Reborn: Redemption

In his previous life, Mu Yan saw Sheng Sizhan three times in all.

The first time was when Sheng Sizhan had fallen on hard times and was sent to the countryside to lie low. He was sprawled in the ox cart that brought him there, his eyes gloomy and ferocious.

The second time was when Mu Yan was cornered and made a desperate appeal for help. By then, Sheng Sizhan was the richest man in the city. He stood behind an ornate iron gate, gazed at Mu Yan in silence for a long time, then gave everything he had to help him.

The third time was a black-and-white photo of Sheng Sizhan, mourned across the internet as a great philanthropist, along with his will leaving his estate to Mu Yan.

For decades afterward, every account of Mu Yan's legendary life included a line like, "Oh, that nouveau riche who got lucky, inherited a huge fortune, and leaped up the social ladder. I heard the man who died never married. Could they have been involved?"

Mu Yan heard it and merely looked up, neither confirming nor denying it. His relationship with Sheng Sizhan was a pure friendship that went beyond brotherhood. Then he opened his eyes and found himself back at eighteen. He swore he would be Sheng Sizhan's good brother for life, the kind who would take a knife for him.

Not long after, Mu Yan wore a numb expression. His first wish had come true: good brothers... for life.

Sheng Sizhan thought the poor country boy was a little strange. One day, he avoided him like the plague; the next, he looked at him as if the world were beautiful, acting like he would live or die for him.

At first Sheng Sizhan didn't understand. Then one day, the other boy got drunk, clung to his hand, and wouldn't let go. With reddened eyes, he pleaded pitifully that he wanted to be with him forever and would die for him.

Sheng Sizhan at first: Oh, this little brother of mine has a crush on me.

Sheng Sizhan later: Since we both feel the same way, I can... take him home now.

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