Returning to '97, creating a new life

A body brimming with power, an age exuding abundant hormones—take Xu Kai as an example. When he discovers he has been reborn, he will consider how to make up for some regrets, how to achieve financial freedom more precisely, quickly, and with less physical exertion, and then enjoy life.

All other reactions were instinctive; it was no longer the body worn down by business negotiations and collaborations at the dinner table that made him yearn for a different way of enjoying life. Since his twenties, he had maintained a regular physical exercise routine, such as playing basketball and working out. To put it nicely, it was to become a better version of himself; in reality, it was to keep his body in a state of youthful vitality.

After all, 99% of men have the same point of vulnerability: they cannot ignore or accept being "not good enough" or "not quite good enough." They even need to use countless ways to justify themselves and show that they are capable.

He was reborn. Not only did everything return, but he also gained the benefit of enhanced physical strength. Before, he didn't want to think about it because he felt he had no goals. Suddenly, a youthful and beautiful woman named Yunshang appeared. Although she wasn't mature, her extraordinary appearance pulled out everything that he had been suppressing inside him.

Compared to the women Xu Kai has met, disregarding those with surgically enhanced "internet celebrity" faces and the added bonus of magical makeup, Yun Shang's face is top-notch, her legs are top-notch, and her front and back are top-notch as well. That youthful restlessness made him choose to "receive" her in an adult manner, ignoring some possible inappropriateness. If he could truly taste this fresh peach, he would be willing to pay any price.

That night, images appeared in my dream.

The following morning, he had to take a few minutes to calm his mind and regain his composure after waking up.

If Xu Kai hadn't checked his bank account, he probably would have contacted Yun Shang. He knew what was important; if he was with someone of the highest caliber, he had to reciprocate with the same level of commitment. Even if she wasn't after him, Xu Kai wouldn't allow himself to ask a girl out when he was broke.

After another Saturday noon, he finished setting up his stall and went to the telecommunications street he remembered. At that time, it was still in its early stages, with only two related shops. Pagers were still the mainstream, and the few classic mobile phones besides the bulky models were the shop's prized possessions. Xu Kai glanced at the prices and didn't blame the salesperson for ignoring him; they were clearly not something someone his age could afford. The salesperson obviously thought he was one of those just there to broaden their horizons.

After strolling through the department stores and commercial streets packed with shops, I was struck by the fact that the mainstream of small businesses is still in clothing and daily necessities. Food and fruit vendors are basically still at the stage of selling goods from tricycles, located on the edge of these bustling streets and at intersections, braving the cold wind to earn their hard-earned money.

"Fine, I guess I'll just have to earn some hard-earned money."

"Those who live near mountains live off the mountains, and those who live near water live off the water"—this idea of ​​making money is not shameful.

On Sunday, at a high school gymnasium, Xu Kai carried two thermos flasks. He had been buying paper cups from a general merchandise wholesaler and soy milk from a tofu shop. He would then cook the soy milk in an iron pot at home with sugar. Before training even started, he had already set his sights on his first customers.

Being young and the younger brother, Xu Kai was simply amused by the "big brothers" on the basketball team, who would definitely patronize his business.

He even prepared a garbage bag to recycle used paper cups, charging five cents per cup.

"Everyone, please support us! It's a small business, no credit, but since you're my teammates, those who don't have cash can buy on credit this time."

It hasn't snowed yet, but the temperature is already close to zero. Before training, drinking a cup of hot, sweet soy milk warms you up from the inside out, which is very comforting.

Park In-ji was amused and exasperated, but as a beloved student, she was always more tolerant. In this short period of time, Xu Kai had already secured his place on the basketball team.

"That's fine here, but don't even think about going into the school."

Xu Kai, feigning a sigh, remained silent and quietly poured a cup of hot soy milk for his teacher. Park In-ji laughed and said, "Stop pretending to be pitiful. I'll take care of whatever's left."

"No need for that, we can easily digest this amount."

His act of selling hot soy milk to the basketball team had barely caused a ripple before it was instantly overwhelmed by an even bigger wave.

Nike sneakers, slim-fit jeans, a long cashmere coat, and long hair cascading down, with a hair straightener pressing her glossy black hair straight.

She has long, straight black hair, is tall, beautiful, and fair-skinned; you could also add the label of "rich, beautiful, and fair-skinned woman."

At a high school, Yunshang was also a celebrity. Her appearance caused a surge of hormones in the venue, with everyone eager to show off their best selves in order to attract the attention of the beautiful girl.

Xu Kai didn't join in. Instead, he carried a thermos, walked over, and poured a cup of hot soy milk: "It's still warm."

Yunshang looked past him to another thermos on the sidelines, a smile playing on her lips. She nodded, took the paper cup, and held it in both hands. The warmth emanating from the cup would dispel the slight chill of the weather.

He took a small sip and said, "You really are everywhere."

Xu Kai had none of the vanity that older boys have when it comes to losing face in front of girls. He shrugged and said, "It's always good to earn more."

Yunshang smiled, her eyes narrowed: "You're very different."

Xu Kai winked: "You'd better pack up quickly, I'm afraid they'll beat me to death in a bit."

Yunshang smiled even more brightly: "I'll wait for you to finish, then we'll go rollerblading together."

Xu Kai shook his head: "No, I'm afraid I'll get beaten up."

Yunshang: "Go there and let you sell soy milk. You can use up the rest in just a few minutes."

Xu Kai nodded and smiled, "That's fine."

Yunshang pursed her lips, raised her leg, and kicked his shin.

The interaction between the two left all the basketball team members warming up in the arena stunned, speechless, looking at each other, each hoping to get an answer from the other's eyes.

How did they meet?

Why are they so familiar with each other?

[Their relationship seems a bit unusual, what's going on?]

Xu Kai walked up to everyone, deliberately acting cocky: "This woman keeps bothering me. Do you guys have any good ideas on how to keep her away from me? She's too clingy."

Everyone was furious, their teeth itching with rage. This display of hatred was absolutely perfect. The team's center grabbed Xu Kai by the neck, and the others followed suit, surrounding him and giving him a good beating. Only Dong Bin stood aside, looked around, walked to the thermos, and filled himself up with more than half a cup of soy milk.

What are they talking about?

The burly man, over two meters tall, had only Dragon Ball and Fist of the North Star in his backpack.

During the two-hour training session, Park In-ji demonstrated the level of a professional coach. His training of the entire high school basketball team was very scientific, including the reserve players who were not even regular starters. Although they couldn't even get a chance to play as substitutes, they were required to train with the team. Park In-ji didn't make empty promises; he used them to motivate the regular players, showing them that if they weren't good enough, they could be replaced at any time.

In a basketball team of nearly twenty people, the players on the edge of the bench are always very nervous, afraid of being overtaken by those behind and losing the opportunity to wear the jersey and represent a high school in the official games.

Those who weren't selected are in the stands. Substitutes are on the sidelines; the latter wear jerseys with their numbers printed on them and have a chance to play. The difference between the two is quite significant.

Xu Kai has been a regular starter on the basketball team since he joined. Although he's always been on the bench, it's undeniable that with him on the bench, the team has the potential to upset the starters at any time. This "catfish" that hasn't even entered the school yet has already brought immense intensity to the high school's basketball cycle this past year. Everyone knows that once he officially joins the school, he will firmly secure a place on the starting lineup.

"That bastard, I should have slapped him hard just now."

After training, Xu Kai left shoulder to shoulder with Yun Shang, carrying a thermos. The thermos made the whole scene go off-topic, which made the group even more indignant.

Some people are joking, while others are speaking from the depths of their hearts. Saying harsh words is their true thought. It's very easy for big boys this age to feel hatred towards someone, completely irrational, even if it's just a momentary emotion.

Are you tired?

"Not tired at all, free showers! One training session saves me the cost of a shower." Xu Kai stretched and yawned. Being able to work up a sweat and then take a hot shower is truly impressive for a high school. Who says our campus culture and sports are inferior to those of developed countries? It's just that too many people don't have access to the good stuff.

"You're not riding your bike?" Xu Kai asked. Yun Shang pointed to her outfit and said, "It's getting cold, so I'm not riding. If you like riding, I'll take you to school."

"No, I can't afford the gas."

Yunshang chuckled, "Stop pretending to be poor, I'll cover the gas. Stop, no need to say anything more, if you break anything, it's on me."

Xu Kai walked to his mother's bicycle and placed two thermos flasks on the metal frame welded to the back seat: "How's my budget-friendly back seat?"

Yunshang was not pretentious at all. She sat sideways on the back seat. Whether she sat or Xu Kai rode, it was the same. She had to make do with her long legs.

"We're not going rollerblading. These guys have drunk almost all the soy milk. We'll keep the rest for ourselves, then we'll take it back to the car, and then we'll go bowling in the underground mall."

"Okay, sure."

Looking at Xu Kai in the distance, Yunshang was certain that he wasn't deliberately putting on a show or spending the money she had spent on him to buy all his goods. It was just a habit of his, or rather, he considered it his responsibility to pay the bill.

He's also a bit domineering; he doesn't really care whether he's rollerblading or bowling, he'll choose to take the lead.

He used to spend time with his father, uncles, and older siblings, and he was similar to how he is now. He would take good care of himself, but it was not pretentious or deliberate. It was as if many things were not something he remembered, but rather subconscious behaviors ingrained in his bones.

"Want to go online? There are computers with internet access in the commercial building." Just as it was getting dark, Yunshang suggested again, thinking that this attraction was irresistible to the boy.

Little did she know that the computer she was talking about for dialing up to access the internet was, in Xu Kai's eyes, like driving a Land Rover and then turning around to start a tractor.

"Should we go for hot pot or barbecue?"

Yunshang was stunned for a moment. Oh, is this how you constantly show that you're not a little man?

"What we eat is up to me, the big man, of course." Yunshang smiled and took Xu Kai's arm. She didn't say it outright, but her meaning was clear. Since they could go out alone, there was no need to say certain things. At their age, they should either say "I want to date you" on the first meeting, or not be pretentious and have to go through this confession process.

This time, Xu Kai was taken aback, and smiled bitterly to himself. He was used to his sixteen or seventeen-year-old self after his rebirth, but he still retained the way he interacted with women before his rebirth. He was somewhat successful in his career, divorced, and had no children. In the later stages of his relationship with women, he prioritized mutual consent and happiness, without deeply interfering in their lives. Being a bit of a man wouldn't make women uncomfortable; on the contrary, it would give them a greater sense of security.