Some love stories were simply meant to last an eternity. An ancient saying states that no matter how much time has passed between lovers, their souls always know how to find each other. For Miking and Ho Yung, this is a truth they've lived through many times. Each time death separated them, they'd return to Earth, living a mortal life where their hearts waited until they'd cross paths again.
Jiang Bao works for an oil company. After his studies in Petroleum Engineering, he applied for a job at the biggest oil multinational in the country. With a great school record and the strong recommendation letters his father arranged for him, it didn't take long before his position at Betson International was confirmed. Today, he was summoned for a meeting with a potential partner for the company. They would meet at the Royal Hotel. Jiang Bao shut down his computer and looked at his phone. It was almost 3, and he only had half an hour to get to the hotel. He picked up the file printed a few moments ago. It was set out on his table along with project notes and information about Starman Group. If this deal went well, they would become the new investors for the company's next project. Satisfied with the final draft of his proposal, he left the office. Outside, a driver appointed by Betson International was already waiting for him. He stepped into the car and greeted the older man. Boa Fu was a faithful employee. In the last 30 years, he'd had almost all headquarters employees sit in the backseat. The C.E.O. himself employed Boa Fu more than 30 years ago. He was regarded as an important part of the company. "Don't worry, Mr. Jiang, if I take a few shortcuts, we can still make it on time." "I trust you; you've always made it happen before." The driver focused on his rearview mirror and stepped on the gas pedal. Jiang Bao stared out the window and took in the chaotic, busy scenery of the city. At this hour, it was as if everyone was in a rush to be somewhere. The taxi drivers fighting in the middle of the road reflected how patience disappears during rush hour.
The fighting cab drivers were involved in an accident. The situation caused a traffic jam on the road. Jiang Bao looked behind him. After seeing all the cars stuck in traffic, he and the driver knew reversing the car wasn't an option. "Sir, because of the accident, I'm afraid we'll be late for the meeting." "I can't be late and set a bad impression. How far are we from the hotel?" "It's just two blocks ahead of us." "In that case, I'll just walk to the meeting. I could use the exercise. Text me when you arrive." "Will do, sir."
Just as Jiang Bao stepped outside the car, it began to rain. His grey suit quickly became stained with raindrops. He ran towards a nearby tree to seek shelter. At the same time, a young woman in front of him rushed to open the umbrella she grabbed from her bag. When she opened the umbrella, his heart began to beat faster. It was as if time had slowed down, and the raindrops were floating around them. She lifted her grey umbrella, and his vision became blurry. The beautiful young woman's outfit changed. Her face kept the same enchanting glow, but her clothes changed into traditional ones. Her umbrella became pink and looked handcrafted. Even the busy city scenery behind her transformed into that of a peaceful village in the mountains. A familiar sweet scent filled the air. Jiang Bao couldn't recall why that smell was so familiar.
The young woman walked towards him and held the umbrella over his head. "You shouldn't stand in the rain like this. You might get sick, and your mother won't spare me!" Jiang Bao looked confused at the woman. But before he could say anything, she pulled him closer under the umbrella. Unknown visions flooded through his mind. He saw images of her holding an umbrella for a man who looked just like him. The visions were fast, and he could see them together. First, he saw her standing in front of a village. Then he saw her holding an umbrella and pulling him closer like she had just done. In the last vision, he saw her holding an umbrella for him; this time, they both looked older.
"Who would think that it would rain today? I checked the weather forecast yesterday, and it promised sunshine for the entire day. This unpredictable weather is strange." "Excuse me, miss, you've made a mistake." "What, aren't you Pao, Mrs. Bing's son?" Jiang Bao smiled at her startled reaction. "No, I'm not." Xing Lie froze upon realizing her mistake. She wanted to apologize, but heard someone call out her name. She turned around and saw another man in a grey suit waving to her. He was also holding an umbrella to protect himself from the rain. The man approached the two of them. "It's me, I'm Pao. Your neighbor's son. Remember, you promised my mother to pick me up." Xing Lie's cheeks became red with embarrassment. She looked at the handsome stranger she had pulled under her umbrella. "I am sorry, mister. This mistake happened because you're also wearing a grey suit. I really thought you were him." "Don't worry about it; at least you shielded me from the rain for a moment." "That's right, here you can have my umbrella. I'll leave with Pao." She shoved the umbrella in his hand and rushed to Pao. "Wait, how will I give it back to you?" The beauty turned around one last time and said he could keep it. Her warm smile captivated Jiang Bao for a moment. He watched the young woman and her companion disappear in the distance.
Jiang Bao couldn't quite explain it, but somehow his heart felt sad to watch the eccentric young woman leave. He remembered his meeting and hurried to get there. Meanwhile, Xing Lie had difficulties finding her car in the parking lot. Her thoughts were occupied with the man she had mistaken for Pao. His hazel brown eyes were piercing straight through her soul. Something about him seemed familiar, but she couldn't place her finger on it. Maybe she had met him before, or did he look like someone she knew? She couldn't figure it out, no matter how hard her mind pondered. "How can't you remember where you parked your car?" "It's a big parking lot. Be grateful I picked you up. If I didn't owe your mother, you'd be stranded here at the last minute." Suddenly, Xing Lie saw the familiar headlights of her black electric vehicle. "There, that's my baby. Now let's go! I can still make it back on time to watch my favorite series. Seasoning of Life is premiering a new episode tonight." She rushed to her car, dragging Pao by his arm.
That night, Jiang Bao tried to get an early night's sleep after a promising negotiation. He turned off the lights in his apartment. It was quiet and peaceful, just the way he loved it! Dressed in his pajamas, he went straight to the bedroom. In his bed, he stared at the glowing stars on the ceiling. It was a one-of-a-kind design made from crystals. His late mother had installed it for him before she passed away. She always had a creative spirit. When he stared at the stars, he felt she was there. His eyelids became heavy, and he fell asleep. Drifting in a world of dreams, the visions he had earlier repeated. His body broke out in a heavy sweat, and he began to grind his teeth. This time, a new vision was included in his dreams. He saw the same woman again, holding an umbrella and seeing him off.
Dressed as a samurai, he went on a mission with a group of men. They entered the forbidden temple in search of something. Everything was going well. They reached the chamber of hidden treasures and found the golden seal of the first dynasty's royal family. When they were about to retreat, they were attacked from behind by one of their own. He was stabbed in the back with a sword, and when he turned around to look at the face, he heard a heavy voice say, "Ho Yung, now she'll be mine." His body fell to the ground, and Jiang Bao woke up, soaked in his own sweat. After that nightmare, he could no longer fall asleep and stayed up all night. Since he met that woman, he lost his peace and now his mind, Jiang Bao thought to. If I find her, I'll have more answers.
To be continued...
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