8. Chapter 8: These Days, it’s Hard to Be a Supporting Male Character!
The following content may contain spoilers. Please proceed with caution.
To maintain world peace, I shall censor the following: Censored censored censored…
Fate is fate precisely because it’s unpredictable.
Take, for example, the two men facing each other now.
Charles glanced at the man dressed in a full suit of armor, internally labeling his appearance with “handsome to the point that other men would want to kill him,” then put on a professional smile and said, “You’re blocking my way, please move aside if you would.”
The praised one stumbled momentarily, struggling to say, “You don’t recognize me?”
Could it be that guy I borrowed money from last time? Charles secretly mused. In the spirit of responsibility, he reviewed the armored man again, finally dredging up a name from memory.
“Oh, Naminez, aren’t you the one who played the Silver Elf Commander? As a high-ranking 7th Circle Highlands Wizard with millions of fans, there are many important matters waiting for me. Forgetting a few extras’ names is quite normal, right?”
Naminez didn’t react as Charles expected, with no veins bursting forth or lunging for violence. Instead, he smiled faintly and said, “Why don’t we have a meal at the tavern next door? My treat.”
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The free food tasted great, and having someone else pay was even better.
Without any unnecessary distractions, Charles let his guard down in the private booth, lazily stretching his arms and legs. Being a public figure, always caring about one’s image is a tiresome job.
“So, you should tell me your purpose now, extra,” Charles said while spearing a piece of fruit.
Naminez paused a moment before speaking, “After receiving the role of Silver Elf Commander, I practiced the script countless times at home. When filming started, the director and everyone were very tolerant of my mistakes. They patiently pointed out my acting deficiencies, and many supportive senior sisters helped me rehearse scenes. As a newcomer, every day on the “Amber Sword” set was enjoyable. However, after acting out the scene in the Silver Elf ruins, Director Fierya suddenly notified me that I could go home, even handing me a boxed meal. Was my acting so bad that it was unbearable to watch? I haven’t slept well these past few nights. This time I came to you with no intention of blaming Director Fierya. I just want to know why my scenes suddenly ended. That’s all.”
“Hahahaha,” Charles burst out laughing, then patted Naminez’s shoulder, “Since you kindly invited me for a meal with such sincerity, let’s consider ourselves brothers. I’ll only say this once. How much you understand is up to you.”
Naminez solemnly said, “Anything you tell me will be guaranteed not to be leaked to anyone. I swear by my honor.”
Satisfied, Charles nodded and dropped a bombshell, “I was once an extra handed a box meal.”
“Not possible.”
“Even someone like me, a renowned acting talent, started step by step. Before joining the set, I was merely a wizard apprentice. After many auditions, I finally obtained the script for “Amber Sword.” The production crew deployed numerous cameras in the deep mountains, and I acted alongside the protagonist, Brendel, in several key plots. As a supporting actor, I was very conscientious in playing the role of the green foil, striving to highlight the protagonist’s towering image through my actions. With the hot screening of “Amber Sword,” I began to be recognized by fans when shopping, and there were even shy little sisters asking for my autograph.”
Charles paused, lost deep in thought, before continuing.
“One day, Brendel said he was tired of being called ‘young master’ by the lord and suggested I change the title. I joked and said we could call him master, or even use the English term ‘MASTER,’ but as soon as I said it, Director Fierya came over with a sullen face, saying today’s filming was over, and everyone should disperse for a break.”
“I don’t quite understand,” Naminez shook his head in confusion.
Charles lowered his voice, “I only found out later that Director Fierya is not only a fan of older women but also very discerning when it comes to yaoi. In this area, he knows a lot, so he pays particular attention to the interactions between male characters in the drama, firmly preventing any hint of ambiguous affection. Even the slightest possibility that fans might imagine would prompt him to decisively separate the supporting actor from the main lead. So when working under Director Fierya, you have to remember your role as a supporting actor and maintain a proper distance from the main character. Remember that.”
“I recall my last scene before wrapping up… Now I understand.”
“Ha ha, you made Brendel get a sandstorm in his eyes, and if it continued, wouldn’t it become ‘you are the wind, and I am the sand’? There are so many fans scrutinizing the plot, ready to jump in any difficulties or even create some if none exist. How could Director Fierya tolerate your presence? Sending you off with a boxed meal was already an ample gesture.”
Naminez fell silent for a while before suddenly looking up to ask, “Why is Director Fierya so concerned with possible hints of affection between males?”
Charles placed his index finger on his lips, signaling ‘shhh.’
“I know nothing, and even if I did, I wouldn’t say anything. There are some things in this world that are better left as mysteries forever. After all, both you and I still want to continue working on the “Amber Sword” set.”
“You haven’t said how, after you received a box meal, you managed to make a comeback?” Naminez pursued his inquiry.
“Because I gave Director Fierya a set of high-definition Round God image packages.” Charles proudly shook his glass. “I’m only sharing this with you because you seem fairly honest. If you eventually return to the set, remember, you owe me three meals.”
Naminez nodded earnestly, “I’ll go buy a Round God figure right away.”
“Ha ha ha! I like honest people who are clever. Oh, I also heard a rumor. Do you want to know?”
Naminez continued to nod.
Charles said with a mischievous smile, “It’s rumored that Director Fierya plans to reveal later that the Silver Elf Commander is actually a woman, and your new name after becoming a female character will be Naminess.”
Instantly petrified, Naminez began hearing the “caw caw caw” of crows in his ears as Charles clutched his stomach, rolling up into a sphere under the table, laughing tears out of his eyes.
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At that exact moment, Fierya, who had just happened to pass by and eavesdropped, clenched her handkerchief in vexation, “Charles, you’ll pay for this!”
The next day, Charles received a new notification: his presence in the following plot would only be mentioned as background information, and his absence from the scenes moving forward was unnecessary. He could return home.
Attached was a heavy boxed meal, personally delivered by Director Fierya with an ever-so-friendly smile.
