Fine, since I’m here, so be it. Even if the Ten Yama Kings were present, so what? In life, I already brought disgrace to the Lu family; in death, I absolutely cannot let the Lu family be shamed again! It was only at the moment I faced death that I truly understood—no matter what, the blood flowing in my veins is that of the Lu family. From the moment I was born, I was deeply branded with the mark of the Lu family.

Eric Carter slowly straightened up, opened his eyes, and looked back. So what if it’s a ghost messenger? We’re all ghosts now—why should I fear you? In life, I was a troublemaker; in death, I will be a hero among ghosts!

But as Eric Carter gradually saw more clearly the young man gently patting his shoulder, his pupils suddenly contracted. The person before him wore a blue police uniform with red epaulets, had delicate features, a crisp crew cut, and a few pimples on his face—he looked just like a young Scott Dawson.

“Political Commissar? What’s wrong with you?” The look in “Scott Dawson”’s eyes was strange.

Eric Carter shook his head and looked around. He saw weeping willows swaying, low buildings and bungalows scattered along the rather narrow street, and bicycles whizzing past him, their bells ringing crisply. The scene felt vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t recall where he’d seen it before.

On the southeast corner of the intersection, a yellow building—somewhat grander than the surrounding low structures—caught Eric Carter’s eye. On the three-story diamond-shaped wall, four flamboyant golden characters were inlaid: “Department Store.” Even from far away, it was visible.

Suddenly, Eric Carter realized—wasn’t this the department store in Guangning County? Even in 2012, when he returned to Guangning on business, it still stood in the old city. But compared to the luxurious supermarkets, new department buildings, and Hualian Mall in the new district, it was already so old that no one cared about it. He’d heard that not long after he left, it couldn’t escape the fate of being forcibly demolished.

But why was it here? And the surrounding scenery?

Eric Carter quickly looked at “Scott Dawson” again, hesitated, and asked, “You, are you Huzi?” His voice trembled slightly—he hadn’t known real emotion for so many years. He’d always taken Xiaohu’s loyalty for granted.

“Political Commissar, what’s really wrong with you?” “Scott Dawson” was getting anxious. “Do you need to see a doctor?”

Political Commissar? Eric Carter looked down at himself. He was wearing the same blue police uniform with red epaulets as Scott Dawson. This 71-style police uniform had been replaced nationwide by the olive-green 83-style in 1984 or 1985.

Suddenly, a “zzzz” sound, like radio waves tearing through the air, came from above. Eric Carter looked up and saw that the noise was coming from a loudspeaker on a streetlamp. Then, the “March of Friendship” began to play, and a female announcer passionately broadcast the news: “Our women’s badminton team overcame countless difficulties, displayed a fearless revolutionary spirit, and won the Uber Cup! Once again making great contributions to our Four Modernizations! ...”

Although he found the broadcast a bit childish and laughable, the spirit was so familiar. This stirring melody—he would never hear or see it again in later years.

Later announcers and hosts gradually became all about being cutesy; the tough and refreshing style had long since disappeared.

Suddenly, Eric Carter was struck by a flash of insight. He stared intently at “Scott Dawson” and asked, “What’s today’s date? No, what year is it now?”

“Scott Dawson” looked at Eric Carter with anxious concern, but he was always so obedient—just like on the southern border battlefield, following his deputy company commander, promoted on the spot, through bloody battles.

“Political Commissar, today is May 14, 1984.”

Eric Carter slowly took a few steps back. 1984? He had returned to 1984?

His heart and mind were filled with disbelief. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn’t.

Finally, looking at Scott Dawson—this friend, subordinate, brother who had loyally stayed by his side all his life—maybe you could even call him a fool!

In his previous life, no matter what difficulties he faced, Xiaohu was always there. He joined the army, Xiaohu followed; he transferred to civilian work, Xiaohu came to the countryside with him; he went into business, Xiaohu resigned to follow him; he went to prison, Xiaohu ran around outside for him. In the end, Xiaohu too lost his freedom, and to protect him, committed suicide at home.

The first thing he thought of before he died was that, in this life, Huzi was his only friend. But having this one friend was enough!

Eric Carter walked forward a few steps and slowly grabbed Scott Dawson’s shoulders.

“Huzi, to see you again—I… I’m really happy! Really! ...”

Scott Dawson just grinned foolishly, scratching his head, thinking, could it be that Brother Zheng had another nightmare about the battlefield?

Chapter 001 The Past and Present Life of Frank Carter

In 1984, the thunder of reform was rolling in. Politics was clear, a hundred flowers were blooming, and the Republic was entering the most intellectually vibrant period in its history.