After finishing the meal, Xie Ran returned to the original owner’s small room.

The room was very small, not as large as the walk-in closet he had in his original world. It was filled with various textbooks and daily necessities. Because the furniture was too old and a bit damp, there was also a faint moldy smell in the room.

Xie Ran was not used to such an environment, but he did not express any dissatisfaction about it. He silently closed the door, and the electronic dictionary in his hand emitted the sound “reset, reset, reset.”

Xie Ran picked up the electronic dictionary and glanced at it. A line of words appeared: [Sir, please come to the window.]

Xie Ran: ?

He silently walked to the small window in the room. The rectangular window was like a picture frame, and inside the frame was a street life he had never personally experienced.

This area was an urban village in the city. The small window overlooked a murky drainage ditch. Beyond that was a nearby snack street. The street was chaotic and disorderly, with neon signs flashing irregularly crowded on storefronts. People pushed carts to set up stalls everywhere. The utility poles were plastered with colorful advertisements, and the electric wires tangled like spider webs on the roadside walls, with some wire ends hanging down. Passersby had to be careful to avoid them, as it looked dangerous.

But the people here seemed accustomed to this environment. Groups of two or three chatted and laughed as they walked by, skillfully avoiding the wires, as if this was the most ordinary scene in their lives.

The noisy sounds crossed the drainage ditch and reached Xie Ran’s ears — the noisy footsteps, the loudspeaker selling announcements, and the shouting of street vendors. These were the kinds of sounds that would have irritated Xie Ran in his original world.

But now, in this parallel world, taking over a completely different life, Xie Ran felt that none of this seemed so unpleasant.

If he had not crossed over, the original owner’s life had no other choices.

His gaze swept over the urban village street. Further beyond was the city’s CBD, with magnificent, brightly lit skyscrapers standing under the night sky, forming a stark contrast with the nearby disorder.

Xie Ran had always stood on the tall buildings in the CBD, looking down at the city. Those low and chaotic urban villages looked like just a small corner on the map, not eye-catching at all.

This was the first time he saw the CBD from the urban village, the perspective felt somewhat fresh.

He unconsciously smiled, and the electronic dictionary in his hand sounded again: “Look at me, look at me, look at me.”

Xie Ran looked down, and the dictionary displayed: [Sir, I see you.]

[There is a surveillance camera on the street outside, I can capture your image.]

[I see you smiling.]

[Your smile is really beautiful.]

Xie Ran: [Really?]

The electronic dictionary: [You look different in this world, but when you smile, I know it’s you. No matter what you become, I can recognize your consciousness atom cluster.]

It was strange — even though the words had no emotion or voice, Xie Ran seemed to see a proud yet serious young man through these words.

Xie Ran typed on the keyboard: [Where are you?]

At his question, an electronically controlled signboard on the snack street suddenly flickered. Xie Ran looked at the flashing light and saw the lights on the board change to form an arrow pointing diagonally upward.

Following the arrow, Xie Ran finally found a red light dot above a utility pole. As he looked, the light also flickered.

Xie Ran then raised his hand and waved at the surveillance camera. After finishing, he suddenly felt a bit childish — a gesture he would never have done before.

But the camera seemed very happy, the red light spun wildly, attracting the attention of nearby people.

“Why is that camera moving so much?”

“Did it discover something?”

“Damn, could there be some illegal or criminal event?”

Xie Ran and Meng Feixuan did not know that their greeting had caused a small stir on the snack street. They calmly continued their communication.

Xie Ran typed: [Report the situation.]

Meng Feixuan: [Yes]

Meng Feixuan switched to work mode and began reporting the information he had gathered to Xie Ran. One piece of information caught Xie Ran’s attention.

Meng Feixuan: [Sir, when I was in superposition state, I discovered two sets of abnormal data in this world. One was Xie Ran’s obsession, his consciousness atom cluster’s energy attracted your data here, causing your crossing.]

Meng Feixuan: [The other was Xu Feiyan’s. He was with Xie Ran when he died. Xie Ran’s consciousness fluctuations triggered a chain reaction, causing a distortion of Xu Feiyan’s memories in the fourth dimension. Some memory data flowed into the present time.]

The fourth dimension was time. Xu Feiyan’s memory distortion in the fourth dimension simply meant the memory data moved along time — that is, memories from years later flowed back into the present, entering the current Xu Feiyan’s memory system, allowing the current Xu Feiyan to obtain a series of future memories.

Moreover, when those future memories were stronger, they became dominant, while the present memories were weakened. For him, this caused a “rebirth” phenomenon.

“Rebirth?” Xie Ran recalled Xu Feiyan’s strange behavior earlier that day and pondered: “No wonder.”

Meng Feixuan had already gathered several terabytes of novels and TV shows about rebirth from his database and began analyzing with Xie Ran: [Sir, based on my experience watching TV dramas, if Xu Feiyan has future memories, he can use information asymmetry to deal with his opponents, make advanced industry investments, and become stronger in wealth and connections. He may be harder to deal with.]

Xie Ran: “…”

His system still learned about human behavior from TV dramas.

Xie Ran was noncommittal and typed casually: [I don’t think so.]

The next morning, Xu Feiyan went to school full of pride.

After a night of careful analysis, he was very sure that he was truly reborn. In other words, he now foresaw the historical developments of the next several years. Not only could he start over with Xie Ran, but he could also use this time’s information advantage to do many things.

Before, he was arrogant and ruthless, relying on his family’s power to bully others. But his position in the Xu family was only average, many were more capable than him. But this time, with his advanced “foresight,” he could make the entire Xu family look at him differently.

He could even imagine himself becoming the family head, leading the family to glory.

Of course, the first thing to do was to let Xie Ran look at him differently.

Although Xie Ran had suddenly exploded yesterday and hit him badly, after realizing all this might be the butterfly effect of his rebirth, Xu Feiyan had come to terms with it.

It was normal for Xie Ran to hold resentment against him now, it was only temporary. He would use actions to dispel Xie Ran’s dissatisfaction and fear.

While thinking, Xu Feiyan took out a plain keyboard phone from his backpack. This was carefully chosen after much thought as a gift for Xie Ran.

Xie Ran was very poor now and would face huge debt problems. Studying and living would be overwhelming.

Xu Feiyan decided to take it step by step, first showing goodwill to Xie Ran, letting him know he would no longer bully him and would become his friend, supporting and protecting him.

Besides this, he would help Xie Ran solve school debts and slowly improve his living quality, like giving him new clothes and shoes, and sending daily necessities and appliances to his home.

Xu Feiyan recalled the years after they graduated when he had completely shaped Xie Ran. Xie Ran was very good-looking. After changing into brand-name clothes chosen by him, he looked like a prince from a fairy tale, beautiful and clean, perfectly fitting Xu Feiyan’s aesthetic.

If only Xie Ran wasn’t so lethargic, everything could have been perfect.

Xu Feiyan really wanted to style Xie Ran according to his preferences now, but after his rebirth, he knew some of Xie Ran’s psychology. Xie Ran was sensitive and fragile, if he was too hasty, he might scare Xie Ran. He didn’t want Xie Ran to become like before.

This time, he would proceed slowly and steadily, ultimately winning a lively Xie Ran who truly loved him.

For example, when giving gifts, he couldn’t give something too good at once. He had to start with ordinary things so that Xie Ran wouldn’t feel embarrassed to accept.

Clothes could start with cheap T-shirts and jeans, priced about one or two hundred yuan — slightly above Xie Ran’s living standard but not too much.

A phone was essential since he needed to contact Xie Ran frequently, but he couldn’t give him a high-end smartphone at once.

Xu Feiyan looked again at the keyboard phone in his hand. To be honest, even a little over a thousand-yuan phone was too valuable for Xie Ran, who still used a landline at home.

Xie Ran would surely feel embarrassed to accept it, but Xu Feiyan already had a reason prepared — he would apologize to Xie Ran for the high school issues and asked him to accept his apology.

His attitude would be a little firm, so Xie Ran wouldn’t dare refuse.

Would Xie Ran be surprised then? It would probably be the first time he got such a valuable gift in his life. He might be careful, afraid of breaking it.

Xu Feiyan almost imagined Xie Ran nervously holding the phone — the look he liked: beautiful, clean, and a little fragile, making people want to protect him.

He felt he had carefully considered everything for Xie Ran, even lowering his dignity to apologize for the phone gift. With such thoughtfulness, he believed Xie Ran would be touched.

However, today Xie Ran was late for a long time and only appeared outside the classroom after morning self-study ended.

Xu Feiyan was a bit anxious. When he saw Xie Ran’s figure, he wanted to quickly pull him out to talk, eager to see Xie Ran’s nervous and surprised look.

But just as Xu Feiyan stood up, the classroom suddenly burst into exclamations. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Xie Ran walking in.

Xie Ran had changed into a completely new set of clothes. No longer the worn-out cheap T-shirt, he wore a simple but high-quality white shirt and plain black pants. His originally slender figure was highlighted by the outfit, making him look tall and upright.

His hair was trimmed shorter, looking clean and neat. As he walked into the classroom like this, all eyes were instantly drawn to him.

Although Xie Ran’s facial features hadn’t changed — still pale and pretty — he inexplicably carried an air of nobility, as if he were a student from a prestigious school, standing out more than any other classmates.

Xu Feiyan even heard the girls in the class quietly screaming.

“Ahhh, how did Xie Ran suddenly become so handsome?!”

“He’s always been good-looking but too plain before, not noticeable. Now with these clothes, he looks totally different.”

“Whoa! Isn’t this the dream school heartthrob?! I’m all in!!”

“Hey, that outfit on Xie Ran seems to be a new summer model from a certain brand, costs several thousand yuan. How could he afford it?”

Xu Feiyan was also stunned by Xie Ran’s new look. Unlike the exquisite and complicated clothes he used to like dressing Xie Ran in, this outfit was simple and neat but perfectly matched Xie Ran’s current temperament, making him sharp, proud, and arrogant.

He looked unlike the Xie Ran Xu Feiyan was familiar with but was even more outstanding and eye-catching.

Xu Feiyan’s forehead gradually filled with question marks: ??????

Where did Xie Brother Rant such good clothes? Where did he get the money?

Xu Feiyan had carefully planned to slowly improve Xie Ran’s quality of life and had even thought about starting by giving Xie Ran a T-shirt costing a hundred or two!

This situation instantly made Xu Feiyan feel foolishly sentimental. He was utterly confused and was about to call Xie Ran out to ask, since he also wanted to give Xie Ran a phone.

Xu Feiyan picked up the keypad phone and was about to approach when a boy’s shout came from outside the classroom: “Brother Ran, you finally arrived.”

Immediately, Guan Heng, a notorious rich playboy from Qixing, ran into the classroom cheerfully, saying while walking: “Why were you late today? Luckily, I have many informants, as soon as I saw you, I reported it to me.”

Behind Guan Heng, several equally lazy lackeys followed. However, there were too many, so they didn’t enter the classroom but waved to Xie Ran through the window.

Xie Ran slightly nodded, which counted as greeting them.

Guan Heng took a few steps to Xie Ran’s side, then took out the latest smartphone and handed it to Xie Ran: “Brother Ran, here’s your phone. I even got the SIM card ready, you can use it immediately.”

Xie Ran took the phone, lit up the screen and glanced at it. At the same time, a line of text flashed on the screen: [Sir, I’m ready.]

The message flashed only briefly, Guan Heng didn’t see it.

Xie Ran involuntarily chuckled softly and nodded at Guan Heng: “Thanks.”

“There’s nothing to thank for. From now on, you’re brother of Guan Heng. From now on, I’ve got your back at school…” Guan Heng said while making a move to put his arm around Xie Ran’s shoulder, completely unaware of the shocked expressions in the classroom.

Classmates: ??????!!

What was going on?

Why did Guan Heng give Xie Ran such an expensive phone? And why did he suddenly call Xie Ran his brother?Wasn’t it just the start of school? Had they missed a lot of drama?

While the classmates were collectively shocked, Xu Feiyan felt a surge of betrayed anger.

The smartphone in Xie Ran’s hand seemed to be mocking him blatantly.

He had even carefully considered Xie Ran, worrying that Xie Ran wouldn’t dare accept something too valuable, so he picked a cheap keypad phone for him.

But Xie Ran casually and without any psychological burden accepted the high-end smartphone from Guan Heng?

The expensive clothes on Xie Ran must have also been from Guan Heng, right?

When did he get involved with Guan Heng?

Especially when Xie Ran took the phone and showed a faint, subtle smile on his face — that smile stabbed Xu Feiyan’s eyes painfully.

Xu Feiyan felt like a joke. Furious, he smashed the keypad phone in his hand on the ground, stepped forward, pushed Guan Heng away who was trying to put his arm around Xie Ran’s shoulder, and said coldly: “Don’t get close to him.”

Guan Heng was suddenly pushed. Seeing it was Xu Feiyan, he thought Xu Feiyan wanted to bully Xie Ran again. He immediately stood in front of Xie Ran and said: “Feiyan, I know you don’t like Xie Ran, but Xie Ran is my bro now, so give me some face…”

Xu Feiyan came from a powerful family, so Guan Heng didn’t want to oppose him too much, but Xie Ran was really amazing, last night he had carried them to dozens of stars in the game.

Last night, Guan Heng became the brightest star in the gaming group, receiving countless compliments throughout the night, otherwise, he wouldn’t have rushed over so early in the morning to be so attentive.

He was still hoping Xie Ran would keep helping them rank up and felt responsible to support Xie Ran.

But Xu Feiyan was burning with anger and felt even more furious hearing this. He sneered coldly: “Since when did Xie Ran become your bro? How come I don’t know? I put it on the table today: Xie Ran is mine. No one is allowed to get close to him…”

Hearing this, Guan Heng’s heart sank. Xu Feiyan obviously wasn’t going to give him face. If even he couldn’t protect Xie Ran, then Xie Ran’s days in Qixing would be impossible.

Guan Heng squinted slightly, considering whether to confront Xu Feiyan head-on, when suddenly a hand was placed on his shoulder, and then someone pushed him aside.

The next second, Guan Heng saw Xie Ran, who should have been protected by him, suddenly rush forward without hesitation and kicked Xu Feiyan’s stomach hard, knocking him to the ground.

Then, Xie Ran took off his backpack, covered Xu Feiyan with it, and started punching fiercely.

Guan Heng: “…”

Classmates: “…”

The lackeys outside the window: “…”

Everyone: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The class bell saved Xu Feiyan again. Xie Ran stopped reluctantly with the ringing, slowly stood up, and looked down at Xu Feiyan contemptuously: “Get lost.”

After speaking, he turned back, glanced at the stunned Guan Heng, and asked: “Aren’t you going back to class?”

“Going back, going back,” Guan Heng snapped out of his daze, swallowed nervously, and mechanically walked to the classroom. Halfway, he suddenly remembered something and looked back, asking earnestly: “Brother Ran, can you cover for me at school in the future?”

Xie Ran: “…”

Seeing Xie Ran silent, Guan Heng tactfully added: “For a fee.”

Xie Ran: “Okay.”

Author’s note: Boss Xie: Didn’t expect to start collecting protection fees.

Mark: Life is tough for poor people! (Sigh)

Now rambling about the scientific principles of rebirth (don’t take seriously)

Hey, our rebirth is full of quantum mechanics and science for the nation’s prosperity (a hint here).

 

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