Chapter 001: Returning to the Beginning, Changing Everything

1993, summer, Qingwa Village.

The afternoon sun was merciless, making people drowsy with its heat.

Inside the single-story house, Zhang Tianfeng stood before the wardrobe, carefully scrutinizing his reflection in the mirror.

At eighteen, his features were delicate and handsome, his cropped hair clean and simple.

His clear gaze reflected the calendar hanging beside the mirror.

Above the dates was the image of a swimsuit-clad beauty holding a leather ball—short hair, oval face, graceful curves.

There was a circle drawn around a spot on the calendar: July 8, 1993.

This day was not only Zhang Tianfeng’s birthday; it was also the beginning of upheaval for his family.

On this day in his previous life, his grandfather had insisted on his education against all objections, sparking a conflict within the family.

Tomorrow, the girl who had grown up with him—his childhood sweetheart—would break up with him for a brighter future.

Seven days later, a fire would rage through the textile factory where his parents worked, claiming their lives.

A month after that, Zhang Tianfeng would have both legs broken by thugs, leaving him disabled.

Afterwards, he would earn an MBA through self-study and venture into business. He’d sold goods at street stalls, worked in sales, streamed as a broadcaster, opened shops... his presence could be found in nearly every trade.

Yet, limited by education and personal drive, his achievements barely surpassed those of an average family.

Whenever he thought of this day, his heart ached. He had dreamed countless times of returning to this moment and changing everything, but it was always an illusion, like flowers in a mirror or the moon reflected in water.

Now, he had been reborn, returned to the very day when his family’s troubles began.

The experience he had accumulated in his previous life was now his most precious treasure—his solid foundation on the path to becoming the wealthiest man, and his weapon to rewrite the tragedies of his past and carve out a new destiny.

Bang—

His eight-year-old cousin burst through the door: “Brother, dad’s arguing with grandpa because of you. Hurry and go talk to them!”

“I’ll go right away.”

Looking at his reflection, Zhang Tianfeng made up his mind.

Since he was given another chance, he would change everything, starting with the earliest family disputes.

He had five elders—three aunts and two uncles.

His eldest aunt was a teacher in Huacheng and couldn’t make it back; the second and third aunts had left after lunch; the fourth uncle had gone out to meet his rowdy friends. Only his father, the sixth uncle, and his grandfather remained at the table.

Sixth uncle's face was flushed from drinking, and he was speaking loudly.

“Dad, it’s not that I don’t want Xiao Feng to go to school, but he’s already eighteen.”

“Other people’s children start shouldering family responsibilities at eighteen—some are working, some are getting married.”

“If he goes to high school, how much more time will that take?”

Grandfather shot him a glare, “What, you’re unwilling to spend the money, or you think Xiao Feng is grown and won’t acknowledge you?”

“That’s not what I mean,” Sixth Uncle replied. “I just think going to a vocational school is about the same, given our family’s circumstances.”

Grandfather slammed the table angrily: “I didn’t call you here to discuss, I’m informing you! If you won’t pay, don’t blame me for not recognizing you as my son!”

In this era, most children couldn’t finish school—at best, they learned to read a few words.

But the Zhang family was different. In the early 1980s, Zhang Tianfeng’s grandfather sent his eldest daughter to university.

Whenever he mentioned it to neighbors, he would say he suffered from being uneducated and wouldn't let his children endure the same.

Whoever had the talent to study would be sent to school.

Pooling the family’s resources, he sent his eldest daughter to university, and he kept the same resolve for his grandchildren.

Zhang Tianfeng’s tuition was split among his grandparents, his eldest aunt, fourth uncle, sixth uncle, and his parents.

“Grandpa, don’t be angry.”

“Aiyo, my eldest grandson is here~” Grandfather’s face instantly lit up with a smile. “Come, join me for a drink.”

Taking the cup his father handed him, Zhang Tianfeng walked over.

“Actually, Sixth Uncle’s got a point. Vocational school has its merits—graduate early, start earning for the family sooner.”

“He doesn’t know a thing, no vision at all!” Grandfather set down his cup. “You don’t have to worry about this. You have the talent for study; even if I have to sell everything, I’ll get you into high school!”

The old man was determined; no one could sway him.

Zhang Tianfeng decided not to argue further—his words held little weight. The strongest persuasion would be to place money on the table and let them count until their hands went numb.

Three rounds of drinks later, dinner ended. After escorting his grandfather home, Zhang Tianfeng returned to his own house.

“Sixth Uncle, I’ll keep persuading Grandpa. I know you didn’t mean it that way.” Zhang Tianfeng raised his glass, “To you—a toast, and thank you for all you’ve done for our family these years.”

Grandfather had six children; his eldest daughter had a gift for learning, while Sixth Uncle was talented at self-study.

After a few years at the machinery factory, Sixth Uncle had learned to repair cars. Most of Zhang Tianfeng’s tuition over the years had come from him.

“You’ve been sensible since you were young. I won’t say much—all my feelings are in the drink.”

After finishing the drink and sending Sixth Uncle home, Zhang Tianfeng returned yet again.

His mother, Liu Shumei, was cleaning. He snatched the broom from her hands: “Go rest in the room, I’ll have something to tell you both soon.”

Seeing her son act so considerately, his mother was delighted and went back to her room with a smile.

He tidied the tables and chairs, cleaned up, and after another hour of work, he was drenched in sweat and the effects of the alcohol had nearly faded.

He walked into the inner room. The old Three Gorges electric fan whirred as his parents sat weaving gloves on the floor.

In this era, state-owned enterprises had long been running at a loss; most factories couldn’t even pay basic wages.

The textile factory in Qingwa Village was a little better—they paid, but just enough to get by.

The factory director, Niu Dayun, appeared to be a dutiful man, but in truth, he was a criminal.

He deliberately drove the factory into the ground, forced workers to accept raw materials in lieu of wages, claiming it was to help them.

The workers only had weaving skills; with raw materials, they didn’t dare sell them, so they could only make products for their own use.

At that point, Niu Dayun would claim he’d shamelessly sought out private enterprises and wholesalers to buy the finished products—prices were low, but at least it gave the workers a way to survive.

He pocketed kickbacks from both sides—from workers and buyers.

In his words: “State enterprises can’t serve private companies. I’m risking my neck to help you—if you report me, you’re heartless.”

Honest, naive workers were easy to deceive, but not those up above.

Seven days later, on the night of July 15, Niu Dayun would be taken away.

But he was prepared; he hid the evidence, and as soon as he was detained, his trusted men would burn the warehouse, framing Zhang Tianfeng’s parents as scapegoats.

In the days that followed, Zhang Tianfeng would be threatened and warned by thugs sent by Niu Dayun. He never stopped petitioning for his parents.

Even with his legs broken, he would crawl to the police station if he had to.

Half a month later, Niu Dayun would finally be convicted, but by then, Zhang Tianfeng would be crippled, and his parents gone—too late for everything.

“Dad, I…”

“Don’t say it—I know what you want to say.” His father took a drag from his cigarette, “We’ll find a way to cover your tuition. Your only task is to study hard. Don’t end up like us, suffering from lack of education.”

“That’s not what I mean…”

Just as Zhang Tianfeng was about to speak, a shout came from outside.

“Is Old Zhang home? It’s Niu Dayun—I’ve got something to discuss.”

That damned bastard—he’s come so soon?

The timing isn’t right!