Ye Feng lay on his bed, staring despondently at his somewhat faded pillow. Life had lost its luster for him as he began to question his existence.
Reborn with a second chance, he had thought he could quickly amass his first fortune, rise to power, win over his childhood sweetheart and white moonlight, and reach the pinnacle of life. But reality had dealt him a harsh blow.
Repeated failures led him to introspection. Even with a rebirth and enhanced memory, he realized he was still fundamentally flawed. He might have improved from his previous life, but the advantages of rebirth and super memory weren't enough.
He pondered, "Am I just a hopeless case, even with rebirth and stronger memory? Why is this happening? And Su Lin, how did he get so lucky?"
Ye Feng couldn't help but reflect on his actions. His greed when hoarding goods, his negligence in dealing with Tianma, and the deception with Xiao Yu's money.
He lamented, "Even with a good hand, I've played it terribly. Is there any hope left? The money's gone, and I can't get out of bed for days because of the beating." Feeling every bit of pain, especially on his back and buttocks, Ye Feng realized the gravity of his father's anger.
He thought, "I'll be bedridden for at least three days. I should focus on studying for the upcoming midterms and the final monthly exam. Su Lin..." Determined to redeem himself in his parents' eyes, Ye Feng tried to study but shockingly found his once exceptional memory faltering.
He panicked, "Why can't I remember things? My memory has always been excellent. Is it just because I'm tired from today's events?"
Putting the book aside, he convinced himself, "A good sleep will fix everything."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host. Thanks to Lin Xiaowan's report, Ye Feng has endured a severe disciplinary experience, causing a deep psychological impact and making him doubt his life choices. You have earned two chances to draw from the 'Lucky Emperor's Treasure Box'.].
Another notification followed,
[Ding! Due to the host's continuous suppression, the protagonist Ye Feng has suffered a psychological blow, reducing his memory ability by 20% and his recollections from his previous life by 20%.].
As Su Lin drove Lin Xiaowan to the hospital, he was stunned by the system notification in his mind. He thought to himself, 'All of this is thanks to Lin Xiaowan. If I knew telling the parents would work this well, I would have spoken up earlier.'
As Su Lin drove Lin Xiaowan to the hospital, he was taken aback by the voice of the system in his mind. He thought to himself, "All this is thanks to Xiaowan. If I had known earlier that telling our parents would be so effective, I would have spoken up sooner."
"Su Lin, could you focus on driving, please? I'm right here next to you, not going anywhere," Lin Xiaowan said with a hint of shyness. She was well aware of her growing feelings for Su Lin but believed they shouldn't rush things. However, Su Lin couldn't help but glance at her as he drove.
Lin Xiaowan felt delighted inside. Su Lin's attention was a testament to her charm and his genuine affection for her. She sat there, her whole being seemingly emitting a rosy glow of love, smiling to herself.
Su Lin shook his head, choosing to remain silent so as not to disrupt Lin Xiaowan's happy thoughts and risk upsetting her.
Upon arriving at the hospital, they were greeted by Xiao Yu, who was waiting for them at the entrance. She was visibly impressed by Lin Xiaowan's appearance, especially how her youthful vibe was accentuated by her attire.
"You look so pretty today, Xiaowan," Xiao Yu complimented.
Lin Xiaowan modestly responded, "Not as pretty as you, Xiaoyu."
Su Lin, trying to lighten the mood, said, "You both look beautiful, no need for mutual flattery."
Xiaoyu laughed, "Su Lin, you look really handsome today. You seem much more mature."
Su Lin playfully responded, "So, I wasn't mature enough before?"
Xiaoyu hurriedly clarified, "No, no, you always looked mature, but today you look different – not just mature but also charismatic and very handsome."
"That's more like it," Su Lin replied with a slight smile.
Lin Xiaowan playfully pinched Su Lin's arm and teased, "Enough of you fishing for compliments, what's wrong with you?"
"Ha-ha~! Xiao Yu, is everything okay at your dad's side? There won't be any emergencies while we're out, right?" Su Lin asked.
Xiao Yu nodded, "Don't worry, Su Lin. My dad's asleep, and even if he wakes up, there's not much I can do to help. I'll be back before 8 PM."
"Great, let's head out for some shopping," Su Lin said, gesturing with his hand.
"Sounds good. I actually need to buy some stuff. We've run out of a lot of things at home," Xiaoyu replied with a smile.
At the same time she also noticed some change in the relationship between Su Lin and Lin Xiaowan but didn't mind. She could sense Su Lin's actions towards her were more than just friendly. But what did that matter?
As for the future, Xiaoyu didn't know and didn't want to think about it. She knew she was happy now, being with Su Lin and Lin Xiaowan, and that was enough for her. Regarding the matter of feelings, she believed it was something that time would resolve.
Xiaoyu got into the car, and Lin Xiaowan followed, sitting in the back seat.
Xiaowan tapped Su Lin's seat, "Su Lin, it's time for you to speak up. What's going on?"
Su Lin's lips curled up slightly, "Xiaowan, do you remember my earlier proposal?"
"The one about starting a business together?" Lin Xiaowan asked, catching on.
Su Lin nodded, "I've already found the project. We're going to open a chain of supermarkets!!!"
"A chain of supermarkets? Like Walmart?" Lin Xiaowan exclaimed in surprise. She hadn't expected Su Lin to think so big. Starting a chain of supermarkets was not a small feat.
Su Lin nodded again, "Yes, exactly that kind of supermarket chain." Su Lin slowed down the car and began to discuss his idea for the chain of supermarkets.