Steven slowly opened his eyes, only to realize something unbelievable—he had truly returned to his body from five years in the past.
For a moment, he lay still, staring at the ceiling in disbelief. Soon, memories flooded his mind. He was still a university student, and in just one month, his studies would be completed.
As the realization sank in, Steven immediately got out of his dorm room and rushed straight to meet his parents.
The moment he arrived home and saw them standing there alive and well, he could no longer control himself. He ran forward and hugged them tightly, bursting into uncontrollable tears.
Seeing their son in such a state, Albert and his wife, Jia Chen, were startled and worried. They quickly tried to calm him down, asking what had happened.
After a while, Steven slowly regained his composure and sat down on the sofa.
His parents, still frightened, looked at him with concern. They asked why he had suddenly come back from the university and what had caused him to behave like this.
Hearing their questions, Steven began to think of an excuse. He couldn't possibly tell them the truth—that he had regressed from the future.
So he forced a weak smile and said that he had seen a terrible nightmare where both of them had died. The fear from that dream had scared him so much that he immediately rushed home.
Hearing this, Albert and Jia Chen finally sighed in relief.
"You worry too much," Albert said gently. "Look at us, we're completely fine. Nothing has happened to us. Now go and get some rest."
However, Steven shook his head.
"I'm not going back to the university," he said firmly. "I want to stay here with you."
Albert frowned slightly.
"But what about your studies? You've worked so hard for an entire year. Why would you suddenly give up now?"
Steven remained silent for a moment before replying softly that he simply wanted to stay with them.
Despite his words, Albert insisted that he return to the university and finish his studies.
In the end, Steven agreed—but only on one condition.
"You both must take good care of yourselves," he said seriously. "And whenever you go anywhere by car, make sure the vehicle is properly checked first."
Albert looked confused by such an unusual request, but he still agreed.
After that, Steven returned to his university dormitory and began planning his future.
He clearly remembered what had happened in his previous life. As soon as he graduated, his father had arranged his marriage. Because Steven trusted his father completely, he had agreed without asking any questions.
But this time, things would be different.
"This time… I won't fall into the trap of a gold digger," Steven thought coldly.
Soon, a month passed.
Steven successfully graduated from the university—and not only that, he had also ranked first in the entire university.
Because of this achievement, many people praised him and tried to build connections with him.
"Looks like knowing the future really does have its advantages," Steven thought with a faint smile.
After the ceremony, Steven returned home.
But the moment he stepped inside, he saw someone he didn't want to see.
His brother, John, was already there.
The moment Steven saw him, anger surged through his body. His fists clenched tightly, but he forced himself to remain calm.
Without saying anything, he tried to ignore John and walk past him.
However, John immediately spoke in a mocking tone.
"Oh look… someone has become so arrogant after topping the university that he can't even talk to his own brother anymore."
Steven ignored him and kept walking.
Seeing himself being ignored again, John became furious.
"Hey! Why are you running away like a coward?" John sneered. "Just because you topped the university doesn't mean you can act so proud. Don't forget—I'm also in the university's top ten. So don't show so much attitude."
Hearing this, Steven finally stopped and turned around.
He looked straight into John's eyes and said coldly,
"You think I'm afraid of you?"
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"There's nothing special about you. You're just a barking dog. And if anyone should be afraid… it's you."
Steven's voice became colder.
"Because I'm your master. And if I want, I can bury you alive right here."
John's face turned red with rage. He immediately stepped forward, ready to fight.
But just then, a powerful voice interrupted them.
"Enough."
Albert Walker had entered the room.
The moment they saw their father, both Steven and John immediately calmed down and greeted him.
Albert smiled proudly.
"Steven, congratulations on topping the university."
Then he turned to John.
"And you too. Being in the top ten is a great achievement. But you should try to improve even more—just like your brother."
John felt irritated hearing this comparison, but he remained silent.
After a moment, Albert looked at both of them seriously.
"Now that both of you have completed your studies," he said, "it's time for you two to get married."
Both brothers looked surprised.
"Father… isn't that a little too soon?" they asked.
Albert sighed.
"I'm getting older day by day. Once both of you are married, I can hand over all the responsibilities to you and finally retire peacefully."
John secretly smiled to himself. He knew Steven trusted their father completely and would never refuse such a decision.
So without hesitation, John agreed.
But at that exact moment, Steven shocked everyone.
"I refuse."
The room fell silent.
Both Albert and John stared at him in complete disbelief.