Chapter 8 — Glitch in the Supporting Character's Narrative

Huong Van Tinh smoothed her disheveled hair and slowly stood up. Her movements were deliberate, laced with a chilling arrogance.

According to the original script, I was supposed to endure hardships alongside the male lead for over ten years before finally living a life of luxury. But why? I am the female lead; why must I suffer so much?

Not only was I stunned, but the floating commentary screen—visible to those of us inside the story—erupted in shock. The digital text scrolled rapidly: "Wait, what did the female lead just say? Does she know the world revolves around her?" "So that is it... she gained self-awareness earlier! No wonder she insisted on driving the fake sister away; she wanted the secondary male lead to die sooner!" "Actually, I have been wanting to say this for a long time, this kind of 'heavenly thunder' female lead has a completely twisted moral compass. Why have you all been defending her?" "But isn't this meta-narrative incredibly fascinating?"

Huong Van Tinh let out a series of cold, mocking laughs. She raised her hand and tapped twice into the empty air, as if striking the very fabric of reality.

Is it not because you met me that you are all miserable? The fates of cannon-fodder characters like you were predetermined the moment you were born. Furthermore, I am the lead, and you—mere supporting roles—were meant to serve me from the start. So, Xiao Cheng, you should not blame anyone. You should blame yourself for waking up to the truth so late.

The floating commentary screen distorted under the pressure of her touch: "I am speechless. This female lead is terrifying... she is the true villain! Can we change the protagonist?" "The fake sister saved her brother from death so many times; I suggest the system replace the 'sister' title and make her the official lead!" "Agreed! I think renaming this story 'The Villainess’s Journey to Redemption' would be perfect."

I touched my brightly dyed hair, pouting with irritation. Huong Van Tinh, you harm others yet speak with such righteous conviction; calling you a female lead is an insult to the very words.

Huong Van Tinh sneered with deep malice. "Is it wrong to use every means necessary to climb to the top?"

I replied, "It is not wrong, given that this world truly does revolve around a select few. But for those you deem as cannon fodder or non-playable characters, are they meant to suffer simply by virtue of birth? The aura you cherish so much is never an excuse for you to trample upon or degrade anyone."

Huong Van Tinh opened her mouth to retort, but Xiao Cheng, his expression devoid of joy or sorrow, cut her off coldly.

Miss Huong, I originally intended to have the Xiao family legal team handle your case. But now I realize that would be far too lenient. You will experience the exact same suffering my sister endured.

He gestured with his hand. Assistant Ly, his expression unchanged, produced a plane ticket. The destination: Siberia. The composure on Huong Van Tinh’s face finally shattered. She attempted to reach out to her fated male lead for salvation, but his company had not yet taken off, and with a single move from Xiao Cheng, they were left utterly defenseless.

Once the trash was cleared, the hospital room felt significantly brighter. The atmosphere grew quiet. I spoke softly, "Brother, you have changed." Xiao Cheng knelt by my bedside, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"I am sorry... the fault is mine. I failed to notice the abnormalities sooner."

I blinked rapidly to hold back my tears. I patted his shoulder, laughing teasingly, "You idiot, why are you crying? I am not pathetic at all."

During those seven years abroad, the early days were indeed difficult. But after falling many times, I learned to stand tall. Throughout the entire neighborhood in Cologne, everyone knew me as the big sister in charge.

"Brother, go see your real sister," I urged. "She must have suffered greatly to reach this point. She surely longs for the brother she has been separated from all these years."

Xiao Cheng pursed his lips, his gaze still filled with hesitation. "But... you..."

I pushed him toward the door. "Go on, just go!"

Only after he had entered the room next door did I let my hands drop, my eyes dimming. The commentary stream continued to flicker, pale and nearly transparent: "What is the fake sister doing?" "She is leaving... oh, she is really leaving!" "My goodness, did I misjudge her? I thought there would be a dramatic 'fake versus real' showdown!" "Perhaps she still feels the weight of guilt? After all, the real sister suffered so much that no one even remembers her character's name..."

Yes, it was guilt. The remorse of the fortunate toward the miserable. In an unfair game of fate, I had drawn a better hand than others. I returned to the Xiao family mansion one last time. I left behind the keys to the Bentley, taking only a photograph of Xiao Cheng and me. I looked back at the villa one final time. A quiet sigh dissolved into the wind.

I reached into my cigarette case, intending to pull one out, but instead found ten lollipops hidden inside—a remnant of the time before Xiao Cheng had awakened to the truth. I froze, my lips curling into a helpless, bittersweet smile. Forget it, I tossed the cigarettes away. I put on my helmet. The roar of my Harley-Davidson engine rang out crisp and sharp. The evening wind cleared my path, and the sunset served as my guiding light. I looked up, my eyes stinging. Damn it, why did that sunset have to be so beautiful?