Linfei lay still on the large bed, staring at the ceiling. Though he was alive, his body felt heavy and hollow, every breath weak and shallow. His arms trembled even when he tried to lift them, and the strength in his legs seemed completely gone.
Memories came back to him, pulling his heart down. In his past life, he had lived in hardship. His parents had died when he was young, leaving him to struggle alone. He worked small jobs—carrying loads, sweeping streets, running errands—just to survive. Hunger was his daily companion, and pain was all he knew.
But his death had been even more bitter.
On a rainy evening, he had seen a small child step onto the road. Without thinking, he ran, pushed the child out of danger, and then… blinding lights, the sound of screeching tires—and silence forever. He died there, not as a hero, but as a man exchanging his life for a stranger's safety.
Now, opening his eyes in this grand room, Linfei's weak body ached as though it had only just been rebuilt. His chest rose and fell with difficulty, but his heart... his heart burned with a quiet fire.
"This time… even if I start weak… I will not waste this life."
The door opened with the sound of wood against stone. A young maid entered, her steps careful but firm. She carried a tray of food, the smell of warm broth filling the air.
When she saw him trying to push himself up, she frowned. "Please, sir, you must not force yourself. Your body is very weak. You have been sleeping for three days."
Her voice was calm, professional, neither warm nor cold. She set the tray down carefully before bowing.
"My name is Mei. I am your servant for this room. It is my duty to care for you until you recover."
Linfei watched her for a moment. The way she stood—straight-backed, disciplined—made it clear she was only here out of obligation. Still, her presence gave him a sense of stability.
His hand shook as he lifted the cup of broth, his grip weak, but determination shone in his tired eyes.
"Yes… weak," he thought, "but I will grow stronger. This is my second chance."