Chapter 9

Chapter 9

At the entrance of a coffee shop on the second floor of the mall.

Shen Cong looked at the young man before him and said hesitantly, "Mr. Shang, could you give me a couple more days to think it over?"

"Sure," Shang Xianwang replied. "After all, this is a very important decision for you—" Before he could finish, Shang Xianwang stared at the first floor of the mall and froze completely.

"Mr. Shang?" Shen Cong called out.

Shang Xianwang shifted his focus back to Shen Cong. "Mr. Shen, if you have something to attend to, feel free to go first."

Shen Cong nodded to Shang Xianwang and Wang Song before taking the elevator to leave. Shang Xianwang’s throat tightened, and his arm, hidden beneath his shirt, went numb. His eyelashes trembled as he looked again in the direction he had just been staring.

The person was still there.

Was it possible for a hallucination to last this long?

Shang Xueyan closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them again. Seeing the figure on the second floor talking to someone, he spun around and hurried toward the mall’s second floor. He hurried onto the escalator, which was moving upward, but he didn’t stop, taking the steps two at a time.

When the escalator was just a few steps away from the second-floor corridor, he stepped off and ran to the left.

No one.

There was no trace of his older brother at the coffee shop entrance.

Had he been seeing things just now? But he had clearly seen his brother standing there.

Shang Xueyan looked down toward the first floor again. The film crew members were looking puzzled in his direction. His eyes scanned the area, but he still couldn’t find the figure he had seen earlier.

This made sense, he thought.

It had been almost four months since he crossed over, and he had only run into one person he knew—Su Yu. In his previous life, a millennium ago, he had known hundreds of people. Bumping into his best friend Su Yu was already incredibly lucky. Even if his elder brother had also crossed over, would he even remember him? If he rushed up to him, would he think he was crazy?

Just then, the sound of leather shoes tapping against the marble floor echoed behind him.

A nerve in Shang Xueyan’s head throbbed, and an intense premonition coursed through him. His breath hitched, he clenched his fists, and swiftly turned around.

It was a face he remembered vividly—the brows not too sharp, the eyes slightly upturned, his dark eyes holding a calm and rational depth, like a still pond.

Shang Xueyan stood there frozen for two seconds before it hit him. Without a second thought, he ran toward the man, throwing his arms and wrapping them tightly around the other’s waist, crying out excitedly, "Brother!"

A few seconds later, Shang Xueyan realized something—the other person hadn’t responded at all.

Damn.

Could it be that, like Shen Mengkun, his elder brother had no memories of their past life?

Shang Xueyan slackened his grip and was about to step back when a strong hand suddenly pressed against the base of his spine, pulling him in. A voice, barely a whisper, whispered, "A Yan."

!

Thank goodness! His elder brother had his memories. This was his real elder brother.

Overjoyed, Shang Xueyan hugged Shang Xianwang tightly once more, and Shang Xianwang held him just as tightly, tight enough to bruise his ribs.

The sight of two men embracing like this in public was rare, especially since Shang Xueyan had just been arguing with the crew. He noticed that many people were still watching him and Shang Xianwang.

Shang Xueyan pulled back slightly and extricated himself from Shang Xianwang’s embrace, saying excitedly, "Brother, let’s go somewhere else to talk."

"Okay." Was this a dream? Shang Xianwang responded naturally, playing along. Then, his gaze turned toward the crew downstairs. "What were you discussing earlier? It sounded heated."

Reuniting with Shang Xianwang had, of course, made Shang Xueyan incredibly happy. Yet, somehow, he had always felt that reuniting with his elder brother was something he could handle—the excitement was within his capacity to bear.

Reminded by Shang Xianwang, Shang Xueyan slapped his forehead and said, "I still haven’t gotten my pay from the crew."

This was his legitimate income, and he was determined to stand up for his rights.

Shang Xueyan hurried downstairs. Director Lin was talking with the assistant director about immediately finding an actor to replace Shang Xueyan’s role when an angry voice demanding his pay sounded from the side.

Director Lin looked up and saw that Shang Xueyan had actually come back. He had already been furious with him earlier—knowing he was just a nobody actor, yet still not keeping his head down and even offending the male lead of the crew.

Although Shang Xueyan’s role was small, it wasn’t necessarily easy to find a replacement right away. There were plenty of young, handsome actors, but not an abundance either. If they couldn’t find someone today, it would mean wasting a day’s expenses. The crew’s budget wasn’t particularly generous to begin with.

"Get him out of here," Director Lin said irritably. As soon as he spoke, he noticed the two men following Shang Xueyan.

Both men were wearing suits, especially the young man beside Shang Xueyan, who had handsome features distinct from Shang Xueyan’s. Their temperaments were completely different—if Shang Xueyan carried the impulsiveness of youth, the other man resembled a sheathed sword, reserved and elegant, with an innate sense of distance.

That face was truly handsome. As a director, Lin instinctively assessed the other’s appearance.

But the important one wasn’t this man—it was the young man standing behind him.

After getting a clear look at the other’s features, Lin Hong’s expression instantly shifted to one of respect. He strode forward and said, "President Wang, what a coincidence running into you here."

"And you are?" Wang Song asked, puzzled.

Lin Hong replied, "I’m Lin Hong. We’ve met before—in February, when I went to discuss investment matters with President Rui. You were also there to discuss something with him at the time."

President Rui was the crew’s investor and often acted condescendingly toward directors like Lin. Seeing President Rui treat a young man with such respect, Lin had inquired and learned that the young man was the special assistant to the big boss of Fengyuan Group, reportedly one of his most trusted confidants.

Fengyuan Group was widely known as a prestigious major company in the country, a top-tier conglomerate. The public might know it best for its smart home products, but its industries actually spanned energy, healthcare, semiconductor chips, and more.

For someone so young to already be among Fengyuan’s executives suggested a future of immense achievement.

Although Fengyuan Group didn’t seem to have plans to venture into the entertainment industry yet, there was no telling when they might become interested. If they did, a casual wave of their hand could mean several more projects for him. The film industry was in a cold spell these days, and investors were hard to come by.

Of course, networking needed to be nurtured in advance.

"What brings you here?" Director Lin’s voice was usually rough, but at this moment, Shang Xueyan could distinctly detect a hint of softness in his tone. It gave him goosebumps.

Wang Song smiled and glanced ahead. "I’m here with my boss."

Boss?

Lin Hong followed Wang Song’s gaze and locked eyes with Shang Xianwang.

"This is your boss?" Lin Hong asked, incredulous.

Wang Song replied, "This is Mr. Shang."

Lin Hong quickly greeted him warmly, "Mr. Shang, I’m Lin Hong. It’s an honor to meet you today—truly the fortune of three lifetimes."

He slightly bowed and humbly extended his hand toward Shang Xianwang.

Shang Xianwang didn’t take his hand and said coolly, "What’s this about my brother’s wages?"

My brother?

The smile on Lin Hong’s face stiffened like cracking plaster, comically vivid. He glanced sideways at Shang Xueyan beside Shang Xianwang and asked, his voice trembling slightly, "Shang Xueyan is your brother?"

It was only after saying this that he realized Shang Xueyan and Shang Xianwang had the same surname, and although their facial features were completely different, there seemed to be a subtle resemblance about them.

"Yeah."

"It's all a misunderstanding, everything is just a misunderstanding." Lin Hong made a snap decision, his expression softening: "Xueyan, what happened earlier was all a misunderstanding."

Lin Hong turned his head and shouted at Zheng Yu: "Zheng Yu, get over here and apologize to Xueyan right now!"

Zheng Yu and Lin Hong were essentially the same type of people—they'd kiss up to superiors and kick down to subordinates, always ready to go with the flow. He didn’t know who the man suddenly appearing beside Shang Xueyan was, but anyone who could make Lin Hong grovel and flatter was definitely someone he was way out of his league with.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, with the crew and actors seemingly glancing at him casually, Zheng Yu's throat working, he forced out a tight, forced smile: "Shang Xueyan, I’m sorry."

Shang Xueyan: "Director Lin, cut me my check for today."

Lin Hong put on an apologetic smile: "Xueyan, if there’s anything you’re unsatisfied with about the crew, you can speak up. We can always work it out. The role of You Hai might as well have your name on it. Or if you don’t like that role, you can pick any of the remaining ones."

"Forget it, I don’t want today’s wages anymore," Shang Xueyan said pointedly. "Big brother, let’s go."

"Okay."

Shang Xueyan turned to leave, but at that moment, Lin Hong caught him by the arm. Lin Hong first noticed the gaze fixed on his arm—it wasn’t from Shang Xueyan, but from Shang Xianwang. Cold, ice-cold, as if the chill was seeping into the marrow of his bones.

Lin Hong quickly let go.

Shang Xianwang extended his arm and draped it lightly on Shang Xueyan’s, guiding him to take a step back.

"Xueyan, I was wrong just now. You’re the bigger person here…" Lin Hong kept rambling.

Shang Xueyan said impatiently: "Are you cutting the check or not?"

Lin Hong was not someone who couldn’t read a situation. Besides being able to direct, his most important skill was in other areas. Seeing that Shang Xueyan was shutting him down, Lin Hong didn’t dare get angry. He called over the production accountant: "Pay Xueyan his wages for today, and also give him compensation."

The accountant agreed and, at Lin Hong’s pointed hint, added a little extra to the amount.

Shang Xueyan returned the extra money and shot a look at the fawning Lin Hong: "Director Lin, do you know why you’re still only directing B-list or low-budget productions?"

"Why?" Lin Hong asked automatically.

Shang Xueyan smiled at him: "Do you know how many people like me there are in the world?"

There certainly wouldn’t be many like Shang Xueyan, and Shang Xueyan didn’t expect to change Lin Hong’s nature, but he couldn’t help saying it anyway. It wasn’t for any other reason—there were countless small actors like Shang Xueyan, a dime a dozen. If Lin Hong could treat Shang Xueyan this way, how many "Shang Xueyans" before him had been subjected to unwarranted criticism and insults? And how many would come after?

Lin Hong was no fool. Although he was opportunistic and sycophantic, his brain worked just fine. He instantly understood the implication behind Shang Xueyan’s words. If Shang Xueyan could hide his identity as an ultra-rich heir to work as a bit-part actor, who was to say there weren’t other nobodies with similar plans?

At this thought, Lin Hong shivered. He suddenly recalled two great opportunities he had had before, both of which came to nothing. Was it because of the reason Shang Xueyan just mentioned?

But Lin Hong wouldn’t reflect on himself. After the shock, he turned and glared fiercely at Zheng Yu. If Zheng Yu hadn’t started this mess, would he have offended the brother of the head of Fengyuan Group?

When filming this morning, he had even praised Shang Xueyan several times, and Shang Xueyan had gotten along very well with him!!

After Shang Xueyan changed into his own clothes in the crew’s changing van, he jumped down from the vehicle and saw Shang Xianwang standing at the door. Shang Xueyan bent his knees and hopped down nimbly.

He threw his arms out and hugged Shang Xianwang tightly again, his chin resting on his shoulder, their ears brushing, and said excitedly: "Big brother."

Shang Xianwang hugged him back, holding him tightly, and murmured: "A Yan."

A black Mercedes parked on the roadside not far away. Shang Xianwang ushered Shang Xueyan into the car. Wang Song asked: "Mr. Shang, where to?"

"Fengyun Wan," Shang Xianwang said succinctly.

Wang Song started the car.

Shang Xueyan had a lot he wanted to say to Shang Xianwang, but with an outsider in the car, he had to hold back, because those words would make him sound like a madman to normal people.

About half an hour later.

The car slowly drove into the entrance of a villa area, and the guardrail at the post lifted with a sound.

Outside the car window, skyscrapers were replaced by expansive tree-lined roads. Occasionally, a French-style pointed-roof villa could be glimpsed between them. After passing two shimmering artificial lakes, the car slowly entered a villa surrounded by a half-person-high brick wall.

Wang Song parked the car.

After Shang Xianwang and Shang Xueyan got out, Wang Song drove away.

"Big brother, is this where you live now?" Shang Xueyan asked only after Wang Song had left.

"Yeah," Shang Xianwang replied.

From how Lin Hong had treated his big brother and his assistant earlier, it was clear that his big brother was wealthy and influential in this life. But confirming that his big brother lived well put Shang Xueyan completely at ease.

He could rough it, but his big brother had already been through enough in his previous life. He didn’t want his big brother to continue living a hard life.

Shang Xianwang walked toward the villa entrance. Shang Xueyan turned his head and asked: "Big brother, how old are you now?"

"Twenty-seven."

Sure enough, a little older than the age at which he had died in his previous life. No wonder his big brother seemed more mature.

"How long have you been here?"

"Nine years."

"Nine years? I’ve been here for less than four months." After saying this, Shang Xueyan asked eagerly: "Are you married? Do you have any children? Do I have a little nephew or niece?"

People a thousand years later tended to marry and have children late, but his big brother was from a thousand years ago. While twenty-seven was considered early marriage for many, it wasn’t for someone from Da'an.

Moreover, in his previous life, his big brother had remained unmarried until death, but that was because the one he loved had been engaged to someone else very early on. His big brother’s love life had been crap in his previous life, but perhaps in this life, his luck had turned around.

Shang Xueyan’s eyes lit up: "Is my sister-in-law inside?"

Shang Xianwang looked at Shang Xueyan: "I’m not married, and I have no children."

"Ah?" Shang Xueyan was a little disappointed.

"Let’s go inside." Shang Xianwang led Shang Xueyan into the living room. After entering, seeing Shang Xueyan lick his lips, Shang Xianwang asked: "What would you like to drink?"

"Just mineral water is fine." As soon as Shang Xianwang asked, Shang Xueyan realized he was thirsty.

Shang Xianwang walked to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of water, twisted the cap loose, and handed it to Shang Xueyan.

Shang Xueyan took the water, tilted his head back, his throat working as he gulped. In moments, he had finished more than half the bottle.

His lips were moist with water droplets, and he licked them with the tip of his tongue.

Shang Xianwang asked: "A Yan, did you also come here after you died?"

"Yeah, me too. You died..." Shang Xueyan caught himself abruptly and quickly bit back what he'd been about to say, changing it to: "Twelve years ago!"

Shang Xianwang frowned: "So you were thirty-two?"

Thirty-two does seem kind of young. Maybe I should've said I was older.

Shang Xueyan grumbled, "Well, you only lived to twenty-four."

Not wanting to dwell on this, Shang Xueyan quickly changed the subject: "But our parents were both quite long-lived. They were still very healthy when I left."

At the mention of their parents, Shang Xueyan's heart sank.

His death would have been a heavy blow to them, but his parents were inherently open-minded and optimistic. There were many children in the clan who could comfort them. They would surely grieve, but they would likely live on well.

"Big brother, the body I've come into is named Shang Rong. He's an orphan, with no parents. Do you have parents?" He wanted to ask if they looked like their parents, but then he thought—if they did, his brother would've brought it up already.

"I have parents," Shang Xianwang told Shang Xueyan about his current identity.

Although it was in a dream, Shang Xianwang still sugarcoated some things. However, at certain points, Shang Xueyan frowned.

It felt very real—everything happening didn’t seem like a dream. Shang Xueyan was unmistakably right here with him, but would fate be so kind to him?

The two talked for a long time. Shang Xueyan, who felt both dreamlike and real, remained present. At one point, Shang Xueyan’s stomach growled pretty realistically, so Shang Xianwang ordered food from the hotel. The variety of food and cooking methods a thousand years later were vastly different from those a millennium ago. Shang Xianwang ordered a table full of dishes and noticed Shang Xueyan ate the most braised pork and honey-glazed chicken chop and also greatly enjoyed a dish of steamed prawns.

He preferred sweet flavors and fresh, light ingredients but also liked spicy food, though he couldn’t handle much of it. A couple bites in, he'd need water, but he still wanted more.

His tastes were almost identical to the real Yan's tastes.

After the meal, Shang Xueyan continued talking animatedly about his experiences over the past nearly four months.

This reminded Shang Xianwang of the seventeenth year of Yanxing, half a year after he had been given an out-of-town posting. Shang Xueyan had traveled from Shangjing to Song County to visit him. That night, he had also talked incessantly until he could barely keep his eyes open.

So, this has to be a dream.

Shang Xueyan sat on the spacious light gray leather sofa, his eyes lighting up as he said, "The world a thousand years later is amazing. With just a phone, you can talk to someone thousands of miles away and even see their face."

"When I first came here, I thought I’d entered the immortal realm. But then I thought, I haven’t accomplished anything that special. I even wondered if hell could be this good?" Shang Xueyan said excitedly. "Big brother, when you first woke up in this world, did you feel like you’d ascended to immortality?"

"A little," Shang Xianwang said.

Shang Xueyan picked up the bottled water on the table, took a few sips, and continued talking animatedly until his eyes grew increasingly heavy, his voice faded to a whisper, and his head drooped uncontrollably. Then his eyes snapped open again.

"Sleepy? Go upstairs to sleep," Shang Xianwang said softly.

Shang Xianwang brought Shang Xueyan to a guest room on the second floor. Shang Xueyan sleepily got ready for bed, then lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep. Shang Xianwang sat by his bedside for a while before quietly turning off the light and leaving the room.

He returned to his own room. On the bedside table was a cold polymer clay doll, dressed in a moon-white patterned nightgown. Shang Xianwang stared at it for a moment, then went to wash up, changed into his pajamas, and lay down.

By the time he woke up, Shang Xueyan would probably be gone.

Shang Xianwang closed his eyes coolly and indifferently.

Author's Note:

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This chapter took a long time to write. Initially, I followed the draft, but this version without the fans felt more natural. Sorry if it doesn’t fully match the draft!!