Wang Wei’s memories changed to his time on Earth. He saw a 5-year-old version of himself talking to a few kids at the orphanage while playing in the mud, trying to catch bugs and worms.
“When I grow up, I want to be an astronaut and go to the moon,” said Big brother Sun Tian, a slightly chubby little boy that looked about seven years old.
” Xiao Yun, what do you want to be when you grow up?” he asked, looking at a cute little girl about four years old with twin braids.
“Hmm, let me think. I want to be a doctor and save lives,” replied Wei Yun, with dirt all over her pink cheeks. Despite being a girl, she did not care about the mud on her face and clothes.
“Big brother Wang Wei, what about you?”
“I want to be a famous football player like Ronaldinho, Zidane, or Rivaldo,” replied Wang Wei with shining eyes. “I want to win the World Cup and be the best player in the world.”
“Really? That’s awesome,” replied Wei Yun. “I believe you can do it.”
“Me too,” said Sun Tian as he patted the thin Wang Wei with a little too much force. “Don’t forget to send me tickets to your games.”
“I will,” replied Wang Wei with a smile. Then, his attention switched to something else as he yelled, “Caught one.”
“Really? Let me see.”
The scene broke, and Wang Wei saw another scene where he was a seven-year-old. He sat before his class teacher, and the latter looked at him with a frown.
“Wang Wei, I heard you want to become a football player?”
“Yes, it’s my dream.”
“It’s such a waste of your intelligence,” said the teacher. “Plus, you have no chance.”
“What? Teacher, what do you mean?”
“Do you know how low of a chance it is to become an international football player?” asked the teacher before spending the next ten minutes telling Wang Wei about the current situation of China’s Football League, about the lack of funding, the low statistic to enter well-know leagues like La Liga, and his lack of talent in the department. The teacher even showed him videos of children his age displaying remarkable talent and abilities.
“Wang Wei, I’m not saying this to affect you negatively–I just want you to be realistic. You are one of our best students. As long as you keep your grade consistent all the way to High School, you have the opportunity to enter the best University in the country and even study abroad.
“By then, you can become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or scientist; that’s the best way not to waste your talent.”
The young Wang Wei’s face was pale, and his body trembled.
“Wang Wei, children from your background cannot change their destiny through sport,” the teacher said reassuringly. “Only through hard work and study can you succeed in life.”
Wang Wei left the office with his head lowered. From that day on, he never mentioned his dream of becoming a football player; he became more taciturn and focused on his study.
The memory changed to another scene. Wang Wei was in his last year of high school, having dinner with his parents and little brother.
“Wei’er, have you decided on a major to study?” asked his mother in a gentle voice.
“Yes, I decided on Civil Engineering,” he replied.
“Any reason?”
“No, I find it interesting.” Wang Wei lied; his reason was that he wanted to build a football stadium. Although he could not be a player, he decided to build the stadium they played in.
“I have already decided you will be studying business,” said his father in an unquestionable tone.
“Why would I do that?” argued Wang Wei, not hiding his annoyance and anger.
“Otherwise, how will you help your younger brother manage the company?”
“I–”
“No need to say anything: it’s already decided.”
Wang Wei gritted his teeth before lowering his head. Meanwhile, his left hand clutched so hard that his nails cut into his skin. But he did not care about the pain.
He secretly looked at his mother, hoping she could say something. However, she also had her head lowered.
The scene flashed forward to Wang Wei during university; he visited his parents during vacation. The four had dinner, but the room was quiet, with only the sound of chewing and swallowing.
After dinner, his father looked at him and directly said, “I have arranged a marriage for you. Her name is Liao Zhenzhen, and she is the beloved daughter of Liao Nianzu, the owner of Shinbei Group.
“This marriage will strengthen our group’s alliance.”
Wang Wei looked at his father with a deadpan expression. In his mind, he was wondering where the man he knew and loved went, the man who adopted and doted on him.
“So, it was not enough for you to decide my major, you also want to control my marriage too?”
“What did you say?”
“I don’t think I stuttered.”
“You unfilial son,” roared his father, slamming his hand on the table. “I raised you since you were little, put food on the table, clothed and housed you. Is this how you repay me?”
Wang Wei clenched his hand as he looked this stranger in the eyes.
His father snorted coldly, “Since when is it wrong for a father to decide his children’s marriage?”
Wang Wei did not say anything, and he did not speak to anyone in the house for the next week of his vacation; he did not even eat in the house. He returned to school and continued his life as if nothing had happened.
However, three months later, a scandal shocked the country. Liao Zhenzhen, the princess of the Shinbei Group, was caught doing numerous illegal drugs and entering a hotel while snuggling intimately with another man.
The news spread like wildfire as countless news outlets, and online blogs talked about this event. Although some influential people tried to control the situation, it was useless.
After that incident, his father never mentioned the marriage again, or any arranged marriage for that matter.
Wang Wei calmly watched these events. He realized many things from these few memories. For example, he subconsciously buried many of his Earth memories because of the pain and trauma.
Secondly, he finally understood why it was so easy for him to integrate into this world and accept his new family. For once, he genuinely wanted parental love and concern–he wanted a happy and loving family with no strives. But it’s also because his situation on Earth was not ideal.
“When I first reincarnated into this world, I had no urge to return to Earth. I knew I could do it once I was strong enough, but I was not in a hurry, nor did I have any longing for life on Earth. Now, I understand why.”
He sighed as he felt more at peace.
Then, the scene changed one last time.
“What is this?”
“The report you asked for,” he replied, trying to control his anger.
“Is this how I told you to do it?” screamed Manager Zhang; everyone in the office could hear him.
“This is what’s best for the client?”
“Says who? You?” continued the manager with his loud voice. “Listen up, boy. I heard you spread rumors you were the President’s son. Do you think I would fall for such a low-level tactic?”
Manager Zhang once saw the president and his son during a company meeting and knew the latter looked nothing like Wang Wei.
“I didn’t spread any rumors.”
“Then, who did?”
“How would I know?”
“Boy, watch your tone,” said Manager Zhang. “Redo the report. As punishment for your insubordination, you will have a three months pay cut.”
Wang Wei glanced at the manager, making the latter shiver for a moment. Then, he went to his desk without saying anything else. A month later, the company arrested and fired Manager Zhang for corruption and bribery. The odd thing is they found numerous information, but Manager Zhang insisted to his last breath he was innocent.
“No wonder I want freedom,” muttered Wang Wei with a sigh. “Restricted by the people I trusted, controlled by my family, and pressured by society. In my previous life, I was incapable of controlling my fate.”
He thought of the major decisions he could not make, and there were a few. For many years, he felt powerless and bottled up many emotions. Although he would strike back, but only when pushed to the edge. However, he went along with the flow most of the time and accepted his fate.
‘My life on Earth was suffocating. So, when given a chance to acquire power beyond human understanding, it’s normal for me to want absolute freedom.]
Suddenly, Wang Wei frowned. After this tempering, his Dao Heart should have been perfected. And in some ways, it was. However, something in the back of his mind was itching.
“Things are not so simple,” he muttered. “I’m missing something. My experience on Earth is not the only reason for my desire to control fate.”