Chapter One: The Gift

In the city of Songhai, at the break of dawn, nestled in the dim confines of his room, Zhang Yuanching was suddenly roused from sleep, his body contorted in discomfort, clutching his head as if besieged by an invisible force. His head throbbed with such intensity that it felt as though it might split asunder, his brain pierced by imaginary needles, causing his scalp to twitch spasmodically. This onslaught brought about auditory and visual hallucinations, with his mind besieged by a chaotic torrent of images and his ears filled with a cacophony of meaningless noise. It was a familiar harbinger of his chronic condition flaring once more.

With trembling limbs, he mustered the strength to rise, fumbling with the drawer of his bedside table to retrieve a bottle of pills. In his desperation, he unscrewed the cap and consumed five or six of the blue capsules in one hasty gulp. Then, he collapsed back onto his bed, gasping for air as he braced himself against the relentless pain. Moments later, the excruciating headache began to ebb, eventually subsiding to a manageable throb.

Exhaling a deep sigh of relief, Zhang Yuanching was bathed in a cold sweat. He recalled the onset of this peculiar illness during his high school years, characterized by his brain's uncontrollable recall of every memory, including the most trivial and forgotten; an unbidden analysis of external stimuli; and an extraordinary degree of control over his physical form. This overwhelming state, however, could not be sustained for long, as it would invariably be interrupted by the physical toll it exacted on his body.

This unique ability had facilitated his effortless entry into Songhai University—a prestigious institution renowned nationwide. Zhang Yuanching referred to this phenomenon as "brain overload," half-jokingly considering the possibility that he was on the brink of evolving into something more than human. However, the evolution seemed thwarted by his body's inability to sustain such a state. When he shared this theory with his doctor, the medical professional was left perplexed and astonished, suggesting a consultation with the psychiatric department below. Despite exhaustive examinations, the medical establishment was at a loss, until a special medication brought back by his mother from abroad finally brought his condition under control. Regular consumption of this medicine kept the episodes at bay.

He attributed the severity of this particular episode to a lack of rest and excessive fatigue, exacerbated by Jiang Yuer's insistence on playing video games in his room late into the night. Though he outwardly blamed her, a profound sense of foreboding weighed heavily on his heart, knowing all too well that the efficacy of his medication was waning and his condition was deteriorating. "I'll need to increase the dosage," he murmured, slipping on his cotton slippers and drawing back the curtains to let in the light.

Sunlight flooded the room, heralding a new day. The city of Songhai in April was a spectacle of spring's brilliance, greeted by a refreshingly cool and comfortable breeze.

A knock on the door was followed by his grandmother's voice calling him to wake. His refusal to rise, a desire to indulge in the luxury of sleep on such a radiant weekend morning, was met with his grandmother's stern ultimatum. Despite his initial resistance, the knowledge of his grandmother's temper and her capability to carry out her threats prompted his compliance.

Reflecting on his past, Zhang Yuanching remembered the loss of his father in a tragic accident and the resilience of his mother, who single-handedly raised him with the support of his grandparents while building a commendable career. Despite having their own home, he chose to stay with his grandparents, finding solace in their company amidst his mother's hectic work schedule and frequent business trips.

The financial independence offered by his mother was comforting, yet the modest allowance from his grandmother and aunt sufficed for his needs. The woman responsible for the previous night's disturbance, his aunt Jiang Yuer, shared a playful bond with him, further complicating the dynamics of their household.

The family resided in a spacious apartment, a testament to his grandfather's foresight in real estate, which had appreciated significantly over the years. This morning, as he engaged in a routine exchange with his vibrant aunt and his stern yet caring grandmother, the complexities of familial relationships and the undercurrents of concern for his health and future unfolded in the tranquility of their home. Amid these reflections, Zhang Yuanching navigated the day, confronted by the challenges of his condition and the warmth of his family's love.

Grandmother, with her indomitable spirit, declared, "Do you also wish to have your legs broken?" Aunt Jiang, with a slight pout, bowed her head and continued to sip her porridge quietly. Zhang Yuanching, upon witnessing the interplay between mother and daughter, deduced that his grandmother was once again orchestrating a blind date for his aunt. The whimsical aunt, on her part, sought to involve him in her schemes to disrupt the arrangement. This had been their modus operandi: attending blind dates with him, where his social prowess would inevitably charm the prospective suitor. The two men would engage in animated discussions ranging from mundane life to global affairs, leaving her uninvolved.

She, content with sipping her drink and scrolling through her phone, allowed the suitor to believe he was impressing her with his worldly knowledge and insight, thus leaving the meeting feeling self-assured and pleased. Jiang Yuer, cherished for her delicate beauty and endearing nature since childhood, was a favorite among the neighbors. Her high attractiveness and sweet, compliant demeanor won the hearts of many elders.

Such a beautiful girl was fiercely protected by her grandmother, who strictly prohibited early romances and socializing with male classmates. Her adherence to these rules did not disappoint her grandmother, remaining single through college. However, entering society, especially after turning 25 earlier that year, stirred some urgency in her grandmother. She thought, "I forbade early dating, not lifelong solitude. How many years of youth does a woman have?" Hence, she rallied her old friends to gather information on eligible young men for her granddaughter.

"Grandmother, she clearly isn't interested in finding someone. Forcing the issue won't make anyone happy," Zhang Yuanching remarked while nibbling on a bun, half-jokingly volunteering himself for arranged meetings, "Why not arrange something for me? I'm quite a catch."

Grandmother retorted sharply, "You're still young, what's the rush? Aren't there enough girls in college? Cause any more trouble, and I'll give you a thrashing." Her temperament, fiery and uncompromising, even deterred Zhang Yuanching's mother, a formidable woman in her own right.

"I've grown up, haven't I? I've been working with my hands for years now," Zhang Yuanching mused silently. After breakfast, at his grandmother's insistent command, his aunt retreated to her room to dress and prepare for her date. Her makeup, subtly applied, enhanced her natural beauty, while her outfit—a loose, knitted sweater paired with a long coat, light-wash skinny jeans accentuating her long legs, tucked into black boots—exuded a simple yet sophisticated charm.

With a knowing glance and a twist of her waist, she cheerfully announced, "I'm off to my date," leaving Zhang Yuanching to change into a casual outfit of a black t-shirt, a jacket, and sneakers. Shortly after, he emerged from his room to find his grandmother pausing her cleaning to watch him quietly.

Imitating his aunt's tone, he joked, "I'm off to find a match too."

Grandmother, brandishing her broom like a weapon, threatened, "Step outside, and you'll wish you hadn't."

"Understood!" Zhang Yuanching quickly retreated, sending his aunt a message expressing his faux defeat, likening their situation to a battle lost before it had even begun. Her reply was succinct, advising him to proceed with the date without her. Following a brief exchange, where she playfully chastised him for his lack of usefulness and then coquettishly appealed for his company, he was interrupted by a call for a delivery.

Confused, as he hadn't ordered anything, he signed for a package from a neighboring city. Inside, he discovered a meticulously crafted black card and a letter encased in protective padding. The card, metallic and smooth to the touch, bore an exquisitely detailed black moon against a backdrop of silver clouds. Unfolding the letter, his curiosity piqued, he read about an intriguing item that the sender, Lei Yibing, believed could change his life, a gift meant for him, suggesting that what was beyond Lei's control might well be within his grasp.