He Che

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	He Che (何澈)
Alias(es)	Che; Xiao Che; Little He
Species/Race	Beta 21 103 105
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Willow City Film Academy; Golden Rose Bar
Occupation/Role	Student; acting major; part-time bar waiter
Status	Alive 178
First Appearance	Chapter 17

Background / History

He Che came to Li Mao seeking a room at age twelve, wearing a faded school uniform and carrying a worn cloth backpack. Although Li Mao was only nineteen and initially drove him away, He Che ultimately became his long-term roommate and dependent; by the time of the main story, they have lived together for six years. 18 19

He Che took responsibility for the household early in their arrangement, notably cooking for Li Mao. At sixteen, he began working part-time as a waiter at Golden Rose Bar and contributing to shared expenses. Despite his own financial strain, he remained an excellent student and pursued higher education. 18

He enrolls at Willow City Film Academy's acting department. Li Mao quietly supports this path by saving for his tuition, arranging favorable bar shifts, and covering less convenient shifts himself so He Che can retain his income and self-respect. 40 68

Believing himself to be a burden after learning of Li Mao's apparent relationship with Wan Fuqi, He Che transfers rent money, announces that he will end the lease, and later attempts to move out. Their confrontation exposes the depth of Li Mao's sacrifices and He Che's need to establish independence. 71 74 75

To prove he can stand on his own, He Che enters Golden Rose Bar's underground boxing ring against reigning champion Casper. He realizes too late that the match is a trap exploiting his connection to Li Mao; Li Mao takes his place and fights Casper instead. He Che ultimately leaves the arena at Li Mao's request, though he later regrets provoking him this way. 105 106 107 109

Appearance

He Che is a tall Beta with a delicate, striking face and an athletic physique that rivals an Alpha's. He is nearly six foot three and has messy black hair. 105 106 107

• Delicate, conspicuously attractive features. 105
• Athletic build despite being a Beta. 105
• Nearly six foot three in height. 106
• Black hair. 107

Personality

He Che is studious, responsible, and sensitive to the cost of relying on others. He carefully manages his education, work, and finances, but his awareness of Li Mao's sacrifices makes him see himself as an unwanted burden rather than a member of their family. 19 40

He values independence strongly, sometimes to a self-destructive degree. His decision to enter the underground ring is not motivated by money or fame, but by a desire to prove that Li Mao can let him go. 105

Despite arguments and long periods of silence, He Che remains deeply attached to Li Mao. He routinely checks on him while Li Mao is away, breaks down when Li Mao is badly injured, and admits that he wanted Li Mao to live more freely. 71 108 109

Abilities & Skills

Academic Ability

He Che is consistently described as an excellent student and earns admission to a film academy to pursue acting. 18 40 68

• Studies acting at Willow City Film Academy. 68
• Is regarded by Li Mao as someone capable of leaving South City and building a different future. 40
• Has enough academic discipline to balance university with part-time work. 19 40

Cooking and Household Management

He Che regularly maintains the apartment and cooks for Li Mao. His cooking is notably good enough to become a major comfort to Li Mao. 18 73

• Prepared meals are described as highly appealing to Li Mao. 18
• Regularly cleans the shared apartment, even while considering moving out. 73
• Began contributing to household expenses through part-time work at sixteen. 18

Acting Aspirations

He Che intends to become an actor and is willing to challenge himself publicly, although his underground-ring decision proves dangerously misguided. 75 105

• Entered the ring to prove his independence rather than pursue a boxing career. 105
• Uses sharp verbal jabs against Casper, comparing the champion's face to someone suited only for comedy roles. 105
• His lack of combat experience leaves him vulnerable in an Alpha-dominated underground fight system. 103 105

Relationships

• Li Mao — Longtime roommate, guardian-like older-brother figure, and closest family. Li Mao raised and financially supported He Che for six years, while He Che struggles to stop seeing himself as a burden. 18 19 75
• A-Qiang — An associate of Li Mao who is concerned for He Che's safety and alerts Li Mao when He Che enters the underground ring. 103 104
• Casper — Underground boxing champion and He Che's intended opponent. Casper taunts He Che over Li Mao's past and reveals the match is designed to exploit him. 105
• Tong Yao — An Alpha with whom He Che shares an intimate relationship; He Che contacts Li Mao after seeing Wan Fuqi's social-media post. 178
• Wan Fuqi — Li Mao's apparent partner in He Che's eyes. Seeing Wan Fuqi and Li Mao together contributes directly to He Che's decision to move out. 72 74

Story Role / Major Arcs

College Enrollment and Separation Attempt

He Che chooses to commute to university and work part-time rather than further depend on Li Mao. He later sends rent money and tries to terminate their living arrangement after seeing Li Mao with Wan Fuqi. 19 71 72

The Move-Out Conflict

He Che returns home drunk and insists on moving out because he does not want to interfere with Li Mao's relationship. The argument becomes physical and exposes Li Mao's hidden history of underground fighting to pay for He Che's upbringing. 74 75

Golden Rose Bar Challenge

He Che enters a fixed underground match against Casper to demonstrate independence. Li Mao forcibly substitutes for him, then orders He Che to leave after the match; He Che obeys while recognizing the pain his actions caused. 105 106 107 109

Later Contact

After the fallout, He Che remains in school and continues working part-time under protection arranged by Li Mao's associates. He later reaches out to Li Mao after seeing Wan Fuqi's Moments post. 117 178

Notable Quotes

“I just wanted your life to no longer have me in it, for you to live more easily, more freely. I just wanted you to put yourself first in your life!” 109

“Bro, I'm begging you... Let's go home together, okay...” 109