Prologue - God Gave Him a Task

On a fresh midsummer afternoon, embraced by the scent of blossoms floating across his windowsill on the warm, crisp wind, Li YueYing passed away.

When he next awoke, he found himself standing in a vast void of grey. Before him shone a light, and YueYing shielded his eyes from the sudden brightness. When it had subsided, he lowered his hand….

A big old man with a wide fluffy moustache floated in front of YueYing. He wore gleaming white robes, and YueYing couldn't help but notice the intense panda eyebags that occupied his face.

"I am God," the being said, his kind yet firm voice echoing across the empty space.

That explains the eyebags, YueYing thought, as he took a step forward and stared 'God' straight in the eyes.

YueYing had long accepted his death. Before he passed, he lived as the sole, ill child to the principals of a well-known university. He spent his days in peace reading and drawing, enclosed in his room and confined to his bed, waiting for Godfather Death to take him.

Although his parents tried to keep him by their side, to turn him healthy and whole again, he knew about his numbered days and worked as hard as he could to not bring them stress. His happy façade gave his parents security. His false smile soothed their worried eyes.

The only times YueYing noticed the wrinkles on their faces was when he lay incapable on a hospital deathbed: That's when he realised the strain his parents faced—they who wished just for their son's wellbeing. He felt a twinge of regret in his heart. 

"Why has the almighty Creator come to see me? Are you perhaps here to grant me a chance to see my parents again?" That way, YueYing could at least give them a hug and tell them how much their hard work meant to him.

He never got to say goodbye.

"Unfortunately not." 'God' boomed with his majestic voice. "But you will get that chance at the end of your journey." He pointed at the void behind YueYing.

An image materialised as YueYing turned around, one depicting himself sitting at a table with his beaming parents, putting meat into a hotpot steamboat as he conversed with them. Next to him stood a man, and though his face blurred black, YueYing could tell he had handsome features. The man had an arm around YueYing's shoulders, and his relaxed body language told YueYing he carried a smile on his lips.

"What journey? I don't understand." YueYing's breathing stagnated, and he clenched his fists.

"You don't have to, not yet. But if this journey proves successful, your wish shall be granted." With a flick of 'God''s hand, the image scattered, leaving YueYing gaping at the stretch of black expanse. "Your task is…"

—

Li YueYing's eyes flashed open, and he jumped to a seat in a fluffy bed. He looked to the left: Velvet curtains billowed with the slight morning breeze. He looked to the right: A white dresser's mirror reflected back his image. His dishevelled brown hair, a streak of red running down the side; his befuddled innocent eyes shining magenta in the light; and his pale lips opening and closing in shock, all stared at him.

A holographic screen floated to the side, an excited kaomoji shimmering on the interface.

[ Good morning, Mr. Li YueYing! (*´▽`*) ]