The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

The next day, He Dongchen got up, washed up, worked out, had breakfast, and then went to the company.

He was busy all day until evening when he received a call from He Guanyun.

“Brother, you don’t have a dinner appointment today, do you? I don’t care, you have to come back!”

“Got it.” He Dongchen replied and hung up.

Just then, Gu Huan called.

“I’m free tonight, want to meet?” Gu Huan’s voice sounded very intellectual over the phone, with a hint of allure added to her otherwise serious tone.

“I’m free. I’ll have my assistant book a restaurant, or do you have a better plan?” He Dongchen dismissed his silly younger brother from his mind with a blink.

Gu Huan thought for a moment. “Let’s go watch a movie. It’s been a while.”

“Okay, we’ll have dinner nearby and then go to the movies.”

The two of them were currently in a stage of mutual ambiguity, not crossing the line but not merely keeping each other as backup options. They genuinely enjoyed the emotional tension, which never failed to bring a smile to their faces.

***

After work, He Dongchen headed straight to the mall to meet Gu Huan.

Gu Huan was already there, having come early after attending a family gathering at noon. She wasn’t in her work attire but wore a white lace cheongsam, her long curly hair adorned with pearl accessories, and her eyebrows shaped into delicate willow leaves. From afar, she looked like a beauty from a bygone era who had wandered onto the set by mistake.

He Dongchen pondered for a moment, then went into the adjacent men’s clothing store and changed into a vintage-style Chinese suit. He also picked up a rose from the store and approached Gu Huan from behind, tapping her shoulder. “Excuse me, Miss, I seem to be lost. Could you help me?”

Gu Huan, who was contemplating a certain project proposal, snapped out of her thoughts and turned around. “If you’re lost, you should call the police… Wait, it’s you?”

Still making such a fuss, Gu Huan wondered if she should laugh or cry. At the same time, she felt deeply moved. People like them, born into wealth, were used to expensive gifts. However, if someone took the time and effort to create a surprise for her, it was more precious than any expensive gift.

Seeing He Dongchen in the Chinese-style suit that matched her cheongsam, Gu Huan smiled brightly, looking dazzling and causing passersby to frequently turn their heads. One man even tripped and stumbled, creating a humorous scene.

He Dongchen handed her a gorgeously vibrant rose and said, “For you. Though it’s not half as beautiful as your smile.”

“Thank you.” Gu Huan took it with a smile. The rose had no wrapping, only trimmed stems and leaves, making it gentle to hold.

“Let’s go, to the restaurant.” He Dongchen noticed the growing crowd of onlookers and quickly led Gu Huan away.

After a delicious meal, they headed upstairs to watch a movie.

The movie was simple, depicting the love stories of four couples; a housewife and a workaholic husband, a rich princess and a poor boy, a powerful woman with a cute young lover, and a young girl chasing after an older man. There were tears and laughter, happiness and sadness, portraying different love stories, full of joys and sorrows.

In the end, the housewife returned to her career, the rich princess broke the rules to marry her knight, the powerful woman opened her heart again in the warmth of her young lover, and the young girl grew up and realized that older men were already taken.

Gu Huan, usually a rational thinker, felt a sense of melancholy after watching the movie, as if she had been led through it all.

When they emerged into the bright lights of the lobby, they naturally let go of each other’s hands.

Checking his watch, He Dongchen suggested, “It’s not early. Let me take you home.”

“Sure.” Gu Huan agreed.

On the way, Gu Huan received a call from her company. He Dongchen drove quietly the whole way.

***

Upon arriving, they noticed several signs of renovation in the neighborhood, and even two workers walking unsteadily, their sleeves rolled up as if they had been drinking.

He Dongchen furrowed his brow slightly.

“Sorry, there’s a bit of an issue at the company,” Gu Huan apologized after ending the call.

“No problem,” He Dongchen shook his head, then raised his chin slightly and pointed ahead at the two workers, “Is the neighborhood under renovation recently?”

“Yes,” Gu Huan frowned at the sight of the workers, impatiently saying, “Why does this keep happening? I’ve complained so many times.”

This neighborhood was ordinary, but because it was close to her office, Gu Huan lived there alone. Every time she saw sweaty, bare-chested workers coming and going, she felt a bit nervous. Imagine riding the elevator alone and suddenly a group of sweaty, bare-chested men barged in; anyone would feel uneasy.

Because of that, Gu Huan carried a bottle of pepper spray in her bag.

He Dongchen thought for a moment and said, “Maybe you should consider moving to a different place?”

“Let’s see… I’ve been too busy lately. The police station isn’t far from here, so it shouldn’t be a big problem.”

He Dongchen didn’t say more and escorted Gu Huan upstairs, where tea was now out of the question.

Before closing the door, He Dongchen pondered for a moment, then bought a lucky charm from the mall and stuck it on Gu Huan. May luck come and misfortune depart.

Suddenly receiving some good sales, the system was overjoyed, floating around excitedly.

Gu Huan suddenly felt a warmth in her body, inexplicably refreshed.

After thinking for a moment, she walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Not long after, she saw He Dongchen’s tall and straight figure downstairs. Sensing something, he turned back and waved at her, then got into the car in a handsome manner and drove away.

Gu Huan chuckled softly, lowered her head, and placed the rose she was holding into a crystal vase.

***

He Dongchen returned home, stepped into the living room with a cheerful mood, and saw He Guanyun sulking on the sofa.

As the male lead, He Guanyun’s appearance was undoubtedly outstanding; sharp eyebrows, starry eyes, a tall figure exuding an artistic flair due to his love for music. His semi-long hair styled into soft curls added to his casual and lazy demeanor. Paired with his naturally affectionate eyes, he could effortlessly draw everyone’s attention when sitting quietly.

Seeing He Dongchen return, He Guanyun arrogantly turned his head, clearly displaying an expression that said, ‘I’m angry, come and coax me.’

During dinner, He Guanyun made a phone call which He Dongchen promptly hung up.

There was also a young woman sitting on the sofa, very beautiful, dressed elegantly in a blue dress that struck a balance between casual and formal; a perfect outfit for meeting a lover’s parents.

At this point, these two seemed to be in an ambiguous stage.

After sizing up the situation, He Dongchen withdrew his gaze and ignored He Guanyun’s little tantrum, politely speaking with a slight smile, “It’s getting late, you should rest early.”

After saying that, he prepared to go upstairs. He Guanyun, stunned by his older brother’s lack of apology, couldn’t help but exclaim, “Big Brother, what’s wrong with you? You stood me up and now you’re acting like this.”

He Dongchen paused, one hand on the railing, casually replied, “Ah, sorry about that. I had a date tonight.”

This news only fueled He Guanyun’s anger further. He stood up and protested, “How could you do this, Big Brother?”

Recalling the memories of the original owner, He Dongchen retorted, “I remember when you were in your final year of college, all excited about joining the company. I arranged a position for you, matched you with friendly colleagues, and even bought you an apartment near the office. But you didn’t say a word, just stood me up and went on a trip abroad with your classmates.”

He Guanyun choked up at this reminder, suddenly feeling inspired but unable to interrupt. Looking at his older brother’s cold expression, He Guanyun pursed his lips uncomfortably and said, “Big Brother, why bring up the past all of a sudden? Didn’t I apologize later?”

“So, I apologized just now,” He Dongchen replied with a smile.

With that, the room fell silent.

Si Manman watched silently on the side, suddenly feeling that He Guanyun’s words were quite exaggerated. Oh, his big brother looked cold, but actually spoiles him a lot?

Doting on him? Is it?

The sarcasm in his tone was almost overwhelming, yet he was still doting!

Did I misunderstand? Is this just their way of getting along as brothers?

Si Manman silently ridiculed for a while. Seeing the awkward atmosphere, she stepped forward to smooth things over, “Hello, Mr. He, I’m Guanyun’s friend, Si Manman.”

He Dongchen glanced at her and nodded politely, “Hello. If you need anything, you can talk to Guanyun.”

Don’t talk to me!

Honestly, the original owner’s biggest role was to give cheats to the male and female leads, money when they need money, power when they need power, and still do so without complaint or regret.

With such a distant attitude, who couldn’t see it? Si Manman’s smile froze for a moment as she signaled towards He Guanyun.

He Guanyun snapped out of his defensive mode, comforting himself that maybe his big brother wasn’t in a good mood today. He smiled again, “Big Brother, Si Manman is quite famous, started as a child star, and studied abroad for a few years, very talented.”

Changing the topic, he continued, “I’ve decided not to go abroad this time. I want to enter the entertainment industry, and coincidentally, Si Manman is coming back to film, so we decided to establish a studio.”

He Dongchen listened courteously, then lightly encouraged, “Well, good luck to both of you.”

“…”

“…”

He Guanyun waited and waited, but He Dongchen didn’t follow up. He felt a bit dumbfounded. Normally, shouldn’t Big Brother be happy that I’m not going abroad, take charge of the studio, and let me focus on music?

Si Manman also felt anxious. Having been abroad for years, she had lost her connections in the industry. If she could board the He family’s ship, she wouldn’t have to worry about her future and resources.

He Guanyun had always believed his older brother would fulfill any request. How could it be like this?

Watching their dumbfounded expressions, He Dongchen was in a good mood as he leisurely ascended the stairs. “I’m going to rest. Don’t disturb me. Everything else is up to you.”

Soon, He Dongchen’s figure disappeared up the spiral staircase, leaving the room in silence.

A night passed without further discussion.

***

The next day at the dining table, He Guanyun seemed determined to make something of himself and no longer mentioned the studio.

Si Manman smiled gracefully, hiding any emotions.

Suddenly, He Guanyun realized something seemed missing and exclaimed, “Where’s sister-in-law?”

He Dongchen casually ate his sandwich and replied when convenient, “We divorced.”

“What? Divorced?!” He Guanyun raised his voice in disbelief. “Big Brother, are you crazy? Sister-in-law loved you so much, and you actually divorced her?”

In He Guanyun’s eyes, his brother was aloof, always serious about work, and quite boring. Xiao Tang could tolerate all of that, stay at home diligently taking care of their mother, and was a wonderful woman.

How could Big Brother divorce her? That’s outrageous.

Setting down her utensils, Si Manman lowered her presence, thinking to herself that life in a wealthy family was indeed not easy. She had heard He Guanyun’s sister-in-law was just a nurse, and this divorce seemed all too expected.

He Dongchen looked at He Guanyun’s indignant expression and spoke calmly, “I think you should remember why Xiao Tang and I had a secret marriage; To ease Mom’s worries, right? Since then, after Mom passed away, divorce seems quite normal.”

He Guanyun frowned unhappily. “I get your point, but Brother, you’re too heartless. How did Xiao Tang try to please you these past 3 years? I saw it all. You’ve wasted the best 3 years of her life. If Mom knew, she’d be devastated and regret ever setting you two up.”

Si Manman listened intently, sensing something amiss.

Just as she thought that, she noticed He Dongchen at the head of the table suddenly smiling.

“Guanyun, I remember Chen’s youngest daughter always liked you since childhood. She used to bring you breakfast at school, help you fight after class, and knowing your love for music, she aimed to establish a record company to support you. Now, hearing this, it sounds like she’s returned from studying abroad to prepare for establishing a company? Look at her heartfelt devotion, so touching. Otherwise, how about I arrange a marriage alliance between our families?”

“I absolutely refuse! That Chen Zhuobao woman weighs twice as much as I do!” He Guanyun retorted without hesitation, his expression full of disgust.

Si Manman, as an onlooker, remained expressionless. So, He Guanyun was being double-standarded by his elder brother, right?

Forcing his brother to accept an admirer while avoiding his own admirer.

It was quite comical.

Suddenly, Si Manman found He Guanyun’s immaturity and antics more laughable than He Dongchen’s behavior.

He Guanyun snapped out of his embarrassment, blushing furiously as he looked at his elder brother’s ambiguous smile. He hastily added, “It’s not the same at all! Sister-in-law is beautiful and gentle.”

He Dongchen cut him off, “I have unique aesthetics. In my eyes, Xiao Tang is far from attractive. Remember, don’t call her sister-in-law anymore; it causes me trouble.”

He then turned to Si Manman and nodded, “What do you think, Miss Si?”