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Zhang Xiaoloong found himself reclining on the bed, his chest ablaze with an internal heat akin to a roaring fire.
Five days had elapsed. To be more accurate, it was the fifth day since he had awoken from unconsciousness. Prior to this, even he couldn’t ascertain the duration of his oblivious state.
His memory traced back to the day he sat in Jiang Liu’s tricycle, heading towards the county to embark on a journey to Yanjing.
He held the admission letter from Yanjing University close to his chest. His travel companion, Lu Xiaoya, was journeying to Yanjing with him. A crowd of villagers trailed behind them, serving as their send-off party.
Over the years, the rural landscape had changed. The occurrence of a university student was infrequent, and it was the first time in many years that the village boasted two university students concurrently.
Adding to the novelty, Zhang Xiaoloong had distinguished himself as the nation’s top scorer in the college entrance examination. Even city officials had personally visited Zhang Xiaoloong’s home to express their congratulations. Little wonder then, that the village made such a grand spectacle of his departure.
748 points out of a possible 750. This staggering score had sent shockwaves across the national pool of examinees, filling Zhang Xiaoloong with considerable pride.
Reflecting on it now, that score carried a bitter edge of irony. 748 points, a figure that could take a hike! The ultimate twist of fate had been delivered by a bolt from the blue...
As he journeyed towards the county town, the heavens had appeared serene, a clear expanse of azure extending in all directions. Strangely enough, a deafening peal of thunder pierced this tranquility, and a bolt of lightning struck Zhang Xiaoloong.
At that time, Zhang Xiaoloong fell headfirst and didn’t know anything.
Later, five days ago, he gradually regained consciousness. Although he couldn’t move and even open his eyes, he could still hear the conversation between his parents.
From his intermittent words, he understood one thing.
At that time, among the multitude of individuals in the crowd, not a soul discerned the origin of the thunderbolt. Yet, ironically, Lei Pi only found its mark in him.
Zhang Xiaoloong’s hands roved over his body, but they encountered nothing out of the ordinary.
Opening his shirt revealed a small, four-legged cauldron imprint on his skin. As he reached to touch it, the mark gradually faded, his skin reverting to its usual appearance, devoid of even a black speck.
Zhang Xiaoloong palmed his forehead. Despite being a top-scorer in the college entrance exam and an avid reader of eclectic books, he found himself at a loss to interpret the current circumstances.
If the preceding spectacle had been witnessed by others, it would likely incite terror, let alone... His newly-acquired demonic identity wouldn’t easily be dismissed. Worse still, a more serious outcome might involve his detainment by some clandestine department for invasive research.
Pondering this, Zhang Xiaoloong massaged his forehead once again. Being a lab rat was not on his agenda. He resolved to keep this newfound anomaly a tightly guarded secret.
“Is Brother Daniu home?”
While Zhang Xiaoloong was grappling with the torrent of changes besieging him, a familiar voice echoed from outside. It belonged to Lu Dashan, father of Lu Xiaoya, the individual destined to share a car ride with him that day.
Lu Dashan was not a robust figure. Gaunt and desiccated, his shifty gaze painted the picture of a man who reveled in deceit and exploiting others – a persona that attracted considerable disdain within the village. Despite his own shortcomings, he was the progenitor of a stunningly beautiful and astute daughter.
From elementary through high school, Zhang Xiaoloong and Lu Xiaoya shared a class, and their rapport was cordial. They even embarked on their university journey in Yanjing together. Therefore, Zhang Xiaoloong was well-acquainted with this ‘Uncle Dashan’, despite harboring less-than-favorable opinions of him.
“Brother Dashan, come, please have a seat. Let me fetch you a glass of water,” Zhang Xiaoloong’s mother offered warmly, quickly rising from her seat.
“No need for the bother. I’ll leave once I’ve relayed my message.” Lu Dashan’s beady eyes darted around the room as if in search of something. “How’s Xiaoloong doing? Has his condition improved?”
“It’s been over a month, and he appears unaltered...” A sigh slipped past Liu Mei’s lips at this, her eyes mirroring profound sorrow. “I truly don’t comprehend what sins I committed in my past life that my son has to bear the brunt now.”
“Enough with such talk,” Zhang Daniu, evidently exasperated, cut Liu Mei’s lament short, “Dashan, did you come here to say something? If you have something to express, please do.”
Liu Mei’s expression momentarily hardened, followed by a sigh. She regarded Lu Dashan with a knowing look, almost as if she had anticipated his visit.