33 You are my protagonist
◎The cost of suffering harm◎
Jian Liyun frankly stated, "To be honest, I don't care whether I can be the lead or not. In a play, whether I can be the lead or not is not that important to me. Whether it's the lead or a supporting role, as long as I can portray the character well, I will be recognized by the audience."
It's true that Jian Liyun said this. She doesn't have a powerful background; she started out playing various minor roles.
Even so, even though she plays a minor supporting role, she still manages to attract the audience's attention.
The author smiled and said, "So that's what Xiao Jian was thinking. Several film and television companies have asked me if I want to sell the rights to my novel. I was even thinking that if I sold the rights, I would recommend you for the lead role."
Jian Liyun nodded slightly, "If you put it that way, I will definitely audition if I have the chance."
Yan Sui truly felt that she made the right choice by joining this variety show.
Sure enough, without the male lead's interference, Jian Liyun's career will become more and more successful.
The author chuckled, "Alright, Jian, you'd better keep it up. But... actually, being the protagonist is quite important. What do you think, Lu?"
Lu Shutian smiled sweetly, "Aunt Luo, I also think it's better to be the lead."
Something's not right.
Yan Sui, who had almost been knocked unconscious by the unexpected windfall, finally realized why the writer Luo Yanquan was only chatting with Jian Liyun and Lu Shutian, and why the topics of conversation were always about the main characters and supporting characters.
Lu Shutian is so cunning; even if she sensed something was wrong, she certainly wouldn't show it.
Yan Sui quietly approached Jian Liyun from the side and looked at her profile to confirm that she was indeed unaware of anything.
She felt a strange tightness in her chest.
So what if Chien Li-yun plays a supporting role?
Even though Jian Liyun is just a supporting character in this world, she is still a very good person, someone worth getting to know and cherishing.
Should we deny everything about her just because she's not the main character?
Yan Sui didn't even realize that she had an extremely strong protective instinct towards Jian Liyun—
To put it simply, it's a bit like the protective instinct towards one's offspring.
If Jian Liyun knew that Yan Sui had this kind of mentality, she would probably close her eyes and faint.
Fortunately, Luo Yanquan did not continue the topic of main characters and supporting characters, but suddenly changed the subject to clothing. "Speaking of which, among the five guests, your outfits, one in black and one in white, are quite eye-catching. You look like a black swan and a white swan."
The host finally found a way to chime in, agreeing, "Yes, both of you are beautiful women who are not only pretty but also have great charisma."
Luo Yanquan nudged the model closest to her with her elbow. "Xiaoxue, do you think the black swan or the white swan is prettier?"
Model Lü Xue maintained her cool expression, saying, "They all look good."
Luo Yanquan smiled and shook her head, "This isn't the time to serve water, then—"
The woman, whose hair was already streaked with silver, looked at Yan Sui behind Jian Liyun and asked, "And you? Black swan or white swan, which do you prefer?"
Yan Sui still wore a polite smile, but she was actually about to go crazy.
How did this get dragged into her?
This Luo Yanquan...
“System,” Yan Sui sighed inwardly, “Go and check if this writer Luo Yanquan has any other identities right now.”
[Okay, host. But, who do you prefer, the female supporting character or the female lead?]
Why has the system become so gossipy?
Lu Shutian looked at Yan Sui expectantly, her burning gaze almost scalding Yan Sui.
Although Jian Liyun did not move, she unconsciously held her breath.
Yan Sui thought for a moment, then looked at the enigmatic middle-aged woman. "Writer Luo, both black swans and white swans have their own beauty, and I admire them both. However, from a personal aesthetic point of view, I prefer white swans."
In the ballet Swan Lake, the Black Swan and the White Swan are highly representative characters, each carrying different meanings.
One symbolizes desire and temptation, the other symbolizes purity and kindness.
Yan Sui likes gentle and kind people.
Lu Shutian volunteered and raised her hand, "Sister, since you like me so much, I'll switch companies after I finish recording the show and become one of your artists!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and the director finally spoke up, "Well, I'm very happy that we all get along so well on our first meeting."
Jian Liyun felt someone gently pat her back.
She turned her head and saw Yan Sui looking at her tenderly.
Yan Sui smiled, and although she didn't speak, Jian Liyun understood her gaze:
Don't be sad.
The unease and sadness in her heart vanished, and Jian Liyun quickly adjusted her mindset.
The group then gave formal self-introductions. Ten minutes later, the five of them headed to the recording studio. After setting up the equipment, the recording would begin in thirty minutes.
Jian Liyun and Yan Sui returned to the lounge, where only the two of them were present.
Jian Liyun walked with a hurried pace, and Yan Sui was pulled along by her until she almost stumbled.
Yan Sui turned to look at the half-open door. "Li Yun, the door doesn't seem to be closed yet..."
“Sui Sui,” Jian Liyun interrupted, letting go of her hand and sitting in the chair, “I was really hurt by what you just said.”
"But you gestured for me not to be sad, so I didn't ask any more questions then. But now, you need to give me an explanation."
Yan Sui smiled, not caring whether the door was closed or not. She walked over to Jian Liyun, bent down slightly, and looked her in the eye. "So eager, Liyun? I was thinking of telling you after today's recording."
At this moment, Jian Liyun was incredibly candid, saying, "If I can't know what you're thinking right now, I won't be able to fully concentrate on the recording of the show later."
Jian Liyun had put on makeup, and Yan Sui wanted to touch her, but she held back.
She shook the other person's arm. "Don't be sad. I did answer Writer Luo's question truthfully. But—"
Yan Sui blinked. "Who said you're the black swan and Miss Lu is the white swan? Just because you wore a black suit and she wore a white dress?"
If the two had to be compared to a black swan and a white swan, Yan Sui thought that Jian Liyun was closer to the white swan.
[Host, I've noticed that you can be quite dense at times, and incredibly intelligent at others.]
Jian Liyun grabbed Yan Sui's wrist and pulled her down onto her lap.
Despite the undeniable forcefulness of her actions, Jian Liyun's expression was one of utter vulnerability. She wrapped her arms around the other's slender waist and then leaned against him.
"What else? I know... I look a bit fierce, and many people think I'm unapproachable. But Lu Shutian is different; many people like her more."
Even disregarding their outfits, just looking at their overall demeanor, Jian Liyun felt she was more like a black swan, while Lu Shutian was more like a white swan.
“Comparison is a thief that steals happiness,” Yan Sui patted Jian Liyun’s back. “Oh dear, what if your makeup gets smudged like this? And your clothes, it wouldn’t be good if I sat on you and wrinkled them.”
Yan Sui tried to stand up, but the other person tightened their grip.
"Sui Sui, try to comfort me," Jian Liyun said in a muffled voice.
Yan Sui found it both amusing and helpless. She spoke gently, as if coaxing a child, "Don't be sad, Li Yun. In my heart, you are the best swan. And..."
Yan Sui's tone became more serious, "Whether you play a supporting role or a leading role, someone will always discover your strengths. To me right now, you are the leading role in my life."
Jian Liyun froze, then slowly raised her head, her eyes filled with disbelief and anticipation.
“Sui Sui, I,” Jian Liyun even stammered, “can I become the protagonist in your life?”
Yan Sui smoothed the stray hairs from the other person's forehead. "You are now, Li Yun."
Jian Liyun released the other person and coughed lightly, "I forgive you."
Yan Sui didn't leave the other person; she'd already been sitting there for so long, a little longer wouldn't make a difference.
She hugged Jian Liyun's neck and acted coquettishly, "What forgiveness? What did I do to upset you again?"
Jian Liyun remained unmoved, saying, "I'm not telling you."
The more Jian Liyun acted this way, the more anxious Yan Sui became. She unconsciously pouted, "Tell me, tell me before the show starts!"
The woman, who had been reserved and aloof, was now all smiles, and Jian Liyun was about to give in when she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the door, which had been slightly ajar, seemed to have widened.
There was a shadow in the crevice.
Jian Liyun's tone was ambiguous, "You really want me to tell you?"
Yan Sui nodded like a chick pecking at rice.
"Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you."
"ah?"
Jian Liyun's request was so outrageous that Yan Sui didn't have time to process it before her mouth asked a question.
Jian Liyun repeated, "Give me a kiss and I'll tell you, Sui Sui."
She paused, then added, "Or I could kiss you. After all," Jian Liyun glanced at the crack in the door with a half-smile, "didn't I kiss you before?"
Yan Sui's expression was indescribable. Why do both the female supporting character and the female lead love to kiss each other so easily?
Is she very affectionate?
"Then...that works too?" Yan Sui asked hesitantly.
It's just a kiss, it won't hurt you.
Yan Sui reached out her hand, thinking that the other person was going to kiss her fingertips again.
Jian Liyun chuckled, "Sui Sui, you can't be biased."
Yan Sui's right hand was interlocked with ten fingers, and her chin was being pinched.
Bang!
The door was pushed open forcefully, and the poor door hit the wall with a loud thud.
Yan Sui's pupils constricted, and she was about to push Jian Liyun away when the other's lips pressed against hers.
Jian Liyun's hands were always icy cold, but her lips were unexpectedly warm.
"If you get distracted like this again, I'll be sad." Having tasted the sweetness of success, Jian Liyun didn't forget to play the victim.
"Senior Jane, it's time for us to head to the studio."
Lu Shutian's calm voice came from the doorway.
Yan Sui froze, not even daring to turn around.
Jian Liyun smiled and agreed, "Okay."
She bounced Yan Sui's legs slightly, "Just rest here. If anything happens, I'll have the production team contact you."
Yan Sui stood up, blushing. "Okay."
She turned around and discovered that there were not only Lu Shutian outside the door, but also three other guests.
Only Lu Shutian's gaze was fixed on them, while the other three stood further away, chatting and laughing, showing no concern for Jian Liyun's situation.
But Yan Sui still managed to hear their conversation.
Writer Luo Yanquan said to Lü Xue, "So you see, even a supporting role can sometimes overtake others."
Lü Xue nodded coldly in agreement.
Jian Liyun patted Yan Sui's head. "See you later."
The system's voice only sounded again when Yan Sui was the only one left in the lounge.
[Host, I just checked Luo Yanquan's identity, and there's nothing unusual.]
Yan Sui leaned back on the sofa, closed her eyes to rest, and said, "Then go and investigate Tian Yufu."
[Host, didn't Tian Yufu herself reveal that she had awakened her consciousness?]
Yan Sui shifted to a more relaxed posture. "I know, this is a test."
The system did as instructed and soon reappeared screaming.
[Host, even Tian Yufu couldn't find anything wrong! What's wrong with the people in this world? Why can't I find anything?]
Yan Sui paused for a few seconds before responding in her mind, "So even if Luo Yanquan has a problem, we won't be able to find out."
[Host, how about I ask my superiors to give you a different task? Who comes to a romance novel world to do a task, only to get almost kissed raw by the female lead and supporting female character QAQ]
Yan Sui's expression was blank; she herself was unaware of the indifference in her eyes. "No need, let them kiss if they want, I don't care."
【……ah? 】
Yan Sui covered her face with her hands and let her upper body fall onto the sofa. "I know they did this because they probably have some feelings for me. These feelings could be liking, resentment, or possessiveness... but none of these matter to me."
"My primary goal in coming into this world is to change Jian Liyun's fate. As for Lu Shutian... I will do my best to take care of her. They can treat me however they want; as long as they're happy."
“But,” Yan Sui pursed her lips tightly, “I know I no longer have the ability to respond to any emotions. All I can do is meet their needs. If kissing me makes them happier and more comfortable, then let them do it.”
"Also, System, regarding the so-called world of romance novels you mentioned, after all that has happened, I think the 'original novel' we read back then might not be the true reality of this world."
[But host, we have no clues at all, and I can't help you. We're completely helpless; it's too difficult.]
Yan Sui comforted her instead, saying, "It's okay, let's take it one step at a time. Besides, I already have a guess in mind, but I still need evidence."
With too many worries in her heart, Yan Sui was wide awake even with her eyes closed.
She simply sat up, placed her hands flat on her thighs, and stared blankly ahead.
[Host, what are you doing?]
Yan Sui's inner thoughts were also completely calm: "I'm re-analyzing the game that Jian Liyun and He Chenyu played."
In the past, when Yan Sui felt anxious, her favorite thing to do was to review the chess game.
Although it will be tiring, it will allow her to focus all her attention on this matter and stop her from overthinking.
After an unknown amount of time, Yan Sui's phone started buzzing.
She answered the phone; it was the production assistant calling. "Hello, the first half of our program recording has ended. We can take a one-hour break. We've ordered food, and it will be delivered to Ms. Jian's room right away."
Yan Sui agreed. She walked over and opened the door, and saw the staff pushing the food cart.
Two boxed meals were handed to Yan Sui, and the staff hummed a tune as they pushed the food cart away.
Jian Liyun appeared at that moment and waved to Yan Sui, "Sui Sui".
Yan Sui hummed in agreement. "Come and eat. How did the first half of the recording go?"
Jian Liyun nodded slightly, "Everything went smoothly, but it seems that Jin Lan and Tian Yufu will not be able to reunite."
In the segment broadcast in the studio, although the ten non-celebrity guests did not reveal who their exes were when they first appeared, Tian Yufu kept the furthest distance from Jin Lan throughout the entire segment.
Yan Sui shrugged. "Hopefully they can talk things out. By the way, have the production teams helped promote your two upcoming TV dramas and movies?"
In both of those works, Jian Liyun collaborated with He Chenyu. Rather than saying they were Jian Liyun's works, it would be more accurate to say that she paved the way for He Chenyu.
Jian Liyun deftly broke apart the disposable bamboo chopsticks. "The conflict between He Chenyu and his family has had quite a impact. I only said a few words. I don't know if it will be cut out when it airs."
Yan Sui shoveled rice into her mouth: "Never mind, you'll have even better scripts coming up anyway."
Jian Liyun hummed in agreement. "That author doesn't seem to be joking. During the official recording just now, she also warmly invited me to play the lead role in her novel."
Yan Sui paused, ate a bite of rice, and didn't say anything.
The two quickly finished their food. Yan Sui wiped her mouth and said, "I'll have Sister Wei touch up your makeup, and then we can get ready for the second half of the recording."
"you……"
Jian Liyun hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.
Yan Sui was very patient; her finger hovered over the dial button without pressing it. "What's wrong, Li Yun?"
Jian Liyun looked into Yan Sui's eyes and said, "I just kissed you."
"I know," Yan Sui suddenly said. "Haven't you kissed enough yet? How about another one?"
Jian Liyun was speechless.
Yan Sui's composure left Yan Sui speechless.
Seeing that Jian Liyun had fallen silent, Yan Sui then dialed the makeup artist's number. After learning that the artist would arrive immediately, she stood up and said, "I'll go find Writer Luo."
Jian Liyun asked, puzzled, "What do you want with her?"
Yan Sui smiled and said, "Since she appreciates you so much, I should take this opportunity to talk to her more about the film and television adaptation of her novel. You don't need to come with me; just wait for Sister Wei to touch up your makeup."
No sooner had they finished speaking than there was a knock on the door.
Yan Sui walked over and opened the door, where she saw a makeup artist carrying a makeup case.
"Sister Wei, thank you for your help."
"No trouble at all," the makeup artist waved her hand with a smile, "I'll be done right away."
Yan Sui said goodbye to the two of them and closed the door.
This time she finally remembered to close the door tightly.
The room next to Jian Liyun's was where Lu Shutian was resting. Yan Sui quickly glanced at the name on the doorplate and prepared to walk forward.
Bang.
Even through the door, Yan Sui could hear a muffled thud coming from Lu Shutian's room.
She paused, thought for a moment, and then knocked on the door.
"Miss Lu," Yan Sui raised her voice a few decibels, "Are you alright?"
There was no response.
Yan Sui's heart tightened. She tried turning the doorknob; the door wasn't locked, and she opened it without much effort.
There was only one person in the room: Lu Shutian, dressed in a white dress, was kneeling on the ground in a disheveled state. Her expression was painful, with one hand supporting her on the ground and the other hand tightly clutching the fabric of her dress at her chest.
[The True Sight Eye will now be activated again for Yan Sui, the transmigrator, for ten minutes.]
Another cold, non-system voice rang in Yan Sui's mind. As Yan Sui closed the door, she ran towards Lu Shutian. The more anxious the moment, the calmer she became.
"System, are you there?"
Yan Sui called out in her heart, but there was no response.
Taking a deep breath, Yan Sui's world changed once again.
Under the effect of the Eye of True Sight, Yan Sui saw that Lu Shutian was radiating a blazing red light. However, there was an undeniable black crack in Lu Shutian's chest, and the crack spread out in all directions like a spider web, and it was still expanding.
Yan Sui remembered that Lu Shutian had shown her before that there was a hideous scar on her chest, which was exactly the same location that Yan Sui saw with her True Sight Eye.
Yan Sui felt inexplicably familiar with the energy at the black crack.
It's He Chenyu!
The black energy in Lu Shutian's chest was exactly the same as the energy on He Chenyu's body!
Yan Sui ran over, knelt down on one knee and hugged Lu Shutian, shifting the other's weight onto herself.
"Is it a punishment?" Yan Sui asked calmly.
Lu Shutian leaned on Yan Sui's shoulder, still stubborn for some reason, "So what if it's punishment? Sister, you'd be happier if I died right now, wouldn't you?"
She sobbed, "Anyway, I'm not the white swan you like."
Ignoring Lu Shutian's sudden outburst of temper, Yan Sui reached out and tried to cover the other's chest.
Amazingly, this time she could not only see these energies, but she could even feel their presence.
The black crack resembled a swamp, and as soon as Yan Sui's palm touched it, she smelled a nauseating, fishy stench.
Then came a piercing pain in her palm.
Yan Sui remained unfazed; she even had the strength to help Lu Shutian sit on the sofa and pull her into her arms.
[Host...no...I can't...take it...]
The system finally appeared, but its voice was intermittent, and it disappeared again before it could utter a few words.
Yan Sui frowned and continued to absorb the black energy instinctively.
Finally, the black crack in Lu Shutian's chest grew smaller and smaller until it was completely enveloped by her own red energy.
Once she recovered, Lu Shutian pushed Yan Sui away. She coughed several times, and her originally sweet voice became a bit hoarse.
With the Eye of True Sight expiring, Yan Sui could no longer see the other party's current condition.
Lu Shutian still refused to look at Yan Sui, "What are you still doing in my room? Why aren't you with Jian Liyun? She seems to really need you."
The pain in her palm spread and spread throughout her entire arm. In the end, Yan Sui felt that every heartbeat was so painful that her soul was trembling.
So Lu Shutian... was actually in so much pain?
Yan Sui thought to herself in a daze.
She was covered in cold sweat, but she stood up as if nothing had happened. "If you have nothing else to say, I'll be going now."
Lu Shutian was still feeling unwell and didn't notice Yan Sui's strange behavior.
When Yan Sui returned to Jian Liyun's room, the makeup artist had already finished touching up her makeup.
Jian Liyun stepped forward, "You were chatting with Writer Luo... Sui Sui, why do you look so pale?"
Yan Sui's smile was awkward. "I have no sense of direction. I couldn't find my way, and I didn't see any staff members either. I'll go talk to her again before tomorrow's recording."
Jian Liyun nodded, "Okay, do you want to rest for a while now?"
Yan Sui's face was far too pale.
Yan Sui nodded, not caring about anything else. "I'm a little sleepy, I'll take a nap first."
As soon as she lay down on the sofa, Yan Sui lost consciousness instantly. She didn't even know when Jian Liyun left to record the second half of the show.
...
“Sui Sui”.
A soft female voice woke Yan Sui.
Yan Sui struggled to open her eyes and saw Jian Liyun, who had changed into casual clothes.
"The recording of the show is over, let's go home," Jian Liyun said softly.
Yan Sui supported herself on the sofa and sat up. No one knew how much effort this seemingly simple action had taken for her.
It hurts so much.
Every part of my body, every internal organ, hurts.
Yan Sui's expression remained unchanged; she said blankly, "Okay."
Jian Liyun squatted down in front of her, "I'll carry you to the parking lot."
Exhausted, Yan Sui did not refuse. She said softly, "Li Yun, thank you for your trouble."
"It's no trouble," Jian Liyun said, carrying Yan Sui on her back. She couldn't help but sigh. "Why are you suddenly feeling unwell? Did you catch a cold?"
The lounge's heating and air conditioning: ?
Yan Sui nuzzled against Jian Liyun's neck and closed her eyes. "I'm not uncomfortable, Liyun."
When Jian Liyun carried Yan Sui away, they encountered other guests and staff.
Lu Xue raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Jian, it seems you and your agent have a really good relationship. Everyone else's agent serves the artist, but you, on the other hand, actually leave work behind your agent's back."
Lu Shutian also saw this scene, and she said through gritted teeth, "Yes, Senior Jian, you are so good to your manager."
Jian Liyun smiled and said, "Sui Sui has been so busy with my work lately that she's exhausted. Artists and managers support each other, so carrying her on my back is nothing."
Luo Yanquan glanced at the sleeping Yan Sui and said, "Xiao Jian, when you get back, make some good food for your manager. She's exhausted tonight."
Jian Liyun nodded slightly, "It definitely will."
After a few more jokes, the conversation finally ended.
Although the three lived in the same neighborhood, Jian Liyun and Yan Sui did not travel with Lu Shutian; they left first.
Feeling a change in her posture, Yan Sui, still somewhat dazed, opened her eyes slightly and realized that she had unknowingly ended up sitting in a car.
Jian Liyun sat down next to her and fastened her seatbelt. "Go to sleep, we'll be home soon."
Yan Sui gave a barely audible "hmm" and continued to fall asleep.
Jian Liyun looked at the other person's peaceful sleeping face, her brows and eyes revealing unconcealed worry.
She leaned forward and instructed the driver in the front seat, "Please drive faster."
The driver agreed and stepped on the gas.
Jian Liyun turned up the air conditioning in the car by two degrees, and only felt slightly relieved after confirming that the temperature of the air vents was warm enough.
Suddenly, a faint smell of blood filled the air, which then grew stronger.
Jian Liyun turned her head to look at the person on her right, a scarlet color almost staining her vision red as well.
"Sui Sui!"
Jian Liyun called out in a trembling voice. She reached out and caught the blood that kept dripping down, and with her other hand, she took out a tissue from the storage pocket on the back of the seat.
Yan Sui had her eyes closed, but blood kept oozing from her nose.
The crimson liquid was so plentiful that Jian Liyun couldn't catch it all with one hand. Warm blood seeped from between her fingers and dripped onto Yan Sui's pants, staining them with bloody flowers.
Jian Liyun shouted, "Go to the nearest hospital!"
She frantically wiped the blood from Yan Sui's face with tissues, then made the other woman lean forward, saying, "Sui Sui, wake up."
Blood instantly soaked through the white tissue, but Yan Sui didn't even flinch; her eyes remained closed, as if she were peacefully asleep.
[Author's Note]
Xiao Yan: A lot of people are acting strange. Never mind, I'm going to faint first.
The silenced system: Who will save my host? QAQ
Click to irrigate with nutrient solution to speed up the hemostasis for Xiao Yan [Let me see] (just kidding)
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