Tan Chao had just barely made it through his twenties when, at the moment he felt life had become utterly meaningless, a voice suddenly appeared in his mind. "You're actually a cannon-fodder love interest, and the protagonist's story is about to reach its big moment. You're about to be written out. Only by doing what I say can you escape that ending and live a good life."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, so you..."
"Then that's perfect. Make me disappear right now."
"W-what?!"
"I said," Tan Chao lowered his eyes and stroked his wrist, "I want to disappear right now."
Perhaps the voice had never met anyone so impossible to communicate with. It left him with a curt "You'll see," then vanished.
Tan Chao didn't doubt it. He sincerely hoped that ending would come soon.
But for some reason, the story didn't go the way he wanted. The protagonist not only refused to abandon him, but used every means at his disposal to keep him locked in his arms, his voice trembling. "...I don't care how. Please stay by my side."
But I'm just cannon fodder.
1. The spoiled young master who threw his weight around goes bankrupt
Tan Chao had loved Yan Xu since they were students, and everyone knew it. Yan Xu, however, didn't care. In Yan Xu's eyes, everything Tan Chao did for him was contemptible. Whether Tan Chao punished the bullies on his behalf, forced him into the best class, or took him to gatherings with his friends, it was all condescending charity, another way to enjoy his humiliation and toy with his life.
After Tan Chao used his family to pressure him into marriage, Yan Xu's loathing reached its peak. For a long time, he didn't set foot in that so-called home.
Later... Tan Chao lost everything, while Yan Xu rose to great heights. Their positions were completely reversed.
Tan Chao thought Yan Xu would soon throw him out and repay him in kind for the humiliation he'd suffered back then. But he waited and waited, and that day never came.
So, being considerate, he took the initiative. "Let's get divorced."
"No, don't... I... I know I was wrong..."
The man who had once looked down on him with disdain pleaded desperately, his eyes red. He had never bowed his head, even when bullied, yet now he was on the verge of breaking down.
"Junior Yan, please let go."
A man's hand settled on his shoulder. The touch seemed light, but the pressure pushing him away left no room for refusal.
"Xiao Chao has already stayed too long by the side of someone who isn't right for him."
2. The ill-tempered junior disciple loses his memory
Tan Chao was picked up by his eldest senior brother. Having nothing, he regarded the sect as his entire world and doggedly followed in his senior brother's footsteps. He suffered countless hardships because of his mediocre aptitude, but never said a word. Later, a new junior disciple joined the sect. Gifted, lively, and mischievous, he made Tan Chao realize that everyone else saw him as a taciturn, stubborn oddball, including the eldest senior brother who had raised him.
After enduring countless unfair reprimands, Tan Chao decided to leave on his own and make a life elsewhere. On the eve of his departure, the eldest senior brother's meridians were shattered and his spiritual root damaged while protecting the junior disciple. Tan Chao gave the senior brother his own spiritual root, only to be falsely accused of being responsible. Heartbroken, he jumped off a cliff to prove his innocence.
When he awoke at the bottom of the cliff, he had forgotten everything about his past.
Yet old acquaintances kept finding him and asking for his forgiveness.
3. The arrogant Sentinel is crippled
Tan Chao had a Guide of his own. They used to huddle together, holding each other through night after night of wind and snow.
After entering the White Tower, he was found to have exceptional talent, while his Guide was only average. Everyone advised him to choose a more compatible Guide to bond with.
"I only want him."
He was so proud, believing he could do anything, and that spreading his arms would be enough to build a sturdy harbor for his Guide, protecting him from every rumor and insult.
But he never expected the other person to be the first to let go.
After Tan Chao was seriously injured and his rating dropped, the Guide who had always quietly stood behind him began to shine.
Now Tan Chao was the one holding him back.
"I just made the more rational choice. You'll understand, won't you?"
Tan Chao had been confused, lost, and in pain, but in the end, he chose to let go.
Early the morning after he put everything behind him, visitors came once more to the long-silent island...
Later worlds to be decided.
A regret-and-redemption story, but the pursuit comes too late. The fire starts from the very first chapter.
No System, no conquest. The protagonist's memories don't carry over between worlds. Each can be read as a standalone story featuring the same protagonist.
*Sometimes you just want a little bittersweet angst.
Theme: Cherish the people by your side
