The Strange Encounter

Li Chen, growing more impatient with the lack of progress in merging his memories with the enigmatic God of War, initiated another inner conversation. The two were learning to coexist within Li Chen's mind, but the disconnect was becoming increasingly frustrating.

"God of War, it's been a week, and we're no closer to merging our memories. Why is it taking so long?"

"I wish I had an answer for you, but this is a unique situation for both of us. I've never been inside another person's body before, so I'm just as clueless as you are."

Li Chen sighed, a mixture of exasperation and resignation, permeating his voice.

"I suppose we don't have much of a choice but to be patient. I can't believe I'm stuck with my own thoughts in this small room most of the time."

"I understand your frustration, but perhaps a change of scenery could help. Fresh air can do wonders, and maybe meditating outside will bring us closer together."

Li Chen's mood brightened at the thought of venturing outside. He remembered the wonder and novelty of the 21st century and realized that sharing some of these experiences with God of War might help their connection.

"You're right. It's a beautiful day outside. Plus, I want to show you more about this world I've been living in. Let's go for a walk and maybe find a peaceful spot to meditate."

"Sounds like a plan. Lead the way."

With renewed determination, Li Chen and God of War decided to seek the solace of nature, hoping that the change of scenery would help bridge the gap between their two distinct sets of memories.

Li Chen, having decided to take a break and get some fresh air, encountered Gu Hua and Gu Liang in the garden near the gate. Gu Liang greeted him with a friendly tone, inquiring about his destination. Li Chen, maintaining his composure, responded with a touch of indifference, "I don't think that concerns you."

Gu Hua, however, took offense at Li Chen's tone and retorted angrily, "Don't speak to my sister like that!" He was eager to stand up for his family.

Li Chen couldn't help but taunt them further, smirking as he goaded Gu Hua, "What are you going to do about it? The last time I punched you, you ran to your mother crying. Don't try to act tough in front of me."

Gu Hua was embarrassed by the reference to their previous altercation and charged forward, ready for a confrontation. But Gu Liang, the more composed of the two siblings, intervened, holding her brother back and suggesting they continue with their tea.

Li Chen, seemingly untroubled by the encounter, chuckled at the futile attempt to confront him and stated, "You shouldn't have bothered me in the first place." With that, he walked away, leaving Gu Hua and Gu Liang fuming in simmering anger.

As Li Chen strolled towards the park, he continued to converse inwardly with God of War. The voice in his head expressed disbelief, "I can't believe you're going to divorce a woman you've never even been intimate with."

Li Chen clarified his perspective, "I never loved her; I just respected Old Madame Gu's wishes."

God of War, perhaps intrigued, inquired further, "So, you mean you never had any thoughts about her?"

Li Chen acknowledged, "I am a healthy young man, of course, I've had thoughts, but they are long gone."

The dialogue between Li Chen and God of War revealed a complex relationship and suggested that Li Chen's motivations for marrying Gu Liang weren't rooted in love but rather in fulfilling an obligation to Old Madame Gu.

Li Chen walked aimlessly around the park, occasionally introducing various aspects of the modern world to the old soul within him. As he roamed, lost in his thoughts, he inadvertently collided with a young woman dressed in office attire.

Li Chen raised his head immediately, apologizing, "Sorry, ma'am, I wasn't paying attention and didn't see you there."

The young lady stared at him with teary eyes and began to collect her belongings that had fallen to the ground. Li Chen, feeling remorseful, tried to console her, saying, "Please don't cry. I truly didn't mean it, and I'm sincerely sorry. Let me help you."

With his assistance, Li Chen aided the woman in gathering her scattered belongings and arranging them neatly.

The woman offered a smile, though it seemed somewhat forced, and before Li Chen could fully grasp her intentions, she hugged him tightly, showing no signs of letting go. Li Chen, feeling too awkward to push her away, allowed her to embrace him for a brief moment. 

After releasing him, the woman apologized, "I'm sorry I had to do that. Please, find me, and I'll make it up to you. My name is Zhang Mei." With those enigmatic words, she hugged Li Chen once more before abruptly breaking the embrace and dashing away, leaving Li Chen utterly bewildered by the inexplicable encounter.

Li Chen couldn't make heads or tails of the strange encounter, but he decided to put it aside for the time being. He found a quiet corner in the park, which seemed suitable for meditation. Settling down, he closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind, focusing on the peace and tranquility of the park, as he contemplated the mysterious woman and the hidden motives behind her actions.

In the depths of his mind, he once again engaged in a conversation with the enigmatic voice of the God of War.

"You know, Li Chen, that encounter back there was rather intriguing, don't you think?"

"Yeah, intriguing is one word for it. But I have a feeling it wasn't a mere coincidence."

"Oh, and why's that?"

"Think about it. That woman, Zhang Mei, claimed she had no choice but to hug me and mentioned someone sent her. This is too strange, and the timing of it all, just when the Gu family is up to something."

"You might be onto something. The Gu family has shown their true colors, and it's clear they're not to be trusted. But who could be orchestrating all this?"

"We'll find out soon enough."

Li Chen cleared his mind, set aside the strange encounter with Zhang Mei, and focused on his meditation. With a deep breath, he delved into a state of contemplation, seeking inner peace and clarity amidst the chaos that seemed to surround him.

As Li Chen continued his meditation, that electrifying sensation intensified, causing his senses to sharpen. In the depths of his mind, another image unfolded, revealing the same young boy he had glimpsed earlier, but now in a different context. The boy appeared to be about five years old, sitting next to a woman who was focused on concocting medicine. 

The woman's gentle smile was evident as she intermittently cast affectionate glances at the young boy. Li Chen felt an inexplicable connection to this scene, like he was a silent observer of a cherished moment from the past. The woman's eyes held a deep warmth and love, as if they were brimming with affection for the child beside her.

As these mysterious and fragmented memories flooded into Li Chen's mind during his meditation, he struggled to make sense of the images he was seeing. The first memory seemed to belong to the God of War, given that Li Chen had no memories of his own parents due to their early demise.

In the next image, he recognized the place, a familiar setting that he couldn't quite place. The scene depicted his aunt, the woman who had raised him after the incident. She sat in a modest living room, locked in a tense conversation with a menacing man who seemed to be issuing threats.

The man's words were ominous, talking about eliminating someone who was perceived as a threat to his boss. Li Chen's aunt, with determination and defiance, stood up and warned the man not to touch this person, promising consequences if he did. Meanwhile, a young boy, presumably Li Chen himself, watched this frightening encounter unfold, his eyes welled up with tears.

Li Chen struggled to recollect the details and the significance of this memory, trying to remember who the man was and why he was threatening his aunt. But the memory remained frustratingly incomplete, leaving him with more questions than answers.

As the memories continued to replay in his mind during those two hours of deep meditation, Li Chen began to form a clearer picture of his own past. These fragments of memories hinted at the existence of a tumultuous chapter in his early life that he had long forgotten. He now realized that his childhood had been marked by loss and upheaval, particularly after his aunt's disappearance.

The determination to find his aunt grew stronger within him. He knew that she was not only a maternal figure but also a vital connection to his father's family. His commitment to searching for her had gained new urgency, and he resolved to do so once he was financially secure and able to embark on this potentially life-altering journey. These resurfacing memories had opened a door to his past, and he was determined to explore it and unlock the truth.

Li Chen's mind was still dwelling on the newly resurfaced memories of God of War and his own past as he walked toward the Gu mansion. The memories were like pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together, and it both intrigued and perplexed him. The evening was peaceful, with the streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, providing him with a sense of tranquility and solace as he contemplated the journey ahead.

With each step, he was getting closer to the Gu mansion, unaware of the intricate plans being set in motion by the Gu family to change the course of his life.