Chapter 1

Stephen Clayton always felt like his life had ended when he was 18 years old, but it wasn't until he was 36 that he actually passed away. Hovering above the funeral hall, he gazed down at his own corpse. In front of him stood hundreds of people who came to mourn his death. They were all dressed in black, their presence casting a somber atmosphere. The officiant's voice was low as he read the eulogy. "The late Stephen Clayton passed away at the age of 36. From a young age, he was always respectful to his elders and kind to the young. He always brought people together and was a hard worker. He always helped out the elders in need." The officiant continued, "He founded Claystone Technology at 25, and made it onto the Forbes Billionaires List at 30. He was a true genius, a rising talent among young entrepreneurs, and society's future leader…" "Mr. Stephen Clayton's passing is the loss of something beautiful far too early. His death was truly heartbreaking for all his friends and family…" After what felt like an endless eulogy, it was time for the final farewell. "Stephen, you had so much more in life to experience! How could this happen? Perhaps the saying that the best people die young is true. At least you'll forever be remembered as you were in your prime." "Stephen, you were a true genius. You were smart, sharp, and unbeatable in the industry. There was nobody who could compete against you. You taught me so much…" "As your competitor, I truly despised you. But now, knowing that you're gone, I can't help but feel a little lost." "Mr. Clayton, do you recall that night when we talked about Van Gogh's Starry Night and Plato's Republic? You told me that life felt so empty, and I suggested that you take something to feel better. You told me that you already did, but the effects hadn't kicked in yet…" Stephen watched silently as people approached his body to say their final goodbyes. His best friends, the senior executives from his company, his business rival, and even a few affluent young women who he had short relationships with, all came to pay their respects. None of his family members were present. His parents had passed away two years ago. Furthermore, they respected his death wish not to inform his relatives back in his hometown about his funeral. Those relatives only knew how to take advantage of him. As for his lover… There was one woman that he genuinely cared about back in his schooling days. He had spent seven years pursuing her. He devoted his best years in life during high school and university to her. He hoped that his efforts could win her heart. Yet, he received a rather indifferent response. "Stephen, we're just not meant for each other." She made it sound almost poetic. When she spoke, she was holding her boyfriend's hand and her eyes sparkled with joy. There was a certain tenderness and shyness in her eyes that he never thought he'd ever be able to witness. Back then, he never put much thought into it. With time, Stephen realized he had been played. Fortunately, after recovering from his heartbreak, he didn't slack. Instead, he focused on making money. Ten years later, he had accumulated a fortune. He had a few relationships throughout the years, but none of them worked out in the end. He was the main reason things never worked out. It seemed that the seven years of pursuing his first love had eroded his ability to love. Suddenly, a portal of light appeared, pulling him toward it with great force. As the force got stronger, Stephen gradually lost consciousness. He could hear people crying and sighing. The sound of sorrowful cries echoed around him. Following the end of the funeral, Stephen realized that his life was finally coming to an end. Throughout one's lifetime, emotions seemed to dictate everything. Yet, at the end of life, they appear to be nothing but superficial aspects. Stephen couldn't help but wonder what his life would be like if he had another chance at it. With that thought in mind, he walked through the portal without any hesitation. … The door was pushed open. Stephen was taken aback when he noticed the group of young men and women seated around the bar. His vision gradually began to focus. The interior of the bar was rather old-fashioned. The design looked like something trendy 15 years ago. Nevertheless, the group of young people looked strangely familiar. Stephen was confused. "Haha! I told you, Stephen would definitely show up!" "Wow! He's even carrying a huge bouquet of roses. That must've cost him at least half a month's worth of his salary. He's such a romantic!" "Look at him all drenched in sweat, he probably ran all the way here like a lovesick puppy!" "Forget the word 'like', he's a simp for Natasha!" The group of young people were all mocking him. They continued to sneer at him one after another. Suddenly, one particularly attractive young woman walked up to Stephen. She said in a soft voice, "Stephen, I didn't mean to make fun of you. We were playing a game of truth or dare, but I got unlucky and lost the game. The dare was to have you come here and confess to me. If you hadn't come, I would have to finish an entire bottle of beer. "You're always so caring toward me, I'm sure you don't wish to see me drink so much alcohol, right?" Her voice was gentle and pleasant. Her delicate face was filled with so much guilt and sincerity that she looked rather pitiful. Stephen became even more confused. The young woman who was speaking to him appeared to be around 18 years old. She was tall, slim and beautiful. She wore a floral dress. Her exposed arms were so fair that she looked as if she was glowing. She had a sharp nose, full lips, and round eyes. At that very moment, he finally recalled a long-forgotten memory. Her name was Natasha Smith. She was the most beautiful person in their class. Stephen had pursued her for an entire seven years throughout high school and university, and she had kept him hanging for just as long. Oftentimes, Natasha would pull pranks on him that she thought were harmless, just to show off her charm. That was exactly what she was doing at that moment. "So I've somehow been reborn and traveled back in time to when I was 18 years old, on the exact day that I first confessed to Natasha? The day I made a complete fool of myself in front of the entire school?" Stephen thought to himself. Stephen was a very adaptive person. Although the idea of being reborn was completely absurd, he was certain this wasn't a dream. Dreams didn't have such vivid details nor could they evoke such strong emotions. He could even smell the faint fragrance that Natasha was wearing. "Stephen, why aren't you saying anything? I've already apologized to you. You're not going to stay mad at me, are you?" Natasha asked. There was a hint of irritation in her tone and her expression turned even more pitiful. Based on her understanding of Stephen, she was certain that he would pacify her. If he was still 18 years old, he would have done just that. Those who receive attention tend to dismiss the efforts of others. Unfortunately, Stephen now had the mind of a 36-year-old. "You're telling me, you made me go through all this trouble, including getting you flowers, just because of this ridiculous game of truth or dare?" Stephen raised his eyebrows slightly and replied in a calm, emotionless tone. A hint of panic finally flashed across Natasha's eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if she had really crossed the line this time. However, she was of the opinion that he should be feeling proud that she chose to prank him instead of other guys who were pursuing her. So what if she was really in the wrong? He had no right to be angry with her! For a brief moment, Natasha did feel a hint of guilt. But it was quickly replaced by grievance. "Stephen, how could you speak to me like that?" Natasha lifted her chin slightly and retorted. She was clearly waiting for an apology from Stephen. Stephen sneered. He couldn't help but mock his younger self. He realized that without any pretense, Natasha was just a beautiful but superficial person. He realized that he had been so foolish. "Natasha, I want to thank you for making me realize what a fool I used to be," Stephen replied with a smile. With that, he turned around and walked off. His reaction left everyone in the bar speechless. They couldn't believe that this was the Stephen they remembered. Natasha stomped her foot in frustration. "Stop!" "You… If you dare walk out of this door, I'll block you on Facebook!" Stephen, who had reached the door of the bar, couldn't help but laugh out loud. He recalled how thrilled he had been back in the day when he finally managed to add Natasha on Facebook. Perhaps this was what young love felt like—it was genuine yet foolish. Stephen decided to finally put an end to the ridiculous seven years in his life. He turned around, looked at Natasha, and said, "Natasha, let's just pretend we never met." With that, he left without any hesitation, disappearing from the stunned gazes of the crowd. Natasha stood there blankly until Stephen disappeared from her gaze. Tears started to well up in her eyes. "Nat, are you crying?" "Stephen… Stephen's never treated me this way before." "Huh, I don't believe that Stephen will just give up on you like that. Just wait and see. I'm willing to bet that he'll come crawling back to apologize to you by tomorrow morning. I'll give it three days at most. Trust me, he'll come back eventually." Natasha thought for a moment and decided that it made sense. She lifted her chin again, revealing her delicate neckline. "Hmm! How dare Stephen embarrass me in front of so many people? I won't forgive him so easily!"