Rebirth 1990: Rise of the Tycoon

Jiang Xiaoyan's Surprise

Lu Feng swept the noodles in his bowl away like a tornado, drinking the soup clean and smacking his lips in satisfaction.

Having shared his tales of a poverty-stricken childhood and the hardships of his early career on many occasions, Lu Feng now realized how fortunate he had once been in comparison to his current predicament.

Jiang Xiaoyan stood up to clear the dishes, but Lu Feng quickly said, "Let me do it. I feel really guilty just eating."

Jiang Xiaoyan was momentarily taken aback, her hands already holding the dishes as Lu Feng took them and headed to the kitchen to start washing.

Duo Duo, her eyes wide with curiosity, asked in a whisper, "Mommy, what's wrong with him?"

Jiang Xiaoyan wasn't sure herself. She could only think that Lu Feng was after money— the only cash left from their wedding was the 900 yuan dowry, which Lu Feng had spent on gambling and other vices. They had used the money to move from their village, leaving them with nothing.

Jiang Xiaoyan wished she could assure Duo Duo that Lu Feng would be a good father, but the thought of Lu Feng demanding money and possibly resorting to violence made her reluctant to give any hope.

"Maybe he's having a moment of conscience," she said.

"Is he really getting better?" Duo Duo asked with hopeful innocence.

Jiang Xiaoyan said nothing, instead stroking Duo Duo's head lovingly. "How about you come with Mommy to the electronics factory later?"

Duo Duo frowned. "It's so noisy there, and that chubby uncle always yells at me."

"Just be good and ignore him. We can't afford to upset people," Jiang Xiaoyan replied with a hint of resignation. The factory job was hard-won for her— she worked as a waitress for 50 yuan a month, and the factory job, though she only got 50 yuan for substituting, was crucial for their survival.

In the kitchen, Lu Feng's mind began to clear with a full stomach. He pondered how he had ended up in this new identity. He had heard of reincarnation stories but never imagined being reborn in someone else's life. His former life, with its billions and achievements, was hard to let go of, and he desperately wanted to return.

As he washed the pots, he wondered if electricity could help him get back. He dismissed the idea of drinking, realizing there was no alcohol available in their impoverished home.

"Many movies show people traveling through electricity. If I stick my hand in the water and electrify it, I might be able to escape through a jolt, even if it doesn't work, at least it won't kill me," he mused, finding the idea both ridiculous and hopeful.

Emerging from the kitchen, Lu Feng saw the two whispering to each other and asked, "Is your face injury alright?"

Jiang Xiaoyan was taken aback by this sudden concern and replied, "It's fine."

"Do you have any medicine? You should put something on it," Lu Feng suggested.

"No, it's alright. It's not serious," Jiang Xiaoyan hesitated before adding, "Lu Feng, the dowry money was really all spent. I'm not lying. We don't even have money for dinner tonight. I'll borrow a few cents from the factory."

She braced herself for a possible outburst of violence but was met with silence.

"Then borrow some money. We need to eat. Duo Duo is growing, and you still have work this afternoon, right?" Lu Feng said, smiling at Duo Duo. "Duo Duo can stay with me."

Jiang Xiaoyan's face relaxed, and disbelief filled her eyes. She had no idea what Lu Feng was planning, and she found it hard to believe he had genuinely changed. Her despair was such that she couldn't entertain any hope without fear of being let down.

Jiang Xiaoyan suddenly feared for Duo Duo's safety and pulled her close, glaring at Lu Feng. "What are you planning? Are you out of your mind?"

"Huh?" Lu Feng was only trying to help with the child and was puzzled by her reaction.

"If you dare to sell Duo Duo, I'll call the police. Even if I die, I'll make sure you go to hell!" Jiang Xiaoyan's gaze was resolute, as if ready to follow through on her threat. She then lovingly patted Duo Duo's head, "Mommy will go change and then head to the factory."

Jiang Xiaoyan went to a shabby cabinet and took out her best work jacket, the one she had from her wedding.

Duo Duo, eyes blinking with curiosity, approached Lu Feng cautiously and asked, "Have you really changed?"

Lu Feng nodded and whispered, "Yes."

"Then you won't hit Mommy anymore?" Duo Duo asked with a smile.

"No, I won't," Lu Feng assured her.

Duo Duo's face lit up with joy as she waved to him, saying, "Come here."

Lu Feng bent down, and Duo Duo whispered, "Daddy, as long as you don't hit Mommy, I'll call you Daddy."

Jiang Xiaoyan, seeing the interaction, called out, "Duo Duo, let's go. We'll be scolded if we're late."

As she carried Duo Duo out the door, Lu Feng remained bent over, a thoughtful smile on his lips. Being called "Daddy" for the first time was surprisingly pleasant.

Jiang Xiaoyan left before dawn and didn't return until late evening, leaving the house in disarray. Lu Feng tidied up, wiping down the furniture while still thinking about ways to return to his old life.

He reviewed every possible method in his mind, knowing that if he could come here, he should be able to return. His biggest fear was being declared dead and sent to the crematorium before he had a chance to return.

"If I'm burned to ashes, it's truly over," he thought, hoping the doctors wouldn't give up on him. The afternoon was spent setting up a makeshift electrical circuit with two wires to see if it would work.

As night fell, the world outside was pitch black, illuminated only by distant starlight. The dim gas lamp inside added to the oppressive mood.

The sound of keys unlocking the door signaled Jiang Xiaoyan's return. She looked at the clean house in surprise, holding a sleeping Duo Duo wrapped in her jacket.

"You did this?" Jiang Xiaoyan asked, her voice a mix of surprise and hope.