At the entrance of a coffee shop on the second floor of the mall.
Shen Cong looked at the young man before him and hesitated, “President Shang, let me think it over for a couple more days.”
“Alright.” Shang Xianwang said, “After all, this is a very important decision for you…” Before he could finish, Shang Xianwang stared at the first floor of the mall, his entire body freezing stiff.
“President Shang?” Shen Cong called out.
Shang Xianwang shifted his gaze back to Shen Cong. “Mr. Shen, you may leave if you have other matters.”
Shen Cong nodded to Shang Xianwang and Wang Song, then took the elevator and left first. Shang Xianwang’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and the arm hidden beneath his shirt began to go numb. His eyelashes trembled as he looked back in the same direction.
The person was still there.
Could a hallucination last this long?
Shang Xueyan closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he saw the figure on the second floor speaking with someone. He abruptly turned and ran toward the second floor of the mall. He rushed frantically onto the escalator, and as it moved upward, Shang Xueyan didn’t stop, sprinting up the steps.
When the escalator was still a few steps from the second-floor corridor, he leaped up in one stride and ran toward the left side.
No one there.
His eldest brother wasn’t at the coffee shop entrance.
Had he just seen things? But he had clearly just seen his brother standing right there.
Shang Xueyan looked down at the floor below again. The crew members were staring at him in confusion from where he stood. He looked ahead once more, but still couldn’t find the figure he had seen moments ago.
In truth, this was the most likely possibility.
He had been transmigrated here for nearly four months and had only encountered one Su Yu. A thousand years ago, he had known over a hundred people, and being able to run into his best friend Su Yu was already incredibly fortunate. And even if his eldest brother had also transmigrated, would he even remember him? If he threw himself at him, wouldn’t he think he was a madman?
Just then, the sound of leather shoes striking the marble floor rang out behind him.
A nerve in Shang Xueyan’s head pulsed sharply, and an overwhelming premonition swept through his entire body. His breathing grew erratic, he clenched his fists, and swiftly turned around.
It was a face incredibly familiar from his memories not sharply defined brows, slightly tapered eyes, pupils of jet-black hue, carrying a calm and rationality as deep as a still pool.
Shang Xueyan stood frozen in place for two seconds. Once he realized what was happening, he ran toward him without a second thought, arms spread wide, and hugged him tightly around the waist, exclaiming excitedly, “Big brother.”
A few seconds later, Shang Xueyan realized something the other person hadn’t responded at all.
Damn.
Could it be that his eldest brother, like Shen Mengkun, had no memories of their past life?
Shang Xueyan loosened his arms and was about to pull away when a powerful hand suddenly pressed against his lower back, drawing him closer, and a voice so soft it was almost inaudible said, “Ayan.”
Thank goodness his eldest brother had his memories. This was his real, genuine eldest brother.
Shang Xueyan hugged Shang Xianwang again in excitement, holding on extremely tightly. Shang Xianwang hugged back just as tightly, squeezing so hard it almost hurt his ribs.
Two men embracing in public was a rare sight, especially since Shang Xueyan had just been arguing with the crew. He noticed that many people were still staring at him and Shang Xianwang.
Shang Xueyan struggled backward slightly, pulling out of Shang Xianwang’s embrace, and said in an excited tone, “Big brother, let’s go somewhere else to talk.”
“Alright.” Was this a dream? Shang Xianwang responded naturally, going along with the flow of the situation. Then, he looked down at the crew below and asked, “What were you all just discussing? It seemed rather unpleasant.”
Reuniting with Shang Xianwang, Shang Xueyan was of course overjoyed, though it seemed there was always an underlying feeling that this excitement at reuniting with his eldest brother was something he could handle.
At Shang Xianwang’s mention, Shang Xueyan slapped his forehead and said, “I haven’t gotten my wages back from the crew yet.”
This was his legitimate, lawful income, and he was going to defend his rights.
Shang Xueyan rushed downstairs in a hurry. Director Lin was just discussing with the assistant director about finding an actor to replace Shang Xueyan’s role immediately when a fierce voice demanding “Pay me my wages” rang out from the side.
Director Lin looked up and saw that Shang Xueyan had actually come back. He had been furious with him earlier knowing he was a nobody in the industry, he still didn’t tread carefully and had even managed to offend the male lead of the crew.
Although Shang Xueyan’s role was small, it wasn’t necessarily easy to fill right away. Young, handsome actors were neither scarce nor abundant, if they couldn’t find one today, it would waste a day’s expenses, and their crew’s budget wasn’t particularly generous to begin with.
“Get him out of here,” Director Lin said irritably. Just as he finished speaking, he noticed the two men following beside Shang Xueyan.
Both men were dressed in suits, especially the young man beside Shang Xueyan, who had a handsomeness distinct from Shang Xueyan’s. Their temperaments were completely different, if Shang Xueyan carried the spirited vigor of youth, the other was like a sword with its brilliance sheathed, reserved and elegant, exuding an innate sense of distance.
That face was truly handsome. As a director, Director Lin instinctively assessed the man’s looks.
But the important thing wasn’t this man it was the young man standing behind him.
After Lin Hong clearly made out the other’s features, his expression instantly shifted to one of deference, and he strode forward. “President Wang, what a coincidence, running into you here.”
“You are?” Wang Song asked, puzzled.
Lin Hong said, “I’m Lin Hong. We’ve met before in February, I went to discuss investment matters with President Rui, and you happened to be there discussing something with him as well.”
President Rui was the crew’s investor and often looked down on directors like him. Seeing that President Rui treated this young man with great respect, he made inquiries and learned that the young man was the chief assistant to the big boss of Fengyuan Group, said to be his most valued right-hand man.
Fengyuan Group, as everyone knew, was a renowned major corporation domestically, a top-tier conglomerate. The public might know it for its smart home products, but in reality, its industries spanned energy, healthcare, semiconductor chips, and more.
And this man had risen to the ranks of Fengyuan’s senior management at such a young age, who knew how great his achievements might be in the future.
Although Fengyuan Group currently seemed to have no plans to expand into the entertainment industry, who could say when they might take an interest? Then with a casual wave of their hand, he could film several more productions. The film and television industry was in a downturn now, and investments were hard to come by.
Of course, connections needed to be maintained in advance.
“How come you’re here?” Director Lin’s voice was usually gruff, but at this moment, Shang Xueyan could swear he heard a hint of honeyed sweetness in it, and goosebumps rose on his arms.
Wang Song smiled and looked ahead. “I’m here accompanying my boss.”
Boss?
Lin Hong followed Wang Song’s gaze and met Shang Xianwang’s eyes.
“This man is your boss?” Lin Hong said in disbelief.
Wang Song said, “This is President Shang.”
Lin Hong greeted him with swift, effusive warmth: “Director Shang, I’m Lin Hong. Meeting you today is truly the honor of a lifetime.”
He bowed slightly, extending his hand toward Shang Xianwang with a fawning, ingratiating air.
Shang Xianwang did not take his hand, saying flatly, “What’s this about the wages my brother mentioned?”
My brother?
The smile on Lin Hong’s face froze like cracked plaster, carrying a vivid absurdity. He glanced sidelong at Shang Xueyan beside Shang Xianwang, his voice trembling slightly: “Shang Xueyan is your brother?”
Only after speaking did he realize that Shang Xueyan and Shang Xianwang shared the same surname, and though their features were entirely different, there seemed to be a faint, similar aura about them.
“Mm.”
“A misunderstanding it’s all a misunderstanding.” Lin Hong made a snap decision, his expression softening: “Xueyan, that was all just a misunderstanding.”
Lin Hong turned his head and barked at Zheng Yu: “Zheng Yu, get over here and apologize to Xueyan!”
Zheng Yu and Lin Hong were essentially the same breed arrogant to those beneath them, obsequious to those above, quick to trim their sails. He didn’t know who the man who had suddenly appeared beside Shang Xueyan was, but anyone who could make Lin Hong grovel and fawn was surely someone he couldn’t afford to offend.
Under the gaze of the crowd, with crew members and actors alike seemingly glancing his way in passing, Zheng Yu’s throat bobbed a few times before he forced out a grim smile: “Shang Xueyan, I’m sorry.”
Shang Xueyan: “Director Lin, settle my wages for today.”
Lin Hong said with a placating smile: “Xueyan, if there’s anything you’re unhappy about with the crew, just say the word we can talk it through. The role of You Hai simply has your name written all over it, or if you don’t like You Hai, you can pick any of the remaining roles.”
“Forget it, I’ll skip today’s wages.” Shang Xueyan said deliberately, “Big brother, let’s go.”
“Alright.”
Shang Xueyan turned to leave, and at that moment, Lin Hong grabbed his arm. Lin Hong first noticed the gaze falling on his arm it wasn’t Shang Xueyan’s, but Shang Xianwang’s. Cold. Utterly cold. A chill that seemed to seep into the marrow of his bones.
Lin Hong released his grip hastily.
Shang Xianwang extended his arm, draping it loosely over Shang Xueyan’s, guiding him back a step.
“Xueyan, what I did just now was wrong your generosity knows no bounds.” Lin Hong rattled on.
Shang Xueyan said irritably, “Are you paying me or not?”
Lin Hong wasn’t someone who couldn’t read the room. Beyond his ability to direct, what made him a film crew’s director was most importantly his other skills. Seeing that Shang Xueyan wouldn’t give him a pleasant face, Lin Hong didn’t dare get angry. He called over the accountant: “Settle today’s wages for Xueyan, and give him the compensation fee as well.”
The accountant acknowledged, and under Lin Hong’s subtle signal, the amount was padded slightly.
Shang Xueyan pushed back the extra money, then swept his gaze over the fawning Lin Hong: “Director Lin, do you know why you’re still only making B-grade or small-budget films?”
“Why?” Lin Hong asked reflexively.
Shang Xueyan smiled at him: “Do you know how many versions of me there are in this world?”
People like Shang Xueyan were certainly few and far between. Shang Xueyan didn’t expect to change Lin Hong’s nature, but he still couldn’t help saying what he did not for any other reason, but because small actors like Shang Xueyan were a dime a dozen. Lin Hong could treat Shang Xueyan this way, but before him, how many “Shang Xueyans” had there been? And after him, how many more “Shang Xueyans” would suffer baseless accusations and abuse?
Lin Hong wasn’t stupid. Though he was a sycophant who kowtowed to the powerful and trampled on the weak, his brain was more than sharp enough. He instantly grasped Shang Xueyan’s implication: if Shang Xueyan could hide his identity as an ultra-rich second-generation heir to play a bottom-tier eighteen-line actor, who was to say other unknown little stars weren’t doing the same?
At that thought, Lin Hong shuddered. He suddenly recalled two excellent opportunities he’d once had that had both fizzled out for no apparent reason, was it for the reason Shang Xueyan had just mentioned?
But Lin Hong wouldn’t reflect on his own faults. After the shock, he twisted his head and glared viciously at Zheng Yu. If it weren’t for him stirring up trouble, would he have offended the younger brother of the Fengyuan Group’s boss?
During this morning’s shoot, he’d praised Shang Xueyan several times, and his relationship with Shang Xueyan had been excellent!!
After Shang Xueyan changed back into his own clothes in the crew’s dressing room trailer, he jumped down from the vehicle and saw Shang Xianwang standing at the trailer’s entrance. Shang Xueyan bent his knees and hopped off nimbly.
Spreading his arms wide, he hugged Shang Xianwang again with great force, his chin pressed against his shoulder, his ear brushing past his brother’s ear, and said excitedly, “Big brother.”
Shang Xianwang wrapped his arms around Shang Xueyan in return, holding him tightly as well, and murmured, “Ayan.”
A black Mercedes pulled up on the roadside not far away. Shang Xianwang led Shang Xueyan into the car, and Wang Song asked, “President Shang, where to?”
“Fengyun Bay,” Shang Xianwang said tersely.
Wang Song started the car.
Shang Xueyan had so much he wanted to tell Shang Xianwang, but with an outsider still in the car, he had to hold it in, because to a normal person, those words would make him sound insane.
Over half an hour later.
The car slowly drove into the entrance of a villa district, and the barrier arm at the guard booth rose with a clatter.
Outside the window, there were no more towering high-rises only dense, lush stretches of shade, with the occasional French-style pointed-roof villa glimpsed among the trees. After passing two shimmering artificial lakes, the car slowly pulled into a villa enclosed by a half-person-high stone brick wall.
Wang Song stopped the car.
After Shang Xianwang and Shang Xueyan got out, Wang Song drove away.
“Big brother, is this where you live now?” Shang Xueyan finally asked once Wang Song had left.
“Yeah.” Shang Xianwang acknowledged.
From how Lin Hong had treated his big brother and his assistant earlier, Shang Xueyan could tell that his brother must be wealthy and powerful in this life. But only after confirming that his brother indeed lived well did Shang Xueyan feel completely at ease.
He could endure hardship himself, but his big brother had already suffered enough in their past life he didn’t want his brother to keep living a hard life.
Shang Xianwang walked toward the villa’s front door, and Shang Xueyan turned his head to ask, “Big brother, how old are you now?”
“Twenty-seven.”
Sure enough, a bit older than the age he’d died at in their past life. That explained why his brother looked more mature.
“And how many years has it been since you crossed over?”
“Nine years.”
“Nine years already… I’ve been here less than four months.” After saying this, Shang Xueyan asked with great enthusiasm, “So have you gotten married and had kids? Do I have a little nephew or niece?”
People a thousand years from now favored late marriage and late childbirth, but Eldest Brother was someone from a thousand years ago. At twenty-seven, many would consider that early marriage, but for someone who had crossed over from Da’an, it didn’t quite count.
Moreover, in his previous life, Eldest Brother had never married, even to his death but that was because the one he loved had been betrothed to someone else early on. His romantic fortunes had been ill-fated in the last life, but in this one, who could say misfortune wouldn’t turn to good luck?
Shang Xueyan’s eyes lit up. “Is my sister-in-law in there?”
Shang Xianwang looked at Shang Xueyan. “I haven’t married or had children.”
“Ah?” Shang Xueyan felt a hint of regret.
“Come on, let’s go inside.” Shang Xianwang led Shang Xueyan into the living room. After entering, Shang Xianwang noticed Shang Xueyan lick his lips and asked, “What would you like to drink?”
“Just water is fine.” As soon as Shang Xianwang asked, Shang Xueyan happened to realize he was thirsty.
Shang Xianwang walked to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of water, loosened the cap, and handed it to Shang Xueyan.
Shang Xueyan took the water, tilted his head back, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he downed more than half the bottle in moments.
Moisture clung to his lips, and he darted out his tongue to lick them.
Shang Xianwang asked, “Ayan, did you also cross over after you passed away?”
“Yeah, me too. When you died ” Shang Xueyan suddenly snapped back to reality, quickly swallowing the words he’d been about to say, and changed course: “Twelve years!”
Shang Xianwang furrowed his brow. “So that’s thirty-two?”
Thirty-two did seem a bit short maybe he should have said a longer number.
Shang Xueyan grumbled, “Well, you only lived to twenty-four.”
Not wanting to continue that topic, Shang Xueyan quickly shifted gears: “But Father and Mother both lived long lives. They were still healthy when I left.”
Mentioning their parents made Shang Xueyan’s heart sink.
His death would be a heavy blow to them, but they were naturally open-minded and optimistic by nature, and there were many children in the clan to bring them joy. They would surely grieve, but they should also find a way to live on.
“Eldest Brother, the body I crossed into is called Shang Rong. He’s an orphan no father, no mother. Do you have parents?” He wanted to ask if they looked like their own father and mother. But then he thought if they did, there’d be no need to ask; Eldest Brother would have said so.
“I do have parents.” Shang Xianwang told Shang Xueyan about his current identity.
Though it was in a dream, Shang Xianwang still glossed over some things, but Shang Xueyan couldn’t help frowning at certain parts.
There was a very real feeling to it nothing that happened seemed like a dream. Shang Xueyan stood before him without a doubt, but would heaven really be this kind to him?
The two talked for a long time, and Shang Xueyan, who seemed both dream and reality, remained. At one point, Shang Xueyan’s stomach growled in a very realistic way, so Shang Xianwang had the hotel deliver a meal. The types of food and cooking methods a thousand years later were vastly different from those a thousand years ago. Shang Xianwang ordered a full table of dishes and noticed that what Shang Xueyan ate most of was braised pork and honey-glazed chicken cutlet, and he also seemed to enjoy a steamed prawn dish quite a bit.
He favored sweet flavors and fresh, light ingredients, but he also liked spicy food he just couldn’t handle much of it. After two bites he’d need water, yet he still wanted more.
His tastes were nearly identical to the real Ayan’s.
After the meal, Shang Xueyan continued chattering on endlessly about everything he’d encountered over the past nearly four months.
This reminded Shang Xianwang of the seventeenth year of Yanxing, six months after he had been posted to an outlying region as an official. Shang Xueyan had traveled all the way from the capital to Song County to visit him. That night, he too had chattered on and on until both his eyes could no longer stay open.
So this must be a dream now.
Shang Xueyan sat on the spacious light-gray leather sofa, his face radiant with excitement. “The world a thousand years later is so amazing, a single phone can let people talk across a thousand miles and even see each other’s faces.”
“When I first crossed over, I thought I’d entered the immortal realm. But then I thought again, I haven’t accomplished anything great. I was even wondering if the underworld could be this nice?” Shang Xueyan said with great enthusiasm. “Big brother, you just woke up in this world, don’t you feel like you’ve ascended to immortality?”
“A little, yes,” Shang Xianwang said.
Shang Xueyan picked up the bottled water on the table and took a few sips, then continued speaking with animated delight, until his eyes grew increasingly weary, his voice faded to near inaudibility, and his head drooped uncontrollably. Then Shang Xueyan suddenly snapped his eyes open again.
“Sleepy? Go upstairs and rest,” Shang Xianwang said in a low voice.
Shang Xianwang led Shang Xueyan to the guest room on the second floor. Shang Xueyan washed up in a daze, then lay down on the bed. The moment his eyes closed, he fell into a deep sleep. Shang Xianwang sat by his bedside for a long while, then quietly turned off the light and left the guest room.
He returned to his own room. On the bedside table sat a cold polymer clay figurine, dressed in a moon-white nightgown with subtle patterns. Shang Xianwang stared at it for a moment, then went to the bathroom to wash up, changed into his pajamas, and lay down on the bed.
Once he woke up, Shang Xueyan should no longer exist.
Shang Xianwang closed his eyes, calm and indifferent.