LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 4:
Chapter 4: A Citywide Sensation!:
Lin Xian had already made up his mind while sitting in the taxi.
He would write a letter to his past self, detailing the time and place of the tragedy so it could be prevented.
Having witnessed the heartbreak of an entire family, Lin Xian felt compelled to act. With the ability to help and the effort being so minimal, he couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
[Dear Yesterday’s Me,]
[Hello!]
[From a timeline perspective, you should have already received my previous letter. That proves my identity, doesn’t it?]
[Well… since lives are at stake, there’s no room for error. Let me prove myself again. I’m your future self. Here’s a secret only we know: back in elementary school, your Chinese teacher once…]
[Now that you believe me, here’s the important part: on June 6, 2021, at 4 PM, on the narrow bridge 200 meters south of Victory Road, in the eastern part of the city, a tragedy occurred. Two little girls, around 5 or 6 years old, drowned.]
[The water there isn’t deep for you—just chest-high. Knowing us, once you’re aware of this, you won’t stand by idly. Head there early to prevent the tragedy.]
[Sincerely, Your Tomorrow Self]
…
After finishing the letter, Lin Xian folded the paper, placed it into an envelope, and affixed the stamps.
On the envelope, he wrote:
Recipient: Lin Xian
Address: Unit 4, Apartment 802, Building 3, Binhu Bay Residential Area, Donghai City
Delivery Date: June 5, 2021
He then dropped the envelope into the small red mailbox.
Thunk.
The faint sound confirmed the letter had been sent.
Lin Xian suddenly grew curious…
“When exactly does the ‘postman’ collect the mail?”
He picked up the toy-like red mailbox and shook it vigorously.
Clang, clang, clang!
The sound of the envelope hitting the metal walls echoed inside.
“The letter’s still in there… So, it doesn’t get sent instantly.”
“Anyway, I’ve set the delivery date a day early. It’ll definitely arrive on time.”
Satisfied, Lin Xian went to wash up and get some rest.
…
As he lay in bed, he noticed something unusual.
Memories that hadn’t existed before began to emerge in his mind.
In these memories, he had received a letter on his desk yesterday morning. Opening it revealed the winning Double Color Ball numbers for the draw…
Then he had gone to five different lottery shops, buying tickets with identical numbers, except for the last digit, which he deliberately altered…
These newly surfaced memories became clearer, gradually merging with his original recollections.
“So… altered memories don’t flood in all at once. They integrate slowly.”
“That’s quite considerate.”
If these memories had rushed in all at once, they could have caused headaches or even brain damage. The gradual process avoided any harm to the body.
…
At 11:30 PM.
After scrolling through short videos, Lin Xian got up to use the restroom before heading to bed.
As he passed by his study, he stepped in and picked up the red mailbox for another shake.
Clang, clang, clang!
“What the… The letter’s still there? When does this ‘postman’ even come?”
It was too late to dwell on his curiosity. Lin Xian decided to leave it be and went to sleep.
…
The next morning.
Lin Xian was woken by his alarm clock.
Having taken the previous day off, he was ready to return to work.
After getting out of bed, he headed to the bathroom.
“Huh? Did I do laundry yesterday?”
Lin Xian stared blankly at the clothes drying in the bathroom.
“Forget it. Maybe my memories haven’t fully integrated yet.”
He guessed that the letter he sent to the past must have altered history.
Knowing his own character, he was certain he wouldn’t have ignored the drowning incident.
The dirty clothes were probably from him going into the river to save the children and washing up afterward.
“Once my memories fully integrate tonight, I’ll know exactly what happened yesterday.”
After washing up, eating breakfast, and getting dressed, he returned to the study. Picking up the red mailbox, he gave it another vigorous shake.
…Silence.
“Hmm, it seems the ‘postman’ collects the mail at night. Quite dedicated.”
After tidying up, Lin Xian left for the subway to get to work.
On the train, he searched for local news on his phone and found articles about his heroic act.
“Two Girls Rescued from Drowning on Victory Road Bridge! A Brave Young Man Steps Up!”
“A True Hero! Handsome Young Man Saves Two Girls from Drowning!”
“Unsung Heroics! This Handsome Young Man’s Deeds Are an Example for Us All!”
“Shocking! What This Man Did to Two Wet Girls Will Leave You Speechless!”
“Ugh! Shameless media!”
The last headline was undoubtedly from a certain infamous platform. Lin Xian promptly reported it.
Still, the important thing was that the children had been saved.
Lin Xian had no desire for fame.
…
After exiting the subway, Lin Xian headed toward his office building.
From a distance, he heard a commotion, loud as a marketplace.
“What’s going on? What happened?”
Turning the corner of the building, Lin Xian froze in shock.
What he saw was beyond belief.
Crowds of people filled the area.
TV reporters with cameras.
Children holding bouquets of flowers.
Flashes from countless cameras.
“Ladies and gentlemen watching from home! We’re here at the workplace of Lin Xian, the brave young man who saved two children. Soon, we’ll see his true face!”
“Is Mr. Lin Xian not here yet? Our school specially organized the children to present flowers to our hero!”
“Thankfully, Mr. Lin Xian’s colleagues identified him, or else he might have remained an anonymous hero! We wouldn’t even know whom to thank!”
“Ahem. Since Mr. Lin Xian hasn’t arrived yet, as his direct supervisor, I’ll say a few words first. Lin Xian is an exemplary employee! He’s hardworking and kind! Under my leadership, he has repeatedly achieved…”