The two of them strolled leisurely to the school entrance, most of the conversation coming from Wang Zibo, with Chen Hansheng barely responding as he strove to adjust to the Harbour City of seventeen years ago.

After graduating college, Chen Hansheng had felt that the economic development in his hometown was unsatisfactory, which was why he had chosen to stay back in the provincial capital, Jianye, to establish himself. His occasional visits home were solely to check in on his parents, hasty arrivals and departures, never did he find the time to pay heed to the transformations his hometown underwent.

It was only in the hazy early mornings, the aftermath of his drunkenness, where unnameable stirrings and memories would surge from the depth of his heart, only to be swiftly replaced by the bustling reality of the following day.

"What's the point of someone like me reincarnating?"

Chen Hansheng brooded over the question. His 2019 self was affluent and held a high rank. He was the owner of a company with subordinates at his disposal, clearly not adhering to the basic conditions of the reincarnated individual: being cuckolded, orphaned, destitute, and on the brink of starvation.

"Damn it! I really didn't want to reincarnate!"

He couldn't help but curse aloud. Wang Zibo, while in the midst of recounting Chen Hansheng's embarrassing confession to Xiaorong Yu from the previous night, despite being inebriated and against everyone's advice, paused in surprise, "Were you even listening to me?"

"Oh, Yes."

Chen Hansheng responded dismissively, patting his pocket to realize that he hadn't brought his wallet, his mobile phone, and neither did he have access to mobile payment apps. He let out a sigh and asked Wang Zibo, "Have you got any cash on you? I'd like to buy something from the convenience store."

"Do you need some water?"

Wang Zibo proved to be understanding, aware of the dehydration people often faced after a hangover, exacerbated by the hot weather of the day.

"Do you want a Jianlibao or a cola?"

Wang Zibo was ready to treat his friend.

"Just a bottle of mineral water would do, and a pack of ciggarettes while you're at it," Chen Hansheng responded.

Wang Zibo was taken aback, his eyes widened in surprise as he inspected Chen Hansheng. "When did you start smoking? How come I never knew about this?"

Chen Hansheng was feeling a bit impatient. He had never found his childhood friend to be this long-winded before. He waved his hand and said, "I'm not in a good mood. A cig might help."

Wang Zibo hesitated for a moment, but obediently went to buy some cigarettes. The convenience store was right outside the Gate of "Harbor City High School". Chen Hansheng stared at the wide iron gate, reminiscing about his high school years, about the thousand plus days and nights spent in this school.

Before long, Wang Zibo returned, "Here's your cigarette."

"Heh, it's been a long time since I've seen Hongta Mountain."

A playful smile lingered on Chen Hansheng's lips as he said this. He hadn't smoked this brand since he started working. He adeptly ripped off the packaging and offered one to Wang Zibo, "Care for one?"

Wang Zibo hesitated a moment before eventually deciding to accompany his brother in a smoke.

Wang Zibo still had the typical student mentality, a high level of conscientiousness and a thin skin, quite unlike Chen Hansheng, who was more hardened and unconventional due to his experiences in the adult world.

Chen Hansheng nonchalantly rolled up his trouser legs to his knees, perched himself at the edge of the curb and puffed rings of smoke into the air. With half-closed eyes, he thoughtfully regarded the students passing by.

Wang Zibo was much more cautious, stealing a puff before quickly hiding the cigarette behind him. He then blew out the smoke in thin streams, somewhat like a spout of a teapot. He smoked timidly but sneaking glances at Chen Hansheng, he couldn't help but commend, "Chen, you do have a stylish way of smoking."

Chen Hansheng was quite a seasoned smoker, even his ash flicking was rhythmic.

"Practice makes perfect," Chen Hansheng replied nonchalantly, which just made Wang Zibo envy him more. Although Chen Hansheng looked both arrogant and punchable right now, he did look quite handsome.

Before they could finish their cigarettes, a group of people on bikes was heading their way from the distance. Wang Zibo quickly doused his lit cigarette and reminded Chen Hansheng, "Quick, get rid of yours."

Wang Zibo's actions startled Chen Hansheng, “Are there teachers inside?”

"There are no teachers, only our classmates," Wang Zibo explained.

Chen Hansheng was also about to throw something away, but upon hearing this, he circled around and recollected his actions. He held great respect for the teaching profession, but regards to high school classmates, what's the point of dwelling on it now that they're graduated, what difference would it make?

These students were likely here to pick up their admission letters, brimming with anticipation and longing for university life, they talked and laughed all the way. When passing by Chen Hansheng and Wang Zibo, they all stopped.

Chen Hansheng's current appearance is very sloppy, with fatigue from a hangover, and confusion from the rebirth. He sits in a relaxed and disheveled manner, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. If not for his 18-year-old face, he would be the spitting image of a sloppy middle-aged man.

The classmates all looked at Chen Hansheng in surprise. In an education-focused school like Hong Kong First High, female students were not allowed to keep their hair long, so smoking was essentially a sign of decadence.

"Are you here to receive your admission letters?" Wang Zibo felt the need to say something.

The students were silent, shifting their gazes to a girl in the middle.

This young girl was very pretty, her floral, knee-length skirt billowed gently in the summer breeze revealing a cheerful spirit. She was at least 1.68 meters tall, and because of the hot weather, her face was flushed with a faint blush. With a straight nose, rosy lips, fair jawline, her eyes bright and clear under thick eyelashes, and her smooth hair naturally cascading over her shoulders.

When the young girl got down from her orange bicycle and approached, Chen Hansheng could even smell a faint scent of lilies.

"Chen Hansheng, how could you smoke!" The voice was pleasant, although tinged with some irritation.

Chen Hansheng couldn't for the life of him recall who she was, he turned to look at Wang Zibo. Seeing that Wang had no idea either, Chen had no choice but to ask: "Who are you?"

"Wow."

The incoming university students who were on their bicycles gasped in surprise, especially the girls couldn't resist shaking their heads. As it is said in TV dramas, men really do change their hearts quickly. Just last night he was confessing his feelings to someone, and now just because he was rejected, he can pretend not to know her.

"Han Sheng, you shouldn't act like this."

A tall boy steps out of the crowd, his smile warm. "Smoking is not your style. I hope you can get out of the shadow of a breakup and embrace a brighter tomorrow. We all look forward to your progress."

While his words seem like comfort and encouragement, there's a sense of hypocrisy and condescension. Chen Han Sheng has been a boss for many years and has a naturally assertive personality. He definitely wouldn't like someone stepping on him to put on a show, especially when they are not familiar with each other.

Although Chen Han Sheng was sitting on the ground, he lifts his head, chests out, and with a calm gaze, silently stares at the speaking boy until he becomes uncomfortable. He then looks at him critically and asks, "And who the hell are you?"

Successful men have a certain air of confidence and an explosive aura of authority; they are not comparable to a fresh and naive youngster. Even if the latter tries to act superior, he probably cannot reach Chen Han Sheng. Hence, he fails at the first contact.

"You are such a disappointment,"

The boy huffs out some harsh words and then turns to a pretty girl, "Let's go. Don't bother about him."

The girl ignores him and steps closer to Chen Han Sheng, "If you want to pretend not to know, then I can't do anything. But I made it clear yesterday that I don't want a boyfriend before graduating."

"If you smoke again, I'll tell Aunt Liang," she declares with a defiant lift of her chin.

Chen Han Sheng freezes for a moment. He has just returned to 18 years ago and would rather not greet his parents in this manner. Furthermore, today is the day to pick up his college admission letter, and quite a few students have stopped to watch.

After thinking for a while, Chen Han Sheng obediently throws away his cigarette.

The girl smiles faintly with a hint of triumphant arrogance. She pulls out a bottle of mineral water from her basket, "Wash your face. We are going to get the admission letter later."

"Thanks, but I have my own."

Chen Han Sheng directly rejects her.

"Hah, the same old trick of playing hard to get after a failed confession," the boy sneers disdainfully.

However, the girl was quite stubborn. Although Chen Hansheng refused, she still put the water at his feet, gave a cold snort, and pushed her cute orange bicycle into the school.

It wasn't until they were far out of sight that Chen Hansheng suddenly realized, "She must be Xiao Rongyu."

"Don't pretend in front of me."

Wang Zibo voiced with dissatisfaction, "I know you must feel upset after being rejected, but we’re best buddies. You can talk to me."

Wang Zibo also thought Chen Hansheng's earlier display was on purpose to save face.

Unsure of how to explain, all Chen Hansheng could do was pat Wang Zibo's shoulder. "At our age, college students, enduring pain alone is a trait of maturity."

…