Chapter 68: Childhood Sweethearts

Recently, Xiao Kaitian had been shuttling between the libraries of Zhendan University, constantly absorbing knowledge of this world. From what he had gathered, this world’s technological civilization was rather advanced. Coexisting with technology was martial arts, the two maintaining a delicate balance, each restraining the other.

Moreover, ancient texts hinted at the existence of “becoming immortal” or “cultivating immortality.” There were also many reports of mysterious disappearances or time travel, though their authenticity remained unverified. Still, it was clear that the general public harbored little aversion toward such matters.

Xiao Kaitian surmised that those versed in martial arts might have some knowledge of the power to transcend into the next dimension. Unfortunately, martial arts formed a world unto itself, and public records about its core secrets were exceedingly scarce—he simply could not learn more from them.

Nevertheless, he had a lead: Han and Tang were the world centers of martial arts. Perhaps what he sought could be found there.

During this time, he contacted Jiang Churan again. Both siblings were in Haidu, and Xiao Kaitian was deeply concerned for her safety. However, Jiang Churan declined to meet, explaining that she was under surveillance by the Xiao family, as was likely the case for Xiao Kaitian. Meeting under such circumstances would only arouse the family’s suspicion.

Until she reached an agreement with Xiao Zhenglü, the ten percent of the Xiao Corporation’s shares she held in her hand was Xiao Kaitian’s only protection. Furthermore, Xiao Kaitian’s “change” must never be exposed.

She reassured him not to worry excessively; she had some influence in the country and could protect herself for now.

Seeing her so determined, Xiao Kaitian did not press further. He was organizing his own resources—he would have to reopen the investigation into his parents’ deaths, revitalize the company; there was much to be done.

That day, carrying a bag of borrowed books, he walked to the university gate, ready to hail a cab, when a woman’s voice called from behind.

“Xiao Kaitian?”

He turned to see a strikingly beautiful young woman—an oval face, long silky hair cascading down to her waist, shining as if it caught the light. She wore a pale red, mid-length coat, looking as fresh and elegant as a lotus emerging from water.

Xiao Kaitian was immediately intrigued—not by her beauty, for she was an ordinary person, but because as his divine source stirred, he sensed within her a faintly flowing channel connected to the fourth dimension. This person had come into contact with something from the fourth dimension, or something quasi-four-dimensional—how fascinating.

Yet he had no memory of her. “And you are…?”

The beautiful woman’s eyes widened in disbelief, then she studied him with a complex gaze. “You seem somehow different. Don’t you remember me?”

She had known Xiao Kaitian for many years. The man before her was no longer the “foolish” boy of the past; his features were clear and bright, carrying a cool, commanding air reminiscent of a domineering young heir.

“I had some trouble abroad and forgot many things from before,” Xiao Kaitian replied. If not for the unusual energy within her, he would not have answered at all.

“I’m Gu Luoyan,” she exclaimed, realization dawning. Smiling, she adjusted the collar of her coat. “From the Gu family in the capital. We used to play together all the time when we were little.”

So they were childhood friends. Xiao Kaitian responded with a noncommittal “Mm.” He wanted to ask her more, but didn’t know how to begin, and both fell silent, an awkwardness settling between them.

“Did you come back to Haidu to deal with company affairs?” Gu Luoyan finally broke the silence after a long pause. Many insiders already knew about the troubles with Qingtang Under Heaven, and as she asked, her eyes glimmered with an indescribable light.

“It’s complicated,” Xiao Kaitian replied, not giving her the truth. “I’ll take things one step at a time.”

Gu Luoyan nodded. Xiao Kaitian’s demeanor was so different now that she found herself intrigued, intent on asking more. But just then, a group of people emerged from the campus.

“Miss Gu.”

“Luoyan…”

They were all Gu Luoyan’s classmates, and seeing the two talking from afar, they couldn’t help but approach. Spotting Xiao Kaitian, they all broke into smiles.

“So it’s our Young Master Xiao chatting with Miss Gu!”

“It’s been a while, Young Master Xiao! Oh, you’re into reading these days?”

“When will you treat us again, Young Master Xiao?”

“Don’t tease him—he’s diligent now, focusing on his studies!”

“Hey, it’ll be New Year soon. We’re having a class reunion—make sure you come and pick up the tab!”

Laughter broke out among the group, their chatter lively. Clearly, Xiao Kaitian was still quite popular at Zhendan University. Gu Luoyan looked embarrassed, glancing at Xiao Kaitian, who remained unmoved.

“Hey, you’re getting a bit aloof, Young Master Xiao! Gone all serious on us?” A tall, burly classmate stepped forward, reaching out to slap Xiao Kaitian on the shoulder.

This used to happen often—Xiao Kaitian, once frail, would be knocked to the ground by such playful blows, and everyone would enjoy the spectacle.

But this time, Xiao Kaitian simply turned his head slightly, fixing the man with a cold, indifferent stare—a look that made the other feel as if a tyrannosaur had locked onto him. The raised hand froze in mid-air.

“I have other matters to attend to.” With too many bystanders, he had no chance to speak further with Gu Luoyan. Xiao Kaitian withdrew his gaze and nodded to her. “We’ll talk another day.”

Gu Luoyan watched as Xiao Kaitian drove off, a trace of coldness flickering in her eyes. That man seemed to have changed.

“Come on, Luoyan, let’s go have some fun!” her classmates urged.

“Not today.” Distracted, Gu Luoyan waved them off. In the distance, a Bentley rolled up. Ignoring her classmates’ awkward expressions, she climbed into the car.

“Hmph, who does she think she is?” someone muttered under their breath.

Gu Luoyan paid them no mind. Her face frosty, she took out her phone and dialed a number.

The dial tone sounded, and then a hoarse, broken voice answered—the speaker seeming to struggle with every word.

“You… called me. What is it?”

“Xiao Kaitian is back in Haidu.” Gu Luoyan crossed her legs, a cold smile playing at her lips. “I just saw him. Interested in that news?”

“He’s back… not dead… in Japan… that’s… great.”

“Surprised, aren’t you? Looks like the new head of the Xiao family isn’t all that capable.” Gu Luoyan lit a slender lady’s cigarette, holding it between her fingers. “He seems different now—says he’s lost his memory.”

“Lost… his… I’ll… kill… him.”

“That’s your business.” Gu Luoyan exhaled a plume of smoke, lowering the car window a fraction. “I want all the information you have on Xiao Kaitian’s time in Japan. You can get it, right?”

“Fine… let’s… work… together.”