Chapter One: A Step Forward

Luo Xiaolou rubbed his forehead, his mind seemingly pierced by sharp needles, his body screaming in agony. After what felt like an eternity, the pain still didn't subside, and he struggled to sit up.

Before him lay a sea of white. The room was excessively simple, and it was clear this was a bathroom—not the one in his own room.

How had he ended up here? His last memory was of heading downstairs to attend his engagement ceremony, taking a step out the door, and then losing consciousness.

A shiver ran through Luo Xiaolou as he hastily looked down at his body. He was exposed. The realization sent a wave of panic over him. Today was his engagement day—he had no intention, nor dared to, be unfaithful to his fiancée. Even though he was often called a "kept man," his thoughts never strayed—after all, his fiancée, Qiao Sha, was the daughter of a mafia boss, leaving him little room for traditional masculinity...

His heart raced with guilt as he quickly covered himself. A sharp pain shot through his right hand as he moved, and he flinched. Looking down, he was horrified to see the blood-soaked bath beside him.

The source of it was his right wrist.

Heavens, what was happening? He had never contemplated suicide!

Panicking, Luo Xiaolou scrambled to his feet, pressing his hand against the wound, trying desperately to stop the bleeding. If he didn't, he'd bleed out.

As he passed a large mirror, he was stunned. The reflection staring back at him was just as terrified as he was.

The young man in the mirror looked about seventeen or eighteen, pale from blood loss, but undeniably handsome. His shoulder-length black hair was tousled, and his eyes, red from crying, carried a seductive, almost dangerous allure.

For someone like Luo Xiaolou, who had always been considered weak, such a visage could only mean another tragedy.

He stood there, dazed, staring at his reflection. By now, he realized he had been reborn—given a rare second chance at life. But why did it have to happen today, of all days? He had been looking forward to his engagement to that sweet and fiery girl. No one would want to relive their most joyful day as a rebirth...

A cold shiver crept over him, and he could no longer bear to look at himself. He rushed to the door, trying to open it. He needed to call for an ambulance. His priority was survival.

Kicking the door, he found it immovable. He added his left hand to the effort, but still, it wouldn't budge.

D*mn it, the door must be locked. Just how determined was this body to end it all?

Frustrated, he began pounding on the door, shouting as loudly as he could, "Hey, is anyone out there? Please, open the door—hurry, I'm dying here!"

He was thrown to the floor, seeing stars as he struggled to get up. Turning back, he saw the bathroom door slide open by itself. What in the world?

The room outside was as stark and simple as the bathroom—just a pristine bed, a nightstand, and a matching set of sofas, nothing else.

Luo Xiaolou tore the bedsheet off and wrapped it around his waist, forcing himself to focus. He desperately searched for a phone.

As he moved toward the nightstand to check for one, the white nightstand suddenly moved. It spun around, revealing a round ball and metallic limbs, quickly transforming into a robot. It rolled toward him, speaking in a mechanical voice, "Hello, Mr. Luo. How may I assist you?"

Luo Xiaolou froze, barely stopping himself from screaming, but instinctively stumbled backward. He tripped over his own feet and fell onto the bed.

He had nothing to defend himself with. His gun, a gift from Qiao Sha, was no longer with him in this body. The only thing he had was the bedsheet around his waist, and he was not letting go of it.

After a moment, confirming that the robot wasn't an illusion, Luo Xiaolou asked nervously, "What are you? What is this?"

"I am A1, a domestic robot here to assist with your daily needs," the robot replied.

A robot that could talk? Where in the world had he been reborn?

"What can I do for you?" the robot asked again.

Luo Xiaolou shook himself out of his stupor. "I'm injured, I need medical help. Call 120, or give me the phone..."

The robot's head flashed green, and it walked to the white wall. Raising its arm, it pressed a button, and the wall slid open, revealing a spacious area with a wardrobe and places for various items.

The robot A1 retrieved a metal box and moved it to Luo Xiaolou's bedside. "Mr. Luo, for minor injuries, A1 can assist with treatment."

Opening the box, the robot pulled out a small device and aimed it at his right wrist. The gaping wound healed before his eyes, closing rapidly until it was barely visible.

Luo Xiaolou gaped, cautiously touching the faint scar on his wrist. The pain was gone. Aside from a lingering dizziness, there was no sign he had ever tried to end his life.

That was it? What kind of device was this?

"Treatment is complete. Do you require anything else?" the robot asked.

Luo Xiaolou could only marvel at the advanced technology, grateful for the second chance, though it came with its own strange circumstances.

"Please find me some clothes," he requested, observing the robot for a moment before speaking.

The thoughtful A1 didn't disappoint. It immediately opened a wardrobe in the wall and retrieved a beige outfit, which it handed to Luo Xiaolou. Based on the style, the robot had decent taste.

Once dressed, the bedsheet, which had served as his makeshift modesty, was discarded.

Looking around, Luo Xiaolou turned to the only being he could communicate with—the robot. Trying to compose himself, he asked, "Where am I? Who am I?"

"This is the Luo Major General's residence. You are Luo Xiaolou," A1 replied matter-of-factly, observing the faint pallor of Luo Xiaolou's face and kindly offering him a glass of water.

Thank heavens. He hadn't changed names. From the sound of it, his father was a major general, which meant... was he really one of those privileged second-generation officials? This robot, this technology—was all of it his?

Tentatively, he asked, "Is the Major General my father?"

"Strictly speaking, yes. According to A2, you are the Major General's illegitimate son. Recently, your mother brought you here to meet the family. However, Madam has yet to approve of you, so you are currently residing at the Luo estate."

The water Luo Xiaolou was drinking splashed out of his mouth. This was a painful realization...

The original owner of this body had fared far worse than he had. Before his rebirth, he had a family, a fiancée, and a promising life. His family may not have had immense power, but they had never treated him poorly.

While others were reborn to exact revenge or win new love, his rebirth was nothing short of tragic.

With a deep sigh, Luo Xiaolou continued questioning the robot until he finally understood his new identity—he was the illegitimate son of Luo Major General, a pawn in the ongoing family drama.

The robot, ever honest, believed that Madam and the young ladies despised Luo Xiaolou and his mother, but they still clung to the hope of entering the Luo family.

Staring at his wrist, Luo Xiaolou wondered if cutting it again would send him back to his old life.

From every angle, he knew he couldn't stay in the Luo estate. No one would welcome them.

He was pragmatic, used to yielding to danger, and perhaps it was that very trait that attracted Qiao Sha.

Resolute, he asked, "What year is it?"

"Year 4019 of the Galactic Calendar."

Luo Xiaolou opened his mouth, feeling dry. "How does the Earth calendar work?"

The robot looked at him quizzically. "The ancient planet Earth? It's been four thousand years since humans left it, after the Berlen Accord. The Earth year you refer to was 2012."

Luo Xiaolou staggered. Could he really return to his engagement ceremony...?

He cursed inwardly. That step he took—what seemed like a small step—had turned into a giant leap across time and space.

After breakfast, troubled and anxious, Luo Xiaolou was escorted by A1 to the parlor.

Luo Xiaolou stood with his head lowered, feeling exceedingly awkward in such a formal setting. Beside him stood his mother, and across from them, the wife of Colonel Luo sat on the throne-like seat.

Honestly, his mother was still quite beautiful, in her thirties, with a hint of charm in her eyes. It was likely her beauty that Luo Xiaolou had inherited.

But her small-town demeanor couldn't compare to the majesty of the Colonel's wife seated before them.

Beside her sat a handsome young man, who casually accepted the tea from a maid, exuding an air of natural nobility.

The two individuals above didn't even spare a glance at Luo Xiaolou and his mother. The lady gestured dismissively toward another man in a butler's uniform.The butler cleared his throat, casting an unmistakable look of disdain and contempt at Luo Xiaolou and his mother. He spoke sternly, "Madam's intention is clear—Luo Xiaolou stays, while you, Mrs. Jin, have two options: one, take the money and leave, never to set foot on the Luo family's doorstep again. Luo family's door is not open to just anyone. If you reappear or speak of this to anyone, you will bear the consequences. Alternatively, you can stay. From now on, all matters concerning you and your son will be subject to the Madam's arrangement."

Luo Xiaolou was about to speak, but his mother had already excitedly interjected, "Of course, esteemed Madam, we have waited for so long. We will stay. Xiaolou is very obedient; he can assist the young master with his work and, in time, should be promoted by him—"Luo Xiaolou sighed inwardly. His mother's naivety knew no bounds.

The Madam remained seated, sipping her tea, her expression unreadable. The legitimate young master of the Luo family finally lifted his gaze, casually glancing over. Yet, his look was sharp and piercing.Under the weight of that gaze, Luo Xiaolou couldn't help but shiver, his legs feeling weak—likely a result of the blood loss from his suicide attempt the previous night.

Luo Xiaolou quickly assessed the situation. His father had not even shown his face, clearly indifferent to his son. The Madam, on the other hand, had two sons of her own and another adopted son whom she had raised, securing her position. Moreover, as A1 had mentioned, her maternal family wielded power equal to that of the Luo family's military lineage.Luo Xiaolou knew well that no woman would tolerate her husband's infidelity, nor would she allow the two offending parties to linger before her eyes.Thus, the more humble his posture, the safer both he and his mother would be.

Clearing his thoughts, Luo Xiaolou decided to cut his mother off mid-speech and humbly said, "Madam, I do not wish to stay. I choose the first option—give me the money, and I will leave. I willingly renounce everything the blood of the Luo family represents, and I will ensure that no one ever learns of my identity."

Luo Xiaolou's mother turned to him in disbelief, staring for a long time before the realization hit her. She nearly fainted. This was the hard-won opportunity to change their lives; once they entered the Luo family's gates, their status would be elevated to an entirely different realm. She could never bear to return to the life of the underprivileged.

She stammered, pleading, "Ah, Madam, Madam! Please let me explain. This confused child of mine is not thinking clearly today—please, you must take us in. We have no intention of claiming any title. I only ask that Xiaolou and I be allowed to stay here—"

Madam Luo's composed, impassive face remained unchanged, even her eyes devoid of any visible emotion.It was the young man's gaze, however, that took on a new intrigue. He ignored Luo Xiaolou's mother and instead focused on him, asking, "This is your only chance. Miss it, and you will never again enter the Luo family tree. Is it money that brought you here? Because, if you refuse to join our family, the compensation we offer will not be as much as you think."

Without hesitation, Luo Xiaolou painted himself in a worse light. Under the pitiful gaze of his mother, he quickly replied, "Yes, of course, I choose money. Money is the most wonderful thing. Afterward, I will take my mother and leave."Madam Luo raised an eyebrow, finally putting down her tea cup. After a long silence, she spoke, "Very well, you may leave, but I have one condition. Before you come of age, you cannot leave this planet. Furthermore, you must attend the school arranged by the Luo family and continue your education until you graduate from university in five years."

Luo Xiaolou was momentarily stunned. Though unclear of Madam Luo's exact reasoning, he didn't believe it had anything to do with her concern for the Luo family's bloodline. He quickly complied, "Understood."Madam Luo cast a glance at the butler. "Luo Pu, give him the materials. In exchange, his mother may stay here."

The middle-aged butler handed Luo Xiaolou a card and some admission documents. Luo Xiaolou hesitated, glancing at the unfamiliar woman, Mrs. Jin. He quietly urged, "…Mom, come with me." Even though he felt no attachment to this woman who was merely his biological mother, he couldn't bring himself to abandon her here.

Mrs. Jin, frustrated and heartbroken, stared at her son. Yet, before Madam Luo and her son, she couldn't bring herself to reprimand him. After a long pause, she said, "Xiaolou, I want to stay. Actually, I hope you'll stay too. At your age, you can't survive on your own. Do you want to go back to those days we once lived?"Luo Xiaolou sighed inwardly, remaining silent. He stepped forward, embracing Mrs. Jin for a moment before accepting the card and documents. Without hesitation, he turned and walked out.

As he reached the door, Mrs. Jin suddenly ran up to him, grasping his arm, her eyes red. "Xiaolou—if, if things don't go well, come find me. Even if the Luo family denies you, you will always be my son. This was passed down to me—it's yours now." With those words, she removed a jade necklace from her neck, placing it around his.

Luo Xiaolou's lips twitched. His future bride was likely at the engagement party right now, fuming...

Once there were no outsiders in the parlor, the young man turned to his mother, smiling. "Mother, don't worry. Though he didn't stay as planned, based on his qualifications, he will not pose any significant threat. I've had him checked—his genetic level is D, just barely meeting the minimum for higher education. The top-tier academy you've arranged for him is already too lenient, even if it's for the sake of surveillance."

Seeing his mother remain as poised as ever, the young man smiled faintly, continuing, "Moreover, his physique is completely inadequate. He can't even enter the mecha department. As of now, he poses no threat. Of course, I'll monitor him closely over the next five years. If he shows any signs of deviation—" He made a slashing gesture across his throat.The lady nodded lightly, her tone firm as she replied, "Remember, Shaojun, you have only one younger brother, Shaotian. As for the one we just mentioned, I will not allow him to enter the Luo family again." Oddly, she didn't even mention the adopted son, Luo Shaofan.

"I understand, Mother."

Luo Xiaolou was escorted out of the Luo residence by A1, letting out a deep sigh of relief. Though he was now alone, it was a relief that no one recognized him. This was the best situation—no one would know that he was no longer the same person.

Looking at the towering skyscrapers and the swiftly passing cars on either side, Luo Xiaolou felt utterly speechless.Four thousand years had passed since the era he once lived in. He was, in essence, a living relic from another time.

Luo Xiaolou looked down at the card and school materials in his hand. The characters were clearly not Chinese. Whether it was the remnants of the body's former memories, he could understand the simpler words, but the more complex technical terms left him utterly clueless...In this unfamiliar future world where he knew nothing, how was he supposed to survive?