LUO YAN was in a daze, not even registering the doctor's entrance, a clear sign he was still in shock. He couldn't fathom experiencing the fabled 'rebirth' himself. He'd only ever encountered such tales in novels. Or did he perhaps transmigrate into a novel? Now inhabiting a character, possibly even a mere canon fodder?
No, transmigrating felt too far-fetched. He'd prefer rebirth, at least remaining in the same world offered some comfort. But how to confirm he was still in the same reality? Ah, right! In those tales, weren't rebirth individuals always trying to mesh their memories with the original host's? Thus, recalling the original owner's memories should clarify his predicament.
Luo Yan shut his eyes, concentrating on the original owner's memories. Minutes crawled by, yielding only fleeting images: a grand house with a lush garden, two boys beckoning him to play, a handsome man whose cold facade melted away whenever he looked at him, and a beautiful woman offering a gentle smile. The final, indelible scene was of that same woman frantically embracing him and another child, as if shielding them from impending danger.
And that was all.
A sudden, inexplicable pang squeezed his heart upon remembering the woman.
"Your vital signs appear stable, Young Master," the doctor announced, removing his stethoscope from Luo Yan's frail, pale chest. "However, a comprehensive medical examination is still necessary to ensure everything is in order."
Luo Yan looked up in a stupor at the kindly physician. Doctor Han let out a sigh seeing the bewildered expression on the beautiful teenager's face. No one had anticipated this young man would awaken. Even he had deemed it impossible, given the significant brain trauma. Survival was only possible due to his family's refusal to disconnect life support, a decision that now seemed vindicated.
"Rest assured, you will recover. With diligent physical therapy and a proper diet, you'll soon be indistinguishable from any other 17-year-old," the doctor offered, his smile warm.
It would likely take months for Luo Yan to regain full strength and for this emaciated frame to transform. Wait – this body was seventeen? He’d mistaken it for a fourteen-year-old's. Considering the nurse's information about his seven-year coma, stunted growth was understandable.
Yet, one crucial certainty remained elusive for Luo Yan.
"I will inform your father. He will undoubtedly be overjoyed to learn you've awakened."
"Do-doctor..." Luo Yan stammered. "Wh-who was the president... se-seven years ago...?"
"You're inquiring about the president from seven years past?" Doctor Han clarified, ensuring he had the question correct. Luo Yan nodded. Despite the odd question, the doctor provided the answer.
Hearing the name, Luo Yan exhaled in relief. It was the same president who had been assassinated by that wretched plot! This confirmed he hadn't transmigrated. He was still in his familiar world, though he had been deceased for seven years. He wondered about his original body's fate – had anyone even bothered with cremation and burial?
Shaking his head, Luo Yan dismissed the thought. That life was over. He had been granted a new beginning. It was now official: he had been reborn into a seventeen-year-old young master, possessing the visage and form of a delicate shota.
He nearly grimaced. If rebirth was destined, why couldn't the Supreme Lord have chosen a mature, masculine adult? Now he was confined to this body.
Luo Yan sighed. He couldn't afford to be picky. He would endure, as always. He would become this new Luo Yan. Determination surged in his peach-blossom eyes as he made the firm decision.