Chapter 45 – A New Beginning

Chapter 45 - A New Beginning

"I have thought back on that knife in my throat many years later, the pain still etched deep, yet I still couldn't understand the reason. To say it was for love seemed too fake, and to say it was for freedom, too elusive. It was only after much contemplation that I realized it was to escape destiny."

In early March, a drizzle persisted, and while the sky wasn't overly gloomy, moisture silently spread, enveloping the bustling city in its embrace.

Jiang Kangkang descended from the rooftop, clutching his blanket, grumbling all the way, "I finally had a chance to air out the blanket with some sunshine, and now it's raining again. It's drenched, and I don't know if it'll start to mold. How the hell am I supposed to afford a new one?"

Seated before the rain-splattered window was a figure frozen in time, motionless. Lu Yan stared at the blurred rainy scene outside, not even registering Jiang Kangkang's near-irritating muttering as if he were entranced.

It wasn't until Jiang Kangkang slapped him on the shoulder that he was fully roused, "Lazybones, you didn't air your blanket yesterday. I should've followed your example."

Lu Yan turned to look at Jiang Kangkang, a hint of confusion flickering in his dark eyes—

He had expected to return to that dilapidated apartment on a rainy day or even the moment before his death, but never imagined waking up in a clean and stylish shared apartment.

A flood of unfamiliar memories washed over him, forcefully reminding Lu Yan of one thing: He had returned five years in the past.

At this point, Jiang Boyun and Yu Zechuan had already been business partners for five years. In a few months, he would initiate a romantic relationship with Yu Zechuan, smoothly entering the core of the corporation, and by the end of the year, he would be the one to send Yu Zechuan to prison.

There was still time, and everything was just right.

Lu Yan had prepared for the worst-case scenario, but the outcome surpassed his expectations. However, instead of overwhelming joy or excitement, he felt a sense of relief, as if he and Yu Zechuan could finally break free from their recurring fate.

Lu Yan recognized Jiang Kangkang. During the second game, when he was broke and couldn't afford breakfast, the other man not only shared two Daliyuan small bread rolls with him but also lent him two hundred yuan.

In short, Jiang Kangkang was a good person.

Regaining his composure, Lu Yan offered, "I have an extra blanket in my wardrobe. You can use it for now."

Jiang Kangkang was from the same hometown as Lu Yan and knew his character well – lazy, stingy, and materialistic. His only redeeming feature was his appearance. Hearing Lu Yan's suggestion, he skeptically asked, "You're not going to charge me rent, are you?"

Lu Yan got up from the window. "It's just a blanket. No need."

Overjoyed, Jiang Kangkang replied, "Thanks, buddy!"

He then laid his damp blanket on the sofa to dry and hastily fetched a new set of bedding from Lu Yan's room, afraid that the latter might change his mind.

Meanwhile, Lu Yan used the excuse of taking a nap and retreated to his room, closing the door behind him.

A pitch-black heart materialized silently in the air. With each intense beat, the shackles of electric currents surrounding it flickered, making one fear that it might break free at any moment. A cold, lifeless voice echoed through the atmosphere, scraping against the eardrums like sandpaper:

"Are you satisfied?"

It seemed particularly dissatisfied.

Indeed, Lu Yan was satisfied. With his hands in his pockets, he leaned lazily against the door, his once gentle eyes now tinged with an indescribable malevolence after three consecutive deaths: "If I'm satisfied, do I still need to complete missions in this round?"

The System replied coldly, "Survive for thirty days, and then you can proceed to the next mission."

This task was virtually a gift, for with time reversed, Lu Yan faced no risk to his life.

Lu Yan wore a teasing smile. "Are there bonus points for this?"

The system almost cursed him for his audacity. After resetting the game four times and still not being satisfied, he now had the nerve to ask for points? !

The system, holding back its frustration, replied, "Yes!"

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow nonchalantly, finally expressing satisfaction. "You can vanish now."

The weak fear the strong, the strong fear the ruthless, and the ruthless fear those who have nothing to lose – that was the state Lu Yan found himself in now. After having died three times, he unexpectedly realized that there was hardly anything left in this world that could pose a threat to him.

Well, except for things that disgusted him.

His phone, placed on the bedside table, suddenly rang, displaying Jiang Boyun's name. Lu Yan casually picked it up, his eyes slightly lowered, lost in thought before finally answering the call.

He leaned back into the sofa, his voice casual. "President Jiang, what can I do for you?"

Technically, Jiang Boyun's current position was a manager, but addressing him as "President" sounded more respectful.

The original host and Jiang Boyun were currently in a quasi-illicit relationship. The former lusted after wealth and luxury, while the latter aimed to plant a spy within the Yinchuan Group – their interests aligned perfectly.

Jiang Boyun's gentle voice came through the phone, evoking the image of a refined gentleman. "Ayan, you'll be starting work tomorrow. Remember not to be late on your first day. I've already taken care of the finance department, so no one will give you trouble."

Jiang Boyun had known Yu Zechuan since university and had co-founded a business with him. Upon graduation, they were both recruited into the Yinchuan Group, with Jiang Boyun swiftly climbing the ranks under Yu Zechuan's support to become a manager. With his skills and tactics, he could indeed be labeled a "promising young talent."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Lu Yan's lips, his expression enigmatic. "Thank you, President Jiang. What are your plans for tomorrow evening? How about I treat you to dinner?"

From his memories, Lu Yan knew that Jiang Boyun's cousin intended to start his own studio and would likely have dinner with Yu Zechuan tomorrow night to seek investment.

Well, to put it bluntly, he wanted to leech off Yu Zechuan to support his own relatives.

Jiang Boyun indeed sounded troubled. "I have something to discuss with President Yu over dinner tomorrow. I might not be able to make it. How about another day?"

"President Yu?"

Lu Yan crossed his legs and swayed his shoe lightly. Without pretending, he already looked intrigued. "Can I come along tomorrow then? Brother Bo Yun, you're amazing to have the chance to dine with such an influential figure."

His voice, filled with envy, came through the phone, and Jiang Boyun couldn't help feeling a sense of pride. The rejection that was on the tip of his tongue was swallowed back as he hesitated. "Sure, if you want to."

Anyway, there would be many people at the dinner table tomorrow, and Yu Zechuan had always been aloof and arrogant. He likely wouldn't notice a minor character like Lu Yan.

Jiang Boyun finally made up his mind. "I'll pick you up after work tomorrow."

He was yet to realize the magnitude of trouble this decision would bring him, with consequences that would linger indefinitely. His only thought was to reel in Lu Yan, his ambiguous target, sooner. After asking after him warmly, he hung up the call.

Lu Yan lay on the sofa, gazing at the ceiling. He thought to himself that since time had reversed to this point, it would be a waste not to do anything.

Why not foil Jiang Boyun's romantic deception?

Thus, Yu Zechuan wouldn't have to fall from grace, nor would he end up in jail, consumed by hatred as he did in his previous life.

Yes, Lu Yan had assigned himself a new and sole mission in this lifetime.

In City A, real estate prices were sky-high. To save money, the original owner of this body had rented a two-bedroom apartment with Jiang Kangkang nearby. Although they worked at the same company, their work hours didn't overlap.

Jiang Kangkang was an impatient fellow, always fearful of being late. He'd leave half an hour early every time. The original owner, on the other hand, was lazy and fond of sleeping. He'd nap whenever he could.

Lu Yan had no habit of waking up early. Having died three times, tardiness meant nothing to him. He slept until he naturally woke up, then leisurely got ready and caught a cab to the office. By the time he reached the ground floor, he was already ten minutes late.

As Lu Yan pressed the elevator button, the doors chimed open just in time. Without pause, he stepped inside, only to be jostled by someone, causing him to stumble backward a few steps. A bold, woody scent of cedarwood cologne invaded his nostrils, subtle yet undeniably cold.

Someone nervously called out,

"Mr. Yu, are you alright?"

The man Lu Yan had bumped into was dressed in a tailored suit. Under the dazzling crystal lights in the lobby, his flawless, jade-like features seemed untouchable. His eyes slightly tilted upward, with thick, dark lashes. His habit of looking down on others added an air of arrogance, yet his lips, vividly red, lent an indelible touch of allure.

The man wore no extravagant accessories, but the discreet gemstone cufflinks and the secretary following closely behind him spoke volumes about his distinguished status. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was the center of attention, like the moon surrounded by stars.

Yu Zechuan, the impending successor of the Yinchuan Group, was a name that could make every employee in the company pause, not merely due to his prestigious status, but also because of his unpredictable temperament.

Lu Yan hadn't anticipated their reunion to unfold in such a manner. His gaze lagged for a fraction of a second before settling on the unblemished right cheek of Yu Zechuan—there should have been a scar there.

A scar that never should have existed.

Lu Yan had often envisaged what Yu Zechuan might look like if he had never fallen from grace. Now, he had his answer.

A favored son of heaven, with stars at his feet,

Radiant with confidence, priceless in prestige.

For some inexplicable reason, a subtle ripple of emotion stirred deep within him, as if all the fragments of past regrets and incompleteness were suddenly mended by that brief collision of shoulders just now.

Lu Yan chuckled softly, the hidden meaning behind it known only to himself.

Yu Zechuan met Lu Yan's gaze, his brow barely furrowing in confusion. He was certain he had never seen this person before, yet there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Where could he have possibly seen him...

Yu Zechuan's frown caused misunderstanding. The secretary behind him, noticing the ID badge around Lu Yan's neck, sternly asked, "Which department are you from? Why are you still wandering outside during work hours? Don't you know that you just bumped into..."

"Never mind."

Without warning, Yu Zechuan interrupted her, his voice cold and distant, "I was the one who collided with him."

With just one sentence, the secretary fell silent.

Lu Yan regained his composure, showing no panic or unease that a typical employee might have. His three deaths had imbued him with a peculiar aura - a captivating allure that was difficult to grasp, yet combined with the clarity and innocence of a young man.

"I'm sorry, President Yu. I was in too much of a hurry just now. I'll be more careful next time."

With those simple words, he spared everyone's dignity.

Lu Yan nodded slightly at Yu Zechuan before stepping sideways into the elevator. It was only as they brushed past each other that Yu Zechuan realized Lu Yan was slightly taller than him, but before he could take a proper look, the elevator doors began to close slowly.

Their eyes met briefly in the air, and Yu Zechuan distinctly saw the man in the elevator flash him a smile. His handsome face held a subtle hint of frailty, his eyes curving like hooks that ensnared Yu Zechuan's very soul.

" Ding! "

The elevator doors closed, and the face vanished completely.

"President Yu? President Yu?"

The secretary's gentle call brought Yu Zechuan back to reality. He frowned and said, "It's nothing. Let's go."

In the evening, Jiang Boyun had arranged a dinner, likely to solicit investments for one of his relatives yet again. Yu Zechuan had already done enough to support him over the years; ascending to the position of general manager at a young age, but the flames of ambition in the other's eyes could never be extinguished, flaring up at the slightest breeze.

Yu Zechuan observed Jiang Boyun's greed with a cold eye, but after being alone for so long, he found himself unable to part with the superficial affection, however insincere.

Money truly was a remarkable thing, capable of purchasing everything, even affection, though its authenticity was always in question.

With this thought, Yu Zechuan closed his eyes lightly, a faint sense of mockery spreading within him.

When Lu Yan returned to his office after ascending the stairs, he was nearly twenty minutes late. However, perhaps due to Jiang Boyun's prior arrangements, his supervisor merely glanced at him and said nothing.

Jiang Kangkang was once again hiding behind his workstation, munching on bread. Upon seeing Lu Yan, he mumbled a reminder, "Dude, you're late."

Lu Yan pulled out a chair and sat down. "I know, I overslept this morning and missed the bus."

Both he and Jiang Kangkang were interns, still relatively new faces in the office. It was inevitable that they were assigned various tasks. Lu Yan played the role of a harmless lamb, always smilingly agreeing to do what others asked, but whether or not he actually did it was another matter.

Jiang Kangkang was honest and naive, eager to make a good impression on their superiors. He spent the entire day running errands for others, so by the end of the workday, he was exhausted, unable to lift himself from his chair.

Jiang Kangkang poked Lu Yan. "Hey, why don't we grab dinner outside today? There's a decent small plates restaurant downstairs."

While away from home, every penny saved counted. Sharing a meal was more cost-effective than eating alone.

Lu Yan glanced at his phone to see that Jiang Boyun was already urging him to come downstairs. "I might not be able to make it today, a friend is looking for me."

Jiang Kangkang became intrigued. "Who? Guy or girl?"

He then sighed, half envious and half sour. "On your first day of work, at least four or five girls were flirting with you. Why be an accountant when you can be akept man?"

Lu Yan finished tidying up his workstation, preparing to leave. Hearing this, he snapped his fingers, half-jokingly responding, "You have a point. I'll give it a try sometime."

Jiang Boyun's car was waiting outside. As Lu Yan stepped out of the office building, he spotted a black BMW parked by the roadside. Glancing at the familiar face behind the wheel, he opened the door and slid in, greeting with a smile, "Mr. Jiang, sorry to keep you waiting. I just finished work."

Despite not yet reaching the pinnacle of his career, Jiang Boyun was skilled at putting on an act. He chuckled in response, "No worries. I've only been here for a short while."

Starting the engine, he cast a casual glance in the rearview mirror, "How was work today? Nobody gave you trouble, did they?"

Instead of sitting in the front passenger seat, Lu Yan chose the rear one, a space barely spacious enough for his long legs. Leaning back lazily, he inexplicably recalled Jiang Boyun's frenzied killing spree in his previous life. A hint of amusement tugged at the corners of his lips, "Of course not. You've already smoothed things over for me. My supervisor and colleagues have been quite friendly, except for..."

Jiang Boyun's attention was momentarily diverted by Lu Yan's smile, prompting him to ask instinctively, "Except for what?"

Lu Yan pretended to be worried, "Well, this morning, I accidentally overslept and was late for work. In my rush to catch the elevator, I bumped into President Yu..."

"Screech!"

Reacting instinctively, Jiang Boyun hit the brakes. Fortunately, the road was deserted, averting a potential accident. He asked in surprise, "You collided with Yu Zechuan?"

Lu Yan nodded, looking anxious, "Did I offend him?"

Jiang Boyun snapped back to reality, restarting the car. "He's unpredictable and mentally unstable. It's best to avoid him in the company from now on."

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow nonchalantly. "So, about dinner later...?"

Jiang Boyun replied confidently, "Just say you're my relative, he won't mind."

His tone suggested that Yu Zechuan would definitely give him this favor.

Lu Yan smiled. "That's good then."

There was hidden meaning in his words, but unfortunately, Jiang Boyun failed to catch it. Upon reaching the hotel for their meal, they were guided upstairs to a private room. Due to traffic congestion, they arrived half an hour later than planned.

Standing at the door, Jiang Boyun glanced at his watch and instructed, "Don't say anything inappropriate, understand?"

In his eyes, Lu Yan was still a country bumpkin who might feel intimidated in such grand settings.

Lu Yan nodded, his smile gentle. "I got it."

Only then did Jiang Boyun relax and push open the door to enter the private room.