah?

...As soon as he gets online, he acts this frank. Is there really no issue here? Sui Yuan’s mind was all 囧囧 while imitating [Disdaining the King of Hell]’s speech.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】: Ah ah, I missed you.

【Hua Xinlei】: [blush] [blush] [blush]

Sui Yuan silently supported his forehead.

——This was definitely not Zhao Xihe...

Next, Sui Yuan learned numerous new ways on how to act spoiled and how to pander to someone. He felt that the door to a whole new world was slowly opening — this was the door to the path of a seductive shou, a coy shou, and an effeminate shou.

Fortunately, before Sui Yuan collapsed from having to deal with the other man, [Hua Xinlei] finally mentioned the subject he’d been waiting for.

【Hua Xinlei】: Disdaining Gege, I plan to come play at C City on February 13th. Do you have time to come meet me? [blush]

Sui Yuan, who had finally seen the hopeful dawn, replied in a hurry.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】: Ah ah, of course I have time. How are you getting here? Tell me the time and place, and I’ll come get you.

【Hua Xinlei】: Disdaining Gege is really so good~ I’ll first thank you la~ I’ll bring some desserts that I made myself. Hope that Disdaining Gege likes it. [blush]

【Disdaining the King of Hell】: I’ll like anything that you make. [smile]

——Sui Yuan showed an expression of great bitterness and hate as he looked at the screen.

After [Hua Xinlei] sent him his train and arrival details, Sui Yuan quickly found an excuse to end their conversation. Although it was necessary for the plot, and although it was just online, Sui Yuan still felt guilty towards Zhao Xihe for flirting with other people. Of course, what was most important was that he couldn’t really stand [Hua Xinlei]’s character that wanted to ’mess with someone else’s boyfriend’.

Sui Yuan marked [Hua Xinlei]’s arrival on his calendar. Then, he pondered for a moment. He felt that this date had some kind of deeper meaning.

"Of course there’s a deeper meaning! He’s arriving on the night of February 13th. February 14th is Valentine’s Day!" 5237 quickly gave him the answer, "That’s an open secret!"

Sui Yuan understood this and couldn’t help but feel a headache coming. Faced with a clingy little shou who wanted to be done, he should discreetly decline. But at the same time, he also shouldn’t put [Hua Xinlei] in an awkward situation, so that he would still be able to boldly suppress [Wind-Like High Official] in game, right?

——This was currently like an unsolvable problem to Sui Yuan.

However, very quickly, Sui Yuan’s headache over this problem disappeared because he encountered a matter that was more worthy of his attention.

After he dealt with [Hua Xinlei], Sui Yuan immediately received [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]’s private message. [Disdaining the King of Hell] and [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] were not at all familiar. Although the two of them had added one another as friends because of [Wind-Like High Official], overall, there really wasn’t any goodwill between them. Perhaps it was because they were rivals in love and thus, there was great jealousy between them?

Therefore, for [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] to take the initiative to send him a private message, it must mean that he is Zhao Xihe.

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Come to Peach Blosson Docks. Quickly.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：...Zhao Xihe?

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：It’s me.【rubs head】

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：How did you know that I’m Disdaining the King of Hell？

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：As soon as I logged on, I heard that the number one MT Disdaining the King of Hell is spazzing out online. After asking around, I naturally figured out that it was you. ╮(╯▽╰)╭

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：...............

After smoothly communicating with the other man, Sui Yuan did not dare tarry. He summoned his mount and made a beeline for the teleporter and teleported to Peach Blossom Docks.

In <Jianghu Online>, Peach Blossom Docks was a famous dating spot. The gorgeous peach blossoms joined together, looking like pink clouds that came straight out of a dream. The winding, clear stream flowed down past the lush, green grass. Many beautiful emotions sprouted here. At the same time, this place has also seen its fair share of dogblood scenes of cheating and being caught cheating (...). Thus, aside from being known as the holy land for couples, this place was also considered a holy land for PK. 8-9 out of 10 PK battles here were battles to the death — murders of passion.

Sui Yuan appeared at the teleporter rock. At once, he saw [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]’s character.

[Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] was a Wudang with a high DPS. He wore a light blue Taoist robe. On his back was a long, double-edged sword. The whole character radiated the aura of an immortal, looking like a delicate beauty. His face was even one that female players liked the most: gentle, jade-like, and seemed to carry a hint of sorrow.

Sui Yuan dismounted his horse and moved his character [Disdaining the King of Hell] to face [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]. He discovered that his character was unexpectedly taller than the other by about half a head. His tall and sturdy stature contrasted against [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]’s thin body, making him look like a bamboo shoot.

——In other words, who was the shou and who was the gong was obvious!

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：............

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Tsk. Why is it that I feel particularly unhappy looking at your character?

Sui Yuan’s secret pride and excitement naturally could not show on his face — er, in his words.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：I didn’t set it up. It has nothing to do with me, ah? Although I think that it’s rather good...

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Don’t think that I don’t know what you’re thinking about right now. Whatever. Do what you want online. I don’t mind.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：..................

Although Zhao Xihe didn’t directly say it, Sui Yuan could feel the other’s undisguised implicit meaning — he didn’t care about who was shou and who was gong online, as long as their positions didn’t change in reality.

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Only, looking at this in a different way...doesn’t this seem really interesting? If you want to act as the gong then you have to take good care of me, treat me well, yield to me.... [blush] [blow kiss]

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：...Are you really Zhao Xihe? Why doesn’t the style feel quite right?

5237: "It’s not just the style. Obviously, the whole person’s settings has collapsed, OK?!"

Fortunately, Zhao Xihe did not continue acting like that. He only teased him with a smile, saying ’if you want to try being a gong, then I can cooperate with you and act cute and helpless’. Towards this teasing sentence, Sui Yuan felt powerless.

[Disdaining the King of Hell] and [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] are both famous people on the current server. Although they knew one another, they had never concealed the fact that their relationship was not good. At this time, they unexpectedly met alone at Peach Blossoms Dock, a place that was permeated with passion. Furthermore, [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] had purposely waited at the teleporter rock — this action meant that this meeting was no coincidence. Even if the two of them chatted in a private channel that other people could not see, it did not dampen the surrounding people’s enthusiasm for gossip.

More and more players congregated around them to watch. Sui Yuan and Zhao Xihe both felt a bit helpless. Therefore, Zhao Xihe led the way and Sui Yuan followed, deciding to find a secret place with relatively less people around.

At this time, Sui Yuan who was being inexplicably watched, blamed Zhao Xihe’s choice of meeting place.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：Why did you choose Peach Blossom Docks? There are so many people here....

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Why would two people meet here usually?

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：...A date?

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：If you know, then why ask?

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：It could also be a duel.

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：...Then are you planning to fight me now to determine who’s the shou and who’s the gong? Well, that’s a pity. Even in-game, you probably would only be the shou.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：..................

——When he thought about Zhao Xihe’s maneuvering ability that was no less than his own, and even slightly superior to him, Sui Yuan decisively shut his mouth.

Zhao Xihe was obviously very familiar with the Peach Blossom Docks — Rather, it was [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] who was very familiar with it. He probably fantasized about being all lovey-dovey with [Wind-Like High Official] here. Sui Yuan followed Zhao Xihe through a number of places that would be extremely difficult for ordinary players to reach. However, the scenery of the place they ended up at was very beautiful. Afterwards, he struck a couple of poses according to the others’ requests and took some screenshots to keep as souvenirs.

To tell the truth, Sui Yuan was not at all interested in this kind of date in an online game. Only, Zhao Xihe seemed to be very interested in it, so he went along with it. Of course, what was most important was that each time he did a pose, [Disdaining the King of Hell]’s domineering air leaked out, making [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] look particularly cute and helpless-looking (?) filling Sui Yuan’s heart with a sort of unspeakable mood.

It was really such a pity that this kind of beautiful time did not last very long. While Sui Yuan accompanied Zhao Xihe to play around and take selfies in a lively manner, the other suddenly threw a bomb at him without any warning.

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：That [Hua Xinlei]...what do you plan to do about him?

When he looked at this question, Sui Yuan subconsciously felt a bit weak.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：...I also don’t know what to do. What do you think?

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：If I didn’t speak up, would you have followed the plot, met up with him, got to bed with him, and then acted with him in-game like how we’re acting now, showering everyone with your sweet PDA?

Even if they were separated by their screens, Sui Yuan immediately sensed the dense, black air that was hidden behind [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]’s gentle and sullen expression and seemingly calm words.

Instantly, Sui Yuan, whose head was buzzing with ideas, immediately imagined the scene of him dying on the bed, and he was so frightened he almost peed his pants.

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：Of course not! Even if it goes against the plot, I absolutely won’t do it!

Only after sending that message did Sui Yuan realize what he was pledging to Zhao Xihe, but he didn’t regret it at all. He didn’t know when it started, but Zhao Xihe was now more important to him than the plot. Even if the plot ended up completely smashed to pieces, or his score turned out to be dismal, Sui Yuan didn’t want to disappoint or anger Zhao Xihe.

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Really?

【Disdaining the King of Hell】：Really.

This time, Sui Yuan replied bluntly and quickly with no hesitation. Perhaps it had to do with his character’s image, but Sui Yuan felt that Zhao Xihe, with [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves]’s appearance, seemed less imposing before [Disdaining the King of Hell], making him see the illusion of him having to coax his own little shou.

...Indeed, one’s outer appearance really determined everything, huh?

Once he got Sui Yuan’s answer, [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] seemed very satisfied. His mood quickly picked up again and he sent a smile.

【Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves】：Then I await your performance.

Sui Yuan sighed in relief. He rested his chin in his hand and looked at [Disdaining the King of Hell] and [Elegant and Humble Autumn Leaves] cuddling under a Peach Blossom tree on the screen with a furrowed expression.

——Although he replied so frankly just now, Sui Yuan still wished to find a way to balance Zhao Xihe and the plot. However, as they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Could it be that he really had to purposely ruin the plot for the first time?

Sui Yuan who felt conflicted and worried looked at 5237 with a gaze full of complaints — what about that being able to relaxingly complete the plot while staying at home, huh? Indeed, he’s been tricked!

5237: "...What are you looking at me for! Is it my fault, huh?!"

Eve: 100 chapters! We’re halfway through the main story~ This gong/shou reversal cracks me up. And SY having to deal with Hua Xinlei kills me. So much cringe.

Juurensha: Oh geez, Hua Xinlei’s personality is the type I get most annoyed at. Still, 100 chapters, yaaaaay!

Cat: Whoohoo \o/ 100 chapters, also the MC’s and ML’s little date felt like they were on vacation more than going through the plot, it made me want to take a break and relax.action