CFALE Chapter 7

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As soon as the Cannon Fodder Supporting Role System 007 arrived, it announced something that left Xia Heng in despair:

"Since the host failed the previous task, the main system will deduct half of the total points as punishment."

At this moment, Xia Heng was half-embraced by Han Lang, inhaling his soothing scent. The despair he had initially felt gradually eased.

Cheng Kaiming had already left the design department, leaving only the two of them behind. Han Lang looked at Xia Heng, who was still hiccuping with reddened eyes, and felt a deep ache in his heart. But he didn’t dare to go too far—he simply held Xia Heng gently, patting his back to help him breathe smoothly.

Xia Heng found Han Lang’s touch very comforting, so he didn't mind how ambiguous their posture seemed. Instead, he directly asked 007, "Why am I a cannon fodder supporting role again?"

007 was far from friendly. Its voice was cold and emotionless as it explained:

"Because the male lead expressed his desire to advance and retreat together with you, the main system has determined that your character mode needs to be upgraded again."

"Then what’s my current task?" Xia Heng asked helplessly.

"Do everything in your power to promote the romantic relationship between the main lead and the main love interest." 007 stated indifferently.

"But… I rarely even come into contact with the big boss," Xia Heng said weakly.

"Don’t worry. Opportunities will come soon," 007 replied cryptically, as if it already had everything under control.

Xia Heng was silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Does Han Lang absolutely have to be with Cheng Kaiming?"

007, clearly impatient, replied, "Of course. Otherwise, what’s the point of having you cannon fodder characters to push the plot forward?"

Xia Heng let out a bitter laugh in his heart. That’s right. Unlike them, I’m just a small, insignificant cannon fodder character. How could I ever dream of reaching for the protagonist’s fate…

Feeling inexplicably exhausted, Xia Heng leaned his head against Han Lang’s chest. Han Lang always smelled so nice—a light, comforting scent that made him feel safe.

For now, Xia Heng didn’t want to think about anything. He just wanted to lean on someone who could give him a sense of security, even if only for a little while.

Han Lang felt a surge of joy at Xia Heng’s dependence on him. It seemed like his long journey toward love had made another successful lap.

Han Lang’s mood could only be described as secretly delighted. Though he knew it wasn’t exactly fair, what could be more thrilling than realizing that the person you liked had already placed their full trust in you?

That night, the two of them worked overtime until 2 AM, finally completing all the drafts. Seeing Xia Heng struggling to stay awake, Han Lang suggested, "Come on, I’ll take you home."

Xia Heng glanced at the time and quickly refused, "My place is nearby, it’s fine. You should go home and rest instead."

Looking at Xia Heng, who was still trying to be polite with him, Han Lang suddenly came up with a brilliant idea.

Stretching lazily, he said, "Since your place is close, why don’t I just crash at your place for the night? That way, I don’t have to drive all the way home."

Xia Heng was stunned. In his heart, he was actually willing, but…

He cautiously asked 007, "Uh… am I allowed to take the main love interest home?"

007 flared up instantly and said, “Who told you he’s the bottom?!!”

Xia Heng was startled by 007’s agitated voice, his head buzzing from the outburst. He quickly softened his tone and said, “It’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. He’s not the bottom. So… can I take him home for the night? It’s already really late…”

“Do whatever you want. It’s not like anything will happen between you two anyway. You don’t need to report such trivial things to me,” 007 replied haughtily.

Hearing this, Xia Heng felt a little excited—this was actually the first time he had ever invited someone to his home.

The first time bringing someone home…? As he pondered the phrase, hazy fragments of memory seemed to surface in his mind, but they quickly faded away before he could grasp them.

007, however, suddenly tensed up and asked, “Did you remember something?”

Xia Heng shook his head and replied, “No, just some unfamiliar images.”

007 seemed a little disappointed. “Oh… never mind then.” After a moment, he added sincerely, “Make sure you stay safe on your way back with him. He’s… actually, forget it, you wouldn’t understand even if I told you. Just know that he’s worth more than ten of you put together.”

Xia Heng chuckled and responded, “Got it.”

After chatting with 007 for a while, he finally remembered that Han Lang was still waiting for his response. Looking up, he saw Han Lang tidying up the table. Xia Heng smiled and said, “Alright, you can stay at my place for the night.”

Han Lang had already thought the invitation was a lost cause—after all, Xia Heng had gone silent after bringing it up, and Han Lang had been busy reflecting on whether he had overstepped his boundaries.

Who would have thought that, after hesitating for a moment, Xia Heng would actually agree?

The emotional roller coaster left Han Lang feeling exhilarated—his heart was practically rolling around in a honey jar, brimming with sweetness.

As the two left the office and walked home, the moonlight stretched their shadows long across the ground. Xia Heng felt particularly at ease with Han Lang walking beside him, a deep sense of security settling in his heart.

It was like being protected by someone—steady and warm.

Xia Heng vaguely felt that his emotions toward Han Lang were a bit strange, but he quickly dismissed the thought. After all, as 007 had said, he was just a minor character. Sure, he had been getting promoted, but he was still miles away from the protagonist, as distant as the current him was from the sun in the sky.

Xia Heng’s neighborhood was an old and quiet residential area. At this hour, the streets were empty, and most of the lights had already been turned off.

Han Lang, noticing that Xia Heng seemed preoccupied, suddenly had a mischievous idea.

Out of nowhere, he let out a strange, eerie scream.

Startled, Xia Heng lost his footing and nearly tumbled to the ground, bag and all.

Luckily, Han Lang caught him just in time.

Furious, Xia Heng punched Han Lang on the back in retaliation, though it was more of a playful jab than anything painful.

Seeing Xia Heng’s face turn pale from fright, Han Lang couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Realizing his own overreaction, Xia Heng laughed along with him.

And so, the two of them stood in the street, laughing until they were out of breath.

After this little incident, the atmosphere between them became even more intimate. Their playful banter eased away the tension of the night, and they cheerfully climbed the seven flights of stairs to Xia Heng’s apartment.

Xia Heng switched on the lights and handed Han Lang a pair of new slippers.

Han Lang glanced around the small yet cozy apartment, feeling an inexplicable warmth in his heart. The place felt just like Xia Heng himself—warm, adorable, and full of life.

After washing up, Han Lang settled onto the couch with a blanket and quickly fell into a peaceful sleep.

The next day at work, they found out that Xu Li, the team leader of Group E, had been called into the general manager’s office early in the morning.

Other members of Group E had also been individually interviewed by the HR department.

Xia Heng felt a bit regretful. Aside from the fact that he hadn’t quit and Han Lang hadn’t gotten into a fight with Cheng Kaiming, most of their previous mission had been completed… But the points they lost wouldn’t be coming back, which still left Xia Heng somewhat dissatisfied.

However, he soon had more pressing matters to think about.

Every winter, as a global fashion capital, Country H hosted a prestigious jewelry exhibition.

Cheng Kaiming’s biggest goal in participating in the exhibition was to win the coveted Gold Award, a prize of considerable significance.

To compete, each team had to submit three sets of designs, and the best ones would be chosen for the exhibition. As a result, the design department was abuzz with fierce competition.

Everyone was working overtime.

Han Lang, being the socially adept person he was, took the opportunity to showcase his high emotional intelligence. Every day, he brought snacks for the team members, particularly favoring Groups A and E.

Perhaps due to their increased workload, or maybe thanks to Han Lang’s snack diplomacy and Cheng Kaiming’s intervention, the members of Group E stopped giving Xia Heng a hard time. Although there was still some lingering awkwardness, the workplace environment had significantly improved—there were no more incidents of deliberate bullying.

After a month of intense work, the designs for the competition were finally selected.

Xia Heng was delighted to see that the chosen piece was none other than Han Lang’s design.

His joy was no less than Han Lang’s own.

Although Xia Heng had also submitted a proposal, it hadn’t passed the internal review.

Of course, there was a bit of regret, but more than anything, he was genuinely happy for Han Lang. Their bond was strong, after all, and not celebrating Han Lang’s success would have felt wrong.

So, on the night the selected designs were announced, Xia Heng took Han Lang out for a celebratory meal—hotpot.

This time, both of them drank quite a bit.

Han Lang had a high alcohol tolerance and didn’t get drunk, but looking at Xia Heng, who was flushed from drinking and radiating pure joy and heartfelt congratulations, something inside him stirred.

Before he could think twice, he instinctively leaned in—and kissed him.

Although it was just a kiss on the cheek, Xia Heng was utterly bewildered when he woke up the next morning—because his system had changed again.

A calm and steady voice greeted him, “Good morning, Host. System 002 at your service.”

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