Chapter 93: The Weight of Rebirth

The morning sun had just begun to rise over the Provincial Capital, casting a warm golden hue over the city. Streams of people bustled in and out of the grand train station like water rushing through a narrow gorge. The clatter of wheels, the shrill cry of the train whistle, and the indistinct announcements over the loudspeakers filled the air.

Among the crowd, one figure stood still — Zhao Cheng.

He stood near the railing overlooking the platforms, his worn-out travel bag slung over one shoulder, the other hand clenched tightly around his college admission notice. His shoes were dusty, his clothes old but neat, and his expression — complicated.

He had just arrived in the capital from a remote countryside village where he'd been assigned as an educated youth. The journey wasn't new — what was new was the feeling inside him. Relief. A hint of disbelief. And above all, a silent storm of bitterness and determination.

Zhao Cheng had been reborn.

In his previous life, he had died with regret lodged so deep in his heart that even death had not freed him from it. A quiet, obedient boy who had never once dared to disobey his father — a man whose eyes always saw someone else's sons more clearly than his own. A father who thought of his younger sister's boys as more promising, more worthy. Even so far as to secretly change Zhao Cheng's registration details once, so his aunt's son could avoid hardship.

Zhao Cheng's fists clenched tighter at the memory.

That blind favoritism of his father and family had cost him everything in his past life. It had robbed him of his opportunity, his voice, and eventually,even his life.

But this time, things were different. He was different.

Because of his rebirth, he had a head start. While others at the educated youth camp were scrambling to gather textbooks, borrowing tattered notebooks and desperate to make sense of algebra and classical texts, Zhao Cheng was already prepared. He had studied every night under the dim oil lamp, silently reviewing everything he remembered from his past life.

He knew what would appear in the exams. He knew the pattern. And so, when the day came to sit for the entrance exam, he was calm. Confident. Prepared.

And now?

Now he was the Provincial Champion.

When he first saw his name at the top of the list, he hadn't believed it. For a long moment, he stared at the paper pinned outside the county education office, the summer wind rattling its edges. A sour lump rose in his throat and his vision blurred.

He was the best in the province.

Yet he had no one to tell. No one who'd embrace him and say they were proud of him. The telegram from home short, cold —merely told him to return home quickly. Not a word of congratulations. Not even a question of how he was doing. Home that place was anything but his home .

Even the county and city authorities had recognized his achievement. He had received commendation money from both the educated youth center and the provincial education office. Strangers were prouder of him than his own blood.

That morning, Zhao Cheng packed his few belongings in silence. He folded his blanket, placed his books in order, and took one last look at the modest dormitory hut. He could feel the weight lifting off his chest, a quiet sense of vindication. The burden he had carried for two lifetimes has lifted of him finally, he could breathe.

But still, he was cautious.

He hadn't gone his so called home directly. He knew better how things worked. His father, still under the thumb of that manipulative younger sister, might do anything. Zhao Cheng suspected he is sure, he knew that if he returned home before enrolling, they might even very well try to snatch away this opportunity too for that cousin of his.

Just once in the past, his father had changed the name on an opportunity meant for Zhao Cheng. He'd insisted Zhao "sacrifice for the family." That family… Zhao had long stopped believing he belonged to it.

So instead, Zhao Cheng had come to the capital first.

Standing here now at the Capital Train Station, he looked around at the grand city, its impressive buildings, its wide roads and fashionably dressed pedestrians. He breathed in the city air busy, fast-moving, full of opportunity. This is what he need in his life .

This was his start. A new beginning.

Meanwhile, in the Other Side of the Capital

Far across the city, in a tastefully renovated traditional courtyard house with polished wooden floors, sunshine streamed through delicate embroidered curtains. Our MC was just finishing her breakfast, Aunt Li carefully clearing the table.

"Miss, be careful not to ride too fast. The road near the university entrance is under construction," Aunt Li reminded, gently adjusting the collar of MC's blouse before she left.

MC smiled, her entire being glowing with the kind of effortless grace that only came from being loved deeply, fiercely, unconditionally. Her clothes were light and fresh, her hair done in a soft braid adorned with a little pearl pin. Her skincare premium given by system. Her bag brand new given by her mother. Her bicycle specially bought by her father and adjusted just for her.

From the moment she left the courtyard, heads turned. Men were stunned by her beauty, girls glanced with hidden envy. At college, she was already a known face. Everyone knew she lived in the capital, in a courtyard house, with family who adored her. Her skincare? Mysterious and flawless. Her accent? Soft but educated. Her demeanor? Friendly but untouchable.

In the lecture hall, students greeted her. Lin Yu waved enthusiastically.

As the professor entered, Bai Xue's smile faltered. She had hoped to be the brightest in their major but the spotlight naturally gravitated towards the MC.

The contrast between MC's life and Zhao Cheng's could not have been sharper.

Back to Zhao Cheng

After a short walk from the station, Zhao Cheng reached the university's administrative building. He queued up quietly, the worn strap of his bag cutting into his shoulder. But he didn't care. The letter in his hand was glowing like fire.

One by one, new students filled out forms, had their photos taken, collected their dormitory keys.

When his turn came, the clerk looked up. "Name?"

"Zhao Cheng."

"Ah," the man blinked in surprise. "Provincial Champion?"

Zhao Cheng gave a small, awkward nod.

The man smiled genuinely. "Congratulations. Welcome to the Capital University. We've been expecting you."

For the first time in a long while, Zhao Cheng felt like he was seen.

This wasn't his home but maybe, just maybe, this city could become one. His home a real home that he will build by himself just for him .

This is his new chance in life he will cherish it .