I can rewind time to prevent death

All the way there, Rock used the large black umbrella as a walking stick, prodding along and shifting his thoughts from the Back-faced Woman and Ke'er to the black umbrella in his hand.

If possible, Yan Junze was considering whether he could modify his weapon into something that naturally needed to be carried around, like a large black, Huang Feihong-branded umbrella with a handle that could be used to shield oneself under the moonlight.

Initially, embedding the Black Spirit Pearl into a mace was due to the mace being easy to grip and allowing one to exert maximum force when swung for greater impact.

In truth, it was mainly because he lacked the know-how and couldn't find a master who could modify or create a better weapon.

If it really were possible, combining three Black Spirit Pearls with an umbrella featuring a metal frame and a special fabric capable of shielding moonlight could serve as both shade and weapon, which might greatly enhance its power.

Yan Junze had also thought about asking the professional team of Exorcists, the same team that crafted the magnetic knife, to make such a weapon for him. However, since it involved the Black Spirit Pearl, which in turn was tied to that guy Rock, he dismissed the idea as soon as it came to mind.

No rush for now, there would surely be an opportunity in the future.

The gathering was set in an elegant Chinese restaurant. Because of the small number of people, they didn't reserve a private room, so they sat at a small table for four tucked away in a corner of the main hall.

Yan Junze walked to the restaurant, arriving just as Zhou Dali and Big-eyed Girl Jiang Ruixin did; they had only just sat down.

Seeing the large umbrella in Yan Junze's hand, both of them couldn't help but laugh in unison.

After not seeing Jiang Ruixin for a semester, Yan Junze felt the girl had matured quite a bit. Her style had shed the immaturity of senior year and now exuded a certain charm.

At the dining table, Yan Junze and Zhou Dali sat together, while Jiang Ruixin sat alone on the other side.

After consulting Yan Junze and Jiang Ruixin for their preferences, Zhou Dali took the initiative to order. The waiter poured each of them a glass of lemon water and left with the menu.

Then Yan Junze saw Jiang Ruixin open a cartoon fabric bag she had brought, taking out a bunch of fresh flowers and then a light purple scarf.

Nobody spoke, watching as Jiang Ruixin carefully folded the scarf, gently placed it on the empty seat beside her, and put the bouquet of flowers on the table in front of the vacant spot.

After doing all this, Jiang Ruixin's eyes moistened, and she dared not look up, as if afraid her tears would fall. Her gaze fixed on the utensils before her, she slowly said, "This scarf was a gift from Jiejie, so I brought it today. I hope that for the last time, she can gather with us again."

Yan Junze heaved a sigh.

Zhou Dali rested his hand on his forehead, remaining silent.

Their last dinner before graduation was vivid in their memories. Among the diners then, Bao Jie had died, and they had completely cut ties with Zhou Jiajie.

Things change, people move on; nothing could be truer.

After a long silence, Yan Junze spoke softly, "When Bao Jie left us, she was content, without regret."

Jiang Ruixin picked up a dinner fork that lay beside her hand, held it, and with pursed lips, said, "I really want... to kill that bastard Zhou Jiajie!"

Zhou Dali placed his hand over Jiang Ruixin's fork-holding hand, consoling her, "You weren't at Tianmeng University when Junjun dealt with that son of a bitch. I was there, it was so satisfying. He was absolutely terrified, pissing himself, and he went through hell in the following months."

"I heard Zhou Jiajie's parents came to beg you?" Jiang Ruixin asked Yan Junze.

"Yeah," Yan Junze nodded, "but the resolution of Zhou Jiajie's matter had nothing to do with his parents coming to see me, it was because he ultimately felt true remorse towards Bao Jie."

"Zhou Jiajie has dropped out. He went back to his hometown in Shuntian long ago," Zhou Dali said.

"That bastard, serves him right!" Jiang Ruixin put down her fork and glanced at the neatly folded scarf beside her, her eyes moistening again.

"Alright, come on, let's talk about something happy," Yan Junze broke the somber mood, "Big-eyed Girl, we haven't seen you for months. Got a boyfriend?"

"Yeah, isn't there someone you've taken a shine to?" Zhou Dali also grinned.

Jiang Ruixin used both hands to wipe away the tears at the brink of falling, smiling sulkily as she said, "Not telling you guys."

Yan Junze laughed and said, "I feel like our Big-eyed Girl has matured a lot in just a few short months!"

Jiang Ruixin completely broke into laughter, punched Yan Junze's arm, took out a wet wipe to clean her face, and said, "Next semester, after it ends, if I haven't broken up with him by then, I'll bring him back to show you guys."

"Why so pessimistic?" Zhou Dali said, "How long have you been dating that you're already thinking about breaking up?"

Jiang Ruixin sighed softly, "Maybe I've been unknowingly affected by Bao Jie's terrible love life. I keep feeling that love is a sham, that his love for me isn't real, and I can't find the confidence to face the future."

"That's dangerous," Yan Junze pretended to pull out his phone, "I need to have a serious talk with your unseen boyfriend, ask him to be more patient with you. At the very least, he needs to keep cheering you on."

"I'm not a balloon!" Jiang Ruixin giggled, covering her mouth.

The dishes started arriving soon after, and their conversation shifted to the food.

The atmosphere began to warm up; Zhou Dali seized the opportunity to order a bottle of clear liquor. After opening it, all three of them drank a bit, but most of it ended up being consumed by Comrade Dali.