Rebirth from the Ashes

Chapter 735: His Past (6)

Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation

‘The young and old sat in the foyer, looking at the snow and chatting.

Shen Xi wanted to know everything about Li Yuan, no matter how big or small. She craved every little detail of his life and to take in the good with the bad.

“The young master first came to the Li family’s home fourteen years ago.” Watching fluttering snow, Uncle Li strolled down memory lane. He spoke in an unhurried tone, “It was a snowy night like today when he came over.”

There was nothing left of the Li family’s home then. It was only an empty shell. The animal took everything.

Fortunately, Uncle Li got around things and managed to save the Li family’s home. He wanted to wait here for the return of the young master – the only heir to the Li family.

Everyone said that the young master was dead. Uncle Li was the only one who knew and believed that the young master was not. The young master would return.

The day finally came.

Uncle Li could never forget the fateful day the young master suddenly appeared before him. Although skin and bones, the young master had the savage eyes of a wolf.

That day, the young master told he wanted revenge and to revive the Li family with a commanding presence unbefitting his age.

It was that day the young master carried everything of the Li family on his young shoulders. The young master changed his name to Li Yuan, Li to signify the break of dawn and Yuan as in abyss.

In the deepest abyss, he looked up to the sunrise like a watcher of the abyss. Since then, he would pave his way forward. No one could harm or stop him from advancing.

Uncle Li tried to talk some senses into Li Yuan, saying that the heavy responsibility of the Li family should not fall on him. Li Yuan should not carry the grudge and hatred in his life.

He was still young and had so much to live for. However, despite only being ten years old at the time, Li Yuan exuded an intimidating air and presence that exceeded even the old master’s.

Uncle Li knew that no amount of talk would get to Li Yuan’s head. Although Uncle Li could not be of help, he was able to watch over the estate and wait for the young master’s return.

‘There were days when Li Yuan was barely home. The longest time Uncle Li went without hearing from him was six months. Alas, there was nothing more he could do than wait.

The young master would return covered in injuries from head to toe, yet he kept mum about what he did or went through.

Uncle Li knew the young master had chosen a tough road to go against the Fifth family alone. Li Yuan was teetering on the edge, dancing with death with each strike he made.

Although the old man’s heart went out to him, he could do nothing to stop Li Yuan. He could only watch as Li Yuan made countless hairbreadth escapes at the age where he was supposed to be spoiled with his parents’ love and the warmth of a family.

Gradually, he was wounded less.

Slowly, he began to bring people back to the Li family’s home.

Bit by bit, his businesses went steady.

Nevertheless, Uncle Li never saw a smile on the young master’s face. The latter was a shell with only vendetta on his mind.

One day, Uncle Li saw him smile. The young master was looking at a girl’s red jacket and smiling like the first gentle ray after the snow and ice melted. It was real and warm.

Later, the young master began his search for the girl. Realization hit Uncle Li that the jacket belonged to a girl. The young master was looking for the girl, his only light and solace to his lonely heart.

‘The young master had potential and was a genius, but many said he was the devil and a cold-blooded animal without feelings due to his ruthless ways. However, only the heartless and cruel could survive in the dog-eat-dog world and retain sanity in the hands of the lunatic.

It took the young master a decade to chip away the Fifth family. Six years ago, Li Yuan delivered the finishing blow and the last of the Fifth family either died or went crazy.

Since that day, the young master’s health had worsened. For decades, he worked himself to the bone, burning through his life force to fight the Fifth family.

He lived for revenge, but his purpose was fulfilled once the deed was done. At that moment, the fire in his eyes was put out.

The young master then got into a car accident and lost function of his legs. He became grumpy and built walls around himself, locking himself in his own world to prevent anyone from coming close. It was only when he stared blankly at the red jacket that his eyes would reveal the rare tenderness.

Uncle Li was worried that the young master had given up. Uncle Li hoped the young master could find success in his long search of over a decade, and the girl would appear and walk him out of the darkest abyss.

‘The young master had experienced too many hardships in life. He should not have to live like this. Li Yuan should have a healthy body, someone who loved him deeply, and a complete and warm family.

At the time, everyone knew that the young master was still alive to find the girl that had been on his mind. A proud man like him would not be willing to live a life without dignity on a wheelchair his whole life.

Li Yuan also made a will to leave all his inheritance to the girl after his death. In case he could not hold on until she was found, Kun Lun and his men would carry out his last wish on his behalf.

If the moment were to come, the young master would choose assisted suicide when he could not go on any longer.

A year ago, Uncle Li heard from Kun Lun that he moved house. His neighbor was a beautiful young girl whom the young master was always willing to lend an ear to. Uncle Li’s mind immediately flew back to the owner of the jacket that the young master had been on the hunt for.

As expected, the girl was the person the young master had been looking for. With her around, the young master’s health and mood was getting better in time.

Later, the young master recovered from his illness and regained sensation in his legs. He was also together with his fair lady.

Uncle Li had never been happier. He could rest in peace, having known that fact. The only person Uncle Li was concerned about finally found his happiness. Uncle Li looked at the girl who was listening intently to him. “Ms. Shen, the young master had it rough. I hope you two can live happily ever after.”

He did not say this to garner sympathy for the young master. All he ever wanted was to wish them well.

“Thank you, Uncle Li.” Shen Xi changed the form of address and looked the old man in the eyes before giving her word. “I will do right by Brother.”

She never wanted Li Yuan to go through any more suffering as he had been through enough hell for the first half of his life. Shen Xi would hold his hand tightly and give him everything of her and all the love in the world.

“Great.” Uncle Li grinned from ear to ear. His eyes spoke of longingness. “Our home has everything, but the place is too big, empty, and quiet. You should have more kids after your wedding. The house will be lively.”