“…”
After crying and calming down, Jiang Nian went to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth.
It had been a long time since he had seen his usual reflection in the mirror, and he froze on the spot.
Though mentally challenged by illness and grief from losing his mother, he was a 21-year-old young man with healthy skin and naturally smiling eyes like peach blossoms, full of light.
He was handsome, stood 183 cm tall, and had a gentle expression and refined demeanor. Even when angry, his face never looked fierce.
He wasn’t dangerously handsome, just tall, with long legs, and good-looking. He was the kind of person who could easily connect with anyone, young or old. Since his teenage years, he had had many romantic opportunities with both men and women.
Perhaps because of that, Jiang Nian looked down on those who actively pursued him, preferring to tease those in the higher social class.
Cheng Jing was the one he had worked hard to win over. Cheng Jing was two years older, and they met in an inter-school sports league when Jiang Nian was still in high school.
Back then, Jiang Nian was young and full of energy. He had heard that Cheng Jing was arrogant and difficult to get along with. Cheng Jing wouldn’t respond to any tricks or attempts to get close. But Jiang Nian managed to catch his attention.
Later, they were both accepted to universities in Qingyun City, and they started dating while Jiang Nian was preparing for college.
At that time, Cheng Jing was entering his second year and had moved out of his school dorm to rent a place between the two schools.
However, after being tempted by Jiang Nian, the image of Cheng Jing as a cold, solitary “male god” crumbled.
His quietness and reluctance to socialize became like a sticky plaster. He had a somewhat chauvinistic, almost fatherly side. He controlled everything for Jiang Nian.
He must not smoke or drink alcohol. He must return home before 10 p.m. every day. He must inform in advance if he has school affairs. He must report before going out on weekends and holidays. He must not even think about going to bars, clubs, or other entertainment places. He’s even more outrageous than his mother.
Yet, despite all this control, Cheng Jing was kind, obedient, and caring.
Unfortunately, not long after, his mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Jiang Nian wanted to tell Cheng Jing, but Cheng Jing announced his decision first: he would keep his student status and join the military in the second semester of his second year.
Jiang Nian swallowed his words back.
So, when Cheng Jing first called after joining the army, Jiang Nian unilaterally ended their relationship. Cheng Jing didn’t agree and, even though they were thousands of miles apart, tried to torment Jiang Nian over the phone.
However, Jiang Nian changed his phone number and disappeared. There was nothing he could do in the military, so their first love ended in vain.
His mother’s condition worsened, and, since no one else could help, they hired a caregiver. Jiang Nian began looking for various part-time jobs to earn money.
Besides going to school and working, he called his mother every day and had no time to think about anything else. Everything about Cheng Jing was just rumors.
After leaving the military, Cheng Jing continued his studies and founded a security company with well-connected partners. His business was extensive and highly profitable.
He became successful at a young age, earning the envy of many of his peers.
They never met again after breaking up in their previous life.
Although Cheng Jing was the first person Jiang Nian thought of when his mother died, Jiang Nian wanted to tell Cheng Jing and look for him. In the end, however, he held back.
He didn’t expect that their reunion at the end of the world would end with them being separated by death.
In his previous life, he died at age 23, and Cheng Jing was 25. When the apocalypse came, Cheng Jing seemed fine.
Now, Jiang Nian was 21 and preparing for his final year of high school. Physically and mentally exhausted by his mother’s illness, he no longer experienced the freedom and joy he had in high school.
Cheng Jing, now 23, had become a positive example promoted by their high school among alumni.
“Splash…”
Cold water soaked his face, and the memory ended there. Jiang Nian forced himself to pull away from the sadness of his previous life.
God had given him the chance to start anew. He should cherish it. He should not waste it by sacrificing his own life.
His mother was gone, and the world had ended. He would go find Cheng Jing.
No matter the outcome, he would try his best.
After washing his face, brushing his teeth, and cooking a simple breakfast of egg noodles, which maximized his happiness at being reborn, Jiang Nian still felt sad that he couldn’t see his mother anymore.
After eating and drinking his fill, and preparing himself mentally, Jiang Nian picked up his phone and dialed a number.
Although Cheng Jing had changed his phone number after their breakup two years ago, memories couldn’t be changed.
Besides, people who accomplish great things rarely change their contact information. Their social and business circles were also potential customers.
So Jiang Nian bet that Cheng Jing’s number was still active.
The call connected after three rings.
A familiar yet unfamiliar voice said,
“Hello, who is this?”
“Hello, is this Cheng Jing?”
Jiang Nian asked in a low voice, nervous and excited.
“…”
The person on the phone seemed to think for a moment before answering.
“This is him. Who is this?”
“It’s me… Jiang Nian.”
He tried to sound casual, but his trembling voice gave away his pretense of calm. He gripped the phone tighter.
“…”
There was a long silence. Cheng Jing said nothing. Just as Jiang Nian was about to speak again, the call ended.
“Oh…”
The grass he had returned to wasn’t as green as before. Jiang Nian sighed and called him again, hoping to comfort his ex without losing face.
On the fourth call, Cheng Jing finally answered but still didn’t say anything.
Jiang Nian took a deep breath and spoke awkwardly.
“Um…long time no see.”
It was a silly thing to say, but for some reason, he felt happy.
“Is something wrong?”
Cheng Jing’s voice was colder than before—the usual reaction from an ex.
“…”
Jiang Nian didn’t know how to respond at first, but then he decided there was no use beating around the bush. Their last conversation hadn’t been pleasant anyway, so he went straight to the point.
“All right, I want to see you.”
He was shameless and straightforward; his cheeks burned hot enough to fry an egg after he spoke.
Cheng Jing ground his teeth.
“Did you lose a game of truth or dare?”
“No, no… I’m serious.”
Jiang Nian hurried to explain. He had broken up with him unilaterally and disappeared, shocking him when they contacted each other again. He understood how Cheng Jing felt. Then, before Cheng Jing could say anything, he spoke:
“My mother passed away, and I just handled her funeral. I’m not doing well now. Is that okay?”
His heart ached, but he had to say it. He bet Cheng Jing missed the past, so he didn’t care if his confession sounded sudden, shameless, or pitiful.
More than that, it wasn’t a lie. After his mother’s tragic death and his own rebirth, he wanted someone to lean on, even if the world wasn’t ending.
As long as he could stay with Cheng Jing until the end of the world, he would be able to keep his throne.
He wouldn’t allow himself to suffer as he did in the past, but the supernatural power he awakened was unique, and his fighting ability was inadequate. If targeted, he would be nothing but a test subject.
Therefore, he needed someone strong to rely on to achieve anything in life.
The person he trusted the most was Cheng Jing.
Their tragedy was his indifference.
Remembering how Cheng Jing held him and called his name before dying in his previous life made his nose burn with pain. He wanted to stay with Cheng Jing, even if it meant being shameless.
“…My condolences.”
Cheng Jing’s tone softened. He wanted to comfort him, but he didn’t know what to say. He asked quietly,
“Where are the others around you?”
“…”
Jiang Nian clenched his fist tightly, took a deep breath, thought for a moment, and then answered.
“I told you, my relationship with my father isn’t good. I don’t want to find him…”
He would never go back to that house again! He had to try his hardest to stay alive and find a chance to get revenge.
He knew he wasn’t strong enough yet, so this was a long-term plan that might never come true.
“…”
Cheng Jing was silent for a moment and then asked,
“Where is your boyfriend?”