The dinner was nothing short of delightful.
Rayden Wolfe and Sophie Quinn ate to their heart's content in the humble but flavorful restaurant, sharing food and laughter like old friends who had just rediscovered each other. After finishing their meal, they stepped outside to walk along the riverside promenade.
The night was calm. The river glimmered under the moonlight, and the city lights twinkled in the distance like fallen stars.
As they walked side by side, Rayden cracked a light-hearted joke.
Sophie let out a soft, melodious laugh.
She glanced sideways at him, slightly puzzled yet impressed. This man—this so-called "young master" of the Wolfe family—knew exactly how to talk to her. He always seemed to know what she was thinking, and what topics would make her smile. Chatting with him was effortless, like catching a breeze on a warm spring day.
Before she knew it, the time had passed—it was already 9 PM.
Sophie looked at her phone reluctantly. "It's getting late… I should head back."
"I'll walk you home," Rayden offered with a gentleman's nod.
But as they began heading in that direction, Sophie glanced at him and asked, "What about you? After you drop me off, are you just going home to rest?"
Rayden laughed softly. "For someone like me? Going home this early would be a waste of youth. Nightlife is just beginning! I've got friends waiting for me—planning to hit Xintiandi later."
Xintiandi. The infamous hotspot. A nightlife district full of bars, clubs, and loud music—a place where indulgence ruled and inhibitions were left at the door.
Despite herself, Sophie felt a wave of discomfort. She had no right to stop him—after all, they weren't dating. But still…
"That kind of place…" she hesitated, "is a little too messy. If you can, try not to go too often."
Rayden looked at her with a helpless shrug. "Then where should I go? Nights are long, and I hate being alone. It gets... uncomfortable. I need company to pass the time."
Sophie bit her lip, then made a bold decision. "Then how about… we watch a movie together? After that, it'll be late enough for you to head home."
Rayden's eyes lit up. "Now that's a great idea!"
The two made their way to the nearest cinema. Coincidentally, a popular romance film titled Lavender Love was playing. It was all the rage lately—based on a tender story of first love and missed chances.
At the entrance, a young saleswoman stood promoting themed merchandise—lavender bouquets, scented charms, and more.
She spotted the couple walking in and immediately beamed. "Sir, your girlfriend is beautiful! Why not buy her a bouquet of lavender? It symbolizes love and longing. A perfect gift for a couple watching Lavender Love together!"
Rayden chuckled. "You've misunderstood. She's not my girlfriend…"
"Come on! If you're not a couple, why are you watching a love movie together?" The woman winked. "Even if you're not dating now, you will be soon. Trust me, this lavender will bring you good luck!"
Rayden, unable to talk his way out of it, finally smiled and bought the bouquet.
He handed it to Sophie with an awkward grin. "She was too enthusiastic. I had no choice. Here, take this. You can keep it at your desk at work. Lavender is calming—good for stressful days."
Sophie accepted the bouquet with slightly flushed cheeks.
In her heart, she whispered to herself:
I'm not dating… I'm just saving a lost youth!
But despite the denial, she held the lavender close.
Just then, Rayden's eyes shifted toward the entrance. His gaze narrowed.
"What's wrong?" Sophie asked.
Rayden frowned slightly. "Nothing. I thought I saw someone I knew… Maybe I was mistaken. Let's go in—the movie's about to start."
Inside the dimly lit theater, a shadow lingered near the doorway. It was a man in a security uniform, hiding just out of view. He clutched his chest and breathed heavily.
"That was close! He almost spotted me!"
The man clenched his fists and muttered bitterly, "As expected of Rayden Wolfe… That demon king of chaos who once crushed me without mercy."
But then, confusion overtook his face.
"Wait—why am I hiding? I've been reborn. He shouldn't even recognize me. So why do I still fear him?"
A self-mocking smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Even in this second life… the shadow he left still haunts me."
His expression darkened. "But not this time."
"This time, I have a second chance. A chance to rebuild what I lost. Everything he took from me—I'll reclaim it. My career. My reputation. My women. I'll take it all back… and double it."
"I will crush you, Rayden Wolfe. And I'll stand at the peak of the world… over your corpse."
After casting one last long glance at the theater, he turned and disappeared into the night.
By the time the credits rolled, it was 11:30 PM.
Rayden walked Sophie back to her apartment. They stood at the gate a moment longer, neither quite wanting to part, but eventually they said their goodnights. She smiled softly, still holding the lavender bouquet close to her chest.
Rayden watched her go inside before heading back home himself.
The next morning, he didn't bother waking up early. It was already noon by the time he yawned and stretched his way out of bed.
But instead of indulging in laziness, he dressed and headed to the hospital. He had someone to check in on.
Caleb Chen.
Rayden wasn't visiting out of kindness. No, this was strategic.
He needed to monitor the protagonist's condition. As the designated "villain" of this twisted cosmic story, Rayden knew how things usually went—the Son of Destiny always bounced back. Even if they were beaten, crippled, or comatose, they'd somehow recover stronger than before.
If he let his guard down for even a moment, Caleb might counterattack and flip the tables.
So Rayden made it a habit to visit.
Besides, he got a bit of amusement from watching Caleb glare at him—full of rage and resentment, unable to do a thing.
That look.
That expression that screamed: I hate you so much, but I can't beat you yet.
Rayden loved it.
But as he entered Caleb's hospital room, he saw someone else had arrived before him.
Dr. Simon Zhao.
The senior brother was holding a gleaming case—a custom set of silver needles—and was preparing to attempt acupuncture once again, using the ancient and mysterious Ghost Valley Needle Technique.
Rayden raised an eyebrow, amused. "Just in time."
He clasped his hands together in mock prayer and smiled mischievously.
"Great system," he whispered, "please listen carefully… Today, I make a humble wish—"
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