The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

Father He was taken aback by the term ‘dad,’ his mind going blank, and he chuckled absentmindedly, completely forgetting about Yu Le.

The He couple wanted to make it up to their son, and He Dongchen cooperated fully. The family of three quickly became affectionate towards each other.

He Dongchen’s return home was a cause for great joy. The He parents couldn’t wait to announce it to the world and introduce their son. However, before that, some preparation was needed to present him in the best light.

After getting their son’s consent, Mother He consulted several etiquette teachers, stylists, and even a beautician. Father He personally taught his son how to handle social relationships and analyzed some of the unspoken rules of high society.

“Dongchen, do you want to go to college? If you don’t want to, Dad can arrange for someone to enroll you under their name,” Father He asked nervously, looking at his son. Ever since he found out that his son had grown up in an orphanage, excelled academically but missed the college entrance exam, Father He had been filled with self-blame and heartache, with a few gray hairs appearing on his head.

“Forget about going to school, but some courses can be arranged,” He Dongchen replied. He didn’t want to go to school at his age just to pretend to be young.

“Alright, alright!” Father He readily agreed and immediately contacted several teachers. Basic courses were arranged, and the most important one, investment and finance, would naturally be taught by himself and his wife.

As giants in the investment industry, it was imperative that their son, if not inheriting the family business, at least had a good understanding. He wouldn’t be easily fooled when he stepped out into the world.

He Dongchen cooperated obediently and showed extraordinary talent in investment, making Father and Mother He ecstatic, unable to wipe the smiles off their faces for days.

***

One day, as the family was preparing to have lunch, Uncle He’s family arrived.

Upon hearing the butler’s announcement, Father He’s smile widened, instructing the kitchen to prepare tableware. Mother He smiled without saying a word, though there was a hint of fading smile in her eyes. He Dongchen noticed all that and pondered in his heart.

Soon, the family of three appeared in the dining room. Uncle He, leading the group, loudly exclaimed, “Where’s my nephew? Let Uncle take a look!”

Following behind was a middle-aged woman adorned with jewelry, her tone ambiguous, “Why did you suddenly show up? Have you done a paternity test? Over the years, there have been impostors showing up.”

“Mom, please hold your tongue. Younger uncle and aunt must have verified it,” a young man who came in last gently intervened, apologizing as he nodded apologetically towards He Dongchen.

He Dongchen raised an eyebrow slightly, scrutinizing the young man. Clad in a white suit, with a gentle demeanor and a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, he easily evoked a favorable impression.

If only he didn’t speak with such hidden sarcasm.

The He family was cautious by nature. Even if he had similar birthmarks and facial features as Father He, they would conduct a paternity test. Although it was perfectly normal, mentioning it was a bit hurtful.

Sure enough, as soon as the other party finished speaking, Father and Mother He immediately cast anxious glances at He Dongchen.

Leaning back in his chair, He Dongchen pretended not to hear, instead showing interest in the young man, “You’re my cousin? Mom and Dad said we were very close when we were young. I vaguely remember the day I ran away and flew kites with you.”

“Is this still an issue?” Aunt He’s voice was somewhat sharp, her gaze fixed firmly on this nephew who had been sensible and smart since childhood.

Back then, amidst chaos, with everyone focused on the abducted son, no one paid attention to He Dongliang, a 7-year-old child.

He Dongliang’s pupils contracted slightly. He shook his right hand lightly and chuckled, “Impossible. Dongchen must be mistaken. That day, I was sleeping in the house. I woke up to hear that you were missing and cried for a long time.”

Aunt He quickly chimed in, “Exactly! What was my son doing; I would know. You were so young back then, how could you remember anything? If you could remember this, why didn’t you find your own way back?”

As these words were spoken, everyone looked at He Dongchen; Father He frowned, Mother He looked suspicious, Uncle He scratched his head, wearing a puzzled expression.

He Dongchen remained silent for a moment. Sensing the tension in the air, he shrugged nonchalantly, “Maybe I remembered it wrong.”

Indeed, the original owner couldn’t recall this memory clearly. After being abducted, he was drugged, his mind became muddled, and he had continuous high fevers. Unable to sell him for a good price due to his condition, the abductors simply dumped him by the roadside and left.

A kind-hearted person found him and took him to the hospital. After recovering, his memory became blurry, and he was eventually sent to an orphanage in a daze.

He Dongchen, with the memories of the original owner, searched through them and unexpectedly discovered a truth. It turned out that when the original owner and He Dongliang went to fly kites secretly, the original owner was grabbed by two kidnappers. As he struggled and cried for help, he was silenced, while He Dongliang squatted behind a large rock, watching helplessly as his cousin was taken away.

The place where they went to fly kites wasn’t remote at all. Even if He Dongliang had shouted, someone would have heard. But he didn’t. He silently watched as his cousin was taken away by two adults, his mouth covered.

This memory was buried forever with the original owner’s forgotten past. In that life, He Dongliang played the role of a caring elder brother, achieving success and fame.

Returning to the topic at hand, He Dongchen couldn’t produce evidence to prove He Dongliang’s indifference. This matter could only be temporarily set aside. Anyway, he had ways to make the other party uncomfortable.

***

“Don’t just stand there. Sit down and eat,” Father He interjected, changing the subject. Although Mother He found it strange, she had seen He Dongliang’s behavior over the years and didn’t dwell on it.

Uncle He’s family sat down to eat, with He Dongliang seated to He Dongchen’s left.

Father He looked at his talented son and nephew, feeling pleased, and spoke with a smile, “Dongchen just returned home and isn’t very familiar. Dongliang, could you help look after him?”

“No problem,” He Dongliang said with the demeanor of a good elder brother, turning to He Dongchen, “Do you have time tonight, Dongchen? I’ll introduce you to some friends from the circle.”

He Dongchen declined, “No, I’m still waiting for Mom and Dad to introduce me officially.”

Despite the lavish banquet, He Dongchen learned from his memories that He Dongliang had no good intentions when he took the original owner out, subtly causing trouble and embarrassing him several times, greatly diminishing the first impression he gave to others.

He Dongliang smiled softly, continuing to persuade gently, “The introductions from Uncle and Aunt are all to elders. We young people would have more in common. Or perhaps, do you like racing cars? I can take you out for a spin.”

He Dongchen calmly sliced a piece of steak, casually remarking, “What’s so special about sports cars? Yesterday, Dad bought me a whole garage and several custom ones are in production right now.”

He Dongliang, who only had one sports car from his coming of age ceremony, felt a pang in his heart.

Aunt He couldn’t help but sneer, “Indeed, a real son is different.”

He Dongchen snorted arrogantly, “Since it’s said a biological son, of course, it’s different. Right, Dad?”

Father He indulged in a smile, “My son must have the best!”

Aunt He’s face contorted.

Uncle He, eating delicious steak with his chopsticks, was entirely uninterested in speaking.

***

After a bizarre lunch, Uncle He’s family left.

Once in the car, Aunt He’s face turned cold as she grumbled, “All talk! Saying they treat Dongliang like their own, look at He Dongchen, just arrived and already gets a row of racing cars, each one different every fortnight, while Dongliang only got one on his 18 birthday, which he keeps locked away in the garage, never willing to drive it!”

“Mom, Uncle can give things to whoever he wants,” He Dongliang’s voice remained gentle, devoid of any attack, but the trademark smile disappeared completely from his lips.

“I just can’t stand how they always treat you like their own son, and when their real son comes, they dote on him as if he’s some treasure,” Aunt He’s anger grew, her somewhat sharp features turning ferocious.

Sitting beside her, Uncle He was puzzled, “Isn’t that how it should be? If I were them, I’d also favor my own son more.”

Whoosh!

The mother and son in the car felt as if their hearts had been stabbed.

The clueless Uncle He muttered to himself, “My nephew’s back, as the eldest uncle, I should do something. I can’t arrange jobs and houses like my younger brother did for Dongliang, but I’ve earned quite a bit from the pig farm over the years, so I’ll just give him a house.”

“He Guoguo, are you crazy?! Does anyone need a house from you?” Aunt He shrieked.

“But I’m his eldest uncle…”

The car carried the trio, each with their own thoughts, away from the estate.

***

Back at the estate, Mother He couldn’t help but grab her son privately and ask again, “Did you really go fly kites with Dongliang back then?”

He Dongchen raised an eyebrow, only saying, “Maybe. Mom always said that in the earlier years when we returned to our hometown, we would bring Dongliang some toys. Maybe check if there’s a turtle drawing on that crab kite. I vaguely remember sneaking a doodle on it.” Although these couldn’t prove much, it was enough to give Mother He some peace of mind.

Compared to Father He’s closeness to Uncle He’s family, Mother He was much more rational. Uncle He’s family was straightforward and honest, without any ulterior motives. Aunt He was insatiable but only focused on small gains. He Dongliang seemed to be a smart and courteous child, which Mother He admired, even though she turned a blind eye to Father He’s practice of placing people in the company.

But no matter what, nobody could influence her precious son.

Watching Mother He leave in a flurry, He Dongchen chuckled softly, knowing that he was off to a good start again.

***

After half a month of training, He Dongchen transformed completely from a rustic poor boy into an elegantly spoken handsome man, with even his skin lightened a shade under the beautician’s efforts.

Mother He watched with extreme satisfaction, chatting enthusiastically with several stylists. He Dongchen cooperated by trying out different looks, finally adding a pair of gold-framed glasses to conceal his sharp eyes.

“Oh, by the way, Dongchen, do we need to invite that Yu Le to the banquet?” Mother He suddenly asked while reviewing the banquet guest list.

“No need,” He Dongchen replied without hesitation. He wouldn’t foolishly provide networking resources to Yu Le. In the original story, the original owner invited Yu Le as his female companion and even acted domineeringly to protect her when she clashed with others, which greatly tarnished his impression among many wealthy young ladies.

Mother He didn’t say much upon hearing her son’s refusal.

The banquet was held at the He family estate.

As expected, the guests arrived as scheduled, filling the He family estate that evening. Distinguished businessmen and celebrities descended from luxury cars, walking gracefully in pairs or small groups towards the estate. Inside the splendid reception hall, with its fine wines and delicacies, melodious music, and the mingling of handsome men and beautiful women, the atmosphere was lively and grand.