The dinner ended pleasantly, and after eating, Alex and Sophia strolled along the riverside, letting the cool night breeze settle their food.
Alex told jokes casually, and Sophia's soft, clear laughter echoed along the water.She found that Alex seemed to understand her more than she expected. He always picked the right topics, made her smile effortlessly, and their conversation flowed without pause—natural, warm, and strangely intimate.
Before they knew it, it was already nine in the evening.
"It's getting late, I should head home," Sophia said reluctantly.
"I'll walk you back," Alex replied.
After a pause, Sophia looked at him."If you walk me back, what will you do afterward? Go home and rest?"
Alex shook his head lightly."For someone like me, the night is just beginning. A rich young master like myself doesn't sleep this early. Some friends invited me to Xintiandi."
Xintiandi—bars, lounges, clubs.Everyone in the city knew it was a playground for the wealthy.
Sophia felt a strange discomfort.Logically, she had no right to stop him. They hadn't even started dating. Yet still—
"Those places are messy," she said softly. "If you can, don't go."
Alex shrugged. "Then where else should I go? The night is so long. I hate being alone. Sitting by myself makes me feel… empty."
Sophia took a breath, then suddenly spoke."Then come watch a movie with me. After the movie, it'll be late enough to go home."
Alex brightened instantly."Perfect."
They headed to a nearby cinema. A trending romantic movie about lavender was showing, so they bought tickets. In the lobby, a salesgirl selling dried lavender stopped them.
"Sir, your girlfriend is so beautiful. Why not buy her lavender? Lavender symbolizes awaiting love—meaning love is coming soon!"
Alex shook his head lightly."You misunderstand. She isn't my—"
"Please," the girl cut him off. "Only couples watch romantic movies this late. If you're not a couple now, you will be. Buy the lavender, and blessings will find you both."
Caught in her momentum, Alex bought a small bottle of dried lavender and handed it to Sophia.
"The salesperson was too forceful. I had no choice. Put it on your desk—it might cheer you up while you work."
Sophia nodded, face slightly warm."Alright."
Inside, she whispered to herself:
This isn't a date. I'm just guiding a lost young man.
Yet she held the lavender tightly.
Suddenly, Alex glanced toward the entrance.
"What's wrong?" Sophia asked.
"…Nothing. I thought I saw someone I knew," Alex murmured. "Must've been mistaken. The movie's starting—let's go."
Meanwhile, at the entrance, a handsome man in a security uniform stood catching his breath.
"Almost got caught… That really was Alex Lin. The playboy who defeated me once."
He clenched his fists.
"Why am I afraid? I've been reborn. He shouldn't recognize me."
Even with rebirth, the shadow lingering in his heart shook him.
"But this time will be different."God gave him another chance, and he would take back everything that belonged to him—Alex's career, Alex's women, and his glory.
"I'll step over your corpse to reach the peak. Alex Lin… wait for me."
With a final glance at the theater, Ethan Chen left silently.
The movie ended at 11:30 PM.Alex walked Sophia home, then returned to rest.
The next day, he woke up at noon, fresh and relaxed. Then, as part of his daily duty as a villain, he went to the hospital to check on Ethan Chen—who was still completely immobilized like a mummy.
His purpose wasn't just to visit.He had to make sure the protagonist didn't miraculously recover and start trouble. Child of destiny or not, Ethan needed monitoring.
Upon arriving, Alex saw Simon Zhao already there with a case of silver needles, preparing to perform the Ghost Valley Divine Needle therapy.
Alex's lips curled.
"Perfect. I haven't made today's wish yet."
Hands clasped together, he bowed mock-reverently.
"Mighty system, witness my sincerity. Today's wish is…"