The Stand-In’s Rule: He Went Mad After I Faked My Death

The perfect stand-in for the top Alpha Marshal quietly steps aside, following the “Rules,” when the real deal returns. That is, until he “dies” saving the marshal, and everyone realizes just how fiercely alive the heart beating in that cold body truly was. Shi Che remembers the first rule in The Stand-In’s Handbook: Never forget that you are not him.

So when Lu Zhi pins him against the wall during his rut, hot breath branding the side of his neck, and hoarsely calls out “Jianqing,” Shi Che merely lowers his lashes and answers obediently, “It’s me, sir.”

He plays the part of a comfort object with no temper and no desires to perfection. He tends to Lu Zhi’s stomach problems, calms his mental episodes, and silently hands him a glass of warm water when he dreams of someone from the past and wakes in tears. Everyone says that Shi Che, this Beta, is so considerate it breaks their hearts.

Until the real Lin Jianqing miraculously survives and returns in glory.

The entire nation celebrates, and Shi Che follows the final rule in The Handbook: “Withdraw silently once the real deal returns.” He hands in his resignation, packs the few belongings that barely fill half a box, and prepares to disappear for good.

At the very last moment before he can leave, rebels launch a surprise attack, targeting Lu Zhi. In the chaos, Shi Che instinctively throws himself toward the man he has protected for three years.

The flames of the explosion swallow his frail figure.

In his charred personal terminal, people find an unencrypted diary and a handwritten draft of The Stand-In’s Rules, revised over and over.

On the latest page, the handwriting trembles:

“Final revision of the rules:”

“1. Allow yourself to love him in secret.”

“2. If he is happy, allow yourself to disappear.”

“3. …If he can live, allow yourself to disappear.”