Chapter 44 – The End

Chapter 44 - The End

In the previous game, Lu Yan had died on the dawn of the second-to-last day.

In this game, he had managed to survive until the final two days. He knew that attention to detail was crucial, so every moment was spent with great caution, resolving not to step outside.

At the same time, Yu Zechuan's behavior also seemed unusual. He started using the computer more frequently to keep tabs on the news and constantly checked the location system for Jiang Boyun's movements. His cold eyes seemed to hide countless thoughts, like a calm sea before a storm, with hidden turbulence beneath.

Lu Yan knew that Yu Zechuan was planning to kill Jiang Boyun.

In the last game, he had done the same, first making Jiang Boyun suffer public disgrace before ending his life.

Lu Yan wanted to advise against it but realized he had exhausted all his arguments, both good and bad, and had nothing new to say. Surely he couldn't just lock Yu Zechuan in a small room?

That wouldn't work; he wasn't strong enough to overpower him.

In the evening, Yu Zechuan was dressed neatly, apparently preparing to leave. He placed "Baishi" in its travel case, as his fair skin, illuminated by the light, appeared like white jade under the black hooded sweater: "I'm taking the cat to the vet for an injection. I might be late tonight, so you don't need to wait for me."

Yu Zechuan still found the name distasteful and refused to use it, referring to the cat solely as "cat."

Lu Yan was originally lounging on the sofa, engrossed in his phone. Upon hearing this, his fingers paused, and he keenly sensed that something was amiss. "Didn't the doctor come by during the day for an injection?"

Yu Zechuan casually closed the hatch, his expression obscured by his lowered head. "I made a donation to the animal shelter. The hospital has agreed to take good care of the cat and will send it over tonight. Anyway, we're not in a position to keep it ourselves."

The centenarian's condition was already dire, requiring round-the-clock medical attention in the hospital. With no prior medical experience between the two of them, they were indeed incapable of caring for him.

Yet, Lu Yan couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Yu Zechuan's words. He sat up from the sofa, gazing at Yu Zechuan with a slight frown. After a long moment, he asked, "Can't we go tomorrow instead?"

If he wanted to send someone to the rescue station, he could've done it during the day. There was no need to wait until night. It was clear that Yu Zechuan wanted to use this as an excuse to go out and seek Jiang Boyun's demise.

Yu Zechuan seldom went back on his decisions. "Just today."

Despite Lu Yan's typically calm demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at Yu Zechuan's stubbornness. He thought to himself, Go ahead, kill Jiang Boyun and then take your own life. That way, you'll leave me alone to enjoy my freedom.

"Go ahead if you want to."

There was an icy undertone in Lu Yan's voice, which was highly unusual. After speaking, he leaned back into the sofa and continued scrolling through his phone. However, after a moment of silence, he felt a shadow fall over him without a sound.

Yu Zechuan stood beside the sofa, bending down to extend both hands towards Lu Yan with a smile. He whispered, "Lu Yan, can I have a hug?"

He seldom smiled, one could even say never. At this moment, perhaps due to the lighting, his eyes shimmered with a delicate, twinkling amusement that momentarily disoriented Lu Yan.

Could this person truly be Yu Zechuan?

Still feeling a bit sulky, Lu Yan fixated his gaze on the screen, ignoring Yu Zechuan. "We'll talk when you're back."

Surprisingly, Yu Zechuan seemed to be trying to soothe him. Instead of getting angry, he embraced Lu Yan warmly. Resting his chin on Lu Yan's shoulder, he kissed his cheek and then his ear, suddenly blurting out, "I really wish my grandpa could see you."

Confused, Lu Yan asked, "Grandpa?"

Yu Zechuan nodded, as if reminiscing about the past. A fleeting warmth melted the frost in his eyes. "He was just like you, he adored small animals."

"If he saw you, he would have been delighted."

But it was only "if", and only "should", for Grandpa Yu had long passed away. Those still living could only speculate through countless memories.

How could Yu Zechuan not hate this? Lu Yan pondered.

He helplessly watched as Yu Zechuan hugged him, picked up the suitcase, and left the house without uttering a word to stop him. Bai Sui lay inside, its amber eyes peering through the crack at Lu Yan. It scratched the door gently, as if bidding farewell.

It had always been well-behaved since the day it was adopted, obediently undergoing medical checks and injections in the hospital without scratching anyone, only gasping in pain from the old injuries caused by the car accident.

If only they had met sooner.

This thought echoed in Lu Yan's mind.

After Yu Zechuan left, he lost interest in his phone and began pacing restlessly in the living room, appearing somewhat anxious.

Emotionally, he knew he had to stop Yu Zechuan, but logically, he realized he shouldn't get entangled in this turmoil. Besides, Yu Zechuan wouldn't listen to him anyway.

There was only one day left, only one day left.

Never before had Lu Yan felt so powerless against fate, like a train roaring along its predetermined tracks. Trying to sacrifice himself to stop it would only result in being crushed mercilessly into two pieces.

With trembling fingers, Lu Yan took out his phone and started typing a message to Yu Zechuan:

"Have you reached the hospital?"

"Has the cat settled in well?"

"What time will you be back? I'll pick you up."

"The movie you didn't finish watching last time is about to be removed from theaters in a few days. Let's watch it together tomorrow."

...

Lu Yan talked endlessly. He felt that he had never typed so many words in his life, but his messages seemed to sink into an abyss, receiving no response.

Time passed quietly, and before he knew it, it was the early hours of the next morning.

The sky outside the large window was tinged with a suppressive leaden gray. Dark clouds rolled, as if a sudden downpour could pour at any moment. A cold breeze blew in through the half-open window, swiftly dissipating the warmth in the room.

Lu Yan, who hadn't slept for several days, finally succumbed to sleep. Lying on the couch with his eyes closed, he thought to himself that he was barely keeping afloat, let alone having the concern for someone else's life.

Was Jiang Boyun, that troublemaker, already dead?

He had suffered a miserable death in the previous round, disemboweled by Yu Zechuan. It probably wouldn't be much better for him this time around.

It was uncertain if Yu Zechuan would return after committing the act, or if he'd end his life on the spot, just as he did in the previous life.

He wished that Yu Zechuan would come back to at least bid farewell.

But it was also fine if he didn't, for their meeting might only bring discomfort.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Lu Yan fell asleep. Half-asleep and half-awake, he seemed to hear the sound of a lock being turned, suggesting that Yu Zechuan had indeed returned.

However, something felt off very quickly. A cold blade suddenly pressed against his neck, and two uninvited guests appeared in the room.

Lu Yan's pupils constricted, and his heart skipped a beat from the sudden fright. He abruptly opened his eyes, only to unexpectedly see a familiar face—handsome yet sinister and grim.

Jiang Boyun hadn't been disemboweled by Yu Zechuan. Somehow, he had found out where Lu Yan lived and sneaked in with a bodyguard.

Lu Yan's expression shifted through several changes before he managed a smile. "Jiang Boyun?"

Damn it, it's the last day, and this guy still managed to track me down? !

Jiang Boyun must have been so troubled that he hadn't slept well in a long time. Dark circles marred his eyes, and his usually impeccable attire was now wrinkled and disheveled, giving off an air of defeat and despair.

Jiang Boyun glared at Lu Yan and asked with a sinister tone, "Lu Yan, where's the USB drive?!"

Jiang Boyun was on the verge of madness due to the series of events that had unfolded recently. First, Lin An-ni's exposure of his infidelity led to his rift with the Lin family. Then, he discovered that Lu Yan had stolen his USB drive. Now, the sea view property had become an unsellable liability. He desperately needed the USB drive as leverage to force those shareholders to help him plug the financial hole.

Moreover, if the contents were leaked, he would not only lose his reputation but also face imprisonment.

Lu Yan pretended ignorance. "USB drive? Which one?"

Jiang Boyun grabbed Lu Yan by the throat, resembling Yu Zechuan's frenzied state back then. He spat out his hatred, "The USB drive! The one you stole from the hotel! Lu Yan, hand it over, or I don't know what I might do!"

Something was off about recent events, and they all seemed to be connected to Lu Yan. Otherwise, why would Lu Yan go to such lengths to steal the USB drive, and how could Lin An-ni coincidentally catch him cheating at the hotel, followed by the problems with the property?

Only now did Lu Yan realize that Yu Zechuan had been lenient when he strangled him before. Jiang Boyun's grip was genuinely life-threatening. Veins popped on his forehead as he struggled to grab Jiang Boyun's hand. "The USB drive...cough, cough...I put it...put it in the company..."

Lu Yan couldn't admit that the item was in Lin An-ni's possession; who knew if Jiang Boyun would go on a killing spree in a fit of madness. In desperation, he fabricated an excuse.

Jiang Boyun clearly didn't buy it. "Would you leave something so important in the company?!"

Lu Yan coughed violently. "Aren't the safest places the most dangerous ones? Haven't you heard that saying?"

Jiang Boyun's grip on Lu Yan's wrist softened slightly upon hearing this. "What position in the company?!"

Lu Yan's mind raced. "At my old workstation... in the third drawer..."

Jiang Boyun didn't immediately believe Lu Yan's words but turned to the bodyguard behind him. "Search the room!"

The bodyguard promptly began searching the area, turning everything upside down, not even sparing the bathroom. However, no USB drive was found. He reported to Jiang Boyun, "Chairman, there's no sign of the USB drive."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Jiang Boyun's eyes. "Tie him up with a rope first. Drive straight to the company to retrieve the USB drive. Call me back, regardless of whether you find it or not."

Lu Yan inwardly cursed his luck. If only he had picked a more distant location. The round trip from here to the company would take at most forty minutes. If they couldn't find it, wouldn't he be doomed?

But it was too late. Lu Yan was bound to the chair, his mouth sealed with tape, rendering him speechless.

Jiang Boyun paced back and forth in front of Lu Yan, his cold, menacing gaze terrifying. It seemed like he was asking questions, but he was really just talking to himself.

"Lu Yan, where did I go wrong with you? Why would you betray me like this?!"

"Did the Dingyou Group send you? What did they offer you? Money or a house?!"

In his agitation, he would even grab Lu Yan by the back of his head, raving madly, "I've struggled for so many years just for this day. If anyone ruins my position, I'll drag them down with me to hell!"

He emphasized each word, filled with warnings and threats, "To hell together, do you understand?!"

Lu Yan wondered if he was going through a period of bad luck lately. Why did he keep encountering crazies all day long? He was now more anxious about the bodyguard who had gone to fetch the USB drive. If the man couldn't find it, Jiang Boyun might actually kill him.

Time ticked by, and half an hour passed swiftly.

Jiang Boyun's phone, placed on the table, suddenly rang. The deep vibrations sounded like a death knell to Lu Yan, making his heart skip a beat.

Jiang Boyun, who had been anxiously awaiting news, immediately answered the call. Whatever was said on the other end seemed to infuriate him, as he angrily slammed the phone onto the ground.

"Bang! —"

The screen shattered into a web of cracks.

"Lu Yan, dare you play tricks on me?!"

Jiang Boyun was genuinely enraged. The bodyguard had reported that Lu Yan's workstation had been cleared out, with nothing left in the drawers. Approaching Lu Yan, he pressed the knife against his right leg and ruthlessly stabbed downward. The fabric tore, and blood seeped out, gradually soaking the dark trousers.

Lu Yan let out a pained groan but remained still after that.

He had always been tolerant of pain, and this level was still within his endurance.

Jiang Boyun forcefully pulled out the knife, causing a few droplets of blood to splash onto his eyes. Yet, he didn't blink, staring relentlessly at Lu Yan. "I'll ask you one last time, where's the USB drive?!"

Lu Yan weakly lifted his head to look at him in response. His face was pale from excessive blood loss, yet, for some reason, he could still manage a smile. "Sorry, I forgot. I sent the USB drive back home."

"If you drive to retrieve it now, it should arrive by tomorrow."

There was only one day left.

As long as Lu Yan could survive until tonight, his mission would be accomplished.

Unfortunately, Jiang Boyun wasn't as naive as Yu Zechuan; he wouldn't believe Lu Yan's words just from a couple of sweet-talks. "Sent it back home? How did you send it? What's the tracking number?"

Oh ho.

Of course, Lu Yan didn't have any such information, and as a result, he received another stab to his leg.

It really fucking hurt.

Jiang Boyun's patience had reached its limit. The bloodied knife slowly rose, pressing against Lu Yan's throat. The ruthlessness in his eyes left no doubt that he would plunge it in the next second.

"Lu Yan, I'll give you three seconds."

"Three..."

"Two..."

"One!"

Just as the tip of the knife was about to strike, Lu Yan unexpectedly broke free from the ropes and lunged at Jiang Boyun, grappling with him.

Lu Yan could have easily subdued Jiang Boyun, but with two wounds on his legs impairing his mobility, he rolled on the ground several times before finally being pinned beneath the other man.

Jiang Boyun choked Lu Yan with one hand while raising the knife with the other, now genuinely intent on killing. But just as he was about to strike, a searing pain shot through his back. Unprepared, he was kicked to the ground, flying several meters away.

"Bang!"

It was Yu Zechuan.

He had rushed back from somewhere and burst through the door to see Lu Yan and Jiang Boyun grappling on the floor. With a fierce kick, he sent Jiang Boyun sprawling. Upon noticing the mess and blood on the ground, his expression turned so ferocious that it was terrifying.

"Lu Yan!"

Lu Yan had lost too much blood and his vision was beginning to blur. Suddenly, he felt a weight lift off him as someone pulled him up from the ground. A deep, anxious voice rang in his ear.

"Lu Yan?! Are you alright?!"

Struggling, Lu Yan opened his eyes, seeing multiple blurred images merge into Yu Zechuan's familiar face. A wave of relief washed over him. "Where were you? I sent you so many messages, but you didn't reply to any of them..."

Seeing Lu Yan covered in blood, Yu Zechuan was panic-stricken, his hands trembling uncontrollably. He had no mind for answering questions. "Don't speak now. I'll call an ambulance for you!"

Hearing this, Lu Yan suddenly gripped Yu Zechuan's wrist tightly. The sticky sensation from the blood was undeniable, yet there was an undeniable strength behind it. "Call the police first... Report Jiang Boyun to put him in jail..."

"Yu Zechuan, please don't kill anyone, okay..."

"Whatever you do, don't take a life..."

Despite Lu Yan's severe injuries, he wasn't going to die. As long as Jiang Boyun was sent to prison now, Yu Zechuan wouldn't have to stain his hands with blood, and his mission would be accomplished.

It wasn't until he saw Yu Zechuan that Lu Yan realized his regret. He should have stopped the other man when he had the chance. Fate was like a runaway train; he couldn't stop it, but he could divert it onto a different track at the next fork in the road.

Unbeknownst to him, Jiang Boyun stumbled back to his feet. He never imagined that Yu Zechuan would still be in City A, nor did he expect him to team up with Lu Yan. Suddenly, all his doubts fell into place, and the flames of hatred threatened to consume his reason.

Jiang Boyun roared, "Yu Zechuan! Die!"

The whoosh of a blade slicing through the air caught Yu Zechuan off guard. Reflexively dodging, he turned to see Jiang Boyun's murderous intent, and they clashed in a brutal fight.

Anger proved to be the best fuel for strength, and with a knife in hand, Jiang Boyun, in his frenzied state, was evenly matched against Yu Zechuan. The contents of the room crashed to the floor.

After an indeterminate period, Yu Zechuan managed to pin Jiang Boyun to the ground at the cost of a deep cut. Gripping the other man's neck tightly, he snatched the blade from Jiang Boyun's grasp. The thick blood made it difficult to hold onto the handle, his eyes bloodshot with hatred.

"Jiang Boyun, you should have died a long time ago! Five years ago, you should have been dead!"

The pent-up anger that Yu Zechuan had spent a night suppressing finally erupted like a towering wave. Memories of his deceased grandfather, the ruined company, and his five-year imprisonment flooded his mind, filling him with a desire to punish the man before him.

On the brink of death, Jiang Boyun laughed maniacally. "I deserve to die? Yes, I do, but Yu Zechuan, don't you think about how foolish you've been!"

He laughed until he was out of breath, then spat out a shocking revelation: "You were fooled by me before, and now you're being fooled by that scoundrel Lu Yan. Do you know that he was the one who helped me with the accounts back then? You actually got involved with your enemy?!"

Jiang Boyun's laughter turned into vicious curses, paying no heed to Yu Zechuan's dark and terrifying expression: "Yu Zechuan, you're crazy! Who would like a crazy person? I was disgusted being with you back then!"

"What do you have but some stinking money? Is being a rich brat so impressive? Who are you putting on that nasty face for every day?!"

"You'll never get anyone's true love in this life! You deserve it!"

Each word that came out of Jiang Boyun's mouth transformed into the most venomous curses, ruthlessly slamming into Yu Zechuan's heart. His breathing quickened, his body trembling with rage as he suddenly raised the blade to strike down—

There was no gush of blood as expected.

The tip of the knife stopped an inch away from Jiang Boyun's throat.

An invisible barrier seemed to hover in the air, causing Yu Zechuan's wrist to tremble, unable to push the knife forward.

Seeing this, a bizarre curve formed at the corner of Jiang Boyun's lips. He mouthed silently, "Yu Zechuan, you're destined to die at my hands—"

"Rip!"

It was the sound of a blade slicing through fabric and piercing flesh.

Jiang Boyun had been concealing a knife, which he ruthlessly plunged into Yu Zechuan's heart. Hot blood spurted out, splattering across his face as he laughed maniacally, unable to control himself: "Hahahaha, Yu Zechuan, go to hell! If I can't be happy, neither can you!"

"You dream of living together with Lu Yan? Forget it!"

Jiang Boyun's laughter echoed sharply in the room before abruptly ceasing, replaced by labored, painful gasps, as if his throat had been constricted. Blood spewed from his throat, an uncontrollable fountain several feet high.

Jiang Boyun's eyes widened in shock as he clutched his throat, watching helplessly as the blood-soaked Yu Zechuan coldly pulled out the knife and stumbled towards Lu Yan nearby.

Lu Yan, on the verge of losing consciousness from blood loss, was startled awake by Jiang Boyun's revelation about the accounts. However, with injured legs, he had nowhere to escape.

He fell to the ground, witnessing Yu Zechuan's blood-covered, pale cheeks and dark, menacing gaze as he approached like a malevolent spirit. Lu Yan felt a chill run down his spine.

It was over; the other party was undoubtedly here to kill him.

Lu Yan never imagined that even with a second chance, he would still meet his end at Yu Zechuan's hands. Panic-stricken, all he could hear was the thumping of his own racing heart.

What should he do? Should he strike first?

Yu Zechuan had been stabbed in the heart, with only half a day left before his mission was complete. If he struck now, he stood a good chance of survival.

Lu Yan's breaths were heavy as he mentally rehearsed his actions, but his body remained still, as if already tamed by the inevitability of death, accepting the blade that hung over his head.

His mind spun out of control until a warm body crashed down in front of him.

Yu Zechuan seemed to be faltering, his face as pale as paper. The thick black hoodie absorbed his blood, casting a dark and bloody hue. Kneeling beside Lu Yan, he didn't kill him but instead used his bloodied hands to tremblingly touch Lu Yan's shoulders, chest, and abdomen...

He was checking for any fatal wounds on Lu Yan.

So meticulous, so cautious, as if he were handling a precious treasure.

Upon finding none, Yu Zechuan's predatory expression softened slightly. The injury on his chest made even speaking difficult, but he managed a weak smile at Lu Yan:

"Don't be afraid... I've called the police..."

Lu Yan stared blankly at Yu Zechuan, "You're not going to kill me?"

This person was supposed to kill him, so why wasn't he doing it?

Yu Zechuan held Lu Yan's face gently, their foreheads touching, his breath reeking of blood. His words were so weak they were almost inaudible: "I don't believe Jiang Boyun's words...

"Lu Yan... I only trust you..."

They had made a pact before.

Yu Zechuan remembered it vividly, never forgetting a single word that Lu Yan had spoken.

He recalled how Lu Yan asked him not to kill, so after taking the cat to the hospital, he was about to head home.

With an attempt at a smile, Yu Zechuan spoke apologetically, "Lu Yan... I'm sorry... After Bai Sui was taken to the hospital... it was too late..."

The rescue efforts took a long time, so he couldn't return home that night. He didn't know how to tell Lu Yan or whether he should have killed Jiang Boyun.

Driving through the deserted streets, Yu Zechuan circled round and round before finally removing the knife concealed in his sleeve and discarding it into a trash bin.

If time could freeze at this moment, it would be the perfect ending.

"I'm sorry... I still ended up killing someone..."

A barely audible whisper reached Lu Yan's ears, and Yu Zechuan seemed to have lost all strength, his body slowly sliding down as his head drooped. Unconsciously, Lu Yan caught him, only then realizing that the other's clothes were soaked in blood, leaving one astonished at how much blood could pour from a single body.

With his eyes closed, Yu Zechuan remained still. His eyelashes cast a shadow, giving the impression of peaceful slumber amidst the speckled blood, obscuring his once-pale complexion.

He was gone. This shattered life had finally come to an end, freeing him from hating anyone anymore.

"Yu Zechuan?"

Lu Yan heard his own voice, disbelief tainting its hoarse and quivering tone.

But the air was silent, with no one responding to him. Outside, lightning flashed and thunder roared, as if attempting to tear apart the gloomy sky. Countless raindrops fell from above, turning the city into a solitary boat adrift on an ocean.

Lu Yan had been reborn, able to foresee many things yet ignorant of others.

He hadn't known that his casual words, his embrace, had sparked a faint hope in Yu Zechuan for the future.

He trusted you; he stopped killing, thus discarding the knife that he never left his side.

He wanted to live with you; remembering the movie they didn't finish watching together, the tip of the blade aimed at Jiang Boyun hesitated at the last moment.

Everything he did was for survival, only to be pushed further into the depths of death.

Three rounds of games.

He killed you twice, saved you once, lived in deception, and ultimately died in your arms.

"Rumble!"

A sudden clap of thunder boomed. A fierce gale swept in through the open window, carrying with it the cold rain, drenching Lu Yan completely.

The System reappeared amidst this atmosphere, manifesting as a pulsating black heart surrounded by faint purple electric currents that seemed both ominous and restrictive.

"Host 603, congratulations on completing the survival mission. Would you like to proceed to the next game interface?"

There were only two individuals who posed a threat to Lu Yan's existence, and now they were both dead. It wouldn't be unjust to consider the mission accomplished.

Lu Yan remained motionless, tightly embracing Yu Zechuan's gradually cooling body, his appearance devoid of life.

The System swooped closer, taunting, "How utterly hypocritical of you."

Lu Yan abruptly lifted his head, his eyes rimmed with red, exuding an inexplicable menacing aura. "Is it entertaining for you to toy with people's lives, watching us fight to the death just to survive?!"

If the System were human, its expression would undoubtedly be mocking. "Such are the rules. If you can't bear to part with him, you could have chosen to die together."

The atmosphere turned utterly silent.

As if determined to provoke, the System continued, "Why didn't you die with him?"

No sooner had it finished speaking than Lu Yan slowly picked up the bloodstained dagger from the ground. His moving figure paused for a moment before dashing over, his voice low and disbelief lacing every word. "Are you out of your mind?!"

Lu Yan thought to himself that he must be mad; even he didn't know what he was doing. He stared directly at the System, his eyes bursting with fierce determination as he spoke through gritted teeth, "Give me another chance to be reborn!"

He refused to accept defeat. "Just one more chance! The last one!"

The System, however, fell quiet in response. With a cold reminder, it said, "Your mission is already completed, and you don't have enough points to exchange for a rebirth opportunity."

Lu Yan pleaded, "Help me find a way. I'll trade anything, anything at all!"

The System scoffed, "But you have nothing, not even your own life."

Lu Yan should have been furious, but instead, a smile unexpectedly tugged at the corners of his lips. He laughed until he was out of breath, then placed the dagger horizontally against his throat. "Then go find your next host, I'm not playing this game with you!"

Damn the game! Damn the system! Damn this damned fate!

Who cares if I don't live anymore? Let's see who's afraid of whom!

Anger filled Lu Yan's heart, and he applied more force to the dagger. However, before he could cut himself, the system's voice suddenly sounded in his ear.

"Hold on! You still have one lucky bag left unopened!"

Lu Yan paused in his action.

The system drew near, its tone urgent. "You still have one lucky bag left! What if there's a divine item inside?"

Lu Yan replied coldly, "Then open it now!"

The system reluctantly displayed the lottery page, revealing a small golden lucky bag in the center. Without hesitation, Lu Yan clicked to open it. Suddenly, a burst of golden fireworks exploded on the screen, followed by virtual effects. Gradually, a blue hourglass appeared in mid-air.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on obtaining the item "Reversal"!]

Lu Yan lifted his gaze to the System, "What's the use of this item?"

The System seemed taken aback that he had drawn this, pausing for a moment before responding, "[Reversal] can manipulate time flow, allowing you to return to the past after death. However, this item has significant randomness."

Lu Yan asked, "Like what?"

The System explained, "For instance, you might go back to the beginning of the game, or just a second ago, or even further into the past – it's entirely out of your control."

With nothing to lose, Lu Yan decided to give it a shot, "How do I use it?"

The System slowly uttered two words, "Death."

It continued, "Upon your death, the item will be automatically activated."

It was a condition that was both challenging and not so much. After all, everyone would eventually die, but most people didn't dare or want to die.

Unfortunately, Lu Yan wasn't an ordinary person. He carefully laid Yu Zechuan's body on the ground, then gripped the blade tightly against his throat, contemplating the most efficient way to end his life swiftly.

Realizing that this man didn't care about life or death at all, the System abruptly interrupted just as Lu Yan was about to strike, "Why?!"

Lu Yan paused, "Why what?"

The system was perplexed, "Your mission is already accomplished. Why would you still choose to die?"

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Yan tilted his head, "I don't like this ending at all."

Indeed, not in the slightest.

"Rumble!"

Another bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, plunging the room into a profound silence. Only the viscous blood on the floor continued to spread uncontrollably, as if it were a rain that had fallen unnoticed.

In the dilapidated apartment building where Lu Yan initially resided, the girl who enjoyed reading poetry collections at night finally picked up her pen. Sitting by the window, she wrote her very first poem:

I believe,

Regret forever blooms in rainy nights,

All things flourish in the dampness.

Whose wish is to open eyes and find

Time rewound to that fifth year,

When barren lands would bloom with wheat,

And love would crawl upon a youth's heart.

Whose longing is to wake to find

A hundred years have swiftly passed,

As distant winds traverse the wilds,

Seeking mountains to attest to eternity.

For seeds sown then shall eventually sprout,

Breaking through the desolation,

I pity its inevitable withering,

Yet the divine whispers,

There lies another cycle of four seasons ahead...