I’m Done Playing the Lovesick Supporting Role

Everyone knows that in any romance novel, apart from the leading couple, there’s always a certain type of male supporting character.

He’s either hopelessly devoted to the heroine, tirelessly helping her no matter the cost—even if it means putting up with infidelity. When the heroine is misunderstood by the male lead, he steps in to clear her name. When she faces setbacks in her career, he’s there to support her.

But in the end? All he gets is a single line from the heroine: “I’ve always seen you as a brother.”

Or, he’s the one opposing the male lead, only to be crushed by the couple’s so-called underdog victory, left with nothing but ruins.

Gu Jingyu suddenly finds himself in the role of one of these tragic male supporting characters.

The domineering CEO heroine declares, “You’re like a brother to me…”
Gu Jingyu retorts, “Thanks, but my mom only gave birth to one child.”

The time-traveling heroine offers him a snack with a bright smile. “I made this vegetarian jerky especially for you. I’m sure you’ll love it!”
Gu Jingyu stares at her in silence.
Do I look that gullible?

The plucky underdog protagonist from a cultivation story roars, “Just you wait—thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river! Don’t underestimate the poor!”
Gu Jingyu doesn’t even bother to respond. He locks the protagonist away until his own ascension.