The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

The novel to be adapted, simply named ‘The Case,’ was a work completed by He Dongchen last year. It tells the story of five young people embarking on investigative adventures.

The male protagonist was gentle and upright, self-disciplined, and courteous. Despite carrying a deep-seated vendetta, he remains hopeful. The female protagonist was the princess of the dynasty, bright and fiery, domineering, and protective. The other three main characters each have their unique traits. Together, they earnestly solve cases and earnestly engage in comedic antics, combining seriousness with joy.

The novel dominated the top rankings on Green Net for a year before being dethroned.

With the announcement of the adaptation, major talent agencies were eager to get involved, reviewing their artist rosters and submitting suitable candidates.

The news traveled quickly within the industry. Everyone knew that He Dongchen, the original author, was also the owner of Green Net. To personally adapt his work, he had even made a grand acquisition of a film company.

Even if the show couldn’t be successfully adapted, just getting connected with such a powerful figure was worth it.

He Dongchen sought out a director skilled in costume dramas, customized exquisite costumes and props, and personally oversaw the casting process, striving to make his work perfect.

***

One day, while he was in his office screening the submitted artist lists, he suddenly received a call from the front desk, saying that two men and one woman wanted to see him.

Hearing that combination, He Dongchen immediately thought of Nian Shiyu and the others. Upon inquiry, it was indeed them.

In recent years, Nian Shiwen had participated in a talent show and debuted. Without Father He’s intervention, she became popular but not explosively so, failing to reach the height described in the original story.

Lu Xuyan continued on the path of a musical genius, producing many stunning songs. Although he still acted unruly, geniuses always have some quirks. Fans accepted this well, even finding it more charming.

Relying on her two brothers, Nian Shiwen was doing fairly well. This year, she starred in a sweet drama and gained some popularity.

They had been like strangers over the past few years, with virtually no contact. Now, suddenly seeking him out, it must be for that drama.

He Dongchen responded to the front desk, refusing to meet.

Nian Shiyu portrayed a pure and gentle image, which was completely mismatched with the female lead. Her appearance seemed more fitting for the second female lead, though He Dongchen didn’t think she would even consider such a role.

After hanging up the phone, He Dongchen pushed the matter aside and continued to review the lists, marking a few names for scheduling interviews.

On the other side, Nian Shiwen and the others, feeling rejected, had unpleasant expressions. However, constrained by the public setting, they couldn’t lash out and could only leave hurriedly with lowered heads.

Once seated in the car, Nian Shiyu sighed, “Is Big Brother still upset with me? He wouldn’t even meet with us.”

Nian Shiwen coldly snorted, “I told you earlier, he’s cold and heartless.”

Lu Xuyan tapped his knee and remained silent with closed eyes.

An eerie silence filled the car. Seeing his sister upset, Nian Shiwen scratched his head in frustration, “Do you really like that role so much?”

Nian Shiyu clasped her fingers together, “I really do.”

Nian Shiwen sighed heavily. If his sister liked it, as her older brother, he had to make it happen. Originally, they had come today to exchange resources; his popularity, Lu Xuyan’s songs, but they couldn’t even secure a female lead role.

It was all because He Dongchen was too heartless, refusing even a meeting.

Since that was the case, he couldn’t blame him for being heartless.

***

Back at home, Nian Yao greeted them anxiously, “How did it go?”

Seeing their grim faces, Nian Yao sighed worriedly, “If it’s not possible, then let it go.”

In recent years, Nian Yao had keenly felt that their Father He, was becoming increasingly distant, not showing much affection toward her and the children. When Nian Shiwen participated in the talent show, Nian Yao had tried to speak well of them, but Father He didn’t intervene at all.

He could have achieved better results, but now he was relegated to third place. Watching their competitors soar, Nian Yao couldn’t help feeling sorry for her children and harboring some resentment toward Father He.

But what could resentment achieve? They still had to rely on Father He to get by.

Nian Yao had figured out He Dongchen’s place in Father He’s heart and had decided not to disturb He Dongchen anymore, having restrained the children for years.

In the evening when Father He returned, everyone tacitly avoided bringing up the matter. Bringing it up would be futile and only lead to disappointment.

The next day, the internet suddenly exploded with a family photo; a perfect portrait of the six members of the He family, taken shortly after Father He’s remarriage years ago.

In the photo, the family looked exceptionally harmonious. Nian Shiwen stood behind Father He and Nian Yao, sporting a youthful ponytail, with a brother on each side; He Dongchen on the left and Nian Shiwen on the right, all wearing sweet smiles. Lu Xuyan stood in the corner with a casual tilt of his shoulder.

Nian Shiwen shared the photo with the caption [Family Portrait.]

Fans exclaimed after seeing it, marveling at the family’s stunning looks! Especially the three brothers; Cool, sunny, and rebelliously handsome. Nian Shiyu was indeed fortunate!

Since Nian Shiwen and Lu Xuyan were already tagged as doting siblings, everyone naturally assumed the same of the other person in the photo, believing they must also be fond of Nian Shiyu, their younger sister.

In the entertainment industry, those preparing for auditions felt less than pleased. If He Dongchen favored his sister so much, what chance did they have for the female lead? Would they just be accompanying players? If Nian Shiyu outshone her seniors in acting, it would be even more frustrating.

After all, such incidents had occurred before.

Previously, when Lu Xuyan needed a female lead for his music video, after auditioning many candidates, he suddenly announced his sister would take the role.

And Nian Shiwen, wherever he went for events, always brought his sister along, exuding an air that dared anyone to bully her, which irritated many.

Suddenly, those preparing for auditions began to hesitate and withdrew one after another. No one wanted to be a stepping stone or second fiddle.

***

He Dongchen, aware of the sequence of events, smirked mockingly and paid no attention to them.

[Boss, why don’t you clarify? Just dig up news from the fire a few years ago, and everyone will know you’re not favoring your sister so much,] the system wondered aloud.

“Isn’t this a good opportunity to screen out those who just follow the crowd?” He Dongchen casually explained. He didn’t want his production team to be in constant turmoil. “Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now. Anyway, the final decision still rests with me.”

Nian Shiwen’s idea of making competitors leave automatically, leaving him with no options, was simply naive.

A single position for a female lead was enough to inspire countless people to keep trying, even if their hopes were slim.

***

A few days later, the auditions commenced as scheduled.

Several actresses who had been previously arranged to attend were absent, each citing impressively valid reasons, showing no disrespect.

Without denying the situation, He Dongchen and the director began the auditions.

By the end of the morning, they had essentially finalized the male lead, a well-known idol in period dramas. He had a gentle demeanor and decent acting skills. The director was very satisfied and praised him highly. He Dongchen, with his high standards, found him mediocre but acceptable, considering the limited choices.

During the break, He Dongchen stepped out onto the corridor for some fresh air. Outside, autumn rain drizzled softly, brushing against his face with a cool breeze that he caught in his hand.

Just as he relaxed, he suddenly heard voices from behind.

“Sister Zile, Nian Shiyu is here. Should we continue auditioning?” someone asked anxiously.

Then, a melodious voice, lazy yet seductive, replied, “Since I’ve come, I might as well stay. It’s not my style to walk away.”

“But what if the crew really picks Nian Shiyu? Who knows how they’ll treat you afterward?” The assistant sounded indignant.

Le Zile and Nian Shiyu were on completely different paths. Despite having nothing to do with each other, during a variety show, Nian Shiyu kept calling her ‘sister,’ knowing Le Zile was in a legal dispute with her brother and tried to persuade reconciliation.

Le Zile’s expression was hard to read. The subsequent shots were maliciously edited, and fans pulled each other’s legs, causing a lot of trouble, and becoming deadly enemies

“That’s just how it is. I guess I’ll accept my fate, having two good brothers… Oh, wait, three,” Le Zile chuckled self-deprecatingly.

“President He, the auditions are starting,” a staff member approached them.

Le Zile and her companion looked around in surprise, wondering if it wasn’t what they had imagined?

He Dongchen flicked his slightly damp palm and emerged from the shadows, passing by Le Zile with a slight nod, correcting himself, “She only has two good brothers.”

With that said, he strode away with long strides, accompanied by the staff.

Behind him, the young assistant couldn’t contain her excitement, “Ah! Sister Zile, did you hear that? He said Nian Shiyu has no chance!” She only has two good brothers! That practically means he doesn’t like Nian Shiyu! If that’s the case, Nian Shiyu definitely has no chance!

Le Zile narrowed her eyes slightly, swept her curls back, and spoke softly, “I feel like… my time has come.”

With her head held high and her chest out, she confidently walked in the direction He Dongchen had just left, her red dress swaying lightly along with her long hair.

The assistant blinked, belatedly realizing what was happening, and hurriedly caught up. What does this mean?

***

Back in the lobby, He Dongchen casually scanned the area and indeed spotted Nian Shiyu, with Nian Shiwen absent today and Lu Xuyan by her side.

“Big brother!” Nian Shiyu’s eyes lit up when she saw He Dongchen, and she moved towards him.

There was some restlessness among the other artists in the lobby, especially the actresses auditioning for the female lead, their faces grim.

As if hearing Nian Shiyu’s call, He Dongchen exchanged a few words with the staff and walked straight into the audition hall.

Everyone was stunned. What was happening?

Nian Shiyu’s smile froze, especially under the scrutinizing gazes of others, making her feel uneasy and flushing red.

Le Zile and the assistant entered, observing the scene, seeming to have guessed something. Le Zile sneered and walked lightly to her resting area.

Seeing this scene, Nian Shiyu felt even more embarrassed, looking to Lu Xuyan for help.