Chapter 1: Wedding
"Mr. Liu, you're here for Xiao Zhao's wedding too? Come, let's have another drink!"
Looking at the lively scene in front of me, I felt a little dazed. I clumsily raised my glass and drank it all in one go. How many drinks had I had by now? I couldn't even remember. I didn't even know whether the drink I just had was beer, liquor, or just a glass of water. I couldn't tell, and I had no idea who had persuaded me to drink.
I sat there with a blank expression, my thoughts drifting back over the years, recalling all the moments I had shared with Zhao Yanyan. She used to be my goddess, but now, I could only silently watch her become someone else's bride.
Zhao Yanyan and I had been classmates since high school, and we sat at the same desk. Back then, Zhao Yanyan was the center of attention at school. Not only was she a top student, but she was also talented and, most importantly, very beautiful. Many of our classmates secretly called her the school beauty.
Although we were desk mates, we hardly spoke. Our interactions were limited to a few words, usually trivial things. I was introverted in high school, and since I wasn't particularly good at studying, I wasn't the teacher's favorite student, and I often went unnoticed—one of those students who could be easily ignored.
I don't know when it started, but I began to fall deeply in love with Zhao Yanyan, or perhaps it was just a crush. Still, I enjoyed quietly watching her, paying attention to every gesture, every smile. But I never told her. After all, there were many boys around her, and each one seemed to have better qualities than I did.
In our second year of high school, we were placed in different classes. She chose the liberal arts track, while I stuck with the sciences. Back then, I wasn't strong in sciences, but I was terrified of unfamiliar environments, so I stayed in the same class, drifting through my days.
After we parted ways, I thought I could forget the girl who appeared in my dreams every night, but I was wrong. My feelings for Zhao Yanyan didn't fade; instead, they grew stronger. She became the goal of my life's efforts.
I knew that with her academic abilities, she would surely be accepted into one of the top universities in the country. If I wanted to see her again, I had to work hard. Driven by this distant and vague motivation, I threw myself into my studies during my final year of high school, catching up on all the knowledge I had missed in the earlier years.
Finally, during the college entrance exam, I made it into the prestigious Huaxia University. Amid the joy at home, I knew that the credit for my success actually belonged to Zhao Yanyan. If it hadn't been for my longing for her, and if I hadn't known in advance that she would apply to Huaxia University, I wouldn't have worked so hard.
When I arrived at Huaxia University for orientation, I unexpectedly saw that familiar figure. After a year apart, Zhao Yanyan was even more beautiful. Although I wasn't as insecure as I had been before, I still knew that I was unworthy of her. After all, every student at Huaxia University was an outstanding individual from high school, and compared to them, I had no reason to feel proud.
What surprised me even more was that, during her four years at Huaxia University, Zhao Yanyan had never had a boyfriend, nor had any rumors about her circulated.
Back in high school, it was obvious that Zhao Yanyan came from a very privileged family. She was always chauffeured to and from school, which was a world apart from my own upbringing, where both of my parents were workers.
Over the course of college, I constantly tried to get closer to her. I studied finance, politics, and foreign languages. I joined various clubs to improve myself, becoming the key player in basketball, soccer, swimming, kickboxing, and shooting, representing Huaxia University in national student competitions. By the time I graduated, I had completely transformed from the timid Liu Lei of high school into a shining star at Huaxia University. Many girls pursued me, but I never forgot Zhao Yanyan.
Perhaps because of my personality, I never confessed to Zhao Yanyan. I was afraid of failure, afraid of rejection, afraid of losing the feelings I had kept for so many years. To me, not confessing seemed to mean I still had a chance. I didn't want to easily let go of that chance, so I kept striving to improve myself, to surpass myself.
After graduation, I was once again lucky enough to join the same company as Zhao Yanyan. I was still single, and so was she.
At the end of the year when I turned thirty-one, I finally reached the peak of my career. I became the regional president for the company in China. I knew the opportunity I had been waiting for had arrived. I was ready to confess my feelings to Zhao Yanyan this Christmas and tell her everything I had been holding inside for so long.
As the saying goes, life rarely goes as planned.
On Christmas Eve, I went to a flower shop early in the morning and ordered a bouquet. I also reserved a private room at Maxim's restaurant. My plan was to invite Zhao Yanyan for dinner that evening, and at the right moment, I would confess my feelings to her.
I walked into the office in high spirits, and my secretary, Xiao Zhang, handed me a pile of greeting cards. I smiled to myself. Being the president has its perks—while I don't send greeting cards to others, they all send them to me.
At the top of the stack was an invitation. Such things were common, especially when you held the position of regional president. There were social events almost every day. I lazily picked it up and opened it. The moment I saw the contents, I felt like the world was spinning. It was as though I had fallen into an icy cave. My mind went blank, and this invitation felt like a bolt of lightning striking me in the chest.
Zhao Yanyan was getting married?! I suddenly felt like I wanted to cry, but no tears came. What was even more unbelievable was that the groom was my assistant, Xu Qingwei. He and Zhao Yanyan were getting married? How had I not heard a single word about this? I bitterly shook my head. For the past year, I had been so focused on my career that I hadn't paid attention to anything else. The most ridiculous part was that Xu Qingwei was someone I had promoted to his position as a manager in public relations, and now Zhao Yanyan, who used to be a deputy manager, was the head of public relations.
It took me a long time to calm my emotions. Since it never began, it should end here.
I picked up my glass and stumbled over to Zhao Yanyan and Xu Qingwei. Slurring, I said, "Xiao Xu, Xiao Zhao, I... I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and early children!"
Xu Qingwei and Zhao Yanyan raised their glasses. Zhao Yanyan smiled gently and said, "Thank you, Mr. Liu!"
I downed my drink in one go, and as I was about to return to my table, a sharp pain suddenly shot through my chest. I collapsed to the ground.
Xu Qingwei saw me fall and immediately shouted, "Call an ambulance! Mr. Liu fainted, his head hit the edge of the table, and there's so much blood!"
Zhao Yanyan hurriedly crouched beside me, frantically pressing on my pressure point.
The ambulance rushed me to the hospital, and I was quickly pushed into the operating room. I don't know why my mind was still so clear, but my body was completely immobile.
A doctor in a white coat looked at the monitors beside the operating table and urgently said to another person, "This is heart failure caused by excessive alcohol consumption. We need to use the high-voltage defibrillator immediately!"
Another nurse quickly placed the defibrillator pads on my chest.
"Increase the voltage!" the doctor ordered.
The nurse applied the pads again.
The doctor shook his head and said to the nurse, "It's no use. Inject a strong heart stimulant, and ask the patient if he has any last words."
Outside the operating room, all the company staff waited anxiously. A nurse ran out and called to the crowd, "Who is Zhao Yanyan?"
Zhao Yanyan, wearing her wedding dress, froze for a moment but quickly ran over.
The nurse said to her, "The patient is dying. He has something to say to you."
I struggled to open my eyes, and Zhao Yanyan was there, waiting by my side.
"Yanyan, I... I have something I've always wanted to say to you. Yanyan, I... I love... you!"
After saying the final word, I left this world without any regret.
In that moment, Zhao Yanyan's tears streamed down her face. She gently caressed my face—no, the face of what was now a body—and whispered, "Liu Lei, if you had told me this sooner, I would have married you without hesitation."
---
I couldn't possibly hear Zhao Yanyan's words, because by then, I was already dead. Yes, I had kicked the bucket.
When I woke up again, I found myself standing in a grand hall. It looked like the kind of palace hall you often see in historical Chinese dramas, but with a more eerie atmosphere.
In front of me sat an elderly man with a rather comical appearance, trying his best to look imposing. On either side of him stood two other figures, each dressed in attire that resembled the grim, yet slightly ridiculous, appearance of judges from hell. Above them hung a large plaque with three bold characters: *Yama's Hall*.
Sweat dripped down my forehead. *No way! Is this some kind of TV show set?* I thought to myself. Looking at the scene, it seemed like they were shooting some kind of ghost movie, but the outfits of these three people made it feel more like a comedy. *Seriously, there are too many third-rate directors these days!*
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the elderly man in the center pounded the table and shouted, "Who dares appear before me, the King of Hell, without kneeling?"
I froze. *Wait, are they treating me like an extra?* I called out, "Hey, old man, you've got the wrong person! I'm not here to act in a drama!"
The three of them were momentarily stunned. The first judge muttered to himself, "What the hell... This guy's brain must be messed up, too."
Judge B pulled out the Book of Life and Death and started flipping through it. After a while, he looked confused and said, "This is strange... There's no record of anyone dying at this time. Who is this person?"
The elderly man banged the table again, "You're dead! Report your name! The King of Hell will arrange your reincarnation!"
*I'm dead?!* I suddenly remembered. Yes, that's right. I had indeed died. After drinking too much at Zhao Yanyan's wedding, I had died from alcohol poisoning, and that was how I ended up here.
It seemed I was truly dead. Damn it, what a failure of a life! I spent the first half of my life struggling, and before I could even taste love, I was already gone. At that moment, I recalled a famous line from an old movie: *"There was once a sincere love placed before me, but I didn't cherish it. Only after I lost it did I regret. There's no greater pain than this. If I could have another chance, I'd tell that girl three words: 'I love you.' If there's a time limit on this love, I'd want it to be: ten thousand years."*
The old King of Hell just said I could reincarnate? Does this mean I still have a chance to experience love in the next life? *I'll make sure not to miss any woman I love next time!*
I replied to the King of Hell, "Hey, old brother, my name is Liu Lei. Hurry up and arrange my reincarnation!"
The King of Hell furiously shouted, "Get lost! Who the hell is 'old brother' to you? I'm older than your ancestors!"
Years of experience in the business world had taught me the art of flattery. I knew if I wanted the King of Hell to help me reincarnate into a good family, I needed to butter him up. I smiled and said, "I meant, you look so young and radiant, if you didn't tell me your age, I wouldn't even know how old you are! When I walked in, I honestly thought I was on a TV set! I was thinking, 'Where did the director find such a handsome actor? You're even better-looking than Chow Yun-fat or Andy Lau!'" I paused, then added, "Actually, you're way more handsome than that Pan An guy!"
The King of Hell immediately broke into a smile, looking at Judge A and asking, "Do I really look that young?"
Judge A, who was obviously used to flattering, immediately replied without hesitation, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! You are truly the best of the best, the most handsome among the ghosts!"
The King of Hell chuckled with glee, then turned to me with a kind expression and said, "You're quite a good friend, Liu Lei! I'll consider you my brother. Don't worry, I'll make sure to reincarnate you into a good family!"
I quickly expressed my gratitude, my heart blooming with joy. The plan was working!
The King of Hell then turned to Judge B and said, "Quick, check this brother's birthdate and time!"
After some searching, Judge B looked up in disbelief, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, this man has a lifespan of 180 years! He can't possibly be dead right now!"
The King of Hell's expression immediately darkened. He snatched the Book of Life and Death, flipped through it for a long time, then slammed the table and shouted, "Damn it! Who brought this little brat to me?!"
Moments later, a trembling little ghost entered, fell to the floor, and pleaded, "Please, Your Majesty, calm down! I just happened to pass by the hospital, saw this guy—no, your brother—on the verge of dying, so I brought him here!"
*What?!* I was grabbed by mistake? I was speechless. This was the worst luck ever! I thought these kinds of mistakes only happened in the mortal world, but even in the underworld, the bureaucracy is just as corrupt.
The King of Hell fumed, "What the hell, did you grow eyes in your backside? Why are you causing trouble for me? The Book of Life and Death clearly says my brother has a calamity, but it doesn't say he's dead! Someone, throw him into the boiling oil, let him die for good, and never reincarnate!"
A few eerie-looking figures immediately rushed forward and dragged the little ghost away.
I didn't care about the little ghost's fate. I just wanted to reincarnate already. I turned to the King of Hell and said, "Hey, old brother, can't you just send me back to reincarnate?"
The King of Hell sighed deeply and said, "It's not that I can't, my brother, but you were dragged here prematurely. You still had some time left on your life. So… well, I can't do anything about it!"
My heart sank, but I stubbornly asked, "But there must be others who die unexpectedly every year, right? What happens to them?"
The King of Hell replied, "Those people? They're just wandering souls, aimlessly roaming the underworld until their time truly comes. Only then will they be reincarnated."
I was still unconvinced, "Since I was brought here by mistake, can't you just send my soul back to my body?"
The King of Hell looked at me with sympathy and asked, "Tell me, did you ever sign an organ donation agreement before you died?"
I nodded, puzzled. "Why are you asking about that?"
The King of Hell shook his head, pitying me, "I really wish I could send you back, but your heart, kidneys, and corneas have already been transplanted to someone else. By now, your body has probably been dissected by medical students…"
It seemed I wasn't just unlucky—I was *extremely* unlucky! Was I destined to wander the underworld for over a century?
At that moment, Judge B suddenly had a realization and whispered something to the King of Hell. After listening, the King of Hell slapped his thigh and shouted, "Yes! Damn it, how could I forget? My brother, do you want to be reborn?"
"Reborn?" I repeated, familiar with the term from internet novels.
The King of Hell thought I didn't understand, so he explained, "Rebirth means sending your soul back into your past body—"
I waved my hand, "I understand what rebirth means. But doesn't that mean anyone whose life isn't over can choose to be reborn?"
The King of Hell shook his head, "Not exactly. Rebirth has limited slots in the underworld, and it needs approval from the heavens. Originally, I planned to sell this slot for a high price, but since you're my brother, I'll give it to you! After all, I don't need the money."
The slot sounded incredibly valuable! It seemed I had made the right choice befriending the King of Hell! I had heard that people who were reborn often gained special abilities, so I cautiously asked, "Old brother, will I get any special powers after being reborn?"
The King of Hell thought for a moment and said, "I don't have the authority to decide, but if you really want special abilities, I can request them for you. It might take some time, though!"
I immediately asked, "How long?"
The King of Hell scratched his chin, "It's hard to say. It could be a day, maybe a year. The last person who was reborn only just got their special abilities approved yesterday. But don't worry, this time it should be faster—maybe a few hundred years!"
A few hundred years?! I asked in disbelief, "Did that person ever get their powers?"
The King of Hell replied, "Get powers? No! That person's great-grandson is already dead, and that poor soul spent their life complaining, 'When will my great-grandfather get his powers?'"
I nearly passed out upon hearing this. I decided I'd pass on the special powers. I waved my hand and said, "Forget it