The agony of watching his beloved woman die protecting him, the searing pain of his body being consumed by fierce flames—this torment coiled deep within Liu Hui’s soul, forcing a heart-rending scream from his throat.

Then, he heard his parents’ anxious voices in his ear: “Son, son, wake up! What’s wrong?”

Liu Hui opened his eyes in confusion, realizing he was already drenched in tears, his pillow soaked. His entire being was submerged in the anguish of losing his love and being burned alive, while his parents stood anxiously by his bedside.

“Son, why are you crying? Did you have a terrible nightmare?” His mother pulled him into her embrace, her heart aching at the look of suffering and the streams of tears on his face.

“Who am I? Wang Jin, or Liu Hui?” Liu Hui mumbled.

“Silly boy, of course you are Liu Hui. You are my son,” his father said, giving Liu Hui a light smack on the head with a hint of disapproval.

The slap from his father jolted Liu Hui awake, his thoughts snapping back to reality. He asked, astonished, “Dad, Mom, why are you in my room?”

“Son, you were completely drunk last night and slept until noon today, shouting and carrying on in your room. We were worried and came to check. Why are you still wearing your glasses in bed? Did something happen?” his father inquired.

Only then did Liu Hui’s mind fully emerge from the insights gained in that supposed 'Lesser Thousand World.' His expression shifted; he finally understood everything he had experienced.

That spectacle-like object Xiaoyaozi had given him was definitely not a Lesser Thousand World, nor were the events within sealed life insights. Everything that transpired there must have actually happened in his own world. If not, the cultivation world’s artifact would never contain references to the Northern Song Dynasty.

Liu Hui was now certain that the spectacle-like object possessed an unknown power, capable of illuminating the very essence of the soul, revealing everything he had experienced in his previous life and displaying it before him. He was both Liu Hui and Wang Jin; Wang Jin was his former self. As Wang Jin, he had experienced the most beautiful time of his life, only to perish in the flames of that mountain shrine with his lover, having vowed to meet again in the next life.

After the object unlocked his past life memories, the scene of his parting with He Sumei flooded his mind. The gut-wrenching feeling of separation caused him excruciating pain from which he could not break free.

Suddenly, Liu Hui’s face turned ashen. He recalled He Sumei, who had chosen death for him. Her image and features materialized in his mind, then slowly began to overlap with the image of a person he had met in this current life. The two merged, becoming one. It was a subtle sensation, yet his soul kept telling him these two were the same person—the one he had been searching for all along. The words spoken by that person echoed in his ears again.

“I love you, do you know that? I truly love you. I love you, I love you, I love you. I will love you for all eternity…”

“I loved you so much, but did you ever love me? Did you know I would give up everything for you? Did all that I sacrificed ever move you?”

“Do you really know? I think you know nothing. You will never understand the pain in my heart, a pain no one can comprehend. Have you forgotten everything you once said?…”

Delicious pastries, fragrant tea, gentle massages, laundry, and cooking, luxurious robes, and so on…

Liu Hui suddenly slapped himself hard. The blow landed sharply across his face, drawing blood from his mouth.

“Son, what’s wrong? Don’t scare us,” his mother cried out in alarm, reaching to stop him.

Liu Hui dodged his mother’s hand, grabbed his watch, and saw it was already two in the afternoon. He snatched the house phone and dialed his secretary, Li Lian, telling her to immediately check if Hu Xian’er had come to work today.

Li Lian quickly reported back that Hu Xian’er was still on leave and had not come in.

Liu Hui frantically strapped the watch onto his wrist, grabbed his mobile phone, only to find it dead from not being charged the night before. He tossed the phone onto the bed and told his parents, “I have an urgent matter. I have to leave right now.”

With that, Liu Hui bolted out of the front door. His parents stood there dumbfounded. Suddenly, his mother shouted, “You brat, are you going out wearing only a tank top and shorts? Aren't you cold?”

Liu Hui, disheveled and sparsely clad, ran out and spotted a Mercedes sedan driving within the Star Sky Group complex. He rushed forward and flagged the car down.

“Boss!” the driver exclaimed upon recognizing Liu Hui, quickly opening the door.

“I need this car for something. You’re off today.” Liu Hui yanked the driver out, slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and sped away.

The driver was left standing foolishly on the road, wondering what had possessed his boss to steal his car while wearing only a tank top and shorts. It was March, and still quite cold; wouldn’t the boss catch a cold?

Liu Hui drove frantically toward Hu Qingyang’s villa in Deep Water Bay. He was now certain: Hu Xian’er was the reincarnation of He Sumei. That sense of familiarity could not be wrong; it explained why he felt like they were husband and wife the moment he saw her at home before.

Somehow, Hu Xian’er had awakened her past-life memories and sought him out, hoping to reclaim their bond based on their prior-life agreement. But because he had completely forgotten that covenant, he had repeatedly rejected her advances. That must be why she was heartbroken, venting her soul only after getting drunk that time. It was a pity he knew nothing then and summarily dismissed her love. Imagine the immense harm that must have caused Hu Xian’er, forcing her to stay away from work for so long—she must be deeply wounded.

With his past-life memories restored, Liu Hui felt a surge of love for Hu Xian’er. This feeling, spanning a millennium, made him desperate to find her immediately, confess his love, and hold her close so they would never be separated again.

Liu Hui drove breakneck speed all the way, likely violating countless traffic laws, but he didn't care. As long as he could find Hu Xian’er instantly, those were minor concerns. He arrived at Hu Qingyang’s villa in a very short time. He forced down his excitement and adjusted his attire, only to realize he was still in a tank top and shorts. But he had no time to change. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Soon, a maid from the villa opened the main door.

Liu Hui tried to appear as amiable as possible and stated, “I am here to see your young mistress.”

The maid glanced at Liu Hui’s strange attire and replied coolly, “Our mistress is not home.”

Liu Hui paused, then asked, “Where did your mistress go?”

The maid informed him, “She went out to take wedding photos with a friend.”

It was like a bolt of lightning striking Liu Hui. He asked, his voice trembling, “Are you sure she went to take wedding photos?”

“Certainly sure. A man came to pick her up this morning; I saw him clearly.”

Liu Hui immediately asked, “Where is your mistress taking the wedding photos?”

The maid thought for a moment and replied, “I believe it’s at a studio called Phoenix on South Street.”

Liu Hui leaped back into his car and raced toward South Street, his heart burning with anxiety. He began to spiral into dark thoughts on the way.

Had Hu Xian’er been absent these past few days because she found a boyfriend? And now they were taking wedding photos together? Had she given up hope, unwilling to wait for me any longer? But I’m back now! No, I must stop them. Hu Xian’er is mine, she was mine in the past life, and she is mine in this one. No one can take her. The thought that he might lose Hu Xian’er forever threw Liu Hui into utter chaos and self-reproach.

Liu Hui weaved his car through the traffic, wishing he could instantly fly to Hu Xian’er’s side. Unfortunately, he hit a massive traffic jam on a main avenue; it looked severe, completely blocking the entire street, unlikely to clear anytime soon. When he tried to reverse, he found cars packed bumper-to-bumper behind him as well, trapping him completely.

Liu Hui was incredibly agitated in the car. Suddenly, he saw several cyclists skillfully maneuvering through the gaps in the stalled traffic. An idea struck him. He opened his door, lunged out, and stopped a passing cyclist.

The man blinked, about to speak, when Liu Hui pressed the car keys into his hand, saying, “Brother, let’s trade. I’ll take your bicycle for this car.”

Without waiting for the man’s consent, Liu Hui handed over the keys and mounted the bicycle, pedaling forward immediately.

The cyclist stood stunned on the spot, holding the car keys, unable to believe he had exchanged an ordinary bicycle for a high-end Mercedes. But why was the man only wearing a tank top and shorts? Was he a thief who had stolen the Mercedes? The feeling of sudden gain mixed with profound loss left him deeply conflicted.

Liu Hui possessed astonishing stamina and agility. Riding the bicycle, he weaved rapidly through the blocked lanes of traffic, his speed almost matching that of a car. Coupled with his trendy attire of tank top and shorts, the trapped drivers stared in dumbfounded amazement, thinking he was some international cycling champion doing pre-competition practice in Hong Kong.

Liu Hui was desperately anxious, pedaling hard, moving forward quickly until he finally reached South Street. However, he couldn't find the photo studio named Phoenix. After circling once, he finally spotted the Phoenix logo on a sign on the second floor of a building.

Liu Hui ditched the bike and ran upstairs. Studio staff tried to stop him because of his tank top and shorts, but he shoved past them. He searched frantically throughout the studio until he finally found Hu Xian’er in a room near the window.

Hu Xian’er was dressed in a pure white wedding gown, wearing a tiara, white gloves, and white high heels—she looked incredibly pure and beautiful. Beside her, a burly man was holding her hand.

Liu Hui’s eyes seemed ready to spit fire. He rushed forward and yanked the man away, preventing him from holding Hu Xian’er’s hand.

Hu Xian’er saw Liu Hui arrive and started to speak, but before she could, Liu Hui pulled the man aside, swiftly bent down, hoisted Hu Xian’er onto his shoulder, and turned to run. The man was startled and immediately gave chase.

Liu Hui ran downstairs carrying Hu Xian’er, glanced around, and bolted forward. His physical strength was incredible; even carrying her, he ran so fast that the pursuing man couldn’t keep up. He quickly left the man far behind.

Liu Hui ran a little further and spotted a park. He dashed inside, gently set Hu Xian’er down, and immediately pulled her into his embrace.

Hu Xian’er immediately pushed him away and shouted, “Don’t touch me! If you don’t love me, then don’t bother me.” She turned to leave.

Liu Hui froze, then shouted loudly, “Xian’er, I’m sorry.”

Hu Xian’er’s steps immediately halted. She stood on a small arched bridge with her back to Liu Hui, but she didn't turn around.

“Xian’er, I’m sorry, I love you, I’m sorry, I love you!” Liu Hui yelled.

Hu Xian’er still did not turn her head, but her shoulders visibly twitched, as if she were weeping.

Liu Hui continued loudly, “You once said no one could understand your pain, but I understand it now. I love you. I’m back. I finally found you, my lady.”

Upon hearing Liu Hui utter the word “Niangzi” (My lady), Hu Xian’er’s entire body shook violently. She spun around, staring intensely at Liu Hui, her face already awash with tears. Liu Hui rushed up the small arched bridge, stood before Hu Xian’er, and looked at her tenderly, saying, “My lady, we meet again.”

Hu Xian’er suddenly threw herself into Liu Hui’s arms, crying bitterly, “You brute! You promised to meet in the next life, yet you didn’t recognize me and forgot me completely. Do you know how much pain I’ve endured all this time? My beloved was right before my eyes, yet we were like strangers. All our vows from the past turned to smoke! Do you know how I managed to live through this time?”

Liu Hui held Hu Xian’er, gently stroking her long hair, and said softly, “My lady, it is all my fault. I shouldn’t have forgotten you. We promised to be together forever and ever. Now, we can finally be truly together; no one can separate us again.”

Hu Xian’er suddenly pinched him, crying as she did so: “I need to mark you, so you’ll never forget me, no matter where you go.”

Liu Hui gently caressed Hu Xian’er’s cheek, wiping away her tears. “We will never separate again, and nothing can tear us apart.” Then he pressed his lips to hers. Hu Xian’er responded passionately, and the two embraced and kissed on the park bridge.

Tourists in the park, seeing the couple finally resolve their misunderstanding and kiss, erupted in enthusiastic applause and support.

Hu Xian’er felt a little embarrassed and immediately broke away from Liu Hui. Liu Hui, however, smiled and waved to the gathered onlookers. He pointed to the woman in his arms and declared loudly, “Hahaha, this is my woman!”

The tourists immediately started booing Liu Hui, pointing at his attire. Only then did Liu Hui realize he was still only wearing a tank top and shorts.

Just then, the man in the suit finally arrived, panting heavily. The moment he saw Liu Hui and Hu Xian’er embracing, he rushed toward them.

Liu Hui immediately pulled Hu Xian’er behind him and told the man, “Brother, Xian’er is mine. She will not marry you. You should give up.”

The man paused, then asked, “Xian’er, is this the Liu Hui you told me about? Wasn’t he a great tycoon? Why is he dressed like this? And he’s not as handsome as you said.”

Liu Hui frowned, saying, “Your voice… how could it be…”

Hu Xian’er poked her head out from behind Liu Hui and laughed, “Water Buffalo, you forgot to introduce you. This is my good friend Jennifer. Her photo studio just opened. Since she wasn’t satisfied with her previous model, she asked me to guest star and shoot some exquisite wedding photos. She’s tall and built like a man, so she dressed herself up as a man.”

Liu Hui smiled sheepishly. “Heh, so that’s it. I thought it was…”

Hu Xian’er laughed triumphantly. “What did you think? You’re just a big water buffalo! You stole me away in your last life, and in this one, you steal me away with brute force.”

Liu Hui chuckled foolishly. He said to Jennifer, “I apologize for misunderstanding you. But my Xian’er can only take wedding photos with me; she can’t help you anymore.”

Jennifer said helplessly, “I can see it now. You two are truly happy.”

Liu Hui smiled. “We will be even happier in the future.”

Jennifer asked, “If you’re going to be happier, why haven’t you gotten married yet?”

Liu Hui blinked, then looked at Hu Xian’er, who was looking at him with equal anticipation. He then gave Jennifer a mischievous look and said, “You look about my size. How about we switch clothes?”

Soon, Liu Hui was wearing Jennifer’s suit over his tank top and shorts, while Jennifer stood somewhat awkwardly in a shirt and shorts.

Liu Hui turned to Hu Xian’er and said, “My lady, let’s go register immediately. In this life, I must marry you honorably.”

Hu Xian’er nodded with a smile. Liu Hui suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no, I proposed without a ring! What should I do?”

Hu Xian’er smiled, pulled up two foxtail weeds from the ground, and wrapped them around Liu Hui’s and her own hands, laughing, “Aren’t these rings?”

Liu Hui smiled, then linked arms with Hu Xian’er and bid farewell to Jennifer, preparing to leave to register their marriage. However, after walking quite a distance, they realized an embarrassing fact: in their current state of dress, neither of them had any money. It wasn’t just a taxi ride; they didn't even have enough for a bus.

Hu Xian’er laughed. “How about we register tomorrow? Look how late it is; the staff might be closing up.”

Liu Hui shook his head. “How can that be? I waited hundreds of years to reunite with you. I can’t waste a single moment now. I must marry you today.”