The Villain's Counterattack Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

After all, the Rong Dynasty was set in an ancient society, so by and large it was similar to the background of the period dramas he had watched over a decade ago.

It wasn't as wealthy as the settings in today's period dramas. Even in the capital, the ground in the small alleys was just packed earth. Only on the main streets, where vendors hawked their wares and shops did business, was bluestone paving laid down.

Xu Kaicheng looked at the soles of his shoes, which had gone from white to gray, then at the surrounding buildings, none taller than three stories. Most were wooden structures, and only a few shops that seemed to be doing brisk business had green glazed tiles on their roofs.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Shares 

Guan Yuan stood in the shade of a tree waiting for Zhao Shenggu. Since all the students were at the opening ceremony, there was no one around except on the sports field.

Guan Yuan was waiting boredly when a few students came over laughing and chatting, apparently heading out the school gate. Guan Yuan squinted and noticed two of them looked familiar. After thinking for a moment, he realized—weren't those the two kids who had fought over the TV at Li Wenqing's house that night?

He hadn't expected them to be studying at No. 4 High School too.

The Villain's Counterattack Chapter 3

Chapter 3

He ran through the entire plot once more in his mind, and soon Xu Kaicheng fell into a deep sleep.

When he opened his eyes again, it was already bright outside. It had to be past ten. Xu Kaicheng stretched lazily, making quite a racket.

A creak of the door swinging open, and an... old woman? came in carrying a wooden basin.

"Second Young Master, you're awake. I've prepared hot water for you." Her face wrinkled like a chrysanthemum, she tottered in with the hot water.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 56 Part 2

Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu ate happily at Yiran Residence. Meanwhile, Li Wenting and the others had found out where Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu were staying. When they saw that Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu had actually bought a courtyard for eighty thousand yuan, Li Wenting and Li Wenmu were filled with shock and suspicion.

Li Wenhua knew a bit more about Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu, but only about their businesses in Yun County. When he saw their grand spending, he couldn't help but be startled too.

The three brothers hurriedly found Old Master Li, who was playing with his grandson in the courtyard.

The Villain's Counterattack Chapter 2

Chapter 2

[…I will give you one chance to control your own fate…]

In a haze, it was as if someone had whispered beside his ear. Irritated, Xu Kaicheng's breathing quickened for a moment. Three seconds later, he opened his eyes, most of the sleep already gone.

His hand moved on instinct, reaching for the phone on the nightstand to check the time. But it grasped only empty air.

An unfamiliar scrap of hanging fabric brushed the back of his hand, jolting him fully awake. He stayed lying down without moving, his breathing barely changing. He quickly scanned his surroundings, brows knitting into a deep frown.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 56 Part 1

Chapter 56: Entrance Test

Ma Yu was sitting on pins and needles in the living room. When he heard that Old Master Li wanted to see him alone upstairs, he couldn't stop panicking. In truth, Old Master Li had always treated this son-in-law with indifference and had never lost his temper at Ma Yu. But Ma Yu was simply afraid of Old Master Li. Every time he stood before him, Ma Yu felt as though he had been seen through from head to toe.

Entering the study, Ma Yu nervously called out, "Dad."

Old Master Li didn't respond. He just stared at him steadily, his gaze like a torch.

The Villain's Counterattack Chapter 1

Chapter 1

In the dim yellow room, heavy dark fabric blocked out the last sliver of moonlight from the window.

Song Yao lay withered on the wooden bed like a corpse, eyes wide open in death, refusing to close.

A tear slid from the corner of his eye. His lips moved with the last of his strength, but only a faint breath escaped.

"Why... can't there be even one person who loves me?"

The End.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 55 Part 2

"Brother, let's buy a courtyard house to live in. Courtyard houses are quiet amid the hustle and bustle—very suitable for living. And in a few years, you won't even be able to buy one." Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu had looked around but hadn't found anything they liked.

"I'll listen to you." Zhao Shenggu agreed after only a brief moment of thought.

So the two of them specifically searched in areas with many courtyard houses.

After looking for two days, they finally found a courtyard house they both liked. The location was good, the area was large, and it was well-maintained. Best of all, only the owner's family lived in it.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 55 Part 1

Chapter 55: Buying a House

Zhao Shenggu only nodded back at Ma Yu, lightly said "Uncle Ma," and said nothing more. His Xiao Yuan was not someone for others to look down upon.

Li Wenqing also noticed her husband's displeasure and quickly said to Zhao Shenggu, "Shenggu, come with me. The guest room is upstairs."

After entering the room, as soon as Zhao Shenggu placed Guan Yuan on the bed, Guan Yuan opened his eyes.

"Not sleeping anymore?" Zhao Shenggu touched his forehead and only relaxed when he felt no sweat.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 54

Chapter 54: First Arrival in the Capital

As soon as Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu stepped off the train, they were blown away by the sheer size of the capital's train station. It was the capital of the country, after all—even the train station looked grander than anywhere else.

They followed the bustling crowd toward the exit. When they reached the gate, they suddenly spotted a large sign being held up with their names written on it.

Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu both found it strange. They didn't know anyone in the capital!

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Instructions

Time always flies. Before they knew it, the high school entrance exam had arrived.

It was a sweltering day, and the area outside No. 1 Middle School's gate was packed with parents waiting for their children.

Some parents were so nervous that they clasped their hands together and prayed nonstop.

Ding-ling-ling… A bell rang, and then the gate of No. 1 Middle School opened.

"They're coming, they're coming out…"

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 52 Part 2

Guan Guo was so anxious his face turned red. "Mother, what are you saying? How were we not sincere? We were just about to send some meat over to you too!"

Only after hearing this did the old woman's long face soften a little. "That's more like it. I don't want much either. Just give me three hundred catties and that'll be enough."

"What!" Li Ying had been in the back kitchen with several other women cleaning up the dishes. When she heard the commotion in front, she wanted to come out and take a look. She never expected that as soon as she came out, she would hear her mother-in-law's words.

The crowd around them gasped.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 52 Part 1

Chapter 52: Daily Life

"Xiao Yuan…" When Guan Yuan woke up, he felt warm breath on the back of his neck, and then a soft touch. Guan Yuan stiffened at first, then relaxed.

Zhao Shenggu held Guan Yuan, their necks intertwined. Neither said anything, but the air seemed so thick and silky it could drown a person. Two phrases came to Guan Yuan's mind: necks intertwined, ears and temples rubbing together; intertwined for a lifetime, rubbing together for a lifetime.

"Xiao Yuan…" Zhao Shenggu's lazy voice came from behind Guan Yuan's neck.

"Hmm?"

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 51

Chapter 51: Love Confirmed

There had been many kisses between Zhao Shenggu and Guan Yuan, but never like this — mouth to mouth!

"Brother, do you understand now?" Guan Yuan left Zhao Shenggu's lips and murmured close to his ear.

Zhao Shenggu's mind was a complete mess. He was stunned by Guan Yuan's sudden move and unconsciously said, "But... but we're both men..."

Hearing this, Guan Yuan's heart ached. So it was still different after all? Then in the previous life, was he wrong about Zhao Shenggu liking him? Was Zhao Shenggu's feelings for him just pure "brotherly love"?

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 50 Part 2

Hearing this, Guan Yuan sneered inwardly. Although Third Grandma had helped them when they were suffering, ever since he had come back after being reborn, he and Zhao Shenggu had never treated Third Grandma badly. Before that incident happened, no matter what they got, he and Zhao Shenggu would always think of leaving a portion for Third Grandma.

Besides that, Guan Yuan had also saved Third Grandma's life. No matter how great the debt of gratitude was, it had already been repaid.

And when Third Grandma suffered grievances from Guan Mandi and Zhao Juan, in the past, as long as Third Grandma spoke up, he and Zhao Shenggu would always go and intervene, and then Guan Mandi and Zhao Juan would behave themselves for a while.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 50 Part 1

Chapter 50: Third Grandma Visits Again

Winter 1983. Today was the final exam for the first-year junior high students at No. 1 Middle School.

As soon as the bell rang, students swarmed out of the classrooms like ants.

A natural empty space formed around Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu as they walked, and the students nearby stole glances at them with envy in their eyes.

Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu had already become legends at No. 1 Middle School. First of all, these two brothers were not related by blood, yet their bond was closer than that of any blood brothers.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 49

Chapter 49: The Exam

Zhao Shenggu went straight to the grade director. When the grade director heard the names Zhao Shenggu and Guan Yuan, his face lit up with smiles. Both had perfect scores. Even in their No. 1 Middle School, there were only four such students.

"So it's you two. What's going on? Is there anything the school can do to help?"

"Director, my brother and I have always been together. This time, the class assignment separated us. I want to be in the same class as my brother. Is that possible?" Guan Yuan asked the grade director.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 48

Chapter 48: The Snowman

The next morning, Guan Yuan woke up and saw that ice had already formed on the window. Guan Yuan breathed on the glass and, feeling playful, wrote Zhao Shenggu's name on it with his finger.

A piece of clothing was draped over Guan Yuan. Zhao Shenggu's voice came from behind: "Xiao Yuan, why did you get up without putting on clothes? Be careful you don't catch a cold."

Guan Yuan leaned directly against Zhao Shenggu. "I'm not cold at all."

"Alright, get up and eat."

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 47

Chapter 47

After Old Master Li received his suit, he wore it around the house constantly. County Chief Li also noticed how unique the clothes were. "Dad, you look really sharp in this outfit. Where did you buy it?"

Other than the clothes his sons and daughter in the capital sent him, all of his father's clothes had always been taken care of by his wife. He'd never seen her buy him anything like this before.

Old Master Li looked at his son's eager expression and snorted. "Xiao Yuan and Shenggu made this for me out of filial respect. It's not for you."

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 46

Chapter 46: The Garment Workshop 

A few days later, news came from the county that the city did not agree to their proposal. Actually, Zhao Shenggu had guessed this when they said they would report it to the city. These officials didn't seek merit, only the absence of mistakes. Letting them make the arbitrary decision to sell a factory to a private individual was too much of a challenge to their bottom line.

Since it was expected, Zhao Shenggu wasn't disappointed.

He decided to start with a small workshop, just as he had done with the braised food business, train a group of skilled workers, and once the policy opened up, immediately establish a large-scale factory and company.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 45 Part 2

"What, aren't you going to invite me in to sit down?" Seeing that Zhao Shenggu hadn't said anything, Xu Qiaoqing decided to speak first.

The customs of this era were still conservative. Even in Shanghai, at the forefront of the country's economic development, a girl needed some courage to say something like that. But Xu Qiaoqing couldn't care less. From the moment Zhao Shenggu saved her on the train to their conversations where he showed his broad knowledge, Xu Qiaoqing had long been deeply attracted to him.

Her family was poor. Everything she wanted, she had obtained through her own efforts. So her consistent principle in dealing with things was to take the initiative.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 45 Part 1

Chapter 45

After Xu Qiaoqing left, Guan Yuan sat on the bed staring fixedly at Zhao Shenggu. In this life, Zhao Shenggu had handsome features and a tall, slender figure. Although at only fifteen his face inevitably still looked a little boyish, his steady temperament was very appealing to girls. Seeing how Xu Qiaoqing had stared at him on the train without blinking, Guan Yuan felt a fire burning in his heart.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" Zhao Shenggu asked, puzzled, looking at the motionless Guan Yuan.

Guan Yuan pursed his lips. Although he knew Zhao Shenggu had no interest in that girl, he still could not help feeling unhappy.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Heading South

Zhao Shenggu's expression darkened. He also thought about how strangely Guan He had been acting. If it were true—if a man could lay hands on his own daughter like that—could he even be called human anymore?

"Whether it's true or not, stay away from the Guan family from now on. We're not getting involved in their mess." Zhao Shenggu said to Guan Yuan seriously.

"Don't worry, Brother. I'm always with you. What could possibly happen?"

Zhao Shenggu clearly thought of that too and relaxed a little.

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 43 Part 2

Neither Old Master Li nor Old Master Zhao was surprised—they'd known all along that Zhao Shenggu was destined for great things, and Guan Yuan was just as perceptive.

Old Master Li said, "It's good to go have a look. Do you want me to have Xiao Zhang go with you? I still know some people over there—they can look after you."

Zhao Shenggu was touched. "No need, Grandpa Li. I'm just going to observe the economic situation there and scout for opportunities, not to do anything major."

"Alright then, be careful. Guan Yuan is still young. If you're leaving, he can stay at my place—Xiao Xin's been asking about him too."

Reborn: Back to the 1980s Chapter 43 Part 1

Chapter 43: Funeral Arrangements

By the time Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu had finished learning all the middle school material on the side, summer vacation had finally arrived.

"Boss, hurry up! If we get back in time, we can still catch The Green Dragon Conspiracy!" Guan Shitou slung his backpack diagonally across his body and waved his arms at Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu, who were walking out of the school gate.

Guan Yuan shot him a look. Over the past few years, Guan Guo had made a decent amount of money following Guan Yuan and Zhao Shenggu, and his family had bought a TV and a tape recorder.