Midsummer night.
Junting International Hotel.
The hall was filled with fragrant gowns and elegant coiffures, glasses clinking back and forth.
The waltz melody swirled gracefully through the air. At the center of the dance floor, a beam of light gathered, illuminating a pianist performing.
Zhu Hao straightened his collar. His slicked hair and shiny face were flushed red. He had spent plenty of time drifting between investors and producers. He was a people-pleaser, flattering smoothly enough that others couldn’t even be bothered to kick him out.
Just as the banquet was about to begin, a sudden commotion sounded at the entrance.
Many CEOs who had still been posturing moments ago instantly reacted like cats catching the scent of fish. They swarmed over in a rush, hurriedly surrounding the person who had just entered.
“President Shen, what kind of northwest wind is blowing today that even you’ve come?” Someone tried to ingratiate themselves.
“There’s a charity auction later. If anything catches your eye, I’m a few years older than you, but nowhere near as good as you at appraising treasures. We should sit together later and exchange some insights.” Someone who couldn’t let go of pride forced conversation.
“Oh come on, President Shen, no need to be polite with me. If you take a liking to anything later, I’ll help you get it immediately!” This one had very obvious motives.
…
Shadows overlapped in the crowd, and through the gaps appeared the silhouette of a man.
The man wore a crisp, expensive suit. His presence was steady and dignified. Crystal lighting cast faint rays onto the side of his face, outlining sharply defined features.
His eyes were deep, pitch-black like a cold pool with no visible bottom. The long, narrow phoenix eyes had slight wrinkles at the outer corners, etched with the marks of time.
Several CEOs dragging their daughters along to make introductions froze when he glanced their way. Their smiles stiffened, and the words they had prepared instantly slid back down their throats. Awkwardly, they greeted him instead.
These past years, this man’s temper had improved and his demeanor had become calmer, his actions subtle and steady. His noble and restrained aura was unmistakable. But when he had first entered the business world, he could smile while kicking someone straight out of a banquet hall.
People who survived in this industry were all shrewd. Everyone feared someone with power and influence who also dared to break the rules. What if one day he simply decided he disliked them and kicked them out of a banquet hall in front of everyone?
But as time passed, these old stories were rarely mentioned anymore. Standing before them now was the chairman of Junting International, fully in control, Shen Shi.
Zhu Hao’s mind raced. His eyes lit up. In just a few seconds, he had already guessed the man’s identity.
The charity banquet tonight had merely leaked the slightest rumor that “Shen Shi might attend,” and the circle’s big figures immediately extended olive branches. Donations made, items prepared for bidding.
Everyone knew exactly what calculations were being made.
Zhu Hao’s eyes shifted. The young celebrity trailing behind him finally relaxed and massaged his stiff smile, only to be suddenly pushed forward by Zhu Hao the very next second.
The young star had a slim waist and long legs, with pale, tender skin, very much the pretty-boy type. Yet he had a pair of slightly upturned phoenix eyes that dispelled the soft, effeminate impression.
He still hadn’t reacted, already miserable: “Brother Zhu… what are we doing now?”
Zhu Hao lowered his voice and glared at him. “Quiet! Listen carefully to what I’m about to say. Whether you can rise above others depends entirely on your luck tonight. You think I didn’t bring Zhang Nini or Song Feier here for a reason? That man over there, you’ve heard of him. He’s the chairman of Junting Entertainment, Shen Shi.”
“I already checked before coming. Shen Shi has a male lover. I couldn’t find out the name or face, but I did hear one thing, he has phoenix eyes. Men, you know. They pretend to be so proper, but which one doesn’t fool around?”
“Don’t complain about unspoken rules. When the crowd thins out later, take a glass of wine and bump into him. I’ve already pointed out the path. You choose. Do you want to spend your whole life lukewarm in the industry, or take a gamble? I won’t interfere.”
The young star’s pale face slowly regained color. His expression shifted unpredictably. Fear and agitation flickered in his eyes. Zhu Hao watched coldly, tonight’s plan was as good as done.
He indeed couldn’t find out what Shen Shi’s lover looked like, but he had traced an old post on the Beijing University forum. It was from ten years ago. The forum had gone through countless updates. In the end, he managed to dig up only the man’s side profile.
Just one look, and he was struck by the man’s eyes—
Shimmering like rippling water. The corners tinged with red, like spring rain on begonia petals.
When they opened and closed, they carried a vivid spirit.
But that was a decade-old photo. That man surely wouldn’t still look that stunning now. Which meant this was the perfect chance for his artist to climb up.
Just as Zhu Hao expected, the young star still seemed hesitant. But when Shen Shi reached the center of the banquet hall, revealing that refined, aloof face, the star swallowed the last bit of reluctance.
A man with power and influence, at any age, was worth betting on. And one with power, influence, and good looks? Even more so.
In the entertainment industry’s turbid waters, simple “liking men or women” no longer defined anyone. Thinking of his poor traffic and lack of buzz over the past two years, he gritted his teeth, steeled his resolve, lifted his wine glass, and subtly walked toward the man in the crowd—
He remembered Zhu Hao’s instructions. He deliberately exposed his eyes. They had undergone surgery, double eyelids, but the work was natural. From certain angles, they exuded a shy, alluring beauty.
Zhu Hao observed from behind. Seeing his posture, he nodded. Even if it didn’t work out tonight, the kid would at least leave an impression.
But the next second, everything changed.
Before the young star even reached the crowd, he saw Shen Shi answer a call.
Whatever the person on the other end said, Shen Shi’s indifferent features softened, as if an icy mountain were melting. His deep, pitch-black eyes, capable of seeing right through empty flattery, warmed with a faint smile. Ignoring the CEOs’ eager invitations, he simply said, “Excuse me,” and walked straight out of the hall.
Someone chased after him midway. The young star glanced at them.
It was a trending young idol from recent weeks, wearing C-brand’s newest season. His suit was dotted with starlike embellishments, collarbone exposed, hair to ankle impeccably styled. Most striking were his carefully lined phoenix eyes: bright, shimmering, overflowing with delicate charm.
He followed behind Shen Shi, speaking breathlessly. The next second, in front of everyone, Shen Shi suddenly stopped and turned his head, casting a calm glance his way.
Even from a distance, the young star felt the coldness and warning in that look.
Sharp as ice. Terrifying.
His heart skipped a beat.
Only after several seconds did he manage to take a sip of wine and steady himself.
Luckily, he had walked slowly and hadn’t barged forward to be an eyesore.
Not far away, the trending idol stood frozen, dazed. After a long moment, under his manager’s disappointed glare, he finally left.
…
“Who was it?”
Night had fallen. Lights shimmered across the city.
A black Bentley quietly drove away from the venue. The driver stared straight ahead, minding his own business, listening as a gentle voice drifted from the phone. Slow and soft, as if the speaker had been around children for too long, his tone unconsciously lowered at the ends of sentences, warm as a spring breeze, like he was coaxing someone.
No matter whether he was genuinely coaxing or not, his employer was very susceptible to this.
Even the cold aura he had been giving off these past few days had dissipated quite a bit. His voice also softened, as if it could melt into a pool of water: “Someone I don’t know. Baby, when are you coming back?”
“There’s a lot going on here,” Ye Ran said gently. “I’ll be able to return next month.”
“Early next month or the end of next month?” Shen Shi lowered his eyes tiredly. There had been many matters today, and since Ye Ran hadn’t been home these past few days, he simply stayed at the company. He was so busy he didn’t even have time to eat dinner: “I’ll pick you up.”
After graduating, Ye Ran opened his own studio. He drew promotional art and character designs for major game companies, film and TV, and anime adaptations. In the art industry, aside from skill, some companies valued an artist’s reputation; well-known artists naturally charged more than lesser-known ones.
Aside from commercial commissions, Ye Ran also took private commissions on the side to accumulate popularity. Only a year after graduating, one of his national-style promotional illustrations became hugely popular.
After five or six years of busy work, Ye Ran officially left his studio last year and began doing what he truly wanted, opening hobby classes to teach children to draw.
Many seven- or eight-year-old kids had all sorts of whimsical ideas, and their drawings were wild and imaginative. After spending so much time with them, Ye Ran’s voice, tone, and attitude gradually became soft and unhurried.
This year, the two of them, counting carefully, had already crossed the threshold of thirty.
From freshman year of university until now, they had weathered more than ten years together. The Shen Shi whom outsiders thought inscrutable had, in Ye Ran’s eyes, always been the same young man from years ago who would secretly take him out for late-night snacks at two in the morning.
And also this clingy, “old” man who worried whenever he travelled far.
Ye Ran let out a quiet laugh and patiently soothed him: “I’ll ask Mom about it later. If it’s possible to move things up, I’ll come back at the end of this month, okay?”
Shen Shi was coaxed into smiling. His low voice carried a deep laugh. “We have everything at home. You don’t need to bring anything back. Be careful with your shoulder.”
“I know. You too, even if you’re busy you need to eat on time. I heard from Auntie Zhang that you haven’t gone home these past few days?” Ye Ran asked worriedly. “You’re staying at the company again?”
“Mm. It’s the end of the quarter. There’s a lot to handle, and we also need to discuss cooperation for next quarter.”
“Even if there’s a lot, you still need to eat.”
“It’s no fun eating alone,” Shen Shi said.
Ye Ran chuckled. “Little Shen is being very disobedient today.”
He heard a hum by his ear. Shen Shi lifted his eyes slightly and caught a glimpse of a red vehicle in his peripheral vision. Then he leaned back in his seat, listening to Ye Ran’s voice with full attention and tenderness.
“Waiting for Teacher Ye to come back and manage me.”
“Teacher Ye doesn’t manage disobedient little children.”
“Does Teacher Ye manage thirty-year-old children?”
Ye Ran laughed, still speaking softly and gently, as if coaxing the kids in his studio. “I’ll manage you, even if you’re a hundred years old.”
It was late at night now. There weren’t many cars on the road. Uncle Wang, the driver, was someone Shen Shi had personally selected. With over twenty years of driving experience, he was steady and reliable. As they reached a fork in the road, Uncle Wang cautiously reduced speed. He wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, but on this road that restricted heavy trucks, he seemed to see the shadow of a large truck.
As they got closer, he confirmed it was indeed a large tile-transport truck.
His brows tightened instantly. He knew he had encountered someone reckless.
From the back seat, Shen Shi lifted his eyelids and glanced over calmly. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, sir,” Uncle Wang said. As they were about to pass the truck, he was completely alert, worried the driver might be fatigued this late at night. “Please sit tight. There’s a heavy truck illegally on the road. I’m going to speed up a little to keep distance.”
Shen Shi gave a quiet “mm” and said nothing more.
But Ye Ran suddenly grew tense on the phone. For no reason at all, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over him. Almost shouting, he said: “What’s wrong? Shen Shi, Shen Shi?!”
Shen Shi responded immediately: “It’s nothing. We just encountered a truck on the road. I’ll be home soon.”
Ye Ran still couldn’t ease his worry. “A truck? Are you on the highway?”
“In the city.”
“How could there be a truck in the city? Shen Shi, tell Uncle Wang to be careful,” Ye Ran grew more anxious. Years ago, Shen Shi had experienced underhanded tactics in business competition. Because of that, he had always protected Ye Ran very well. “Go around if you need to. Don’t compete—”
The car was already accelerating.
Once they passed the truck, there would be a fork ahead. Ten more minutes straight and they would reach the home he shared with Ye Ran.
The truck’s high beams were blinding.
The scene ahead blurred into black-and-white halos.
Uncle Wang froze, staring at this truck that not only broke the rules but was also drifting over the lane line.
The distance between the two vehicles shrank rapidly.
The blinding high beams still didn’t turn off.
In the next moment, Shen Shi, who had been frowning in the back seat, seemed to realize something. His expression changed abruptly. He shouted sharply: “Uncle Wang, slow down—!”
…
“Bang—!!!”
Thick smoke rolled across the elevated highway. The heavy truck crashed over and toppled. The driver’s face was frozen in terror and panic. The high-performance Bentley rolled across the bridge surface five or six full times.
The traffic police received the accident report immediately and learned the identity of the Bentley’s owner.
The entire department was thrown into chaos. Everyone scrambled to gather information because most importantly, the traffic police would definitely be held responsible. A heavy truck appearing on a city road in violation of regulations would make everyone think they had failed their duty—
The public security chief was overwhelmed. After a day and a night, he received a phone call from Shen Hanqing.
The aging former patriarch bared his fangs.
There was only one message: that truck driver must be severely punished.
…
Ye Ran rushed back from abroad, dusty and exhausted. His face was pale as he forced himself to hold on until he reached the hospital. He had to care for Shen Hanqing, who fainted when he heard the news, and also for Shen Shi’s mother, whose illness had relapsed and who couldn’t fly back from New Zealand.
All the responsibilities of the entire Shen family landed on him. Years of comfortable living had made him gentler and calmer, like a piece of polished jade, its edges smooth and warm, its core clear.
Only when facing the truck driver, crying and wailing, did he show a rare expression of coldness and hatred.
He didn’t even wait for them to cry to Father Shen. He drove all of them out of the hospital.
Shen Shi spent three days and nights in the ICU. The Bentley’s excellent performance, years of regular maintenance, and customized parts had, at the moment of the crash, protected Shen Shi and Uncle Wang even as the car rolled five or six times.
After leaving the ICU, Shen Shi remained in the critical care unit for a full month. A month later, he was transferred to a normal ward. Father Shen, recovering from the shock, returned to the company to take charge.
Mother Shen’s health was worsening day by day. After taking a private plane back and seeing Shen Shi in the hospital room, she covered her face and burst into tears.
Ye Ran couldn’t comfort her, because he was suffering the same pain and confusion.
Even after so long since the car accident, he still felt as if he were inside a dream.
As if, once he woke from this nightmare, he would see that lazy, smiling Shen Shi again.
Time passed, minute by minute.
In the blink of an eye, Shen Shi had been unconscious for three whole months. His physical condition was gradually improving, but he just wouldn’t wake up.
The year-end was approaching.
Streets and alleys were already decorated with Christmas ornaments. Cheerful Christmas songs played everywhere. Young couples braved the cold wind, walking through snowy nights, watching the twinkling little lights on the pine branches.
This was Ye Ran’s first Christmas without Shen Shi.
He quietly bought an apple, sat beside Shen Shi’s bed, and kept watch over him for the entire night.
Outside, wind and snow billowed.
The night was thick and heavy.
Yu Ting, still single at age thirty, saw this scene from outside the door, and his eyes went red.
They always say “the wicked live a thousand years.”
Shen Shi must live to be a hundred, too.
This New Year had no sense of festivity at all. Like a pool of dead water, without a single ripple.
Yet just a week later, Ye Ran and Mother Shen suddenly received news.
—The National Academy of Sciences had developed a new medical machine.
It was designed specifically for patients such as those in vegetative states or with mental illnesses, administering corresponding treatment.
The treatment method, however, was rather unusual. They were recruiting volunteers, giving hope to all families while ensuring safety.
Ye Ran signed up immediately.
After an anxious week of waiting, he was invited to the Academy. He saw rows of oval-shaped machine pods. The pods leaned on supports, each more than two meters long, resembling giant goose eggs, narrow at the top and bottom, wide in the middle. Inside flowed a clear, viscous liquid that faintly refracted tiny shards of light.
There were only seven volunteers in the first batch.
After all, it was a new product. Hearing that the treatment would take at least a month, many people, thinking of their messy real-life situations, ultimately gave up the opportunity.
After the staff explained how to use the machine, they emphasized that this brain-wave treatment would project the healer into the patient’s consciousness. Everything encountered there would form its own “consciousness world,” which must not be disrupted or violated. The healer must proceed step by step, gently stimulating the patient to help them wake.
These consciousness worlds might be a real memory from the patient, or a dream they created. The healer, upon entering, must follow the logic and rules of that world, or the consequences would be unimaginable.
After a long list of precautions, the volunteers each lay inside their machines.
Through the one-way window, Ye Ran could see Father Shen and mother outside.
Both had graying temples, their eyes full of worry and helplessness.
He slowly closed his eyes. The warm liquid wrapped around his limbs and fingertips. In such warmth, his heartbeat gradually slowed. Countless images of Shen Shi flashed before his eyes.
The very last was Shen Shi’s gentle and weary voice before the car accident: “Teacher Ye, come back early.”
He had already come back.
The second before his consciousness sank into darkness, Ye Ran’s eyes grew wet.
Shen Shi, when are you coming back?
…
One hour later.
The laboratory door opened, and two staff members walked out, looking relaxed. They said to the worried Shen parents, “Don’t worry, the procedure went smoothly.”
Father Shen and mother both let out a breath.
Before coming, they had inquired in detail about the treatment. Now, hearing the explanation from the staff, they caught onto a key point. “What does this ‘consciousness world’ mean?”
A staff member said, “How should I put it… Right now, these patients cannot wake because their consciousness is trapped somewhere. That place is the consciousness world. They ‘live’ there, thinking they’ve already awakened and are living normal lives, when in reality they’re still asleep.”
“Our treatment concept is to help them realize that they haven’t actually ‘woken up,’ so they can return to consciousness in the real world.”
Mother Shen nodded and asked, “Then this consciousness world, is it dangerous for Ranran?”
The staff member smiled. “You don’t have to worry. President Shen has a very firm will. Whatever traps him couldn’t be a fabricated dream. It must be some real memory extracted from his past.”
“This memory would be a major turning point in his life, whether anger, joy, or sorrow. Only that kind of memory could pull him in.”
“Do you two have any guesses?” he asked with interest.
Mother Shen looked puzzled. “A major turning point in life—”
She thought carefully. Considering Shen Shi’s personality, what could trap him definitely wouldn’t be something from adulthood. In adulthood, he had settled down and wouldn’t be fooled by an experience he’d already lived.
What could trap him must have happened before adulthood, during that young, arrogant, self-willed period—
Wait.
Mother Shen’s eyelid twitched.
Beside her, Father Shen seemed to think of something too. He suddenly let out a breath, squeezed her hand, and said tensely, “It shouldn’t be.”
Mother Shen said, “I remember… Ranran has never seen the old childhood recordings, right?”
Mother Shen had many videotapes, but over the years, because Shen Shi subtly prevented it, she had never shown them to Ye Ran.
Her son still had quite a bit of pride. He was afraid Ye Ran would laugh at him.
They were old matters anyway. Mother Shen, smiling, didn’t mind showing or not showing them. As a result, Ye Ran always believed that Shen Shi had been born with that cool, gentle, composed, well-mannered “good student” appearance.
If Shen Shi was really trapped in that year—
Mother Shen almost didn’t dare imagine it.
First, she didn’t dare imagine how Ye Ran would see Shen Shi afterward; second, she didn’t dare imagine if her son really woke up, how he would have any face left to pretend nothing happened.
This matter was—
Mother Shen even felt a little dazed. If Shen Shi woke up, would he faint again?
Author’s Note: Scientific “Time Travel”
