William Carter’s life hit rock bottom after his father died, before he crossed over. At that time, he simply steeled himself and participated in a certain mysterious experimental project.

The so-called experiment was to inject a so-called nanomaterial ‘computer’ into his head. It was said to incorporate the latest technology—a ‘optical brain’ no thicker than a strand of hair, which could be implanted into the human brain and awakened at any time by thought. The information it contained was truly all-encompassing.

Damn...

A sense of bewildered joy involuntarily replaced William Carter’s previous feelings.

The optical brain was still there.

This thing... William Carter knew its value all too well. The optical brain stored in his mind was a living treasure trove. Whenever he needed, he could even instantly look up dozens of methods for making glass. Not to mention all kinds of chemical formulas, and countless ancient and modern documents from China and abroad.

What did this mean?

William Carter shifted his thoughts and searched for the keyword “eight-legged essay.” Instantly, hundreds of thousands of articles surged into his mind, startling William Carter and leaving him speechless. Damn... William Carter’s heart was trembling... What the hell...

Didn’t this mean that any information from ancient times to the present could appear in his mind with just a thought?

William Carter sneaked a glance at Henry Carter from the corner of his eye and found that Henry Carter’s gaze was fixed only in the direction of the Ye family mansion, not paying attention to him.

William Carter couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief in his heart. No one should have discovered his optical brain, and that was for the best.

Having lived two lives, William Carter naturally understood the importance of keeping this secret. He absolutely couldn’t do anything out of the ordinary to arouse suspicion.

The ox cart finally stopped in front of the Ye family residence. The large house of blue bricks and white tiles was now covered in thick white snow, with only the gold-painted red plaque under the eaves reading “A Family of Accumulated Goodness” still bright and vivid.

An old gatekeeper, sleeves tucked in, came out shivering. When he saw who was getting off the ox cart, his mouth dropped open as wide as an egg. He looked at Henry Carter, and finally cried out in astonishment, “Y-young master... the young master has returned.”

Henry Carter stood with his hands behind his back, a smile in his eyes. In William Carter’s view, his father’s eyes always carried this kind of friendly melancholy, though William Carter felt that beneath his father’s calm exterior, his emotions must be a mix of ice and fire.

Alright... it’s best to just hide behind him.

The tranquil courtyard was stirred, as if spring had suddenly arrived after a snowy expanse, and everything came back to life.

William Carter followed Henry Carter around the screen wall, through the moon gate, and finally into the main hall of the Ye family.

The main hall was spacious, and many people were already standing or sitting there.

Sitting at the head of the room, like the moon surrounded by stars, was of course William Carter’s grandfather, who was also Henry Carter’s father, Old Mr. Carter.

William Carter cautiously glanced at Mr. Carter, and suddenly felt that things were not so simple. Mr. Carter’s face was clearly full of murderous intent—where was the joy of a father and son reunion? That expressionless face looked just like an angry guardian deity in a temple. William Carter really wanted to draw Mr. Carter’s likeness and save money on door gods during the holidays.

Standing on either side of Mr. Carter were two men about the same age as his father. The older one wore a scholar’s cap, clearly a degree-holder. He had a smile on his face, but the look he gave his father was full of hidden meaning.

So this is Second Uncle?

As for Third Uncle, his face was pale, obviously hollowed out by wine and women, even his eyes were listless.

Further to the side were some women of the household, and a few children about William Carter’s age.

Such a big family... it looked so complicated.

Chapter Two: Father Beats Son

Before William Carter could think further, Henry Carter’s eyes were already brimming with tears. With a thud, he dropped to his knees and choked out, “Father, I have been unfilial...”

This line sounded a bit too familiar, and William Carter immediately got goosebumps, his hair standing on end. Every time he said this to his own father, it seemed his father would beat him.

“Heh...” Mr. Carter sneered, his face dark. “You still know to come back? Do you still see me as your father? You... you... very well...” Mr. Carter was shaking with anger, and Second Uncle hurried to pat Mr. Carter’s back.

Henry Carter remained silent.

Mr. Carter looked up, still coldly saying, “Since you’re back, you should give an explanation to your ancestors. Someone, bring the whip.”

William Carter thought to himself, “A father beating his son is only natural, sigh...” He could only mourn for his father in his heart.

But when someone brought out the whip, William Carter was startled. The whip was only two feet long, but extremely thick, and most terrifying of all, the tip was studded with spikes. If that thing landed on someone...

Grandfather must really hate Father for being unfilial and disappointing, and was going to give him a harsh lesson.

After a whipping like that, he probably wouldn’t be able to get out of bed for months.

Mr. Carter shakily got up, took the whip, his whole body trembling with rage, as if he and Henry Carter were mortal enemies. He walked up to Henry Carter, raised the whip high—judging by his posture, he was about to beat him to death.